125 restoration

matt_LA
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matt_LA
Edited Date/Time 8/2/2021 3:35pm
I’m looking to restore a late 90s early 2000s 125 I’m having a hard time deciding what Direction I should what would be worth time in money any help would be appreciated thanks
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SKIDLID
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SKIDLID 8/1/2021 8:42am
8/1/2021 8:42am
97-99 yz125
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Richy
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Richy 8/1/2021 9:11am
8/1/2021 9:11am
If you're building it to make money, just don't bother and save yourself a job.

If you want one for yourself, buy whatever speaks to you, everyone has their own preference.
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40acres
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40acres 8/1/2021 9:12am
8/1/2021 9:12am
Richy wrote:
If you're building it to make money, just don't bother and save yourself a job. If you want one for yourself, buy whatever speaks to you...
If you're building it to make money, just don't bother and save yourself a job.

If you want one for yourself, buy whatever speaks to you, everyone has their own preference.
/thread
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burn1986
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burn1986 8/1/2021 9:25am
8/1/2021 9:25am Edited Date/Time 8/1/2021 9:26am
matt_LA wrote:
I’m looking to restore a late 90s early 2000s 125 I’m having a hard time deciding what Direction I should what would be worth time in...
I’m looking to restore a late 90s early 2000s 125 I’m having a hard time deciding what Direction I should what would be worth time in money any help would be appreciated thanks
I personally like the 99 YZ125. It’s got low mid and up. As strong as anything today IMO. Of course, not sure how hard it will be to find parts.

Other options would be any KTM 144/150 from 2015 back to ‘08.
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sandhills
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sandhills 8/1/2021 9:31am
8/1/2021 9:31am
For rarity I think it's the 03+ kx125 and 04+ rm125. Both of these bikes were the pinnacle of decades of development poured into them only to barely sell and get dropped a few years later. They weren't plentiful like the yz125 and they weren't fetishized like the cr125.
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tzmike
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tzmike 8/1/2021 9:32am
8/1/2021 9:32am
A RIDER or a MANCAVE bike ?
I'm doing a 07CR250R. Mancave bike. Too much metal in my body and 2 dozen+ surgeries. But the biker in all of us just won't let go
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profeshenal125 8/1/2021 9:38am
8/1/2021 9:38am
95 yz decent bike and unique since nobody has one. 97 yz blows the rt side crank case seal a lot, great bike tho along with 98-04. 04 cr125 is a refined chassis 03, electronic pv makes it the most unique 125. Although it’s a little slow until decked and ported. Best chassis of any bike made also. Cr,s durability is 2nd to none, making them better used bikes.
burn1986
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burn1986 8/1/2021 9:44am
8/1/2021 9:44am Edited Date/Time 8/1/2021 9:55am
profeshenal125 wrote:
95 yz decent bike and unique since nobody has one. 97 yz blows the rt side crank case seal a lot, great bike tho along with...
95 yz decent bike and unique since nobody has one. 97 yz blows the rt side crank case seal a lot, great bike tho along with 98-04. 04 cr125 is a refined chassis 03, electronic pv makes it the most unique 125. Although it’s a little slow until decked and ported. Best chassis of any bike made also. Cr,s durability is 2nd to none, making them better used bikes.
The biggest thing on the aluminum framed CR125s is mainly fixing the air box for more air and flow. But yes, solid bikes for sure.
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Black Diesel Bomber 8/1/2021 9:53am
8/1/2021 9:53am
Richy wrote:
If you're building it to make money, just don't bother and save yourself a job. If you want one for yourself, buy whatever speaks to you...
If you're building it to make money, just don't bother and save yourself a job.

If you want one for yourself, buy whatever speaks to you, everyone has their own preference.
This....

I have anywhere from 8-13K in my 80's and 90's bikes but I could never sell them for that. I might get 30-40% back of what I invested if I tried to sell them. Parts are getting harder and harder to find though so I imagine the price of older bikes will start to increase more than past years. But restoring an old bike should be for the love of the bike you are restoring and not for a good investment or resale. I would just suggest picking your favorite bike and run with it instead of trying to find the best years of each model.
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burn1986
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burn1986 8/1/2021 10:04am
8/1/2021 10:04am
Fun and notable build would also be a ‘93 CR125.
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Thisusernameisavailable 8/1/2021 10:59am
8/1/2021 10:59am
Richy wrote:
If you're building it to make money, just don't bother and save yourself a job. If you want one for yourself, buy whatever speaks to you...
If you're building it to make money, just don't bother and save yourself a job.

If you want one for yourself, buy whatever speaks to you, everyone has their own preference.
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
This.... I have anywhere from 8-13K in my 80's and 90's bikes but I could never sell them for that. I might get 30-40% back of...
This....

I have anywhere from 8-13K in my 80's and 90's bikes but I could never sell them for that. I might get 30-40% back of what I invested if I tried to sell them. Parts are getting harder and harder to find though so I imagine the price of older bikes will start to increase more than past years. But restoring an old bike should be for the love of the bike you are restoring and not for a good investment or resale. I would just suggest picking your favorite bike and run with it instead of trying to find the best years of each model.
I’ve been rethinking the long term effect of old dirt bikes recently. We (me included) think we’re making an investment by buying and restoring these things, and for sure, short term we won’t get back the full cost of what we invest.

Medium-term, there might be a few people who will pay decent money for them,

But long-term?? I think it’s a short window..
yep, our generation likes them, we think they’re cool, but once our generation passes, who’s gonnna want them?? And then they won’t be worth a rub !
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burn1986
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burn1986 8/1/2021 11:06am
8/1/2021 11:06am Edited Date/Time 8/1/2021 11:06am
Thisusernameisavailable wrote:
I’ve been rethinking the long term effect of old dirt bikes recently. We (me included) think we’re making an investment by buying and restoring these things...
I’ve been rethinking the long term effect of old dirt bikes recently. We (me included) think we’re making an investment by buying and restoring these things, and for sure, short term we won’t get back the full cost of what we invest.

Medium-term, there might be a few people who will pay decent money for them,

But long-term?? I think it’s a short window..
yep, our generation likes them, we think they’re cool, but once our generation passes, who’s gonnna want them?? And then they won’t be worth a rub !
Obviously dirt bikes are not the best investment, but we do it to have the bike we’ve always wanted.
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smashingpumpkins167 8/1/2021 11:14am
8/1/2021 11:14am
This is what I would do if I got my hands on another yZ125. I would do it with a steel frame though and paint it white.

Here is my 02 that I did five years ago.

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-MAVERICK-
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-MAVERICK- 8/1/2021 11:28am
8/1/2021 11:28am
'04 YZ 125/250
burn1986
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burn1986 8/1/2021 1:26pm
8/1/2021 1:26pm
This thread has taken a very good turn Smile
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matt_LA
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matt_LA 8/1/2021 1:34pm
8/1/2021 1:34pm
Richy wrote:
If you're building it to make money, just don't bother and save yourself a job. If you want one for yourself, buy whatever speaks to you...
If you're building it to make money, just don't bother and save yourself a job.

If you want one for yourself, buy whatever speaks to you, everyone has their own preference.
Black Diesel Bomber wrote:
This.... I have anywhere from 8-13K in my 80's and 90's bikes but I could never sell them for that. I might get 30-40% back of...
This....

I have anywhere from 8-13K in my 80's and 90's bikes but I could never sell them for that. I might get 30-40% back of what I invested if I tried to sell them. Parts are getting harder and harder to find though so I imagine the price of older bikes will start to increase more than past years. But restoring an old bike should be for the love of the bike you are restoring and not for a good investment or resale. I would just suggest picking your favorite bike and run with it instead of trying to find the best years of each model.
Thisusernameisavailable wrote:
I’ve been rethinking the long term effect of old dirt bikes recently. We (me included) think we’re making an investment by buying and restoring these things...
I’ve been rethinking the long term effect of old dirt bikes recently. We (me included) think we’re making an investment by buying and restoring these things, and for sure, short term we won’t get back the full cost of what we invest.

Medium-term, there might be a few people who will pay decent money for them,

But long-term?? I think it’s a short window..
yep, our generation likes them, we think they’re cool, but once our generation passes, who’s gonnna want them?? And then they won’t be worth a rub !
Yea it’s going to be a build to keep 100%
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garagedog 8/1/2021 1:55pm
8/1/2021 1:55pm Edited Date/Time 8/2/2021 3:35pm
matt_LA wrote:
I’m looking to restore a late 90s early 2000s 125 I’m having a hard time deciding what Direction I should what would be worth time in...
I’m looking to restore a late 90s early 2000s 125 I’m having a hard time deciding what Direction I should what would be worth time in money any help would be appreciated thanks
Which ever you choose, if you make it look OEM stock, you will get a ton of people coming over in the pits to take a look at it.

Spend your money on refurbishing the suspension and motor and get new tires. I personally would not waste time trying to make it look modern or doing a theme build. You will get more on your return when you decide to sell it if it looks OEM stock.
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MXATC
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MXATC 8/1/2021 2:28pm
8/1/2021 2:28pm
Posts like this are a reminder of why the 125 stroke needs to go back into production. Are you listening Kawasaki/Honda and anyone else that should be producing one? Change my mind........
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Richy
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Richy 8/1/2021 2:48pm
8/1/2021 2:48pm
Good on you man, that wasn't meant to sound hostile earlier just genuine advice.

Personally I could go for practically anything that came up at the right time or the right price from the time period you picked.

I seem to gravitate to the last few years of a models or particular graphic / setups though, 96/97 CR's or any of the Woody Woodpecker CR's (really liked the '01 shape myself, although at the time I went '96 then an '03), any Pro Circuit KX however common, loads of the Suzukis were good looking bikes and YZ's right from the white days all the way through were pretty timeless.

That said, my girlfriend has an '11 150sx we've gone through, cheap as it was the last year of not having a linkage and KTM get 'outdated' fast... thing's turned out sweet, it still rips and it's a tonne of fun, plus the silver rims just make you feel retro.
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shawski
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shawski 8/1/2021 4:32pm
8/1/2021 4:32pm
It was a lot of work but it’s fun as hell to ride.
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Kelz87
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Kelz87 8/1/2021 4:35pm
8/1/2021 4:35pm
sandhills wrote:
For rarity I think it's the 03+ kx125 and 04+ rm125. Both of these bikes were the pinnacle of decades of development poured into them only...
For rarity I think it's the 03+ kx125 and 04+ rm125. Both of these bikes were the pinnacle of decades of development poured into them only to barely sell and get dropped a few years later. They weren't plentiful like the yz125 and they weren't fetishized like the cr125.
I agree, I think those RMs are still aesthetic even by today’s standards. And the KX125s are my all-time favorite bikes - especially the PC and JS259 ones.
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profeshenal125 8/1/2021 9:12pm
8/1/2021 9:12pm
To save a lot of time and headaches, buy a very low hour bike close to new. Even if it’s 2,500 more. I bought a 04 all original including the chain. All kinds of bolts are wrong, turn the bars and it revs up. . It idled at 5k. I enjoy working on bikes, but it’s annoying. tps plug the plastic gears are stripped, I ordered 1 for a 07. Because a 04 tps is not made anymore. The good it’s stronger than my other 04, I bought new. Because the cylinder has been replated 5 times and transfer port are partially smoothed. The slide is wore and not made anymore, ordered a slide for a yz. I ordered 800 in parts Bolts , washer, rubber grommets, etc from service Honda 30% off. But I love the bike amazing chassis and build quality, trans , clutch work perfect. Honda durability is why the used prices are higher.


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B Lenny
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B Lenny 8/1/2021 10:17pm
8/1/2021 10:17pm
Grandson's '02..


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B Lenny
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B Lenny 8/1/2021 10:21pm
8/1/2021 10:21pm
shawski wrote:
It was a lot of work but it’s fun as hell to ride. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/08/01/503797/s1200_847B25EC_267D_4F79_A377_4A4F07A49F8A.jpg[/img]
It was a lot of work but it’s fun as hell to ride.
Very nice..Wink
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jk367
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jk367 8/1/2021 10:31pm
8/1/2021 10:31pm
smashingpumpkins167 wrote:
This is what I would do if I got my hands on another yZ125. I would do it with a steel frame though and paint it...
This is what I would do if I got my hands on another yZ125. I would do it with a steel frame though and paint it white.

Here is my 02 that I did five years ago.

Both of those are bad ass. Peak one was rezlands right? Your 93 style u went with looks awesome dude. Great job. Always loved those 93 graphics. My first new bike was a 94 yz80 so I love that era yz
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Lloydcarter
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Lloydcarter 8/1/2021 11:05pm
8/1/2021 11:05pm
B Lenny wrote:
Grandson's '02.. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/08/01/503849/s1200_yami.jpg[/img]
Grandson's '02..


😍😍😍
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Ryan625
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Ryan625 8/2/2021 12:53am
8/2/2021 12:53am
Here’s my 2004 RM125 “Corona build”. I have a full, almost part by part breakdown in the build thread in my signature.






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profeshenal125 8/2/2021 7:14am
8/2/2021 7:14am
Ryan625 wrote:
Here’s my 2004 RM125 “Corona build”. I have a full, almost part by part breakdown in the build thread in my signature. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/08/02/503874/s1200_D03CFE6F_CFC2_4E9D_926A_DFDFD9110493.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/08/02/503875/s1200_471144B8_F353_42EB_80E4_F4A56EDD4FF7.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/08/02/503877/s1200_47A15B19_9D76_4DC5_BE1E_9CFD7E48F7DE.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/08/02/503876/s1200_39CB08A5_56B4_4DEA_9A39_806C64D0C4F9.jpg[/img]...
Here’s my 2004 RM125 “Corona build”. I have a full, almost part by part breakdown in the build thread in my signature.






Sharp 04, I think 04 is the most unique yr for a 125. The 1st yr of the 4st anyone who bought a 04 was confident they could compete with them. I went to the dealer to buy a 06 RM 125. Then I saw a left over 04 cr125 and that was it. the bike feels so perfect. Air filter bolt was wrong on my used one, fender, pipe, silencer, head stay, pv cover,etc going threw bags of bolts getting it figured out.

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