Posts
498
Joined
10/11/2016
Location
Elk Grove, CA
US
calcoast
9/26/2017 2:13pm
9/26/2017 2:13pm
Edited Date/Time
10/16/2017 7:06pm
Hey everybody
These bike build threads are amazing and have inspired me to start a project of my own. So far I know I want a Japanese two stroke from around 93-2001.(The bikes I always drooled over growing up.) I'm leaning more towards a YZ or CR but open to the KX and RM, either 125 or 250, preferably steel frame.
What are the parts availability like on 90s two strokes? (used and aftermarket.)
Is there a certain bike I should avoid altogether? (Bad years, known problems from the factory etc)
Time isn't really a factor and I know I'll end up spending more than I think I will.
Since you guys have been there/done that can you help steer me in the right direction?
These bike build threads are amazing and have inspired me to start a project of my own. So far I know I want a Japanese two stroke from around 93-2001.(The bikes I always drooled over growing up.) I'm leaning more towards a YZ or CR but open to the KX and RM, either 125 or 250, preferably steel frame.
What are the parts availability like on 90s two strokes? (used and aftermarket.)
Is there a certain bike I should avoid altogether? (Bad years, known problems from the factory etc)
Time isn't really a factor and I know I'll end up spending more than I think I will.
Since you guys have been there/done that can you help steer me in the right direction?
I'd recommend going with whatever bike from that era that means the most to you and consider what budget you have to work with. If you want to rebuild an old pro bike or make an accurate replica then plan on maybe spending $10,000 once it's all said and done with. That number might sound shocking and it isn't necessary if you just want a cool bike but some of the parts you'll chase to get an old pro bike or replica of one "right" will cost a lot more money than you'd probably ever think. All of those parts start to add up in a hurry. OEM parts availability shouldn't be too much of an issue but period correct aftermarket parts can sometimes be difficult to find if you're looking for specific stuff which drives the price up.
I have a 2003 KX250 that I bought for $1,650, put another 1,200 into it and have had a lot of fun with it. On the other hand I have a Splitfire Pro Circuit 125 and a Plano Honda 125 that I have put in... more money than I'd like to think about.
Another thing to consider is the year if and your local vintage classes if you ever want to race it. Bikes from the 90s are getting quite popular for vintage racing.
I can see myself wanting to race it but damn when I think of vintage races I think of bikes from the 70s or 80s. I must be getting old...
I live in Orangevale. I see you are in Elk Grove. I am in your same boat except I've built a few bikes by now. I just scroll Craigslist and buy whatever pops up first- and peaks my interest of course. Let me know if you buy a 94-98 kx. I have plastics and triple clamps and maybe other parts to help you out if needed.
The Shop
I've been checking CL everyday. I'm still a couple weeks away from making an offer on anything.
Could this have anything to do with my first baby being due in December?
So far I've built a deck in my yard, fixed up my DR, fixed up my wife's TTR, remodeled the babies room, remodeled my office.
I just have this urge to build...Maybey it's some biological thing with my wife making a baby that makes me want to create but she gave the A-ok for my project.
I'll keep everybody updated on what I go with...
Can't wait to tear into this thing!
Post a reply to: Help me decide my first project?