Archive for the ‘1974 Kawasaki KX125 Project’ Category

After all the time it took in getting the bike done it was now ready to hit the race track.  Given our busy schedule we were not able to give it much testing (rode it up and down the driveway) but we enrolled at a local vmx meeting anyway. The bike looked good without any scratches at the beginning of the day.

Phil, took the bike to start line of a 125cc grid for all grades without any ride time on it at all, in fact it was his first vmx race! So, instructions for the first few races were about getting the feel of it and getting confidence. Within a few races he started to get up to full throttle and was pulling top 3 finishes , eventually getting a 1st place win. He certainly got the KX noticed.

So, what issues did we have. There were a few loose bolts but no big deal, springs holding the exhaust allowed too much movement so we added more springs in key places. Most significant item to come loose was a top eyelet somehow unwound off the rear shock shaft so the shock swung away, the sping itself came off with top holding cap and there was still a lap to go in the race and only one shock still working. Finished 2nd with only one rear shock, tough little buggers these bikes. After finding the sping and cap on the side of track we put them all back on the bike ok in time for next race. No other issues at all, power was good, kicked up strong roost and hit the few jumps at speed, handled real well.

Lesson: get to know how to use Locktite

The 1974 Kawasaki KX125 has been reassembled ready for testing. Ater adding some fuel it has fired up and has a crisp throttle response, very nice. Now just need some cooler weather and a track test.

Some months back I made a general enquiry about some vmx parts by phone to a professional motorcycle mechanic in the USA and he happened to mention that an old 1974 Kawasaki KX125 just came his way and would I be interested? These are very rare and the few KX in use seem to be never offered for sale as people know they will not be able to replace them easily.

We made a deal and that included him pulling the bike down into components and completely refurbishing everything and making sure it was race tuned to hit the track as well.

The frame was stripped and repainted, all the bike parts cleaned, replated, painted or replaced as required, seals replaced, motor overhauled, new tyres etc, etc, the full monty….

The overhauled components would then be shipped to me to rebuild the bike, they have now arrived…. some assembly required.

KX125 parts coming back together

Very Nice Kawasaki KX125 Engine

Those Rotary Valve Carb Configurations Look Interesting

Beautiful Paint Job on This KX125 Tank

LESSON : Professionals do very good work and it saves a hell of a lot of time and errors.