1986 KX125e1

Diego Kawi Rider
Edited Date/Time 10/12/2019 5:49pm
Being a white collar office asser in my early 40's and not being a serious racer, Scott Burnworth inspired me to get a vintage bike and start racing more. So I went on a quest and I found this super clean 1986 KX125e1 "Works Replica" while hunting on craigslist one night. It was the first Jap bike to have a front and rear disk brake. It is not a complete frame off/paint build, but I plan to ride the crap out of it and race it through out So Cal at various events. I am not trying to win a bike show so I really tried to focus on all the important mechanical stuff. I did add a little bling though. This little 6 speed is a screamer; so light and fast. It runs and sounds so good. I truly love this bike. These old 125's make you feel like your railing. Thanks to: Josh at Dubya USA for doing the wheels, J&P Deburring in Chatsworth for the hub and triple clamp anodizing, Thad at TBD Graphics in Santee, MotoMetal in Australia for the new disks, Spec Bolt for all the fasteners, BTO Sports for Parts, Mark at DMC Performance in San Diego for the killer motor and suspension rebuild, Bobby in El Cajon for selling it to me, and of course the legendary Scott Burnworth for the inspiration:












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Micahdogg
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Micahdogg 12/4/2017 7:34am
12/4/2017 7:34am
Sweet bike, and thanks for the disc brake factoid. I used to own a 89 and it was super reliable except for the powervalves that would twist around in funky positions. I would be interested to see how long the forks seals last without some boots though!
Diego Kawi Rider 12/4/2017 11:51am
12/4/2017 11:51am
Micahdogg wrote:
Sweet bike, and thanks for the disc brake factoid. I used to own a 89 and it was super reliable except for the powervalves that would...
Sweet bike, and thanks for the disc brake factoid. I used to own a 89 and it was super reliable except for the powervalves that would twist around in funky positions. I would be interested to see how long the forks seals last without some boots though!
Yes I need seal savers.
ledger
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ledger 12/4/2017 10:30pm
12/4/2017 10:30pm
Love to see these older bike's, she's a beauty. This one definitely belongs in the ....Kick Ass Two Stokes.... legacy gallery.
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EZZA 95B
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EZZA 95B 12/4/2017 11:06pm
12/4/2017 11:06pm
I was 3 in '86 but man, I appreciate beauties like this so much... That goes for everyone on this forum that has brought these bikes back to life.
KDXGarage
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KDXGarage 12/4/2017 11:44pm
12/4/2017 11:44pm
VERY NICE!! Congratulations on the bike.

What kind of seat cover is that? Is the KX sewn on?


Do check that chain tension, though. Smile
KHI Guy
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KHI Guy 12/5/2017 5:36am
12/5/2017 5:36am
Beautiful bike Cool

Funny you should mention Scott Burnworth as the inspiration. I hope to do a 1986 YZ250 Burner tribute bike as my next build; the bike that got punted in the 1st turn at Anaheim 1 in 1986. Silly
newmann
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newmann 12/5/2017 6:02am
12/5/2017 6:02am
Absolutely love the looks of the Works Replica production Kawis of that era. That bike looks great, please don't fugg it up with seal savers! Congrats on the new found fun.
Pgd09yz450 12/5/2017 6:03am
12/5/2017 6:03am
Very cool build, also great job with the photography skills
KHI Guy
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KHI Guy 12/5/2017 6:17am
12/5/2017 6:17am
newmann wrote:
Absolutely love the looks of the Works Replica production Kawis of that era. That bike looks great, please don't fugg it up with seal savers! Congrats...
Absolutely love the looks of the Works Replica production Kawis of that era. That bike looks great, please don't fugg it up with seal savers! Congrats on the new found fun.
I wholeheartedly agree....Just say NO to the seal savers!
nickm
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nickm 12/9/2017 10:41am
12/9/2017 10:41am
I bought one of these brand new in 1986 and still have it 31 years later. Of all the bikes I’vei owned this is the only one I’ve hung onto for longer than 2 years. Probably my favourite bike of all time.

Congrats on the find, amazing to hear you’re putting out there on the track.
Diego Kawi Rider 12/10/2017 1:15pm
12/10/2017 1:15pm
KDXGarage wrote:
VERY NICE!! Congratulations on the bike.

What kind of seat cover is that? Is the KX sewn on?


Do check that chain tension, though. Smile
Yes KX is sewn on...its heavy duty printed graphics vynl.
Diego Kawi Rider 12/10/2017 1:18pm
12/10/2017 1:18pm Edited Date/Time 12/10/2017 1:21pm
nickm wrote:
I bought one of these brand new in 1986 and still have it 31 years later. Of all the bikes I’vei owned this is the only...
I bought one of these brand new in 1986 and still have it 31 years later. Of all the bikes I’vei owned this is the only one I’ve hung onto for longer than 2 years. Probably my favourite bike of all time.

Congrats on the find, amazing to hear you’re putting out there on the track.
Dam! I would love to see that bike!!
Markee
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Markee 12/10/2017 3:08pm
12/10/2017 3:08pm
Hell yeah, awesome

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Crawford728
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Crawford728 10/4/2019 4:55am
10/4/2019 4:55am
I'm building one and I'm having a hard time finding some parts. Where did you get the plastics and the seat cover?
twade220
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twade220 10/5/2019 7:10am
10/5/2019 7:10am
Anybody close in Ohio that would want an 87?
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Ghostrider145 10/12/2019 5:49pm
10/12/2019 5:49pm
twade220 wrote:
Anybody close in Ohio that would want an 87? [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2019/10/05/378020/s1200_20190323_112033.jpg[/img]
Anybody close in Ohio that would want an 87?
I’m in Huron. That’s a great looking bike!!!
Had a 88 KX80 Big Wheel when I was a kid. Soft spot for the old kawi’s...

Ghost

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