Posts
111
Joined
3/10/2020
Location
Reno, NV
US
Fantasy
475th
Edited Date/Time
3/17/2021 11:05am
After a 3 year hiatus from moto I decided to venture back into the dangerous waters, and decided I would do so on a kx125. I waited over a year, maybe even two before I found one that was the right year(04-05) and for the right price(cheap), while not being a complete cash sink, which this will likely be anyways because motocross. The bike was ok in the one pic I saw, and upon close inspection in person it only got uglier. The bad: sat for the most part in a shed for 10 years with a ride once a year, tires are from 2007, clamps are twisted, intake boot cracking, brake lines are sun damaged, filthy motor, broken plastic, mismatched bolts, wobbly rear wheel, suspension has never seen a wrench and leaks. The good: motor fired up first kick every time I tried, without choke, guy claims it's got 20 to 25 hours(we'll see how she looks soon enough), and claims a fresh clutch and basket(again, we shall see). So I gave him 1100 and took off. 
I've given the same amount of money for bikes in far worse condition .I have pictures to prove it
First, the subframe: has a crack on the upper mount, could be welded and good to go, but the left side mount was allowed to get loose and it was shaved thin and the bolt hole was wallowed out, mmmm tasty
Second helping: the swingarm pivot bolt was put in backwards, not sure how they didn't notice the d shaped hole the frame has to hold the bolt flats but I guess they were that dumb and determined. Not the worst....
The frame is cracked on the backside by the swingarm pivot holes...
I can get a brand new frame, buy a used frame(of I can find one), or get this one repaired which should be do able if there are no other issues. Suggestions?
Debating pulling the motor apart to get vapor cleaned
The Shop
But ya that's what I'm thinking, with the condition of the rest of the bike I don't think I should leave that to chance
Got my subframe in, big shout to Tyler285 for helping me with that. Also hooked it up with a new chain slider.
Frame is at the welders and I hope to get that back Monday and take it to the powder coaters this week.
Took the top end off, cylinder and head look fine, crank play seems good. The piston is clean but has some wear I the front I can feel so im going to do a top end kit. Also looked at the clutch and to my delight the guy didn't lie, had a brand new clutch kit and basket. So bit of a win with the motor.
And for kicks a potential graphics mock up.
First: Got a used subframe. Seemed fine at first but upon trying to put it together realized a piece was broken and it was kinda bent.
So I moved onto working on the swingarm. All was well pulling bolts, and then the left axle adjuster happened. It got stuck, then snapped.Oof.
So to recap: Frame was cracked(now welded), Subframe was cracked, new one was not any better and my swingarm is all dunged to hell.
I did inspect the cylinder closer and didnt notice anything really worrisome about the coating. If anyone has a stash of parts, well, at this point i need a roller i think
Swingarm is getting repaired at the shop
Subframe has been welded and repaired
Frame has the first coat of paint
And the motor is back together with a fresh top end
I'll post pics later, forgot to take some, also doing a thing tomorrow, I'll post pics if it works out like im planning
Also got a pc works pipe for the project to match
Pit Row
The frame is now painted black and the swingarm is currently being stripped.
Should I make the swingarm brushed aluminum with a clear coat, silver/ stock, or black to match the frame?
Got the swingarm bearings and got the frame paint finished along with the swingarm
I'll be cleaning the radiators and putting those on next, getting fluids in the bike, and getting the suspension cleaned and mounted, I still need to rebuild it but I want the bike rolling again so I can take it on an easy break in ride to check all the nuts and bolts, then I'll do the rebuild and tires if everything else checks out
Post a reply to: 2004 KX125