OzVMX Forum
Clubroom => General Discussion => Topic started by: albrid-3 on April 24, 2015, 01:38:49 pm
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What is the best model Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, makes and model from 1981 to 1989 to look for, if looking for a pre 84, and pre 90.
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Pre-85 125s:
The 81-84 RMs are all good if you can handle the peaky motors.
84 CR is probably the best choice once you fix the shock and fit one of Russell's alloy clutch covers.
84 KX is good if you find one with a decent frame.
The 84 KTM125 has tons of potential, but usual old KTM ownership hassles apply (parts prices, mostly).
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Pre-90 125s:
87+ CR is a safe bet. 87 is arguably the best of them. The 86 model isn't bad either, but the non-cartridge forks and rear drum isn't cool when the later bikes have them.
88 KX is great. Almost an enduro bike spread of power, makes them easier to ride than any other bike in the class. Still makes more power than the YZ or RM... 89 model went backwards with flat power and less-good forks. Power valves are a PITA.
89 RM would probably be the pick of them, but they're too peaky and typical 80s/90s Suzuki build quality... Also PV dramas.
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Pre-85 250s:
YZ or CR are the bikes to own. I'd get the CR for the relatively modern ergos and great front brake.
The YZ is better suited to shorter riders.
KX too rare, too hard to get bits for, too likely to have a broken frame.
RM too peaky.
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Pre-90 250s:
87 CR is my pick, but the rare 88 RM is supposed to be excellent. I'd probably chase a US-import 89 KX250 if I wanted a serious race bike for this class.
88 KX would be great, except it has a big midrange wallop that makes it hard to ride. 89 KX250s have a better motor, but crappy forks. In fact, all of the 89 models were universally handicapped by shitty early USD forks that were clearly inferior to their earlier models' RWU forks.
89 RM250 is a lovely modern feeling bike, but has a big midrange hit and PV dramas.
The 250 Yammies were generally off the pace by the late 80s. The 88 is the high point (decent forks!).
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Thanks Nathan for your help, and input into my question, 100 viewed this thread and 1 person replied, it shows the lack of interest on here.
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What is the best model Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, makes and model from 1981 to 1989 to look for, if looking for a pre 84, and pre 90.
Not sure about suspension and handling I can only say about the engines. None can't be made more or less peaky. KX engines are good if the KIPS is looked after, RM 125 full reed model is the pre 85 and the 89 is OK and the PV is an easy fix. Any CR with an RC type power valve will be good as will a YZ with a YPVS. All the ramp/centrifugal type pv actuators can do with some carefull setting up. That will give a very linear power delivery
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Thanks Nathan for your help, and input into my question, 100 viewed this thread and 1 person replied, it shows the lack of interest on here.
I viewed the thread because I was (am) interested Dave. I've only ever ridden (raced) Honda's of the era so what would you like me to say? Buy a Honda because I reckon they are the best?
Seem Nathan has ridden and or has experience with all of them so it's great that he took the time to give you input.
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Just read a ADB test on the 1989 ATK 406 to which GE claims " This is the best dirt bike I've ever ridden" and "$6700, worth it? Only if you want the BEST DIRT BIKE EVER MADE"
Yeah he loved it.....
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Here you go Dave ......
(http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/mposs/Image0279_zpst663u48j.jpg~original) (http://s574.photobucket.com/user/mposs/media/Image0279_zpst663u48j.jpg.html)
(http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/mposs/Image0280_zps2pvvjlx4.jpg~original) (http://s574.photobucket.com/user/mposs/media/Image0280_zps2pvvjlx4.jpg.html)
(http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/mposs/Image0281_zpstzbgdhwz.jpg~original) (http://s574.photobucket.com/user/mposs/media/Image0281_zpstzbgdhwz.jpg.html)
(http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/mposs/Image0282_zpsgcqozurl.jpg~original) (http://s574.photobucket.com/user/mposs/media/Image0282_zpsgcqozurl.jpg.html)
(http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/mposs/Image0283_zpsmywoifxc.jpg~original) (http://s574.photobucket.com/user/mposs/media/Image0283_zpsmywoifxc.jpg.html)
(http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/mposs/Image0284_zpsih0wh58w.jpg~original) (http://s574.photobucket.com/user/mposs/media/Image0284_zpsih0wh58w.jpg.html)
(http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/mposs/Image0285_zpsbucpdkld.jpg~original) (http://s574.photobucket.com/user/mposs/media/Image0285_zpsbucpdkld.jpg.html)
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Mposs, This is what I am requesting people to take time and talk about the bikes and give there constructive experiences and opinions to each models, not coming on here
like other threads ripping into each other, and arguing about pointless issues that won`t get solved. We all don`t have too agree on the models we all like, what it gives me is
an inside few of different models and makes that I don`t know enough about. so that I can make my choice. thank you
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Mposs - good document - thank you
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88 model Kawasaki kx 125, looks the goods, also 86 Honda cr 125.