If off-road motorcycles were an amusement park, midsize playbikes would be the teacup ride. Low in cost, even lower in risk and effectively high in straightforward fun, the so-called fun bike category is rarely taken too seriously by anyone, including the manufacturers. Yet just like the most basic of carnival attractions, these small-bore four-strokes have the ability to elicit streams of high-pitched giggles from even the hardest roller-coaster regulars, regardless of rider size, weight, age, gender or ability. In a world of constant modifications and performance innovations, these basic platforms of no-nonsense enjoyment remind us all, even if just for a moment, what it's like to be a kid on a dirt bike.
When the idea came about to stage a midsize playbike comparison, we found the notion so sardonically funny that we decided to take it one step further by putting superstar pros on each of the test bikes. And so, once all of our "real" testing was completed and compiled, we chased down five podium-level National riders to see what they thought of the playbikes. Although this test isn't designed for them, the pros in our shootout helped prove that you're never too fast or experienced to have fun on these machines. Whether you're a total newbie, a blossoming youth rider, a supportive significant other, a hard-core weekend warrior or the reigning AMA Lites Class Motocross Champion, you're kidding yourself if you claim that these bikes don't provide a bucketful of fun that almost anyone can enjoy. Read on to see which teacup is for you.
| QUICK SPECS |
| Model | Price | Weight* |
| Honda CRF100F | $2449 | 163 lb |
| Honda CRF150F | $3149 | 222 lb |
| Kawasaki KLX140L | $3099 | 200 lb |
| Suzuki DR-Z125L | $2699 | 184 lb |
| Yamaha TT-R125L | $2899 | 189 lb |
| *Ready to ride, no gas |
Yamaha TT-R125
When ridden back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back, it's clear that the midsize playbikes are on a very equal playing field. Seeing that every machine in this class is undersuspended, too heavy, somewhat slow and a bit dated, you really have to delve into personal preference to pick a clear winner. Some dig the bigger stance and consistently average performance of the CRF150F and DR-Z125, while others may be inclined to go for the more-recent KLX140L or smaller-styled CRF100F. But for many of our testers, the Yamaha TT-R125 is the way to go.
The Facts
* This very well could be the best all-around bike in its class when you compare weight, power and handling. Some of our testers felt that the TT-R was a tad "flimsier" than the others, but a lot of that's probably due to the bike's light feel and overall quick handling.
* The power sits in a very practical portion of the spread on the Yamaha, and the bike revs second best next to the CRF100. Some youth riders may feel held back in racing skills aboard a small-bore four-stroke, but we'd contend that a bike like the TT-R is one of the best stepping stones to a two-stroke or a four-stroke race bike that a rider could find.
* The electric starter on the TT-R is great, and the bike, like all of the others in this segment, is virtually indestructible. Although the plastic gets white creases with every hard tumble, the durability of the Yamaha is more than commendable-we've put TT-Rs through paces that many big bikes wouldn't survive.
* The handling of this machine was greatly improved with the new seat/gas tank combo, which brought a big-bike feel to the little machine by way of sleeker, narrower styling. But don't think that this revision was purely functional; it looks cool, too!
Josh Hill asked if he could...
Josh Hill asked if he could ride in his shoes so he could "really ride it hard." And he did.
The Factory Verdict
"The TT-R is a good bike to get started on if you haven't ridden or are the right size for an 85 but think that a two-stroke racer might be too much. It's a great playbike. I ride playbikes when I have the time. I have a TT-R50 now, but I want to get a 125 like this and build it up!" -Josh Hill