Rebuilding my RM

[suzukimxrider]

So I'm rebuilding my RM125 (top end mainly; may need more than that but I'm not too sure yet). I've done simpler tasks (putting in a new clutch basket), and have the manual and it goes pretty in depth on how to get inside the engine and take it apart and *successfully* put it back together.

I'm no mechanic, and really don't know the ins-and-outs of 2strokes... The bike has been sitting for a few years (4.5 to be exact) so what else should I replace so I don't cause myself any problems? Aside from cleaning the thing out of all old oil, gunk, etc what do you recommend?

Also, the last few times I rode it (years ago) it fouled plugs quite often, and was a PITA to start - I changed premix ratios, but had assumed it was a top end issue and never got around to checking it out before I left for college. I don't know what reeds do, but could this be a possibility?

Your thoughts, ideas and comments are greatly appreciated! I haven't been riding in years and definitely want to get my bike up and running so I can go out and have some fun! Thanks!


- suzukimxrider

[MXtras]

I suggest:

Dump the tank, rinse it out with clean fuel.
Remove petcock from tank, examine and clean.
Take the carb float bowl off, clean, check float height, write down jet sizes.
Remove reeds, looking from carb side you should see no light between pedals and frame. If so, remove reeds from cage and examine, clean or replace.
Clean your air filter.
Clean out your pipe and look for carbon/gunk build-up. Ensure exhaust seals are good and remove big dents, if any from expansion chamber.
Fresh plug with a spare or two.

After top end and break in, evaluate jetting. Please search on this site for jetting before you ask how/what/where/why. It's a topic that is well explained, it just takes a bit of time on your end. This is likely why your bike was hard to start and would foul plugs. It's not the only reason, but it's a likely culprit.

Keep a log of what you do to the bike and when.

If you have specific questions about jetting, ask.

By the way - welcome to the site!!

Scott

[gregorious77]

what year is the RM?

[suzukimxrider]

1990 - sorry, I thought I had put that in the first post.

[suzukimxrider]

So today was my 'lets-rebuild-a-dirtbike' day - never done a top end; and actually it wasn't as hard as I thought. Took the advice from here, as well as from other moto buds and cleaned the bike up really well. It's not together, as it needs some more parts (fixing things ALWAYS reveals new things that need replacement!)

Anyone have a lead for that Suzuki blue color? I want to spray parts of the frame that need some love.