To Build Or Not To Build

EddieC
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362
Joined
2/26/2012
Location
Temecula, CA US
4/16/2018 11:58pm Edited Date/Time 4/22/2018 10:18am
Looking for some advice.
One of my old college professors came across this 79 Honda after his neighbor was cleaning out the shed and had no use for it. My professor asked if I wanted it he says it runs.
My question is is this rebuildable?
I am not mechanically incline
I dont have a boatload of tools
I don’t have a lot of money
I have a wife that will probably shoot me for taking it
I have an 8 y/o son that I think would have fun helping out fixing it up, maybe riding it and then selling it to find another project.
Thanks in advance.









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Lasse
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529
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11/5/2015
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DK
Fantasy
2940th
4/17/2018 12:26am
The shocks alone are expensive aftermarket units atleast.
kruspy378
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130
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11/9/2016
Location
Hawley, PA US
4/17/2018 3:19am
I say go for it. My son is 8 years old and we spend good time together fixing bikes like yours up. Start by taking the body work off, like the seat and fenders. Get the side panels and gas tank off. Get to cleaning and see what it looks like. You should be able to do this with a minimum of tools, metric mm tools that is. Good luck and have fun. Also, make sure the fuel valve is in the off position when you disconnect the fuel line...☺ Hope you and your son have a good time.
MaxPower
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2646
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Location
NJ US
4/17/2018 6:21am
a boat load of money makes any restoration much easier
AHRMA361
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2465
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4/1/2008
Location
NE, OH US
Fantasy
262nd
4/17/2018 6:37am
The Fox Air's and Thor swingarm are the big bonus on that project. The 1979 CR125 had a 23" front wheel originally. Somebody replaced it with a gold 21" wheel. As the bike geometry was designed around the larger front wheel, I think changing it to a conventional size had an impact on handling.

Too bad newmann is in Vital lock down as he has experience with this model if I recall correctly.

The Shop

731chopper
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4077
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1/2/2015
Location
DFW, TX US
Fantasy
390th
4/17/2018 6:41am
Yes, I vote to build! Just take your time with it if you don’t want to spend too much. Like Lasse said, those fox air shocks are worth a little bit of money. I’m not sure if they’re rebuildable though.
Hondas4Life3
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853
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7/30/2013
Location
Louisburg, KS US
4/17/2018 6:41am Edited Date/Time 4/17/2018 6:44am
That is a good base for a restoration but it will definitely be a big undertaking because most of the parts for that model are discontinued and very hard to find. You would have a much easier time restoring something early 2000's or late 90's. With your limited knowledge I would say move on to the next project and let someone else tackle this.
newmann
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24444
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
US
4/17/2018 8:00am
AHRMA361 wrote:
The Fox Air's and Thor swingarm are the big bonus on that project. The 1979 CR125 had a 23" front wheel originally. Somebody replaced it with...
The Fox Air's and Thor swingarm are the big bonus on that project. The 1979 CR125 had a 23" front wheel originally. Somebody replaced it with a gold 21" wheel. As the bike geometry was designed around the larger front wheel, I think changing it to a conventional size had an impact on handling.

Too bad newmann is in Vital lock down as he has experience with this model if I recall correctly.
You rang?

Looks like I didn't have to report back after the weekend...

kruspy378
Posts
130
Joined
11/9/2016
Location
Hawley, PA US
4/17/2018 8:11am
AHRMA361 wrote:
The Fox Air's and Thor swingarm are the big bonus on that project. The 1979 CR125 had a 23" front wheel originally. Somebody replaced it with...
The Fox Air's and Thor swingarm are the big bonus on that project. The 1979 CR125 had a 23" front wheel originally. Somebody replaced it with a gold 21" wheel. As the bike geometry was designed around the larger front wheel, I think changing it to a conventional size had an impact on handling.

Too bad newmann is in Vital lock down as he has experience with this model if I recall correctly.
newmann wrote:
You rang? Looks like I didn't have to report back after the weekend... [img]https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/mayberry/images/7/79/Crime_free_1.jpg[/img]
You rang?

Looks like I didn't have to report back after the weekend...

My 8 year old and i are watching Andy Griffith... Funny, he came across it and i noticed he was in to it. Thank god its not a newer reality show etc... Mr.Furley?
newmann
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24444
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
US
4/17/2018 9:04am
That bike would be an excellent candidate for a vintage racer! Plenty of parts available from many different sources for it.

http://vmxracing.com/

Peter has loads of parts readily available for the 79, plastics, decals, seat covers and foams, air filters, gasket sets, intakes, pipes and silencers...

Millenium Technologies can replate the chrome lined cylinder if necessary and supply Wiseco or Wossner pistons. Check with Honda or Ebay for an original OEM cast piston and single ring first.

Thor Lawson sells bladders and seal kits for the Fox Air shocks. Lots of people out there that rebuild them. I have had luck with Steve Sage at Sage Suspension in Arvada Colorado in the past.

Rod kits for the crank are readily available. Same rod fits 79-84 CR125 and 81-84 RM125 if I remember correctly.

OEM bearings and seals are best.

Or, I could have my shipper drop by and get it out of your way if you just need it disposed of....Cool


Like others have mentioned, the swing arm and shocks are worth a chunk by themselves. Easy $350.00 on Ebay for the Thor arm and if the shock bodies and shafts have no damage, the 17 1/4 inch(should be??) Fox Airs in need of rebuild will still catch an easy $350.00 and up. I would be interested in the engine if you part it out.
newmann
Posts
24444
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
US
4/17/2018 9:15am Edited Date/Time 4/17/2018 9:18am
Our 79 model with Al Baker frame mods and 21 inch front wheel set up for 10 1/2 inches of travel on Fox Forks and Works Performance Pro Racer piggy back shocks and Mugen replica swing arm. 1980 seat and side panels. Runs good, handles great








4/17/2018 12:45pm
Dude; the answer is YES

Go for it & keep us posted
EddieC
Posts
362
Joined
2/26/2012
Location
Temecula, CA US
4/17/2018 8:57pm
newmann wrote:
That bike would be an excellent candidate for a vintage racer! Plenty of parts available from many different sources for it. http://vmxracing.com/ Peter has loads of...
That bike would be an excellent candidate for a vintage racer! Plenty of parts available from many different sources for it.

http://vmxracing.com/

Peter has loads of parts readily available for the 79, plastics, decals, seat covers and foams, air filters, gasket sets, intakes, pipes and silencers...

Millenium Technologies can replate the chrome lined cylinder if necessary and supply Wiseco or Wossner pistons. Check with Honda or Ebay for an original OEM cast piston and single ring first.

Thor Lawson sells bladders and seal kits for the Fox Air shocks. Lots of people out there that rebuild them. I have had luck with Steve Sage at Sage Suspension in Arvada Colorado in the past.

Rod kits for the crank are readily available. Same rod fits 79-84 CR125 and 81-84 RM125 if I remember correctly.

OEM bearings and seals are best.

Or, I could have my shipper drop by and get it out of your way if you just need it disposed of....Cool


Like others have mentioned, the swing arm and shocks are worth a chunk by themselves. Easy $350.00 on Ebay for the Thor arm and if the shock bodies and shafts have no damage, the 17 1/4 inch(should be??) Fox Airs in need of rebuild will still catch an easy $350.00 and up. I would be interested in the engine if you part it out.
Thanks for the info I will bring it home, ask the wife for forgiveness and start cleaning it up.
vmxracer
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129
Joined
3/7/2016
Location
Toowoomba AU
4/18/2018 4:42am
EddieC wrote:
Thanks for the info I will bring it home, ask the wife for forgiveness and start cleaning it up.
It is easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission Cool
MaxPower
Posts
2646
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
NJ US
4/18/2018 6:03am
you guys need to stop asking for permission from your wives to follow your passion.
jmc2
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1315
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8/15/2006
Location
Gilbert, AZ US
Fantasy
1690th
4/22/2018 10:18am
Nice find.
Looking forward to photos as the project progresses (if possible, I know you work weekends).

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