75 RD125B build/resto-mod

[Sleeper217]

Hello all,

I'm new to the forum but not to two strokes.  After years of searching I finally picked up an RD125.  I have been pouring through the site archives and elsewhere digging up information for parts to perform a rebuild\resto-mod.  However, as many of you may well know, here in the US these little bikes and parts are few and far between.  I've already made a call to John at Economy but also would like to pass some of my questions on to the rest of you.

Here goes in no particular order:

1.  Does anyone know of a reputable fabricator that currently makes or will make brass swingarm bushings for the RD125?  I believe the 125 & 200 share the same swingarm.

2.  Tapered bearings for the front.  Has anyone done a swap?  I have done the conversion on my CT1 and 250 race bikes.  However, this particular project is intended for the street.

3.  Points to CDI conversion.  PVL/VAPE/etc... Has anyone done this for a 125?

4.  Headlight upgrade(s).  Suggestions?

I appreciate any information or suggestions.

Thank you

[SoCal250]

Welcome! Congrats on the 125

Don't have much info for you since I've done my best to not modify my RD125, but to keep it as original as possible. Because there aren't many RD125s around and owners typically don't modify them the parts options are going to be pretty limited. The other issue you'll discover is that some parts are unique to the 125 even though the bike does share quite a few of it's parts with the RD200.

1) Bronze swingarm bushings -
I've never seen any made for the 125. Part of the reason is that the OEM ones are more of a traditional automotive metal-sleeved design, not made from plastic like they are with the RD250/350/400. The OE part is still available from Yamaha (174-22123-00-00), and is the same one as the TA125, AS3, SR185, YZ490, and a few others. According to my parts books, the RD125 and RD200 use a different bush.

[Sleeper217]

Thank you SoCal250.

I appreciate the input.  You have confirmed my suspicions.  I figured that bronze swingarm bushings for the little bikes was probably going to be a special/one-off custom item.  The nice thing about them though is that they last.  I installed some on my 250 20+ years ago and probably won't ever need to replace them.

My build is really more of a re-assembly/build than a resto-mod.  The only real modifications I plan on are upgraded parts where needed.  i.e. The replaceable, worn parts.  I was very fortunate that the gentleman I bought the bike from had already begun restoration and also included a spare motor and other parts.

Thanks again!