1989 kx125 restoration master thread

[DoldGuy]

I know that has to be VERY satisfying! Keep the pics coming.

[sandblaster]

You know.... That engine looks so nice.... I bet a Stainless steel bolt kit would make it look even better 

[queen of spodes]

Someone packed the wrong ring set with this piston kit. Should be 2205CD (two rings) vs the single ring in 2205CS.

Nothing is easy with this project.

[queen of spodes]

Got the rings in, then discovered PO stripped fifth head bolt threads.   Ordered 8mm helicoil & a 21/64 bit.   Got that fixed up tonight and the cylinder & head are on the bike finally.







Why did Kawasaki use one bolt and four studs? 

[queen of spodes]

Cleaned up the OEM silencer core and added fresh packing.


Testing fitment of new Boyesen RAD valve.   I only bought this because the stock manifold was badly cracked and Kawasaki doesn't sell it anymore.  A company supposedly makes reproduction manifolds but I didn't want to take a gamble on $100.   Got this RAD valve direct from Boyesen on clearance for $98.


Carb rebuilt with new slide and standard rebuild components.   Downsized the main from 155 to 150 per Boyesen instructions.  Clip now in the middle.


Also picked up a can of VP110 gas yesterday, in case I happen to need it in the near future...


I cannot wait to smell this.

[queen of spodes]

Carb installed


And powervalve linkage & cover installed

[queen of spodes]

Okies getting close.  Waiting on a few small doo-dads to come in (clutch lever, wiring/cable bands, and a new fuel tap). 



Fitted the front # plate.  Loved the yellow against the green & blue even though it was for the open classers. 

[dinkyguitar]

Just curious what your going to do with her once you finish?

Keep or sell?

I have an 87 KX 250 that I got carried away and replaced practically ever part....not cheap.

I plan to keep mine, but I'm concerned about part availability.

dinky,

[queen of spodes]

Once I know the bugs are worked out I'll ride for a season then try to sell.  I coulda bought a newish YZ125 for the same amount I wound up sinking into this one. 

I had to to it though.. had to get it out of my system.  My first mx'er was a kx125 (86 model), couldn't find one of those but always coveted the 1989 models so there you go!

I saw some footage of someone riding a 89 kx125 at Budds last week.  May try to get some stiffer fork springs.. even sitting on it in the shop it feels set up like a trail bike, but most of the bikes came that way back then.

[dinkyguitar]

Once I know the bugs are worked out I'll ride for a season then try to sell.  I coulda bought a newish YZ125 for the same amount I wound up sinking into this one. 

I had to to it though.. had to get it out of my system.  My first mx'er was a kx125 (86 model), couldn't find one of those but always coveted the 1989 models so there you go!

I saw some footage of someone riding a 89 kx125 at Budds last week.  May try to get some stiffer fork springs.. even sitting on it in the shop it feels set up like a trail bike, but most of the bikes came that way back then.

Yeah, just curious...Some people restore and ride them...others just fix what needs to fixed and ride.

I myself like the "everything new look" even though it might not need it...but that's just me.

dinky,

[queen of spodes]

Not long now.   Ordered a new throttle housing assembly tonight, so I doubt it will be here by the weekend.   Fuel tap and other doodads should be here by Friday. 

[sandblaster]

Beautiful

[kawboy]

Magnificent ! I got an '87 brand new in 1988. I still miss it.

[queen of spodes]

Holy crap this thing is sooo sloooooow.   My last 125 was a 2001 Suzuki RM.  It had a mean hit and would easily wheely in any gear.   This 89 KX is very mellow.   Almost to the point of being boring..   Then again, that's exactly what the mags wrote about it in 1989 so no big surprise there!   Kinda thought/hoped the RAD valve would give it a little more bite. 

Short video forthcoming..

[queen of spodes]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea5DTy3JC6o