Posts
52
Joined
4/8/2017
Location
No. Prov., RI
US
Edited Date/Time
12/27/2017 3:21pm
Just wanted to post up a build I have been working on since I picked up a total basket case '89 YZ125. It was literally a basket case; when I picked it up every part of the bike was in four large Tupperware bins. It was missing the cylinder, carb, clutch, and electronics. Oh yeah, and almost all of the bolts. This build is an extreme budget build. Started the build on August 31st after rounding up 90% of the parts. I like the parts chase.
Sanded and rattle canned the frame, it is going to be a rider not a garage queen.
All new linkage and swing arm bearings. Didn't use the Pivot Works grease, I used a marine grease(forgot the name).
Sanded and rattle canned the frame, it is going to be a rider not a garage queen.
All new linkage and swing arm bearings. Didn't use the Pivot Works grease, I used a marine grease(forgot the name).
Installed the rear shock, linkage, and swing arm.
Then installed the air box.
Luckily in the pile of parts that came with this there were four kick shafts, so I replaced it and went on from there. I still can not believe how the shaft snapped right in half.
Cleaned out the silencer core, all the holes were totally blocked with carbon/oil residue. There are 800 holes in the core, 50 rows with 16 holes in each row. I punched out each one individually, I was amazed at the pile of carbon/oil I had when I was done.
The Shop
And my assistant for the build; I think he can not wait to go roost on this, LOL
Mount front and rear master cylinders and brake lines
Bleed the brakes(I hate doing this)
Mount up the side panels(haven't arrived yet)
Install the foot pegs
And then the graphics, not sure if I am going to go stock or do a Donny Schmit Chesterfield bike. This can wait for the winter months.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot, start it up.
Lookin back @ the hrs I spent on my tank, & the pic of yours at top of this post, I'd love to see a close-up.
Why the absence of yellowing that is under where the radiator shroud mounts to the tank? Test spot?
Not disputing that premix yellows them, but if yours is orig that means that UV rays are a major force in yellowing also. Which they have to be to some degree. But rt side seems more consistent. Hmmm.
A pic of mine in the EVO thread, a great place for graphics.
Again, great job. Take extra pics now cuz they're a little different after 30+ track days
CVM, I found it funny too that under the rad. shrouds there was no discoloration. I think you might be on the something about UV. Could it also be that the plastic is thicker on that side of the tank? I just don't know. All I did to the tank was wipe it down. No sanding or anything like that on it. Also, the pictures make it look lighter than it is, the tank is pretty yellow. I think it is original to the bike, it came in the pile of parts(it is a OEM Yamaha one).
CVM great looking build, really like the rear fender and side panels with the hand holds in them. Wish Yamaha did that in '89 instead of starting in '91.
One flaw with these bikes is the magnesium outer clutch cover but maybe you already know. It is too weak which makes the clutch drag. Go for a 91-93 cover instead, they are in alu and stiffer.
Good luck with the build!
Did not know about magnesium clutch cover issue, thanks for informing me. Just so I get this right, the rest of the components from the mag. cover will drop right in with no mods.?
One issue I found is no one has fork springs for the '89.
And I'm really leaning toward the stock graphics as they just have a clean look to them.
Did you leave the engine as bare aluminum? I'm getting started on a rider build of an 88 RM250 and don't like the blue engine. I was thinking about going bare aluminum....wondering if that works OK?
Pit Row
Don't mind the right side foot peg. Cheap Chinese crap that broke when my boot hit it when I was kicking it over. Good thing that happened now rather then when I was riding it.
Also, I ordered up the '93 outer clutch cover like Banana_oil said but it did not fit. The clutch push rod was to large for the hole in the cover. Looks like I need to drill out the cover. No big deal. I can not wait to go rip on it.
So 91 and 92 are the same, the actuator shaft is different in 92 to change the leverage rate
Your yz looks mint by the way! Ps I would keep the stock graphics.
Use a map gas torch the next time you have to clean the perforated core. In a safe location heat the core until the oil catches on fire an burns off. Then clean off the leftover ash (it comes off easy). It sounds crazy but I actually saw this in an old Suzuki two stroke street bike manual. I’ve done it many times since.
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