'79 KX125 discussion

Tdub13
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Tdub13
Edited Date/Time 3/14/2019 10:21am
Sad day in the Bike Barn. I've decided that the '79 KX125 that I salvaged isn't worth building. I found myself utterly furious at the PO or POS that ruined my childhood dream bike.

So, here's the question: I have a '79 KLX 250 that is awaiting a build and I'm not sure if I should swap the front ends or just sell off the KX parts. Is there anything better about the KX forks and wheels that would make me want to swap? Besides the cool lower fins that did nothing for performance. I'm having no luck researching the spring rates, valving, hub/wheel weight or strength. Any suggestions?


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riv187
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riv187 2/21/2019 6:48am
2/21/2019 6:48am
Hi, I bought a POS 79 KX125 many years ago. Mine was thrashed,,frame broke, motor needed everything,,seat shot, gas tank rough...but because of the model,,,I saved it and started collecting peices to redo it someday. What is wrong with yours that you dont want to fix it? The KX125 fork are skinny like 36mm,,and not the hot ticket to swap. They are worth more to the next 79 kx restorer I'd think.
What I found is frames where thin on these,,,and back wheel fragile and known for breaking.
The good is alot of stuff has been repopped to make it easier to redo one now.

barnett468
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barnett468 2/21/2019 8:52am
2/21/2019 8:52am
" I'm having no luck researching the spring rates, valving, hub/wheel weight or strength."

ross maeda at enzo may have the spring rate, and if not, race tech can calculate the exact rate if they are straight wound springs or if they can compress them enough if they are dual rate springs.
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Tdub13
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Tdub13 2/21/2019 11:09am
2/21/2019 11:09am
RIV, What you're looking at is all that's left. I sold off a rotted pipe and a rotted broken seat. The frame is roached where the front and bottom motor mounts are, actually missing pieces that cracked off. I don't have the time or money to save it, so what's left will go to someone who can use the parts for theirs.

Barnett, thanks for the info! I'll look into RT.

I'll keep the swingarm for a current project, but probably sell off everything else. Airbox has the filter cage still in it. Shocks are junk, front end is rebuildable, cdi is there and well weathered.
newmann
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newmann 2/21/2019 2:52pm
2/21/2019 2:52pm
The 78 and 79 KX's are some of my favorites. Hate to see one go to waste. I've bought a couple of 250's over the years just to pass along to fellow KX nuts. Always warms the heart to see one find a good home...Smile
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Tdub13
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Tdub13 2/21/2019 3:18pm
2/21/2019 3:18pm
I had high hopes for rebuilding this one, but it need a new everything, almost. I will make sure the parts go to help save another that's in need.
KDXGarage
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KDXGarage 2/21/2019 7:29pm
2/21/2019 7:29pm
Buy a complete and running one. It came out 40 years ago. Stop waiting. Treat yourself.
BogMasterR
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BogMasterR 2/21/2019 8:24pm
2/21/2019 8:24pm
newmann wrote:
The 78 and 79 KX's are some of my favorites. Hate to see one go to waste. I've bought a couple of 250's over the years...
The 78 and 79 KX's are some of my favorites. Hate to see one go to waste. I've bought a couple of 250's over the years just to pass along to fellow KX nuts. Always warms the heart to see one find a good home...Smile



Here is a pic of Bad Brad Lackey with mine years ago! Good looking bikes for sure!
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Tdub13
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Tdub13 2/22/2019 4:27am
2/22/2019 4:27am
@KDX yeah, that's the plan. I'll keep looking for a complete bike. I had to try to save this one especially because it was missing the motor and I had a KDX175 motor on the shelf at the time. It was on CL for $100. Seller didnt know what it was and I was the only caller.
@Bogmaster, Love that pic! The kid in the background looks interested and perplexed at the same time haha.
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MaxPower
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MaxPower 2/22/2019 6:23pm
2/22/2019 6:23pm
Lackey is a cool dude. He is one of the few icons that participate heavy in vmx
Russell_Brooks 3/14/2019 10:21am
3/14/2019 10:21am
That is a special bike .. I am restoring one at this moment. Gonna race vintage I hope.

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