Woody's Project YZ125G

[Woody]

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!



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);



Sponsored jockey;



Crappy header pipe;



Wheel seems too far left off centre, (spaced correctly?)



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.



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. 

[Nathan S]

 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!

[YZ250H]

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  .

[mainline]

Good stuff!, looking forward to seeing the progress pics....... 

[Woody]

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?

[YZ250H]

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 .  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
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

[ted]

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.

[YZ250H]

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 

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 

[Nathan S]

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???

[DJRacing]

WWlll is here   

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.

[Woody]

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


1st clean, but a long way to go

[cyclegod]

http://www.yzdecals.afegraphics.com/index.php?adminshopping=&PHPSESSID=442e5c573454fbcdc860acf40d9f15d4

[Graeme M]

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

[evomx244]

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

[mainline]

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?