Rode the YT125, now some slightly more expert questions...

I posted a looong while back about a cheap YT125 I picked up. Anyway after putting some money into it I got it going and drove it around this past weekend (and I snuck a ride on it today after work, when there was still some snow on the ground). Thanks to all who replied to my questions, they really helped me out.

All I did was put two new rear tires on, change the plug, and put in a (real) air filter (when I opened the breather box I found an old t-shirt that was wet and oily. I guess it was an 'improvised' filter!).

I noticed some of the exhaust coming from low down in front of the bike, (as well as out the tailpipe) at first I had a sinking feeling as I thought maybe there was a leak from the head, but it was lower down. I think there may just be a hole in the exhaust pipe but I couldn't quite see where it was coming from. I assume that there are aftermarket bolt on mufflers? Are there any that would specifically follow the countour of this bike and (1) vent out the back somewhere (2) not have a hot pipe exposed for the rider to get burnt?

Ok, maybe I'm an idiot but this thing is kind of difficult to steer! When you turn the handlebars, the bike doesn't exactly go in that direction. In the manual, it says you have to lean *out* in a turn (try to get the bike up on the front and the outside wheels, with the inside wheel off the ground. This is kind of counterintuitive but I'll give it more practice :-) The front tire is intact so I didn't replace it. However the tread in the center of the tire is worn down flat so that can't be helping this effect.

Where can I get a replacement chain? And what 'numbers' or measurements do I use to order it? I don't see the info in the manual (I got the manual off eBay anyway and I am only 95% sure it's the right one)

How often do the chain and sprocket need to be replaced? How can I tell when they are bad? I saw an aftermarket chain tensioner available for this bike. Is this worth looking into? Does it reduce wear on the sprockets and chain?



Next on my list:
-Get the kill switch working (engine does not stop when set to "OFF")

-Check brakes and install new pads

-Replace hand brake cable (only foot brake works now)

-Drain and refill tranny oil (who knows when it was last done?)

-Put new petcock on fuel tank

-Maybe get headlight and brakelight to work??


Stuff I need:
-Maybe a front fork from a YT175 to get some suspension? Would any year YT175 fit?

-Throttle cable (Where can I get a NOS original Yamaha? How about aftermarket?)

-Springs! I need the return springs on the throttle (where does this go, inside the throttle lever assembly or down at the carb?)
and the brakes (foot and hand). All are sluggish.

If anyone has any suggestions, feel free to let me hear it
Thanks!!

[TimSr]

My first Triek was a YT125. They are difficult to handle, and roll very easily. I called mine,"the death trap", but is sure was fun. Also rear tire pressure is very critical on those. If there is even a slight difference beetween the two rear wheels it will pull hard to one side.
Dont waste your money on a chain tensioner. There isnt enough chain to tension on that one, and with no suspension, its pointless. To check a chain for wear, simply see how far it will pull off of the rear sprocket in the back middle. A new chain will barely come off at all. As they stretch from wear, they get bigger than the sprocket teeth. If it pulls out more than 3/4 tooth, then its about due for replacement. On the sprockets, look for teeth to begin to curve in a fishhook fashion. A rear will last forever on that ride, but keep an eye on the front one.
The chain is #520, and you normally buy it by how many links. What youll find is that about a 48 link chain if I remember, and when I went to get one, the smallest they had was 90 links, so I bough a 100 link, and made two chains out of it.

Tim:
Thanks for the tips! I checked Denniskirk.com for 520 chain. What's the difference between QR type, Omega S type, RK, SR EK, EB, MX...? And clip, sealed, and non-sealed? Does it matter which I use? Do I need a special tool or can I break a chain and put links in with handtools? (I remember when I was younger I had a special link breaker for my bike chain). I'm jus tlooking for the cheapest option or maybe one step up...
Thanks!

[Trikeaholic]

get the cheapest parts you can for that thing. Mine is in good shape, it was extremely hard to steer when I first got it (also my first trike ever) the front tire will make a noticeable improvement in steering. YT175 forks will fit it, you need the whole front end assy. I have one needs rebuilding if you are interested. also have a front wheel with the brakes also off a 175 oh yea, noone makes pipes for that anymore. I found a nice used one for mine on ebay. the original was all rotted out. I got a complete unit off ebay and wire brushed it and painted it with hi temp black rustoleum. always make sure your exhausts are painted. when they start to peel paint, remove it and refinish it or it will rot. especially with no aftermarket support, if you find an AM pipe, maintain it! I have a White Bros on my 175 and if it even gets scratched, im gonna fix that too. That is a RARE pipe!

[BigRedRunner]

I always hang my butt over the outside and pop the outside tire up too! :shock: It kinda feels more natural and you get tighter turns. Just put your whole body into and you'll kinda feel it balance out. Its pretty scarey if you just sit there and pull tight turns.