I’ve heard that 125 is little too “aggressive”?
Being careful and starting small is never a bad idea. Safety first. But if it were me, I would be very unhappy if I bought something too small and was bored with it in 3 months. But I'm weird like that. I would think the frame of the 85 would be too small for you.
Here is my recent experience with this decision -
My son just turned 13. He's 5-6, and 115 lbs. Been riding a couple years now.
He just came off a CR80, and today he spent the day at the track on his new (to him) 2001 YZ125. At first I was a little concerned that it would be too big, fast, and aggressive for him. Totally not. He rode better than he ever has.
As of now he's got about 5 hours on the bike and I am quite happy with the decision to put him on it.
Respect the bike and you should be fine.
Just my .$02.
I would consider the 85 to be more "aggressive," because it's either on the pipe or stalling.
A 125 would be able to pull you around with it's torque more easily than the 85.
Your inseam really makes all the difference in the world. My feeling is "only able to get one foot on the ground," is correct. If you can flat foot it on both sides, it's "too small" for safe offroading. -BIG DAN
If you have the opportunity try both before you buy!
This was the first indicator that I needed to get my kid a bigger bike. He wasn't comfortable riding it.You will flat foot the 85 and be knees and elbows, and have poor position when standing..
With proper rider sag the seat height will drop about 4” when you sit on it. You will flat foot the 85 and be knees and elbows, and have poor position when standing. You should look for possibly a used trail 4 stroke like ttr 225 or crf 230 or even a gently used xr. Dan is right about the 85 I do t know where people get the idea it is a beginner bike it is a race bike that is high strung and needs to be ridden wide open to have pull. Not a great trail bike for a young adult.
This was the first indicator that I needed to get my kid a bigger bike. He wasn't comfortable riding it.
He's been saying how much more comfortable he feels on his 125 now.
Here is a short video of him on the 125 at the track yesterday, it should give you an overall idea of the size of the bike;