1983 YZ125k Restoration

I'm almost finished with a 1981 yz125. I'll have probably $3000 into it. I paid $200 for it..

Are you going to race it? Ride it?

What level of restoration are you looking at?

Full motor rebuild is approx. $700-$1000

go on ronnies online parts fiche they have all part numbers look up the parts you think you will need from yamaha if its discontinued it will say so ive had some prettty good luck latley with old yamaha paaaats

BigAl,

I wouldn't race it. Maybe just woods ride like the old days.

I'd like to do a "back to factory" type resto if possible, or at least as close to it as possible.

The $700-$1000 you quoted on the engine rebuild, is that if a shop does it or if it's done on my own? I don't think I'd want to play around with rebuilding an engine that old. Besides, the Yamaha guys would have all the needed tools, etc. and would probably breeze right through it.

How long has it taken you to do the 81?

Appreciate the comeback!

Ken

YZ125Ken wrote: BigAl,

I wouldn't race it. Maybe just woods ride like the old days.

I'd like to do a "back to factory" type resto if possible, or at least as close to it as possible.

The $700-$1000 you quoted on the engine rebuild, is that if a shop does it or if it's done on my own? I don't think I'd want to play around with rebuilding an engine that old. Besides, the Yamaha guys would have all the needed tools, etc. and would probably breeze right through it.

How long has it taken you to do the 81?

Appreciate the comeback!

Ken

I've been at mine for about a year, it was a $200 basket case. Split water Jacket, incorrect primary gear welded onto crank, corroded steering stem, etc...

To be honest, if you're not going to race it in vintage races, or not do a total restoration, I'd pass if I was you.

You're looking at every bearing and seal, crank rebuild, bore, piston, clutch, gaskets, you'll probably be over $1000 just in the motor. Add in cables, shock/fork rebuild, chassis bearings, linkage bearings, plastics, carb rebuild, seat cover, tubes/tires, chain & sprockets, etc...

Not to mention tracking down everything is a PITA, and half the stuff you buy from individuals is incorrect and most critical parts are discontinued.

If you really want a 1983 yz125, keep your eye on ebay and craigslist, there's been a few super clean ones come up lately for less than $2k.

If you want a yz125 for trail riding, i'd find a newer one..or get a KTM200/kdx200

Thanks for the info. The guy actually emailed me last night to say he was able to get the bike started and now wants to keep it. Blessing in disguise I suppose? :-)

Thank for all the help and thoughts. Really would like to see your bike when it's finished.

Take care,
Ken

BigAl, here's a site where they restore and sell old vintage MX'ers. Have a look!

http://www.eastcoastvintagemx.com/

YZ125Ken wrote: Thanks for the info. The guy actually emailed me last night to say he was able to get the bike started and now wants to keep it. Blessing in disguise I suppose? :-)

Thank for all the help and thoughts. Really would like to see your bike when it's finished.

Take care,
Ken

I've got a 81 yz125, a 81 cr125, a 76 rm250 and a 80 rm125 in the works now. The CR is 90%, the YZ is all parts completed but not assembles, I'll finish it up after the CR and get some pics posted.

I loved my '83 YZ125K. It is the pic in my avatar and I'd love to find one locally. I did the popular mods back in the day (cut pipe, milled head and Gorr mods). It was the best 125 engine I ever had...

Recently sold my 82 yz125 after racing it for a year i am now in the middle of doing a 1983 cr125.

Nice looking bike, tns. Were the rads mounted behind the front number plate in 82?

I love seeing these old time MX'ers!

yes the rad is behind the front number plate,heres my honda it owes me £2200

here is a picture of 3 yamahas being raced in the british pre 83 125cc championship

one of the 3 closer up

I agree with Big Al restos aren't cheap I just finished my 81 yz125 ,it was about $3000 that was doing all the work myself

Nice YZ's!!