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Ogden, UT
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DF313
12/27/2016 9:07am
12/27/2016 9:07am
Hey I just had a couple questions for a possible build. I really want to build a bike from top to bottom and go through everything. I have never done it before, but that's not a bother you have to learn somehow. My questions would be, 1. I assume that these bikes usually end up costing a bit more once they are finished than if I just bought a decent already running bike. Is that correct? Also, are there any bikes that parts are particularly easy or hard to find? I was thinking any major brand 2 stroke from the last 15 years should be easy to find and somewhat less expensive, but I know nothing on the subject so I could be wrong.. Any tips you could throw out that might help me avoid some costly pitfalls?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
In the end, no magic formula but my approach is spend less initially (within reason) and more on the build. Watch out for major cost areas like a swingarm nearly cut in half by the chain, welded crankcases, dry suspension, cobwebbed air filters, drooping footpegs...
For my money, a late model YZ or RM will give great performance and are still somewhat reasonable to buy used. KX's are quirky, and Honda's seem to get more money in our area of the country. Not a fan of 10-15 year old KTM's, just my opinion they are costly and strange handlers
Good luck with your project
I have done it a couple of times and the main thing is to buy the bike right. If you don't get in a rush, you can get one cheap. As for the parts, I would say that they are all pretty readily available less maybe KTM and Husky. A lot of the time, that part (say a rear brake pedal) is actually on a couple different models (RM and RMZ's). Partzilla is pretty handy for sorting that out. Plus, there is a huge supply of quality aftermarket parts these days. Check out my build "04 RM125 build for the rest of us" . I am trying to both show the build and give some tips as well.
The Shop
The first full build could cost you in the tool department.
I've learned to take everything apart, clean it all real good first. Then make a list of all parts "needed" and prices. Then you can prioritize the "want" items.
I have found Honda's easiest to work on and the most enjoyable (better nuts/bolts). Yamaha seems to have the cheapest oem parts compared to others. Suzuki parts can be expensive.
A bargain rebuild (ebay/CL shopping for used parts) can be a fun challenge as you try to stay on budget. I found it easy to find and sell Yamaha 2 stroke parts (2002 and newer).
Take your time, be patient, enjoy the process.
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/
Best OEM prices that i know of....
http://www.powersportsdiscount.com/page/oem-parts
Another tip for Ebay. Search all ways of describing your bike RM125 and RM 125. You will be surprised at what you find sometimes. Also, if it fits say the 250 and 125, check them all. I have found a lot of parts cheaper because they were listed for the 125 and not the 250 or vice versa.
That is great advice, I discovered the same thing on eBay and also craigslist. It is amazing how many ways sometimes people will express the model, and sometimes parts only show up when you use the various versions
If you need a bunch of small stuff like pipe hangars, hose guides or clamps and even larger bolts like suspension or axle, search for your bike model and the word "lot". With there being a bunch of guys on Ebay who buy bikes and strip them, there are a lot of very reasonably priced random parts lots. A few years ago when I did my original 125, I was able to but one for $35 with free shipping that had just about every bolt and small part like those pipe hangars, banjo bolts etc.. It has saved my ass a number of times at the track and in the desert and on my build.
Still, most any bike you buy can be brought back, its all about how much work or dollars you want to commit to
Good luck!
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