OzVMX Forum
Marque Remarks => Yamaha => Topic started by: Woody on July 27, 2009, 10:53:52 pm
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After E74 posted the pics of his fantastic NOS resto, I found myself going back to the pics time and time again. I had bought one new as a 15yo from the hard earned savings I got from part time after school work as the ‘Hamburger King of Corowa’. It was a good step up from the YZ80’s I had previously shared with my brother and I loved how it leaped the whoops and pulled great monos. I only did a couple of races on her, one being the first night MX at Yarrawonga. Not long after, I left school and started full time work. I then got a roady, a RD250LC and the YZ sat in the shed (as new) until I sold her to the kid around the corner for I think, $800. Wish I had it now!
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo249/vmxwoody/YZ125G/YZ125G1.jpg)
I’ve been on the lookout for one on and off for a little while now. A few have turned up every now and then, but not too many. Some were great and also very pricey and some not so good but still demanding a hefty price. I happened to come across this one recently and decided to go for it. She’s a bit rough and missing a few bits, but at the same time I can also see her potential. I think that I might end up spending more than I expected, but this will be my first resto and I’m a bit excited!
So here it is (they always seem to look a lot better on camera than in the flesh);
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo249/vmxwoody/YZ125G/YZ125G2.jpg)
Sponsored jockey;
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo249/vmxwoody/YZ125G/YZ125G3.jpg)
Crappy header pipe;
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo249/vmxwoody/YZ125G/YZ125G4.jpg)
Wheel seems too far left off centre, (spaced correctly?)
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo249/vmxwoody/YZ125G/YZ125G5.jpg)
I also picked up this H parts bike as I wanted the airbox and a few other bits. I’m thinking about using the front and rear ends to add my own touch to the G.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo249/vmxwoody/YZ125G/YZ125H.jpg)
I’ve also been inspired by John’s YZ in the US http://projectyz.jfn3.com/.
To start with I plan to strip it back down to the frame and check everything out from there. I might post some questions soon to E74, Mainline, Nathan & Co. and the H boys, Ted & YZ250H to pick their brains along the way.
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You got one at last! Awesome. :)
Mine is going to get H front and rear suspension. The spindly little 36mm forks with that much travel are supposed to be awfully flexy under 'full sized' blokes like us. And I can't see any bad points to fitting the longer H swingarm.
My offer of parts still stands, but it looks like you're in a better situation for parts than I am!
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Happy to help out wherever I can mate ;). Whatever it is someone on here will know the answer. I'm doing a 125H at the moment, so we can compare notes with Ted (who should be finished by now ::) )
John's 125 originally inspired me to do a number on the 250H. The best advice I have read is blast and paint the frame first (so you have something to look at) and do something (no matter how small) to the bike evry single day.
Good luck mate - we'll be watching from the sidelines ;D.
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Good stuff!, looking forward to seeing the progress pics.......
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thanks guys, hope you don't mind me chewing your ears from time to time with a few questions.
YZ250H & Ted, wouldn't mind seeing some pics of where your bikes are up to.
My first question is on frame painting options. DIY or get it sandblasted & powder coated?
Nathan, who would you use in the ACT area & how much would you expect to pay if you went the powdercoat option?
Q#2, having trouble locating a gasket kit on the net for the 125G. Any suggestions?
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Woody
I'm not very far along (put me down for the understatement of the year). If you stare at the photo in this thread http://ozvmx.com/community/index.php?topic=6003.0 really intently it starts to look like a bike ::) ;D. My "Welder" is a slack prick, but he does things for nuthin' so I can't complain ::) Once I've got the hose loops welded back on I will send it to the blaster and we will be in business.
I have had my 250 and 50 frames sandblased (garnet) and primed ready for me to paint with rattle cans. I think the consensus is don't powder coat, but saying that will more than likely start WW3 on here ;D
I like the rattle cans 'cause they are chaep and repairs are easy on the ineveitable stone chips etc etc.
My 2 bob's worth. Others will chime in soon ;). If you do a search there are probably several threads in tech tips on the subject.
I will now defer tothe peanut gallery
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G`day Woody....I painted the 465 with spray cans, not bad but not too good either so i got the 125 powdercoated. Cost = $ 250.00
BUT i had to tap out every thread, grind out triple clamps ( both full of paint )to accept fork legs and remove paint from steering thingy that holds triple clamps. I am finding that when bolts get tightened the powdercoating flakes off. Maybe a shit prep job i don`t know but the spray can is the way to go as touch ups are a piece of piss as my learned friend has already said ( even though he knows SWEET ForK ALL about putting tent pegs in )
A word of WARNING.....If you shop parts out to be re-furbished ( electroplaters, painters, wheel builders, mechanics and sand blasters ) take the time to list each and every part down to the pissiest little washer that you sent them and give them a copy. Also pack it that good that you don`t get the same response that i did..."The postman bought this box of bits in but it was broken open" Missing out of that box was about $ 500.00 of very hard to get parts. You never seem to lose just the nuts and bolts. Funny that.
Bike still not together as working away all the time and any spare time is spent putting up my shed. Shed finished in 2 weeks so just have to bolt all the bits on to complete bike. Have every part i need.
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Good on you Teddles ;). My even more learned friend has hit on an absolute winner there. When you are pulling the bike apart be sure to take lots and lots of photos of even the most trivial thing and label everything. At the time you will think "I'll remember how that went together". Guess what - not a chance - especially with old timer's disease looming ;D ;D
Hope you finish the shed soon Ted. I'm looking forward to seeing her finished. If she is to the same standard as the 465 she will be something to behold.
If you need to know how to devine water with a tent peg - I'm your man :D :D
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Nathan, who would you use in the ACT area & how much would you expect to pay if you went the powdercoat option?
A&A in Fyshwick for the sand-blasting. They do a decent job by all accounts, and they're a LOT cheaper than everyone else.
As has been discussed, powdercoating isn't the best option.
I've been using the epoxy enamel rattle cans, and have been happy with the finish and fairly happy with the durability (for my race bikes).
The Montesa will be done in 2-pak paint through a guy at work, for a carton of grogs. I may be able to get a second frame done at the same time???
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WWlll is here ;) ;D
I have powdercoated all my frames including my YZ125G and all have been good. I get them sandblasted, primed and powdercoated.
I also check everything after sandblasting for cracks and anything that needs a tidy up and re-mask where I dont want the coatings' to go. Touching up is also very easy as I had to cut off the mounting bracket for the coil (it had been welded on to the other side of the frame and I hadnt noticed until the build up) on the Noguchi and get it welded to the other side. I used a gloss black spray can.
Yes I do have to re-cut the threads or you can install bolts to stop the coatings from getting into your threads, also make up cover plates(sheetmetal and threaded rod) to keep coatings out of brake linnings and steering heads etc. Otherwise if you are replacing the steering bearings/races leave the races in place and after powdercoating get a shape knife (snap blade) and cut around the edge of the race and then hit them out, replace with new ones. ('all balls' have a set)
Nathan, I have the 38mm YZ forks in my G and its a good ride. I also use a YZ125J in the back end.
Anyway, good luck with the build up Woody, the G is one of the nicest looking bikes of its time and has the added distinction of being the last aircooled YZ125.
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thanks gents for all the great tips here so far. will be pulling her apart soon which should be fun.
have vmx mag #33 in hand and started on the tank. any tips on where to get the tank and side cover 125 decals?
before shot
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo249/vmxwoody/YZ125G/YZ125G6.jpg)
1st clean, but a long way to go
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo249/vmxwoody/YZ125G/YZ125G7.jpg)
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http://www.yzdecals.afegraphics.com/index.php?adminshopping=&PHPSESSID=442e5c573454fbcdc860acf40d9f15d4
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You can also get Wicked Tough decals from Speed and Sport in the US. I bought a set for my IT and they look pretty good to me.
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/SpeedandSportGraphicReproduction/WICKED-TOUGH-Vintage-Graphics.html
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The tank I started with was about as bad as yours, I sanded for days and then applied MXM graphics. I cut the red/white stripe from the white and applied them to each side of the fuel tank, then I made a pattern for the white parts (both top/bottom) so they would be the same on each side of the fuel tank. It came out OK
MXM link
http://mxm.co.uk/?page_id=17&category=21&product_id=381
(http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/evomx244/1981%20YZ125/1981yz125002.jpg)
(http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/evomx244/1981%20YZ125/1981yz125001.jpg)
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make sure you get perforated stickers. Even with a tank liner product my solid stickers have still bubbled.
There's a guy in Brissy that does really nice thick graphics, $65 for the two tank stickers and 125 stickers. I don't know if the F graphics are the same as the G?
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hey evomx244, how long have the mxm decals been on your tank and have you had any trouble with them?
Mainline, who supplied the stickers that bubbled on you and do you have the details of the guy in Brissie?
(however, I propbably won't need decals for a while at the rate I'm going on the tank. what a fun job)
cheers
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WOW!!
I had no idea that my little YZ125G had affected so many people. Thank you!
As for tank stickers bubbling on the tanks, there is one very simple solution... drain the fuel after every ride! The compounds in the fuel leach through the plastic and create the air bubbles. No fuel in the tank = no bubbles.
This one little piece of advise will keep your tank looking good for quite some time.
Please feel free to ask questions about the bike or any of the methods used in the restoration. I'd also like to see your completed YZ125G restorations.
All the best,
John
(http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m26/YZ_John/DSCF0018.jpg)
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Plenty of people have seen your site, followed your resto, and marvelled at the result, John. One of my favourite sites for the wealth of info you provided too.
Glad to have you aboard OzVMX by the way.
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Me too JOhn - your site was the inspiration for my resto. Your attention to detail is excellent and made me take my time and do a proper job. Great to have you on board mate. I'm sure you can offer heaps of advice to the folks on here.
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The guy in Brissy is PDS Graphics in Moss St, ph 32083440, ask for Karl. He can also copy and make anything you need, even if its just a photo.
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Oh No, YZ John's selling his beaut 125G
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320415559139&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT
John, do you have a new project on the go? like to see a 250 G/H. Good luck with the sale.
I'd also be keen to find out your jetting with the RR pipe.
Do you know anything about the pro form racing pipes sold by ams - good or bad? who is the major distributor?
http://www.amsracing.com/item.php?id=367
cheers
Woody
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Calling Mr YZ125 Nathan
what other triple clamps will fit my 125H 38mm forks? the 125H clamps have the extra coolant plumbing going through them, which wouldn't look right on the aircooled bike. which models have he 38mm to suit?
cheers
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YZ250D~G, YZ400D~F, IT250/465H/J.
I guess that YZ125K would also work, but I think they have less offset on them.
I'm sure there's more, but beer beer beer beer. Erm - what were we talking about? Oh that's right... Beer is good. :)
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Well this project is taking me a far lot longer than I expected. Finally got something I can roll around the garage. Hope to pick things up over the next 2 months and finish the bloody thing off. Engine work and cosmetics to go.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo249/vmxwoody/DSC05059cc.jpg)
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Looks Bloody good Woody, well done mate.
Those wheels look sh1t hot 8) 8)
All you need to do is get the missus to push you round the yard while you make 2 stroke noises ;D ;D ;D
I will have to try and catch up to you now ::)
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Looks great Woody.
My favourite 125 by far. Can't wait to see it finished 8)
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Wheel seems too far left off centre, (spaced correctly?)
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo249/vmxwoody/YZ125G/YZ125G5.jpg)
All the monoshocked YZ's that I have (and have had) including my 80 J, seem to be the same :o. Like the seat part of the frame is twisted. I haven't crashed all of them! (not all severly anywho ::)). I figure they just go that way in the sun.
I've just laced the rear wheel so's it's not going to hit anything and forget about it (mind you none of them are concourse restos......)
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My 250 and 465 are the same. I thought bent swing arm or frame :-\
I laced my 250 rear wheel so the centre of the rim lined up with the centre of the shock which (hopefully) is the centre of the bike. Seems to track nicely so ... 465 is as bought and seems to be set up the same. Maybe all YZs have been flipped because of their uncontrollable brute horsepower ::) ;D
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I had my wheels for my 125G rebuilt and when fitted the back wheel is about 6mm off centre to the left and I have all correct spacers-I'm always checking out other YZ's at race meets and the majority are to the left but some are dead centre.
Hey woody if you are still after a pro form pipe Les from VMX unlimited has one.He ordered a whole bunch of pipes months ago with one 125G amongst them-just arrived this week.
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I have 125H forks on the G. Does anyone know exactly how much fork should stick out of the top triple clamp or the distance between the top of the lower fork leg to the bottom triple clamp? I've seen varying answers on this one but what are the oem specs?
I also have a set of Polysport fork boots but they might be a bit too wide. I'm after a set that's a good fit for the 38mm forks.
The new rear wheel is laced a bit off centre but no where near as much as in the old pic.
Wish I knew Les was going to start importing Proform pipes. I bought one from AMS in the states some time ago :-\ but that's a story for another day.
cheers
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I dunno about wheel alignment of YZs etc and what it should or shouldn't be, but in the pic above the wheel looks fine. The test would be alignment with the front wheel surely? The swingarm offset would be for chain clearance wouldn't it?