1980 CanAm Mx6-125 rebuild

Garand1
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Garand1
Edited Date/Time 6/10/2018 5:36pm
Hi everyone, I pulled another oldie out of my garage a few days ago and am going to rebuild it. I bought this bike about 25 years ago in boxes. I never did much with it as I always had so much fun riding my Mx6-400. About 20 years ago I assembled it and took the stator out of my 400 to get this one running. It did run pretty well, but always needed lots of tlc. So I thought it would be a good time to start on it and hopefully finish it before Unadilla rewind 2017. I'll try to keep posting with progress as it goes.





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Garand1
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Garand1 10/14/2016 7:38am
10/14/2016 7:38am
DuneRider250 wrote:
Nice bike, any sites out there for can am parts?
I've found a few sites for reference, tech. and parts:

http://www.canned-ham.com/
http://rtrmoto.com/
http://www.vintageparts4u.com/
http://www.classiccanam.com/
http://www.vintagemx.net/can-am-motorcycles/

There may be some others that you guys know of. If anyone can post any other sources.
AHRMA361
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AHRMA361 10/14/2016 12:17pm
10/14/2016 12:17pm
I have the same bike. Have had mine for 28 years. Raced it on and off over the years.

When I got it, it had no spark. Those bikes used a unique stator with a spark advance mechanism. They went bad quite often. I found a kit Can-Am made at a former dealer in Mo. that was offered to change it over to a fixed timing stator. Never has missed a beat since then.

Still on the stock bore. They are a bit heavy compared to the same year Japanese 125's but the rotary inducted engine runs very well in my opinion.

I have a roller also if you find you need something, let me know.

The Shop

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PN27416
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PN27416 10/14/2016 1:11pm
10/14/2016 1:11pm
DuneRider250 wrote:
Nice bike, any sites out there for can am parts?
Garand1 wrote:
I've found a few sites for reference, tech. and parts: http://www.canned-ham.com/ http://rtrmoto.com/ http://www.vintageparts4u.com/ http://www.classiccanam.com/ http://www.vintagemx.net/can-am-motorcycles/ There may be some others that you guys know of. If...
I've found a few sites for reference, tech. and parts:

http://www.canned-ham.com/
http://rtrmoto.com/
http://www.vintageparts4u.com/
http://www.classiccanam.com/
http://www.vintagemx.net/can-am-motorcycles/

There may be some others that you guys know of. If anyone can post any other sources.
Also Tony Murphy and Al Roberts. There info should be on the classic can-am site.
MaxPower
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MaxPower 10/14/2016 5:21pm
10/14/2016 5:21pm
In the 125 Ultima at Unadilla this year some dude kick all our asses on a half ratty Can Am. I'm not sure if he was expert ' but I was in second going into Gravity Cavity on the first lap when he jumped in past me and swapped away into first coming out and I never saw him after that. They can't be that bad of bike or he was a really good rider
Garand1
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Garand1 10/14/2016 6:23pm
10/14/2016 6:23pm
One of the Issues I have with this bike is the front wheel hub is cracked. From my understanding, the hub is magnesium(let me know if I'm in error on that). But, I Doo have some parts from another Mx6-400. I was thinking of using the front end from the 400 as it has 38mm forks and the 125 has 35mm legs. Like I said I have the whole assembly with wheel, brake, forks & clamps. I'm sure it would add a little weight to the little 125, from what i can find the 125 was 207 lbs. I could look for an aluminum swing arm which may save a little wt. on the back end. I did see on in Canada for sale, it looked tweeked but the were only asking $61.00 ($100 Canadian)
riv187
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riv187 10/14/2016 6:31pm
10/14/2016 6:31pm
Hi
I have one as well,, my 1-2 rides on it left me wanting more power. I read some posts they where fast and others they weren't and reason they sat at dealers. Maybe mine was built Friday at quitting time.
I I read bulletin's about converting the ignition to eliminate the advance/retard box. Would like to know how to do it with what I have. Mine got parked too when spark got weak.
I have a factory service manual,,it's like a black phone book..,if you don't have one,,and run into anything you need scanned or specs, let me know.

I'm really looking forward to following along your build ! Your bike looks like a very very nice one to start with!
Please take lots of pictures and share with us.

Brian Rivers
1
Prairieboy43
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Prairieboy43 10/14/2016 6:59pm
10/14/2016 6:59pm
Discussing with ex snowmobile racer for bombardier. He told me that the rotary valve. They would come in different weights. Often polish them. Raced xc events in the late 60-81.
PB43
AHRMA361
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AHRMA361 10/14/2016 8:04pm
10/14/2016 8:04pm
Garand1 wrote:
One of the Issues I have with this bike is the front wheel hub is cracked. From my understanding, the hub is magnesium(let me know if...
One of the Issues I have with this bike is the front wheel hub is cracked. From my understanding, the hub is magnesium(let me know if I'm in error on that). But, I Doo have some parts from another Mx6-400. I was thinking of using the front end from the 400 as it has 38mm forks and the 125 has 35mm legs. Like I said I have the whole assembly with wheel, brake, forks & clamps. I'm sure it would add a little weight to the little 125, from what i can find the 125 was 207 lbs. I could look for an aluminum swing arm which may save a little wt. on the back end. I did see on in Canada for sale, it looked tweeked but the were only asking $61.00 ($100 Canadian)
Yeah. The Mag hubs crack with regularity. They used aluminum hubs on the Enduro models and they are the same dimension so try and find one of those. My 77 Black Widow 250 had a roached hub and found one from an Enduro and laced it up. Upgrading to a 38mm front end is a good option, but does add weight.

The aluminum rear swingarm is not much different in weight than the steel stocker, but is sturdier.
DuneRider250
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DuneRider250 10/15/2016 1:41am
10/15/2016 1:41am
Thanks for the info, my dad has a 370 that needs some parts and I can see these contacts can help
Hasletjoe
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Hasletjoe 10/15/2016 6:08pm
10/15/2016 6:08pm
Well, so a while back I ran across this item and never seemed to confirm or deny the accuracy of the information. Supposedly it is for a Can Am 125. Can Am 125s are few and far between. Shinobi heads are as well. But a Shinobi for a Can Am begs the question of why!

Let me know how to confirm and see if the shoe fits. Be glad to pass it on to someone interested. I do have the radiator as well. No hoses or instructions





Garand1
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Garand1 10/15/2016 6:54pm
10/15/2016 6:54pm
Hasletjoe wrote:
Well, so a while back I ran across this item and never seemed to confirm or deny the accuracy of the information. Supposedly it is for...
Well, so a while back I ran across this item and never seemed to confirm or deny the accuracy of the information. Supposedly it is for a Can Am 125. Can Am 125s are few and far between. Shinobi heads are as well. But a Shinobi for a Can Am begs the question of why!

Let me know how to confirm and see if the shoe fits. Be glad to pass it on to someone interested. I do have the radiator as well. No hoses or instructions





I just took the head off, so when I get to work on Monday I'll measure the head and take some pictures of it..... we'll see if it is dimensionally the same.
Garand1
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Garand1 10/15/2016 7:36pm
10/15/2016 7:36pm
Well, I've got the bike about 90% stripped




Engine is disassembled, and more pictures to come
450exc115
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450exc115 10/18/2016 5:25pm
10/18/2016 5:25pm
I'm almost done collecting parts for my 77 250 MX3. Nothing like starting with a box of parts. Lol Thanks for all the good part suppliers. I've got a set of 38mm forks and the coveted aluminum swingarm from a 1980 mx6 250. Smile

Garand1
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Garand1 10/18/2016 5:27pm
10/18/2016 5:27pm
Some info for Hasletjoe






Here's some measurements of my 125 head.......hope the info helps out!!

Pit Row

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Garand1
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Garand1 10/18/2016 5:44pm
10/18/2016 5:44pm
Well the engine is completely stripped, and while I did assemble this from a box of parts around 20yrs ago, i didnt remember the lower rod having 2 thrust washers on each side of the rod. I've been working on Rotax engines for almost 30 years now and I dont think I've ever seen on with 4 thrust washers.



The Magnesium cases were an awesome idea....but in practice.......ummmm, not so much... when this engine was in boxes before i got the bike, the engine was out side and the magnesium is pitted badly in a few places from being in wet long term storage. Nasty, but very repairable.



Garand1
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Garand1 10/19/2016 3:41pm
10/19/2016 3:41pm
The transmission looks pretty good, actually really good, but the cases do have some pitting here and there.


The Rotary valve and cover look pretty good


Garand1
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Garand1 10/21/2016 7:55pm
10/21/2016 7:55pm
I got the chance to get my other frame from a parts bike I bought in the late 90's and checked the frame serial, and it was to a 1980 Qualifier 400, which is what i was thinking it was. Took the frame to work and cleaned ans stripped it to get the front wheel and forks and tripple clamps which were all in good shape. Fork leg bushings seemed really good, I think I'm going to use the whole front end assembly on thr 125. While I was bummed that the front hub on the 125 was broken, I'm relieved I have a good usable wheel from my parts 400.


Here's the front rim that I removed from the 125....rims are in great shape......maybe I'll have to find a newer hub for disc brakes and moderize the old CannedHam!!! LOL


450exc115
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450exc115 10/22/2016 5:20am
10/22/2016 5:20am
This seems to be a common problem with Can-Am mag hubs. My 77 is cracked at a spoke hole also. I've been replacing them with aluminum hubs from the TNTs.
6bt
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6bt 10/22/2016 12:55pm
10/22/2016 12:55pm
Looks good. Near me 15-20 years ago there used to be a can am 400 sitting in a barn, spray painted blue with fox air shocks. Still kick myself for not buying it.
Garand1
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Garand1 10/28/2016 7:27pm
10/28/2016 7:27pm
Well, starting to do refinish work to the frame. The frame looks really good, just some very minor scuffing of the original paint on the very bottom of the frame tubes under the engine. No elongation of the swing arm hole as I've seen on some of theses Can-Am frames. I think all I'm going to do is to wiz wheel any bare metal/paint pecks, & then scuff the original paint(not sure if its paint or was originally powder coat) & then respray over the original finish.





Garand1
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Garand1 11/12/2016 8:16am
11/12/2016 8:16am
The frame is in really good shape with no real issues at all. No elongated holes, striped threads, etc. Only some scratches to the original finish which I cleaned to bare metal with Rol-loc discs and Scotch-bright. Then I spot primed any bare areas and finally sprayed with self etching primer(after i roughed the original finish with scotch-bright & then chemically cleaned the entire frame) Will probably be a few weeks before I paint the frame. I did find an orange color
that I liked.






450exc115
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450exc115 11/12/2016 5:42pm
11/12/2016 5:42pm
CanAm powder coated their frames from the beginning. Pain in the butt to get off but tough as nails for a frame coating. Smile
Garand1
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Garand1 12/4/2016 3:25pm
12/4/2016 3:25pm
A little more work lately, disassembled and cleaned the 38mm forks from the 400 Qualifier. Everything in them looks really good, original seals were seeping as would be expected from a 36 year old bike. The chrome legs are really good with 0 pitting, and the bushings are nice & tight. I ordered a new set of seals and wipers and have to strip the old Qualifier Red paint. I'm thinking of either leaving the forks natural Aluminum or painting them a blue(kind of a either a neon blue or a Yamaha blue) Was thinking of a orange/white/blue/black color scheme.


riv187
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riv187 12/4/2016 8:12pm
12/4/2016 8:12pm
Hi
I too have 38mm legs to add to my mx6 125. I plan to add gold valves,,,http://www.ebay.com/itm/Race-Tech-Gold-Valve-Cartridge-Fork-Emulator-FE…
Available for $119.58
There maybe some modifications needed to top of dampner rod for them to rest in place,,and they need the lower compression holes enlarged...and finally the springs for correct weight, and length with 3-8mm preload will need ordered from race tech.
This is stuff you can't see,,no bling..,but if you plan to race it...then this is the way to fly and still be stock appearing marzoochi. I have gold valve emulators in 2 of my other race bikes and they do work and offer the potential to dial them in like new ones.
MaxPower
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MaxPower 12/5/2016 4:07pm
12/5/2016 4:07pm
What about adapting CR or YZ wheel? You will have a wheel thats stronger and maybe even brakes.
I like those bikes.

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