1980 CanAm Mx6-125 rebuild

sandman768
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Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
12/6/2016 11:45am
Nice restore....I remember. A friend of mine had a 1980? Qualifier 175... That bike was a blast & was tough as nails!
12/31/2016 2:02pm
I'm building one as well.
Cracked hub is pretty common. I've had brake shoes lined with modern material with really good success.








1/10/2017 6:57pm
Good thread following. Am doing one as well, will make into a B with a spare alu swingarm and going to the 38mm 250 forks. Ignition is shot as well this guy here in Québec has a good line on parts, his name is Rémi : http://vintagecanamparts.com/
Here is a pic of mine :

1/10/2017 7:11pm Edited Date/Time 1/10/2017 7:13pm
For the front wheel I'll be using an ASE wheel hub and brake for left hand brake. Max Power I have a complete 83 CR250 43mm front end I'll be using on one of my 250 MX-6B with Ohlin piggybacks in rear. The 125 will get the optional remove reservoir Ohlins. The 250 runs as is but will go through it complete On edit : yes I have the original tank not that Qualifier one that is mounted. I paid 800 for the 250 running with title and 200 for the 125 basket case.

The Shop

1/10/2017 7:15pm
Can-Am 131 how did you flip your front brake to left ?? Are any of you guy on the FB Can-Am pages ?
1/11/2017 3:08am
Can-Am 131 how did you flip your front brake to left ?? Are any of you guy on the FB Can-Am pages ?
Front brake backing plate and arm is a '78. I am not sure why they moved the brake to the right side. It makes for a lousy cable routing.
I am a member of the FB pages.
1/11/2017 8:58am Edited Date/Time 1/11/2017 9:03am
OK great I'm Hugh F. P**e one there, look for the black cat profile that's me. I'll look into it I was sure the MX5 was same crappy right side type. QIV brakes work great too they are on left. Beauty job on the 125 by the way thanks for the motivation !
Garand1
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central, NY, USA
1/11/2017 5:02pm
Found a spray paint (called Gloss real orange)that I was pretty happy with and finished the fork legs & frame. I originally wasnt going to paint the fork legs orange , but, after I painted the frame I was so happy with the color that I decided to do the fork legs.






MaxPower
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USA
1/12/2017 6:19am
Are the little scoops around the head set to funnel air into the backbone which leads to the air box?
Thats pretty trick if it is
1/12/2017 8:24am Edited Date/Time 1/12/2017 8:34am
Yep MaxPower correct they did that in '80 going forward on all Canadian built 2 strokes, my '82 Qualifier IV has it as well. I'm going to do some mods to give it more air since I'm not really going to ride in mud unless I'm already signed up in a vintage race. I've read of some frame breakage in the head area as it's thin wall chro-moly. What Can-Am did is keep the same backbone type frame as the earlier models that had oil injection. This large tube was used as an oil reservoir and had foam in it to soak up oil for some reason ( probably to counter the bike's position and avoid oil starvation ) I would of preferred a stronger more traditional backbone. It's like the frame is overkill EXCEPT for that area. Maybe someday I'll cut it out and replace with something more solid. Anyhow not like I'm going pro or anything anytime soon LOL

You have the source for that orange paint Garand1 ?

Good stuff love the Can-Am threads !
Garand1
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central, NY, USA
1/12/2017 9:56am
The color in the picture isn't 100% - the picture is taken under bright white fluorescent bulbs and it appears more reddish orange. the color is actually more of a vivid pumpkin orange & I'm super happy with it. It a Rustoleum color called Gloss Real Orange and the part# is 280698. The paint is over self etching primer that was OD green color.
Rapp_87
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1/17/2017
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Washington, DC, USA
1/17/2017 9:39am Edited Date/Time 1/17/2017 9:40am
Ok, so quick question Garand; how many hours I need to restore such a classic moto? could you give me an advice?
MaxPower
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USA
1/17/2017 6:46pm
Rapp_87 wrote:
Ok, so quick question Garand; how many hours I need to restore such a classic moto? could you give me an advice?
Not very long at all.
It can be done as quickly as it takes to write a check or swipe a credit card
Garand1
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central, NY, USA
1/19/2017 4:26pm
Rapp_87 wrote:
Ok, so quick question Garand; how many hours I need to restore such a classic moto? could you give me an advice?
If you do it youself, it would depend how detailed you are going to be and how much of the work you can do yourself. I started striping the bike in maybe October and I probably wont finish it until May. I'm Dooing it at work, puttering with it here & there. But if your doing it and your parts are all lined up, actual time is probably 10 to 12 hours....I'm sure I'll be 4x that. The older air cooled bikes are usually pretty simple as long as you have the parts needed to rebuild it and the proper tools.
Garand1
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central, NY, USA
1/19/2017 4:47pm
Here is the freshly painted frame strapped to a stand with the 38mm Qualifier trees mounted. I have the rebuilt Qualifier forks all assembled but not filled with oil and sealed up......I'm thinking about what oil I want to use in them. The original spec was 12.5oz of 10wt fork oil, but....I may play with that a little.



riv187
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Lakeland, FL, USA
1/19/2017 4:55pm
Personally I sometimes measure my own restos in decades....it takes years of hunting in some cases to find all the right parts that are discontinued. The key thing is having all the parts laid out and ready,,cleaned polished plated or painted. You may farm out services like crank rebuilding, boring, cylinder plating, painting(if automotive style),powder coating if that direction, seat covering,,shock & fork rebuilding, or wheel building. The final assembly sure can be a couple full days providing everything fits together..back in the day, I use to tear apart and reassemble my 78 RM125 almost every other week when racing it hard.. Monday tear down and order parts,,,Tuesday/Wednesday clean service and maybe repaint frame or pieces,Thursday gets parts and spend 2 days putting it back together so I could go tear it up on Sunday again..Looking back now I can't believe I did over and over for a season. Wish I could knock out rebuild/restos like that now!
When you see a quality restored dirtbike,,one that is mechanically restored,as well as cosmetically pretty for 2000 or so....it's a steal....this is a labor of love!
Garand1
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146
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Location
central, NY, USA
1/19/2017 5:07pm
riv187 wrote:
Personally I sometimes measure my own restos in decades....it takes years of hunting in some cases to find all the right parts that are discontinued. The...
Personally I sometimes measure my own restos in decades....it takes years of hunting in some cases to find all the right parts that are discontinued. The key thing is having all the parts laid out and ready,,cleaned polished plated or painted. You may farm out services like crank rebuilding, boring, cylinder plating, painting(if automotive style),powder coating if that direction, seat covering,,shock & fork rebuilding, or wheel building. The final assembly sure can be a couple full days providing everything fits together..back in the day, I use to tear apart and reassemble my 78 RM125 almost every other week when racing it hard.. Monday tear down and order parts,,,Tuesday/Wednesday clean service and maybe repaint frame or pieces,Thursday gets parts and spend 2 days putting it back together so I could go tear it up on Sunday again..Looking back now I can't believe I did over and over for a season. Wish I could knock out rebuild/restos like that now!
When you see a quality restored dirtbike,,one that is mechanically restored,as well as cosmetically pretty for 2000 or so....it's a steal....this is a labor of love!
riv187........100%
riv187
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Lakeland, FL, USA
1/19/2017 5:53pm
For the forks,,,I may have wrote this before..but I'd consider gold valves. 3801 is part number for 38mm forks.
If your just content to make a nice casual rider....10 wt 6" from top is a starting point,,,and don't be afraid to use a few pounds of air to get them firm. Those Marzoochis may seal up better,,like Simons,,when a few pounds of air is in there.
Keep up the good work!
wolfy0067
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Wernersville, PA, USA
1/21/2017 6:47am
I knew I had these valve somewhere, the one on the left was for more topend, 147 open 65 close stick in my mind

MaxPower
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2701
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USA
1/21/2017 5:53pm
There was a military 125 or all motors accept the same discs?
Garand1
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146
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3/10/2016
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central, NY, USA
1/21/2017 6:34pm
Here's a picture I found on-line at Canned-ham.com of the 3 different RV discs for the bikes. I might try a disc from a SkiDoo engine and see if they might work.......i think the sled disc might be too large in diameter......not sure about the center/drive size or splines.....I'll definitely look though and post what I find.

450exc115
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Hebron, CT, USA
1/21/2017 8:16pm Edited Date/Time 1/21/2017 8:16pm
I'm building one as well. Cracked hub is pretty common. I've had brake shoes lined with modern material with really good success. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/12/31/166398/s1200_20161229_170019.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/12/31/166399/s1200_20161229_165716.jpg[/img]
I'm building one as well.
Cracked hub is pretty common. I've had brake shoes lined with modern material with really good success.








Who did you use to line your shoes? I'm about to put the MX3 on the lift and start the tear down and know for sure it will need shoes. I'm planning to build a 76 GP 250 replica like this one. Smile

The only thing different on my build is I plan to use the aluminum swingarm that Can Am had in 1980 that was a replica of the Thor arms.



riv187
Posts
547
Joined
2/1/2015
Location
Lakeland, FL, USA
1/21/2017 8:24pm
I'm building one as well. Cracked hub is pretty common. I've had brake shoes lined with modern material with really good success. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/12/31/166398/s1200_20161229_170019.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/12/31/166399/s1200_20161229_165716.jpg[/img]
I'm building one as well.
Cracked hub is pretty common. I've had brake shoes lined with modern material with really good success.








Is your bike a 250 or a 125 with 175 motor? I see the jug doesn't have the porcupine fins of the 125.
Montesa
Posts
6
Joined
12/30/2015
Location
Gainesville, FL, USA
1/22/2017 9:19am
Can Am #131, I too would like to know who you had reline your shoes. I'm in the middle of a Can-AM MX5 250 resto. Thanks. Eric
1/22/2017 11:07am
450exc115 wrote:
Who did you use to line your shoes? I'm about to put the MX3 on the lift and start the tear down and know for sure...
Who did you use to line your shoes? I'm about to put the MX3 on the lift and start the tear down and know for sure it will need shoes. I'm planning to build a 76 GP 250 replica like this one. Smile

The only thing different on my build is I plan to use the aluminum swingarm that Can Am had in 1980 that was a replica of the Thor arms.



Hey 450exc115,
Phoenix Friction out of Woodbridge Ontario did the relining.
Matt
1/22/2017 11:14am
riv187 wrote:
Is your bike a 250 or a 125 with 175 motor? I see the jug doesn't have the porcupine fins of the 125.
Hey riv187,
My bike is 125. The motor I built has the MX6 125 transmission, 175 crank modified for premix and 175 cylinder modified to MX2 specs. Only complication with this set-up is the 175 exhaust port exits straight, not angled down like the MX6 125. I have cut and re-welded the stock MX6 125 pipe to work with the head angle. I have a factory development pipe that I'd hoped to use with the combination, but don't have the heart to cut it. Our local vintage series has no displacement classes, so having the extra 50cc's should make for some fun.
Matt
riv187
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547
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Location
Lakeland, FL, USA
1/22/2017 6:29pm
riv187 wrote:
Is your bike a 250 or a 125 with 175 motor? I see the jug doesn't have the porcupine fins of the 125.
Hey riv187, My bike is 125. The motor I built has the MX6 125 transmission, 175 crank modified for premix and 175 cylinder modified to MX2...
Hey riv187,
My bike is 125. The motor I built has the MX6 125 transmission, 175 crank modified for premix and 175 cylinder modified to MX2 specs. Only complication with this set-up is the 175 exhaust port exits straight, not angled down like the MX6 125. I have cut and re-welded the stock MX6 125 pipe to work with the head angle. I have a factory development pipe that I'd hoped to use with the combination, but don't have the heart to cut it. Our local vintage series has no displacement classes, so having the extra 50cc's should make for some fun.
Matt
I have a opposite combo,,175 bottom end with 125 cylinder. The last fellow used a aluminum spacer plate under cylinder to correct pin height. said it was 135. I was always disappointed with it. Slow to wind out and no real power band. I rode a MX2 175(3?) and it had some kick to it ! That motor in a good long travel suspension could be competitive.
I still have the original MX6 125 bottom end and the 1982 175 qualifier top end,,and 175 pipe. I have thought many times about building your combination.
I did speak with John Easton JEMCO about 6 months back about creating a can am mx6 125 pipe. He said he would with photos of the chassis fit,,and the original pipe to work with.$400. Maybe a option.Maybe with a larger expansion pipe at the mid section there would be some additional power band hit. John seemed to think that was the direction in our conversation.

Have you ran your engine before with this setup? 125 or 175 ignition coil,box,MX2 internal or mx6 external flywheel?,,,I'm sorry but not familiar with crank mod for premix?,,who is the one to turn too for Can Am porting?

Thanks
Brian
1/25/2017 7:22pm
riv187 wrote:
I have a opposite combo,,175 bottom end with 125 cylinder. The last fellow used a aluminum spacer plate under cylinder to correct pin height. said it...
I have a opposite combo,,175 bottom end with 125 cylinder. The last fellow used a aluminum spacer plate under cylinder to correct pin height. said it was 135. I was always disappointed with it. Slow to wind out and no real power band. I rode a MX2 175(3?) and it had some kick to it ! That motor in a good long travel suspension could be competitive.
I still have the original MX6 125 bottom end and the 1982 175 qualifier top end,,and 175 pipe. I have thought many times about building your combination.
I did speak with John Easton JEMCO about 6 months back about creating a can am mx6 125 pipe. He said he would with photos of the chassis fit,,and the original pipe to work with.$400. Maybe a option.Maybe with a larger expansion pipe at the mid section there would be some additional power band hit. John seemed to think that was the direction in our conversation.

Have you ran your engine before with this setup? 125 or 175 ignition coil,box,MX2 internal or mx6 external flywheel?,,,I'm sorry but not familiar with crank mod for premix?,,who is the one to turn too for Can Am porting?

Thanks
Brian
Hi Brian,
I've built a few 175s for other people, but this is the first for myself. The other bikes have been TnT or Qualifier based. For ignition, I've used the stamped steel Bosch flywheel (external) and CDI box. I have no experience with the Motoplat inner rotor type. My current motor will have the 6 pole Mx6 style flywheel. I am using a Vintage Mototek CDI on it.

To modify the crank for premix (my crank is a TnT autolube crank), the outer bearings need to be pressed off and the spacer disk diameter turned down. The disk diverts the pressure feed lube through the bearings, and across the crank to the flywheel side bearings. The yahoo Can Am Motorcycles group has some pretty good tech write ups.

The Jemco pipes I've seen for Mx1/2/TnT bikes are beautiful. Circle F makes a really nice pipe. I've put a few laps on a TnT based 175 with the Circle F pipe and loved it.

Here are some porting and rotary valve specs:
TnT Valves can be trimmed to mx spec pretty easily


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