Tell me about the 1989 CR125

Dirt.Squirt
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Dirt.Squirt
Edited Date/Time 11/18/2022 9:18am
Looking at a project 89 cr125 but don’t know much about this specific year and model. Those of you that have owned them how did you like it? Also how is engine parts availability for these?

it’s been a good while since I’ve taken on a project so not sure what to expect on the parts market for older bikes now that the kung flu has changed things
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bonseff
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bonseff 10/28/2022 6:31pm
10/28/2022 6:31pm
Did one a couple years back. Was a lot of fun. I went with a 2001 cr250 front end and a crf450 stock spring in the rear. 2010 yzf foot pegs bolt right up. The carb is junk. Parts weren't hard to find for me. I'd say go for it!

Link to build
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Tumic
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Tumic 10/29/2022 1:58pm
10/29/2022 1:58pm
Depends on what you want to do with it. This is my -89 but i sold the stock engine and went for a -90 HPP engine with a mugen kit instead, and a cr250 rear subframe/airbox.

Parts is no problem beside -89 cr250 USD fork guards, the left side is specific for just that year and is as rare as unicorn sperm now days. So stay away from -89 cr 250 USD forks.

Hondas are probably the best vintage bikes you can build when it comes to parts.


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bonseff
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bonseff 10/30/2022 2:52pm
10/30/2022 2:52pm Edited Date/Time 10/30/2022 3:01pm
Tumic wrote:
Depends on what you want to do with it. This is my -89 but i sold the stock engine and went for a -90 HPP engine...
Depends on what you want to do with it. This is my -89 but i sold the stock engine and went for a -90 HPP engine with a mugen kit instead, and a cr250 rear subframe/airbox.

Parts is no problem beside -89 cr250 USD fork guards, the left side is specific for just that year and is as rare as unicorn sperm now days. So stay away from -89 cr 250 USD forks.

Hondas are probably the best vintage bikes you can build when it comes to parts.


Sounds like a very creative and interesting build! Pics of it finished? Never would have crossed my mind to bolt on a CR250 subframe and all that goes with it. Plus that motor! curious about it as well! I can say for certain the '99 power valve set up is an engineering feat/nightmare.
Bearuno
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Bearuno 11/6/2022 1:59am
11/6/2022 1:59am
Dirt.Squirt wrote:
Looking at a project 89 cr125 but don’t know much about this specific year and model. Those of you that have owned them how did you...
Looking at a project 89 cr125 but don’t know much about this specific year and model. Those of you that have owned them how did you like it? Also how is engine parts availability for these?

it’s been a good while since I’ve taken on a project so not sure what to expect on the parts market for older bikes now that the kung flu has changed things
Check out Brit and European Vet / Evo ( I don't know the year cut outs for class names) racing videos.

It's literally a Sea of 88 / 89 CR125s in whatever class they fit in.

I honestly don't remember them being so dominant in those years. But, perhaps it is much to do with the ease of parts acquisition an above poster has mentioned?

I've an XR / 89CR125 hybrid that I may one day re-assemble ( the BS meter just went off the scale Woohoo Woohoo Woohoo - I'll probably never take the roller off of the wall where it's hanging, and the engine out of the cupboard it's crammed into ) , so the ease of parts is encouraging, if I ever actually put it back together.

There's a bloke at my local races with an 89 CR125 that completely terrorizes the Modern 125 class, every now and then. It's just so well set up ( you'll watch it / him through various sections, and it looks better than most of the 22s) , the bloke rides so smoothly and well, it's a real education in both riding and machine set up. Cool
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mayzo
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mayzo 11/12/2022 4:00pm
11/12/2022 4:00pm

Tumic
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Tumic 11/13/2022 6:35am
11/13/2022 6:35am Edited Date/Time 11/13/2022 6:36am
bonseff wrote:
Sounds like a very creative and interesting build! Pics of it finished? Never would have crossed my mind to bolt on a CR250 subframe and all...
Sounds like a very creative and interesting build! Pics of it finished? Never would have crossed my mind to bolt on a CR250 subframe and all that goes with it. Plus that motor! curious about it as well! I can say for certain the '99 power valve set up is an engineering feat/nightmare.
The pic is as it sits today. Still missing some parts before i can test it.

There is nothing special about the 250 subframe combo, it’s bolt on and the 125 got the same subframe stock in -91 while the 250 got it in -90.
The 250 airbox is larger so it allows for better air flow.

But the current spec is:

-89 bike
-90 250 airbox, subframe and seat.
-89 250 forks/clamps with pro flex cartridge
-cr250 38mm pj carb
-90-99 cr125 engine with -91 mugen kit
-99 HPP valves
-99 cdi/ignition
*aluminium tank with air tunnels
*guts seat foam with -91 tecnosell cobra cover
*22mm renthal bars with renthal grips.

It has been a complete frame up build with anodised hubs, calipers, brake cylinders instead of painting them black. All the bolts and axles are re-plated and the frame is powder coated. New rims, spokes and nipples.

The main part missing is a exhaust and will probably go for a Messico there as they seem to work well with the HPP bikes.

The graphics and seat cover combo is a flirt with the -90 HRC 125 that Bayle rode. Trying to use as much period correct parts as possible.


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BrianMnMoto
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BrianMnMoto 11/18/2022 9:18am
11/18/2022 9:18am
I recall hearing decades ago about the 89 engine having a lot of works parts from the 88 factory bikes? Possibly a works crank?
Miezie666 12/5/2022 11:39am
12/5/2022 11:39am Edited Date/Time 12/5/2022 11:40am
bonseff wrote:
Sounds like a very creative and interesting build! Pics of it finished? Never would have crossed my mind to bolt on a CR250 subframe and all...
Sounds like a very creative and interesting build! Pics of it finished? Never would have crossed my mind to bolt on a CR250 subframe and all that goes with it. Plus that motor! curious about it as well! I can say for certain the '99 power valve set up is an engineering feat/nightmare.
Tumic wrote:
The pic is as it sits today. Still missing some parts before i can test it. There is nothing special about the 250 subframe combo, it’s...
The pic is as it sits today. Still missing some parts before i can test it.

There is nothing special about the 250 subframe combo, it’s bolt on and the 125 got the same subframe stock in -91 while the 250 got it in -90.
The 250 airbox is larger so it allows for better air flow.

But the current spec is:

-89 bike
-90 250 airbox, subframe and seat.
-89 250 forks/clamps with pro flex cartridge
-cr250 38mm pj carb
-90-99 cr125 engine with -91 mugen kit
-99 HPP valves
-99 cdi/ignition
*aluminium tank with air tunnels
*guts seat foam with -91 tecnosell cobra cover
*22mm renthal bars with renthal grips.

It has been a complete frame up build with anodised hubs, calipers, brake cylinders instead of painting them black. All the bolts and axles are re-plated and the frame is powder coated. New rims, spokes and nipples.

The main part missing is a exhaust and will probably go for a Messico there as they seem to work well with the HPP bikes.

The graphics and seat cover combo is a flirt with the -90 HRC 125 that Bayle rode. Trying to use as much period correct parts as possible.


i have a brand new NOS Racing Pipe lying around here, i m not sure if its a era correct hgs, dep, doma... i ll check if u r intrested- located in germany

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Tumic
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Tumic 12/5/2022 11:24pm
12/5/2022 11:24pm
Miezie666 wrote:
i have a brand new NOS Racing Pipe lying around here, i m not sure if its a era correct hgs, dep, doma... i ll check...

i have a brand new NOS Racing Pipe lying around here, i m not sure if its a era correct hgs, dep, doma... i ll check if u r intrested- located in germany

Would be nice!

profeshenal125 12/6/2022 6:37pm
12/6/2022 6:37pm

89 cr125 was king again the engine dept. 88 was a off yr. The 87 was the fastest and way ahead of its time. I think the 87 has a stronger mid range. But the 89 pulled harder on top. 89 1st yr of the low pipe it was a big deal. 

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