A few Yamaha DT 125 R questions guys ( found )

MugenSeiki · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Karma :

Hi guys first post , have been lurking for a while and gathering lots of useful info Thumbs Up

30 years old , don't have a bike license yet , plan to get my CBT and get some practice in on a 125 . As a bonus i plan to build it , ive got the time , patience and space so why not . Also i have my car so its mainly a fun project but I'm sure I'll get hooked .

Anyways Ive thought long and hard ( looked at pics lol ) and a Yamaha DT 125 r is the bike for me i think ... but I'm not sure which year to go for Embarassed

I'm struggling to figure out what are the differences between the 03 and 04 models ( Ive read a little and 04 seems like the new model intro , please correct me if I'm wrong ) . Some say newer is always better but I'm not so sure Wink

If anyone in the know can kindly enlighten me as what the main differences are id be very grateful Very Happy

Pushing it here but id also like to know if parts are interchangeable between the two models .
Example : Say i buy an 03 frame , will 04 plastics fit ?

Ive got an example pic ( got it from another forum ) , of where id like to be in a months time .

https://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a205/dred_1978/101D0153.jpg

https://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a205/dred_1978/100D0041.jpg

EDIT ( also guys i know what most are thinking .. " Wtf , a 125 and he's 30 , get a bigger bike !! " ... I will guys i just have a load of reasons why i'm starting off on this bike . No need to get into all of it but put it down to budget , where ill be working and the fact i love trail bikes Thumbs Up

)

swiftb · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Karma :

DTR was my first proper bike at around 13yrs old. I adored it, it was stolen, i cried lol. Im currently on the hunt for a road bike but i still have a huge place in my heart for trail bikes. Id be interested to know how much this project is going to cost you to get to the finished article as its something id love to do!

MugenSeiki · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Karma :

Thanks man , like you say it should be a fun little project Thumbs Up

What i can do is make a progress thread mate , crap load of pics and info for anyone wondering the same things . I'm sure its been done over and over again but one more time cant hurt Wink

I had a Honda 80cc dirt bike ( the same one the kid had in Terminator 2 Embarassed

) when i was 14 and more or less rebuilt that , so i know this wont be a smooth ride Confused

... but will be worth it .
____________________
www.dt125.co.uk

swiftb · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Karma :

ha ye john connors xr. think it was an xr100, this will sound pretty gay but thats one of the first reasons i wanted a trail bike! Embarassed

lol. Ye id definetly keep an eye on your progress, would be a great little project. Only problem where i live is not really anywhere to use such a bike without the inevitable rozzas showing up Thumbs Down

ps. looking at it it doesnt look any different to my early 90's dtr. I wouldnt be suprised if they havent changed since then - im sure someone clued up will put you straight anyway!

MugenSeiki · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Karma :

Thanks man , for the record I'm currently looking at 03 frames Thumbs Up

Older frame yes , but I've read they have less restrictions compared to later models .

Heres a quote ive read ( not on this site )

" You wont be dissapointed,at first the bike seems MASSIVE lol but after a while it seems to shrink and you will be throwing it around corners in no time.The later models are harder to derestrict,some are i think restricted in about 6/7 places where as if you can find a 90s model in great condition the main restrictions are in the exhaust and the powervalve,i have heard that a newer model derestricted is faster than a older model though,it just takes more time to mod it.Good luck mate "
____________________
www.dt125.co.uk

stevo as b4 · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Karma :

TBH mate, i wouldn't limit yourself to certain year's of bike or frames etc. I would just get the best tidy machine you can find for around £500 as a base point. At least get a running bike even if it's got no t&t, but i don't think you should struggle to find something legal and reasonably decent for it's age for £500.

If you start with a running bike thats rides ok, at least you can asess it's condition better and decide on what needs doing to it/replacing. A non running project for a first bike could be some challenge and be big cash eater too! There's always the chance you will get bored of a major project, or if it gets too tricky to give up on it before it's finished.

Lastly i would think that 05> Plastics would fit pretty much straight on to any DTR, so that should'nt be an issue!

Good project choice anyway, i have a soft spot for trail bikes too, and DT125R's are arguably one of the best all time trailies out there. I've got a Kawasaki KMX200 now (partly for old times/first bike/sentimental reasons), and it's going to be re-built as a supermoto as soon as i get time to start working on it again. I've so far got a list of things to replace/repair and a rough estimate of the cost involved. It could easily double though, and my only advice is don't under estimate the cost of restoring/re-building a bike with all reconditioned/new parts, it really adds up all the little things etc.

MugenSeiki · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Karma :

Sorry man PC packed up for a couple days ..

I'm in total agreement mate ( vastly underestimated the costs ) , it would be a nice idea to build but as you say i can always do that if i find a running example .

I also went to visit Yamaha yesterday who had the same idea , they also suggested i find a running bike for around £1500 and bring it to them for any mechanical work . I did not realise the engine had to match the V5 as well ( which throws all my building plans out the window ) . 03 is what they suggested i look out for due to restrictions , and the fact its cheaper lol

I'll still try doing my own thing and will post for anyone interested , thanks again guys Thumbs Up

____________________
www.dt125.co.uk

tommybhoy · Spanner Monkey Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

I currently ride a dt and its brilliant .I am hoping to pass my test before christmas and would be selling my bike ...I paid £850.00 for it in june ..I would be willing to take £700.00.

Will need cash to go towards my new bike...

Have a look

tommybhoy · Spanner Monkey Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

Oh .....Glasgow area,and its a 03 model

MugenSeiki · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Karma :

Gutted , I'm in London mate Crying or Very sad

That looks like a very tidy example as well , exactly what I'm looking for Crying or Very sad

____________________
www.dt125.co.uk

stevo as b4 · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Karma :

I'm sure you will find one closer to you that looks nice and is in overall good condition. The most vital thing IMO with buying a secondhand trail bike, is to check it's history, have lots of paperwork for it, and obviously a matching set of engine/frame no.s, locks and something that is HPI clear or has a known history at least. Don't worry about the cosmetics too much, as panels and paintwork are pretty cheap to sort out on a trail bike usually. The consumables are fairly cheap too, but something with a straight frame and forks, no signs of abuse and a smooth running easy to start engine are the essential points to have.

My KMX cost me £600 for a tatty but original bike. It ran ok, but smoked, the rear shock and linkages were seized and the engine was rattley too. It was worth the cash IMO though, as it had the sales invoice from new, all the old MOT's and had had 3 local owners from new with no evidence of anything dodgy or suspect with the bikes history or security/identity.

As for the costs to build up/re-build a complete bike, then yeah they can be much more than you'd think. Im planning to re-build my own engine, but it needs alot of work doing and new parts too. Add this up with a bit of tuning work etc, and i could end up paying £300-400 just to get the engine re-built with new internals and me doing all the labour. It's quite possible that my project will cost me anything up to 3 times the original purchase price to complete, so it's not viable for anyone who just wants a good VFM bike to use and then sell later when they want a change. The point is that there is nothing wrong with spending your money on an old 125 trail bike, but it is not an economically sound or viable approach for many people to justify.

MugenSeiki · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Karma :

Thanks for the sound advice mate , Ive been looking everywhere and nothings popping up at the moment . Will keep looking though and will keep those points in mind Thumbs Up

____________________
www.dt125.co.uk

MugenSeiki · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Karma :

swiftb · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Karma :

oops

tommybhoy · Spanner Monkey Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

any luck finding your bike

MugenSeiki · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Karma :

Nope , but it's cool as Ive spent the money i saved . Will start looking again in a week or so once ive saved again . Everything that's available is either too far or grossly overpriced .

No rush though , i'm sure i'll find a tidy example Thumbs Up

____________________
www.dt125.co.uk

MugenSeiki · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Karma :

Have found one , not in the best condition but he's looking for £600 ono , and its not 100's of miles away .

Any ideas on this

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=200272385138
____________________
www.dt125.co.uk

swiftb · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Karma :

looks ok for the money, but with having no mot etc id be offering around 450-500. In the current market he will expect to be knocked down. If your confident of repairing it for mot then go for it, or at least go see it Thumbs Up

MugenSeiki · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Karma :

Sigh

reserve was way too high .

This is becoming hopeless , 2 months and i cant find anything anywhere near me for a reasonable price .

More and more the building idea seems like my only option Crying or Very sad

____________________
www.dt125.co.uk

tommybhoy · Spanner Monkey Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Karma :

Mine is still on offfer i know its a bit away though.I passed my test today so it will be on ebay asap..

MugenSeiki · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Karma :

Congrats on the pass man , wouldnt bother with ebay at the mo , they're stagnant Crying or Very sad

Just wacthing the same bikes relist over and over lol

I doubt you'd want to sell to me man , you'll get more where you live . I'll have to factor in that i obviously cant view it , and will have to pay for transport to get it down here . That'd obviously affect your asking price im afraid Confused

____________________
www.dt125.co.uk

MugenSeiki · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Karma :

Found one

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=2004393#2004393
____________________
www.dt125.co.uk

swiftb · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Karma :

Hey Mugen congrats wit the find, looks pretty nice. Look forward to seeing the progress Thumbs Up

MugenSeiki · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Karma :

Thanks man me too Laughing

want it yesterday Mad

____________________
www.dt125.co.uk