1997 YZ 125..good or bad!

[Dirtmanabe]

I found a 97 yz 125 for sale. It sounds like a cool bike. It has PC pipe and silencer and race tech springs or something like that i forget. The guy is selling it for 1200. Are the 97s good or will i regret buying the bike later on. Im 6'2 and 165 lbs. Would this be a good bike to do stuff with like race and jump..but nothing like at parks maybe later one but for now just racing friends and stuff if you know ur stuff about yzs instant message me on aol.

[Dirtmanabe]

PLease help someone!

[Aus_Rider_22]

I don't know about the price (us$) but the 1996 onwards YZ125's were a really top bike. I would say go for it!

That bike will be great for racing and any jumps you decide to throw at it. Good luck and let us know what you decide!

[mxerncolo]

I hate to answer folks questions with a question, and HATE it when people do it. But what are you riding now?
jim

[Dirtmanabe]

I have very old bikes. A yammi enduro 125 and enduro 250

[drman]

Go for the YZ if you are sold on it...you will have a huge advantage over those older bikes. Also, you could actually consider going with a 250 over the 125 if you want a bit more power and more of a powerband.

[Dirtmanabe]

Idk..I like my little 125...its a lil beast..also would i weigh or be to tall for it..im 6'3 and 170 lbs..
I hope not cuz the yzs sound awesome and the deal is something you cant turn down right away

[Aus_Rider_22]

Go for it mate. It will have plenty of poke for you. It feel awesome after riding your slightly older models.

I would go check the bike out and it looks sweet then go for it.
Let us know when you are going to check it out so you know what to check for.

[Dirtmanabe]

Could u tell me what to check for? I am thinking that i should check the spokes (he said that it needs new tires soon), check all the brakes make sure the pull and actualy work, check the coolant see what color it is. Check the frame out look for cracks. Um im not sure i can think of anymore things. Im going to see if hell diliver it so i can ride it here. I am talking him down 2 1000 since im going to replace the top end and the tires. Then give him like 75 or 100 to deliver with the thought of my not buying it. SO idk..he is going to send pics ill post em when i get em

[Dirtmanabe]

OK guys this bike is pretty much what im looking for! It needs some work, new plastics, new chain, sprockets and a new exhaust. Would you still be able to ride with a few dings in the header? Here is what i want to ask. The front rad shrouds are a little dinged up, its hard to tell but if you look very close in this picture you can see a little line right above the header and it goes from the edge of the shroud to the bottom hole there. That line is where the plastic was broken and you cannot secure it with a bolt anymore there. Do you think new plastics will fix that? THe front fender is stressed because it got bent but im plannin on replacing most of the plastics.
Ill put a pic in the photo section but please tell me how tp put one in here!

[Aus_Rider_22]

Sounds like you know what you are looking for.

You will have to take into account all the parts you have to replace.
Remind him that you have to replace tyres, plastics, top-end, exhaust and this should make him come down quite a bit. Although it doesn't sound like much stuff, the plastics do add up quickly.

Do a thorough scan of the frame for any cracks or major damage.
Also, go over all the cases carefully. As there is a good chance a crack could be there. And cases can cost a small fortune.

Good luck and feel free to ask any more questions!

[Dirtmanabe]

What are the cases? Also on the frame there is a little rust, or paint chipping where the pegs are. How much would all plastics cost. it doesn't need new tires..from the pic they look fine he also said they were fine. Also how would you post a picture in this reply or in ne reply i want to show you the pic!

[Aus_Rider_22]

Cases are the metal pieces that make up bottom half of engine.

Little rust on frame is ok, as the paint gets worn off or chipped.
It can be removed by sanding and re-painting.

Or you can do what I have. Invest in frame guards.

I have also bought a glide plate to protect underbelly and frame rails off eBay. Nice DSP Carbon Fibre plate for $40.

This sort of protection will help keep your bike looking nice.

To post a pic you first have to upload it to the internet. Easiest way is to upload into your user photo gallery from your computer.

Once you have done that you simply go to view the pic. THen go to properties and highlight and copy the photo URL.

Then paste it between [i mg] and [/i mg] without spaces between i and m.

Hope this all makes sense! Good Luck !

[CR_dude75]

Even with the little bit of work that it needs it is still a really good deal.Out here in so.cal.it seems like if it has two wheels and starts,it is worth a thousand bucks,no matter what year it is

[Dirtmanabe]

hey thnks..and i cant send the pic cuz its so big and i cant crop it down cuz its so big still. If you want it im me and ill dc with you a send it! Also I worker him down to 1100 and 50 to deliver. so its really good deal cuz it runs and there are easy stuff to fix. I wanted a bike to fix neways...thnks guys give me any good imputt still.

[Dirtmanabe]

Do any of you have any suggestions on what kind of pipe i should get, it has a pc silencer and a pc pipe but its dinged up which is fine for a while im jsut wondering. Also do you know what kind of chain i should get.

[FFRacing11x]

The '97 YZ was a good bike...
In '97 my daughter won the 125 Schoolboy and 125 Modified classes at the AMA Amateur Nationals against the likes of Tony Meiring(factory Kawasaki RR), Jason DiSalvo(factory Yamaha RR), Rob Pearson and Charlie Italia(national Number DTers), on a 1997 YZ125.
If it is in good shape, go for it! Tdub

[Dirtmanabe]

Cool, Does anyone have suggestions for premix, tranny oil, coolant. ETC.

[Aus_Rider_22]

Any higher quality Fully Sythetic racing oil would be great.

I use Motul 800 and have had no complaints.
These oils are a bit dearer, but you know you have the best protection in your engine.

Again, any transmission specific gear oil would work perfectly fine.
I use Shell Advance Transoil.

With the coolant, it doesn't really matter what brand. Just as long as it is bike specific coolant and you mix it 50:50 with water you should be sweet.

Hope this helps. Talk to your local Yamaha dealer as well. They will be able to answer any of your questions.

[Dirtmanabe]

Once i get the new plastics on, im going to take it to my dealer and get her checked up on.