Posts
26
Joined
6/19/2015
Location
Perth, AU
Edited Date/Time
11/27/2015 9:50pm
A big hello from Western Australia!
I thought I would share my project with you. A 1996 Suzuki RM 125 that I bought through Gumtree here in Perth, Western Australia. I was attracted to the bike as it looked so original for a 20 year old motocrosser and in many ways it was as good as the photos.
Inside the clutch and magneto covers looked brand new with not a speck of dirt or even discolouration of the steel. It was absolutely amazing! The bike still has the original graphics, plastics and seat cover installed too and the bike has seen very little use and I would say it has sit in the shed for 99.99% of it's life waiting for a rider.
The bad - Unfortunately, some oil/fuel had sat in the bike for a very long time and the power valves were stuck in the cylinder. I think the previous owner started it with some very old fuel and in doing so destroyed the cylinder and piston. The head also had pieces of metal imbedded in it which I believe was from a spark plug disintegrating (explains the new plug in it when I purchased it). It did run but with a damaged head, cylinder and stuck valves it wasn't exactly running well. The anodizing on the fork legs isn't great so will be replaced in the future.
So the cylinder has now been sleeved, new piston, rings and top end kit. The carb and tank have been cleaned of old fuel/ oil. I have ordered new plastics and sourced some spare purple radiator guards (used) that I will fit NOS replica factory graphics to. It doesn't seem right to strip the factory graphics for the aftermarket ones so will put them aside with factory graphics in tact. I have also had some swingarm "125" graphics created as these are now obsolete. besides this, it has some old school Renthal Bars and not much else.
The original photos of the bike are when I purchased it but will add some more for your viewing pleasure. I am looking forward to finishing it and adding photos of the finished product which I want to be as close to stock as possible. I hope you enjoy.
I am looking for the plastic guard that is fitted to the non - brake side fork leg if anyone has one they are prepared to part with! I would also like to make up some of the warning stickers that come with the bikes from the factory. If anyone has these, a template or any advice I would really appreciate the help!
Thanks and regards
Broderick
I thought I would share my project with you. A 1996 Suzuki RM 125 that I bought through Gumtree here in Perth, Western Australia. I was attracted to the bike as it looked so original for a 20 year old motocrosser and in many ways it was as good as the photos.
Inside the clutch and magneto covers looked brand new with not a speck of dirt or even discolouration of the steel. It was absolutely amazing! The bike still has the original graphics, plastics and seat cover installed too and the bike has seen very little use and I would say it has sit in the shed for 99.99% of it's life waiting for a rider.
The bad - Unfortunately, some oil/fuel had sat in the bike for a very long time and the power valves were stuck in the cylinder. I think the previous owner started it with some very old fuel and in doing so destroyed the cylinder and piston. The head also had pieces of metal imbedded in it which I believe was from a spark plug disintegrating (explains the new plug in it when I purchased it). It did run but with a damaged head, cylinder and stuck valves it wasn't exactly running well. The anodizing on the fork legs isn't great so will be replaced in the future.
So the cylinder has now been sleeved, new piston, rings and top end kit. The carb and tank have been cleaned of old fuel/ oil. I have ordered new plastics and sourced some spare purple radiator guards (used) that I will fit NOS replica factory graphics to. It doesn't seem right to strip the factory graphics for the aftermarket ones so will put them aside with factory graphics in tact. I have also had some swingarm "125" graphics created as these are now obsolete. besides this, it has some old school Renthal Bars and not much else.
The original photos of the bike are when I purchased it but will add some more for your viewing pleasure. I am looking forward to finishing it and adding photos of the finished product which I want to be as close to stock as possible. I hope you enjoy.
I am looking for the plastic guard that is fitted to the non - brake side fork leg if anyone has one they are prepared to part with! I would also like to make up some of the warning stickers that come with the bikes from the factory. If anyone has these, a template or any advice I would really appreciate the help!
Thanks and regards
Broderick
It is like a barn find for 90's motocrossers!
Sweet bike.
I have picked up a few cool bikes off Gumtree myself.
1997 Model with full spares kit. less than 10 rides old still has shiny spokes etc. And also a neat 1991 rm250 with original graphics.
I ride both but that 91 turns on a dime and sounds so good.
The Shop
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
Free shipping: VITALMX
My next project will be an early 90's Suzuki (after I finish my 08 RM125), I really want o do an OEM restoration on a 92 model but they don't come up for sale very often.
I bought a 93 kx 80 a couple of years ago that was 100% original. The air filter had fallen apart but I took the pipe off and the piston looked like new. It was an amazing little machine! He also had a 93 CR 250 that was mint and totally original which I missed out on. He sold it for $1100 can you believe it?
My next project is a 93 KX 250. It is a little rough but it is not bad. The 93 KX is fairly rare now but would love to find one in the condition of that 97 RM! I want to restore it to factory original with warning labels and all. This model is proving harder to find parts for though.
Keep up the posts people, all of your bikes are awesome! Heading back to the old school!
1991 was 2.5 grand.
I have spent a few k on the 91 though.
Here is my barn find I picked up last week. Post up some updates man!
Cool stuff Pete!
Pit Row
Not sure what I have that you would be interested in as am all the way over in Perth, Western Australia. Not a lot of tricky bits and pieces end up here unless you are well in the know. I will have a look in the shed and let you know.
How are those Gold Showa forks???? They must be rare as hen's teeth???
Man, I love 90's RM's
I am respraying the "Suzuki" emblems on the original seat cover at the moment which is pretty much the only thing letting down its appearance. I put some juice in the tank yesterday and the fuel was flooding straight out the overflow vent so will be removing the carb and checking the needle and seat.
I have decided to sell this bike to fund the total renovation of my 1993 Kawasaki KX 250 which needs lots of care and attention. So if there are any Australian Vital MX members who would like to purchase or know someone that would appreciate it. It has to go to a real 90's MX enthusiast.
Stay tuned for some further updates!
Since we are on the subject of late 90's Rm's, I have been pondering this one for my kid/project bike for about a month now. Does this one look like a good buy and are parts easy to get?
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