bike for me? rm125 ?!

[SKIDOOrider800]

me:
6'4" 170lbs
Ski Doo rider: MXZ 800
some light bike experience


The bike:
1986 suzuki RM 125
L/C 2-stroke (mmmm 2 stroke)
Fresh top end last winter, just broken in.
good condition
May need chain, and back tire
700$ Canadian
says chain is worth $32, tire worth $20

what considerations should I have about mileage?

looking for soemthing to keep me busy when I can't be out at camp and i can't snowmobile. Needs to be relativly inexpensive... not riding is killing me.


good/bad, things to check for
Thanks ALL in advance!!!

 

[vindict]

pretty old bike, but a new top end is allways good-- since you wont be riding the crap off of it, I'd go for it.

 

[Chili]

If the bike is in good shape that would be a very good price for the area of Canada I'm in. I'd suggest he's under estimating the cost of the rear tire though. Or at least a any tire I'd want on one of my bikes.

 

[SKIDOOrider800]

thanks. I'll look into that tire thing. He says He can get it from a friend, hence the low price for it. anyone know what the sprockets for that bike will set me back?

 

[bikepilot]

Sprockets are typically $35 rear, $15 front. I would recomend an O-ring chain which would run about $55-70 (all USD$). When you look at the bike check for play in the chassie bearings as they can add up if they all need to be replaced. Try to rock the wheels back and forth (perpendicula to the bike). If there is any movement the wheel bearings are shot (~$50 per wheel). Put the bike on a center stand and see if the rear wheel/swingarm has any up and down free play (moves without compressing the shock). If it has much free play then at least on bearing in the linkage/swingarm/shock needs to be replaced. Laslty, while the bike is on the stand check that the handle bars move freely from lock to lock then check that the front end has no play at the steering head. Roughness or free play means it probably needs new steering head bearings. If all these things check out good, you have found a very solid well maintained bike:)