[OffTheLine]

Hey guys ! I'm a college student with a love for two stroke bikes and I wanted to know if you guys think a KB125 would be a good first bike for me. It seems to be in extremely good condition and I know the owners. In attaching a picture of the bike below and would love to know what you guys think

(Can anyone also point me towards any good mechanics in Bangalore that would be willing to work on a KB125 ?)

Thanks for the help in advance



Mods I could not find a thread for the KB125 so please tell me if I should move this post

[boniver]

Originally Posted by OffTheLine

Hey guys ! I'm a college student with a love for two stroke bikes and I wanted to know if you guys think a KB125 would be a good first bike for me.

YES please. A KB125 is much rarer than a KB100, and although engine parts might be a little more difficult to find, it is not impossible. Go for it, and if you don't want it, let me know

[OffTheLine]

Originally Posted by boniver

YES please. A KB125 is much rarer than a KB100, and although engine parts might be a little more difficult to find, it is not impossible. Go for it, and if you don't want it, let me know

Haha I figured since I cannot find any in nearly as good condition online. The owner of the bike is an elder man and I am close with them. While looking at the bike all the ridt that I see can be fixed in any local shops (saree guard etc.). I was very surprised to see it in such decent condition

I had another question, should I avoid the bike if the odometer has gone past a certain number of kilometres for example 1 lakh ?

Thanks for the help in advance

[justin.das]

Originally Posted by OffTheLine

if you guys think a KB125 would be a good first bike for me. It seems to be in extremely good condition and I know the owners

The KB 125 is quite rare now. As Yamahas are selling for close to a lakh or more, Suzuki's two-strokes (Samurai, Max 100 ) have also started gaining appreciation. Even then, there are only a few Kawasaki two-strokes left on Kerala’s roads.

The main issue I experienced with the KB is its gearing it runs out of steam too soon. Other than that, it's a pretty good ride. I'm not sure about the availability of spare parts nowadays, but I hope that with some effort, they can still be sourced.

Originally Posted by OffTheLine

I had another question, should I avoid the bike if the odometer has gone past a certain number of kilometres for example 1 lakh ?
Thanks for the help in advance

Even if it's a high-mileage bike, the engine can be rebuilt. If the barrels are not already at their maximum bore size, there's an option to go to the next size with a new piston set. Oil seals, gaskets, and bearings can all be sourced, so there's no need to worry.

[OffTheLine]

Originally Posted by justin.das

Even if it's a high-mileage bike, the engine can be rebuilt. If the barrels are not already at their maximum bore size, there's an option to go to the next size with a new piston set. Oil seals, gaskets, and bearings can all be sourced, so there's no need to worry.

Thanks for telling me this By going to the next bore size does that mean the power of the bike will increase ? And will the parts for the bigger pistons be available ? About the gearbox issue do you think switching the gearbox to a 5 speed will fix the issue ?

Thanks for the help in advance

[justin.das]

Originally Posted by OffTheLine

Thanks for telling me this By going to the next bore size does that mean the power of the bike will increase? And will the parts for the bigger pistons be available?

Yes, power will increase and fuel efficiency will drop depending on the size. Up to 2nd oversize it's ok from 3rd oversize onwards there will be a noticeable difference.

Originally Posted by OffTheLine

About the gearbox issue do you think switching the gearbox to a 5-speed will fix the issue ?

Thanks for the help in advance

There is an option for importing Kawasaki KH parts. Even original NOS Kawasaki parts of this model are still available abroad but won't be cheap to source.

[OffTheLine]

Originally Posted by justin.das

Yes, power will increase and fuel efficiency will drop depending on the size. Up to 2nd oversize it's ok from 3rd oversize onwards there will be a noticeable difference.



There is an option for importing Kawasaki KH parts. Even original NOS Kawasaki parts of this model are still available abroad but won't be cheap to source.

Okay that's good to know I am a college student and I want to pay for the parts myself, so I look for some side income of possible and modify the bike (that was always the plan)

I always thought I shouldn't by a two stroke since it has low fuel-efficiency and other issues and then I realised I'm a college student. If I don't have fun now I'll regret it

But how much do you think the fuel efficiency will be when the engine is completely stock ?

Thanks for the help in advance

[justin.das]

Originally Posted by OffTheLine

Okay that's good to know I am a college student and I want to pay for the parts myself, so I look for some side income of possible and modify the bike (that was always the plan)

I would recommend to keep the bike as stock as possible. Keeping the bike in its stock trim will ensure that the value will be appreciated as time passes by as well .

Originally Posted by OffTheLine

I always thought I shouldn't by a two stroke since it has low fuel-efficiency and other issues and then I realised I'm a college student. If I don't have fun now I'll regret it

But how much do you think the fuel efficiency will be when the engine is completely stock ?

Around 40Kmpl, KB is a good reliable bike .125 is decently peppy as well.

[OffTheLine]

Originally Posted by justin.das

I would recommend to keep the bike as stock as possible. Keeping the bike in its stock trim will ensure that the value will be appreciated as time passes by as well

By this do you only mean keeping the cosmetic trim stock or keeping the engine stock as well ?

Thanks for the help in advance

I feel like modifying the bike will allow me to work on it myself that's why I wanted to know

[justin.das]

Originally Posted by OffTheLine

By this do you only mean keeping the cosmetic trim stock or keeping the engine stock as well ?

I would recommend keeping it in full stock both mechanically and cosmetically harm in going for upgrades using imported KH Parts.

Originally Posted by OffTheLine

I feel like modifying the bike will allow me to work on it myself that's why I wanted to know

In my opinion, these beautiful bikes have gone past their prime and they need to be taken care of at least by the enthusiast, no harm in doing routine maintenance as DIY but I recommend avoiding mods and not using it as a low-cost bike to learn mechanical work.

[OffTheLine]

Originally Posted by justin.das

I would recommend keeping it in full stock both mechanically and cosmetically harm in going for upgrades using imported KH Parts.



In my opinion, these beautiful bikes have gone past their prime and they need to be taken care of at least by the enthusiast, no harm in doing routine maintenance as DIY but I recommend avoiding mods and not using it as a low-cost bike to learn mechanical work.

Thanks for the suggestion But I always plan on keeping this bike for an extremely long time if I can purchase it

I will keep it stock for as long as I can and as long as I'm happy and comfortable with the performance (if I get the bike we should definitely plan a group ride)

Thanks for the help in advance

[justin.das]

Originally Posted by OffTheLine

Thanks for the suggestion But I always plan on keeping this bike for an extremely long time if I can purchase it

All the very best for your endeavours to get the bike.

Originally Posted by OffTheLine

I will keep it stock for as long as I can and as long as I'm happy and comfortable with the performance

In my perspective, one should see these bikes as classics, when we go for a bike or car that is decades old it will come with all the nuances that were there during the period. For comfort, performance, and reliability there are numerous options from the market that now can give all these. Why fiddle with an oldie for all this? Accept it for what it is, and that's what passion for these classics is all about.

Originally Posted by OffTheLine

(if I get the bike we should definitely plan a group ride)

You have to come to my city for that to happen.I am not from Banglore

[OffTheLine]

Originally Posted by justin.das

All the very best for your endeavours to get the bike.



In my perspective, one should see these bikes as classics, when we go for a bike or car that is decades old it will come with all the nuances that were there during the period. For comfort, performance, and reliability there are numerous options from the market that now can give all these. Why fiddle with an oldie for all this? Accept it for what it is, and that's what passion for these classics is all about.



You have to come to my city for that to happen.I am not from Banglore

That also makes sense But all things considered let me get the bike first

Also I want to know if it makes sense to take this bike in the highway ?

Thanks so much for the help

[justin.das]

Originally Posted by OffTheLine

Also I want to know if it makes sense to take this bike in the highway.

Yes, if you planning for premix then increase the oil mix a bit. Keep a spare plug and plug spanner and being a fully air-cooled engine it's not advisable to ride consistently on high rpm for long (like 4-stroke bikes ) it is better to keep varying the speed to keep the engine heat in check. Reliability depends a lot on how original the mechanical components are and how good it was rebuilt last time. It will do just fine if it's healthy and is in factory condition.

[OffTheLine]

Originally Posted by justin.das

Yes, if you planning for premix then increase the oil mix a bit. Keep a spare plug and plug spanner and being a fully air-cooled engine it's not advisable to ride consistently on high rpm for long (like 4-stroke bikes ) it is better to keep varying the speed to keep the engine heat in check. Reliability depends a lot on how original the mechanical components are and how good it was rebuilt last time . It will do just fine if it's healthy and one factory condition.

Okay that's good to know I've also heard that some people use spark plugs made out of indium for better performance, will that help in this bike ?