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130
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5/7/2019
Location
South Jersey, NJ
US
I’ve been looking for a used yz125 all over Craigslist, offer up, and Facebook market place. There’s some clean ones for like 2 grand. I’m not really any experienced with the engines and stuff but I just want a bike to ride around and have fun on. Is there something I should look out for? I’m 17 with a tight budget don’t wanna have to do a whole rebuild or anything expensive just wanna ride. Also I can do minor changes here and there for better performance but that’s it Thanks!
Fantastic bikes, and just reeds and a pipe will give a nice little bolt-on bump in performance.
The Shop
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
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DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
-Look for any cracks in the frame, subframe.
-Are the wheels trued properly.
-Sprockets/Chain/Tires condition.
-Ask him if you can start it and listen for any rattling sounds.
-Missing bolts, different size bolts
All signs to help you know if it was maintained properly or if the owner didn't care or didn't know what he was doing.
Personally, I'd look for a 2002-2004. Great bikes. You can easily upgrade the look of it with the newer plastics if you want to modernize it.
Check the linkage, a lot of times sellers will say it’s been “meticulously maintained” and have never replaced linkage seals and bearings.
Check the fork seals and make sure they aren’t leaking (pooled up oil at lugs)
Air filter...cleaned and oiled
SHIFT STOPPER 06 and below...seller probably won’t let you take the cover off to look but ask if it’s been replaced with new part. The 06 part was bad design...it explodes and leaves bearings in the bottom of the motor.
Take it for a ride...your looking for an older bike (14+yrs) something is gonna be worn and will need to serviced or replaced.
Good luck!
I’ve got an 06 for sale...haha
Just take someone with you who knows what they're looking at if your not comfortable with taking the pipe off and inspecting. Really can save you buying a dud.
If you can get an 06+, do it.
But, if you can get a great deal on a 2005, there are only a few things different from 2006+.
The shock also changed in 2006, and again in 2008 I believe.
I upgraded that too (craigslist).
I replaced my shift stopper. It's easy to do.
But, the dealer said that they have never actually seen a stock one explode. Never.
They said the old style is used on other bikes, and rarely has an issue.
That said, why not replace it when you can. It's not very expensive.
In 2006, the YZ125 had a few engine changes.
New Carburetor.
The cylinder head dome was changed.
One of the power valve springs was stiffened to keep the power valve open for another 500 rpms.
To match the head, carburetor, and power valve spring changes, the ECU was remapped.
Apart from those changes, everything after 2006 is minor.
From what I've read, and comparisons in parts catalogs, the engine hasn't changed since 2006.
The suspension has changed slightly, and the YZ got new bars somewhere along the line.
One thing to note, even though the SSS forks are identical internally for a most of those years, the forks aren't interchangeable from year to year. The brake mounts and brake line routing changed, fork guards, axle, and how the front number plate attaches changed in various years.
Bottom line:
If you can find a 2006+ for a good price, get it. As long as it's in good conditions, it almost doesn't matter which year.
And if you find a great deal on a 2005, don't be afraid of buying it. They're good bikes, and all of the upgrades from 2006+ are interchangeable.
I say that because i bought a YZ125 and didnt notice it until i got home and checked it out closer that both Rims front and rear wear tweaked bad.
I live in NNJ and can help you in buying a bike if I do not have to travel too far.
Pit Row
Keep in mind this bike is used and expect some issues. Good luck and post up pix if you buy it.
Summer in SJ means the shore hopefully, I lived in SJ for years and your area of NY.
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