They Said This $1000 2-Stroke Dirt Bike Couldn't Be Fixed

I buy a project 1998 Kawasaki KX125 dirt bike that needs a lot of work. Let's fix it. #Kawasaki, #DirtBike, #Fix,
►SUBSCRIBE: / @2vintage
►MY SECOND CHANNEL: • New Polaris ATV Snow P...
► ADD ME ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA ◄
► FACEBOOK: / 2vintageyoutube
► INSTAGRAM: 2_vintage_ / 2_vintage_
► SNAPCHAT the2vintage
► EMAIL FOR BUSINESS INQUIRIES ONLY: [e-mail]
Thanks for watching and subscribing!
New videos every week!
The following video features activities performed in controlled environments by knowledgeable persons. DO NOT attempt to duplicate, re-create, or perform the same or similar activities at home, as personal injury or property damage may result. 2vintage( Joe Weber, the persons shown in this video and ANY CONTRIBUTOR, ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY such injury or damage. ALL 2vintage( Joe Weber) CONTENT IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.
2vintage (Joe Weber) makes no representation about the sufficiency of any safety precautions and equipment used in this video.

[@alanpettibone]

I think the thing that I like most about these videos is that he fixes these bikes in his garage with tools we all have. It’s a very approachable style… and his narration is helpful too.

[@snowyowl7042]

Agreed on the true definition of garage mechanic. Also appreciate that it's not about him, Hey look at me, focus on the job and workings

[@ladinskeem7381]

I absolutely love your videos, they give me a lot of insight on what is going on inside and out of these engines. Although I do want to sneak into your shop and hide your adjustable wrenches.😅

[@michaelselway9961]

I love how diligent he is he has is own touch he makes sure everything is mint

[@hitman0119]

Agreed

[@lloydwilliams-nj2hl]

Put ur head to anything everything is possible

[@CAPS_Paranormal]

Growing up, my first bike was a home made contraption with a lever rubbing the wheels for brakes. It had a lawn mower engine. Very fun, no suspension, almost no brakes lol. Years later I find out that the very same bike was my cousin's first motorcycle as well, many years prior (he was older than me). Then I had a little Suzuki FA50 (how many of you remember those?!?) and finally at about age 12, Mom and Dad brought me home a KDX 80, brand new. My goodness how much fun I had on that bike. Through the years I learned to rebuild engines, change chains, tires, brakes, sprockets, all the stuff, but as an adult I got away from working on bikes. This channel absolutely inspired me to get back out there. This year I did a bunch of mods to my KLX250, and really this channel had a lot to do with me wanting to go back to working on my bikes; it helped give me confidence and the motivation to go outside and make some improvements. Thank you for the work you do!

[@harrybosch5720]

I've got this... from reading the comments I suspect Joe repairs his 'youtube' bikes with some laissez faire just to wind us all up. I'm sure he is having a good laugh at our 'could try harder' remarks. If honest I like his content and the advice from other commenters has really helped me get better at fixing bikes. Thats a win win!

[@Liesthroughisteeth]

Did I just see filthy dirty power valves going back into an engine? Oooooph, time for a parts washer. :)

[@rclmxshift]

Those are some deep grooves on that clutch basket.

[@Johnbruzzi4234]

Fibers are burnt

[@jamest4383]

Joe, you don’t need to buy a new shock just have it rebuilt by S3 Suspension/Quickwrench in Wisconsin. They don’t do just my new motocross bikes but also older stuff. They did my 1993 CR250 front and rear.

[@dezrtrat702]

They put on 99-02 shrouds and fender. I remember doing stuff like that when I was a kid, thinking I’d fool someone into thinking my bike was newer

[@michaelapodaca5296]

Tip: Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda is a really good degreaser and parts cleaner. Very inexpensive as well.

[@TASmania-22]

I've learned a few things watching your videos. I've seen a few mistakes. But there's something that baffles me about the power valves. You don't completely clean them. Why? The power valves will gum up quicker when they aren't completely clean. I only work on my own motorcycles. A long time ago I was a professional mechanic. When I worked on an engine, I cleaned every part. The cleaner the engine and parts, the less likely there'll be a problem after the rebuild. So again, just curious why you don't go that little bit extra and thoroughly clean everything. You're 95% on point. Give a lil bit more attention to your projects and you'll be just as good as any big name bike builder/mechanic. I do enjoy watching your vids, even though I sometimes have criticism. I'd bring my bikes to you for repairs, if you were in my area and had a shop. Sincerely and continually watching!

[@HARRYSheldon-l9h]

yea like why woud you not clean that rust in the waterpump case ?

[@HARRYSheldon-l9h]

yea the power valves were very dirty at least spray them with brake cleaner or carb cleaner dont get it

[@ste1872]

Every time I see the beautiful wee dog he reminds me of a teddy bear & he's full of energy great job 💯👍🏻

[@Bigbo614]

This man can fix damn near anything, gotta love the channel

[@BrockBaker-fd6gi]

Over rev the fuck out of that thing you have to be the over rev king of the world

[@ste1872]

Awesome little lawnmower is working great as well

[@frankhouser3355]

Nothing like putting the clutch together totally dry without oiling bearings or anything.

[@TeznaGFX]

and what if he just didnt include that clip? xD

[@jonathanglanville5265]

Little tip,when you pour fluids in,turn the bottle on it's side,it flows better.

[@CarrieBrinkerhoff]

very true, it lets the air flow in

[@robertb4881]

There's my man Vinny! I thought maybe Vinny got fired! 😆

[@daveknott4563]

Congrats , thanks as always for your work. Do you have a FB marketplace or other where you sell your machines? Shock rebuild next?

[@Ethan_bellpeper]

Lovely Joe like to see your getting to it

[@jasongodin7165]

As a kid I had alot of bikes, the little 80cc and 250cc were beasts, The 125,s were just reveres , the 500cc only had torque , 250cc were my fav

[@GNX157]

Joe, if you get a Vapor Blaster cabinet, you will be so pleased with how it makes all your repair projects look.

[@hitman0119]

Just a parts washer from harbor freight would be a step in the right direction ... But that's just my OCD rearing its ugly head

[@RonaldDaub-xi5jz]

​​@@hitman0119his Adderall won't let him use something like that

[@walk4718]

The new edging stone looks nice👍

[@tobieTyler6007]

Just one time when you ask vinney what he thinks of the bike that he would lift his leg on it 😅

[@ianhorabin9763]

Dies it matter you put some clutch plates in the opposite way to the others, noticed it leaking oil in the garage after fire up..but sounds awesome..👍

[@jeffroberts532]

Seeing you use that razor blade in a scraper did my heart good!

[@Jeekinz]

Throttle has 2 feet of play

[@ryanlester761]

28:20 I always gring down the pin face before pressing it out. I'm worried I'll break my tool, so I make it easier on myself. 😄

[@whompmaster]

35:01 Every time I see all this land I often wonder what it would be like to have your own motocross track.

[@thyreaper650]

May be just me but imo the rust behind the waterpump impeller and the powervalves shoulda been cleaned

[@NightStalkers-hx3dq]

Everything should be cleaned....

[@domified1]

​@@NightStalkers-hx3dqhe doesn't clean anything.not even a pressure wash prior to any repairs.

[@NightStalkers-hx3dq]

@@domified1 Painfully obvious. These videos demonstrate what not to do as much as anything.

[@domified1]

@@NightStalkers-hx3dq damn straight.its extremely painful to see a dirty grimey engine being put back together.#1pressure washer.#2 parts washer.

[@minnesotatomcat]

You gotta open the door before you start them things, I like the smell of 2 stroke in the morning too but you don’t wanna be breathing that stuff 👍

Joe, I've noticed you don't answer any comments but I'll give this one more try since I asked you a couple of times, do you sell any of the toys you've repaired? I saw your garage is packed with them. Thanks

[@porchonetwothreefour]

He sells them on marketplace. He’s in WI.

[@talon0863]

You can glue a sheet of 240 grit sandpaper to a thick piece of glass and hone out the screwdriver divot.

[@rockman49er]

I got an old slate pool table top that I use for this but I use 600 grit or higher for this

[@talon0863]

@@rockman49er Yep

[@Southalabamaoutdoors]

Hope you had a cover on the exhaust pipe on skidsteer when left sitting!! When you pour those 5 gallon jugs your have the spout up top not the bottom as you had done..

[@davecorning4321]

Great wrenching skills!

[@greathornedowl3644]

Great video, lots of teaching/learning moments.

[@ant3459]

mr. 2vinage, we need to see the cr250 firing up like brand new!!! thank you!!

[@RobertKinson]

Hi from the UK, love the videos, I watch every new upload

[@BikerBenny]

15:05 I don't think I've ever cough that all the motorcycles ive had over the years.. unless the clutch hub only goes on one way... lining up the 4 dimple marks

[@richardbakos4970]

Kawasaki do wierd stuff

[@Chevchild]

Hey Joe do you just use sealer on one side of your base and other gaskets or do you just not show you doing both? Nice vid as usual 😊

[@colinerikstanhouse6385]

I don't think I've ever seen a bike you couldn't fix !

[@joshoml162]

Their is one that was posted 10 days ago he couldn’t figure the problem out other wise dude is pretty incredible and knowledgeable on bikes

[@HenkkaEuro]

@@joshoml162 he just missed it but he eventually found it when he was editing the video, it was the woodruff key that was loose on the crankshaft😊

[@joshoml162]

@@HenkkaEuro that would make a lot of sense considering it wasn’t the pipe or the cylinder heads

[@thyreaper650]

He buried a bike that he couldnt fix, havnt seen a vid where he dug it back up or fixed it

[@HenkkaEuro]

@@joshoml162 yeah🙏🏼

[@joelatkinson2080]

You should rebuild the shock and forks, I think that would make an interesting video. Also a good excuse to buy any new tools you need to do the job.

[@Johnbruzzi4234]

New tools lol

[@fredericklogue6566]

Great Job once again.

[@marktroiani5401]

The seller or The previous owner is Joe’s was of saying Bless your heart

[@RC-fu6hg]

A pane of glass to use as a flat surface with sandpaper on it. Just pull the studs and sand it flat both cylinder and head. Hmm unless it’s the weld on the cylinder. But heck it’s cheaper to try they buy parts.

[@jumpinjojo]

*Than, not they.

[@pygmywarrior3]

That old woodruff key is worn down... it's the wrong one!

[@rbarker4426]

Regards to the Yamaha YZ water cooled 125. Check the groove depth all the way around the piston. If it's not equal all the way around. That could cause the ring to load up in the bottom of the groove. And make it wear down more on one side👍 therefore it could be the piston is not within the specifications.Pertaining to the groove depth all the way around the piston.

[@brianb6969]

In 1985 I had a Huskvarna 500. "Beast of a Bike" ! She would Climb any slope in 3rd Gear. Her Name, was Sharlene. I Miss Her for Real.....

[@mikewerner3797]

FYI most idler pulley arms on mowers have a square hole for a ratchet or breaker bar to fit in. Then you pull on the breaker bar to move the pulley arm so that the belt can be easily threaded on to the last pulley. Or sometimes you can just reach in and grab the idler pulley or arm and pull until there is enough room for the belt to thread on.

[@adamfierstine]

Joe, you should make a video about fixing that impact of yours😊

[@JyveKilla]

water pump impellers are left hand thread when they are directly driven by the crank. if they are driven by a gear they spin the other way and dont need left hand thread.

[@JanWillemvanCappellen]

Always learn something new from your vids, very cool

[@kennyball6897]

You are a great motorcycle mechanic and things of that nature when it comes to regular lawn mowers riding mowers push mowers 27 Angels like weed eaters chainsaws blowers that is not you

[@vesandreev7864]

Great job, Joe! The carburetor, power valve and the woodruff key catches were spot on. Yes. the head needs to be sanded or milled a bit. Did you sanded the head yourself a bit? I didn't see the surface on this video.

[@BlasianBarb-zk2ki]

Just wanna say you are basically my dad without knowing 😂 you taught me all he didn’t have time to 😂

[@dougass6577]

damn thats depressing

[@dubiousf00d]

He had time, he didn't want to. Bummer tho.

[@thinkbeforeyouupload6130]

Always someone trying to down they parent cornball you didn’t have time don’t blame him.

[@TheStevo420]

@@thinkbeforeyouupload6130what in gods green earth are you trying to say ?

[@TheStevo420]

😢

[@1911MikeinOregon]

I like the way the previous owner took the time to polish one side of the swingarm and must have decided it was too much work LOL... It's to bad they painted the frame. Should have left it green.Now it's flaking off. It sucks that the cylinder is leaking because it runs good and it would have been a fairly cheap fix. It will be a good bike when it's done. I've only had one 125 that would easily pull the front wheel and that was my CR125, and I weigh 190. The KX does it with ease. I was surprised when I saw it do it the first time.

[@Dolmar-Rick]

Nice bike. I was thinking you could use metal epoxy or jb weld on those screw driver divots, then sand flat just so you get a good seal on the head

[@jakeresnick2669]

Yup I've done that works good since some people shouldn't be working on bikes at all. If I had a nice tig welder I'd be using that instead.

[@Dolmar-Rick]

@jakeresnick2669 Yeah, I thought a decent tig welder could sort that out👍

[@HooligansMx]

Youd make these bikes worth so much more if you invested in a vaporblaster and parts washer etc. You can build a vapor blaster out of an old sand blaster for pretty cheap thats how i did it and i make alot of money flipping bikes now

[@ayedee6681]

I think you need some timing lights and do some speed tests between 100 yard markers. Or 1/8 mile speed tests. It would be a fun addition. Also some bigger bore 2 strokes would be nice.

[@daverose629]

Restore a bike already… this is a perfect candidate, build series would be good

[@teamgmotorsports]

Curious why you didn’t put some sort of case saver on the bike when you replaced the sprockets and chain?

[@WaRn00b85]

This must be a very welcome song to hear after the whole boggy CRF 250 debacle... a clean revving 2-stroke. 😉

[@Farming_With_Cole]

Not CRF CR

[@JasonH-p8f]

I'm minutes in on the kx video..... Does Joe touch or even make eye contact with the power valve on this one?

[@scottmoodysr9449]

Are all keys called woodruff keys? I call em half moon keys 😂😂😂

[@kennethbutler7652]

No they are not all woodruff keys but Joe don’t know the difference

[@scottmoodysr9449]

@@kennethbutler7652 yeah I was being sarcastic 😂

[@snowyowl7042]

Bravo - you got it humming along 🎉

[@stkyfngrszmooth]

You really should've cleaned off all of that rust before installing the water pump impeller. That looked like total crap.

[@robwatkins1547]

Have you ever seen him clean things properly that should be cleaned? look at the power valve, he should have decoked that as well.

[@stkyfngrszmooth]

@robwatkins1547 If I had a dollar for every time someone recommended buying a parts washer, I'd have enough to buy one for him and still have a fat wad left over.

[@colinlogan4879]

Really my only complaint about him. Clean before u tear down and clean as u go...​@stkyfngrszmooth

[@robwatkins1547]

@@stkyfngrszmooth Perhaps if he reads all of the comments like he says, he might put his money which he gets from youtube into some descent kit instead of rubbish like plug testers and claw hammers.

[@mb42mb42]

As you probably realize now, never a good idea to make a bad deal because of your sunk costs (Drive time, expense, etc.). Usually best to walk away.

[@taylorsorensen9617]

You should get a sonic part cleaner.

[@jumpinjojo]

He has one.

[@jasoncompton3735]

Joe I bet your garage always has a slight smell of 2 stroke exhaust. Beautiful

[@BradyHocking]

Just turned 17 today and watching his video, doesn't get any better

[@Ulster-1690]

Happy Days Joe Has Posted 🔥🔥🔥

[@teamgmotorsports]

Next time you’re pouring from a 5 gallon bucket like that, try doing it with the spigot oriented up top. I promise you it will pour from the container so much better;)

[@overourheadsuas2063]

I believe the piston had problems from the go so engine was running very hot in that cylinder then finally exploded off a piece off the piston probably on the high friction side . And that would keep the piston cocked to one side on the stroke up and the stroke down. Probably incorrect piston bore & maybe incorrect ring for bore . Just my opinion I was Sears Lawn & Garden Tech & rebuilt a few engines singles & twins Hope that helps !! ❤️🤠🐭

[@harrybosch5720]

I love watching this guy, but there is a certain amount of winching, is this just me?

[@davidkettell1073]

No it is not just you ,the overuse of channel locks makes my teeth grate and there is no way i would have put that head back on without cheching both surfaces for flatness , i guess stud removal just takes too much time and energy for some people ?

[@harrybosch5720]

I agree. This time we go a chain And sprockets... I would feel pretty stupid, never mind the cost to have put that head and barrel together without some further assurance it's going to work. I like Joe's content but when the impact driver comes out I start wincing. All good stuff.

[@FrankSando-l5o]

The Star of the show is in the house Vinney 😊

[@CJRSBK]

Wants some correct year plastics and fork guards aswell

[@bobbymckinney1264]

Cool video man looked like it was running good,be careful out there at the land by yourself,if you was get hurt be hard get ahold anyone,be careful man you was hammering on that bike

[@Johnbruzzi4234]

@@bobbymckinney1264 thanks Karen

[@99cachorro]

Wow, still green there. Here in Oregon, been bone dry for more than a month.

[@ashleylongley623]

Would like to see you do the shock re-build.

[@GregoryCroney]

Joe most people run a 32to1 mixture rather foul a plug than burn it down especially if your jetting is off a little😊

[@TheHypnotstCollector]

One of the powervlave cover bolts on the bottom will not remove, it will hit the frame or pipe. So to service it you must remove the engine! To remedy, grind it down a smidgen, you'll know it's enough when you can put the bolt into the hole. If the engine is in place you can cut the bolt off and then install another bolt of shorter length. Power Valve Rod:: Behind the lever it connects to is a gear, you can see some of it on the right. There is a dot on it and a dot on the lever th rod slips onto. It is easy to misalign the dots and the power valve open to early or late. The front brake lever BrEaks Easily! So keep spares with you. Factory manual claims 39HP. Seafoam cures many carb problems.

[@husky500cr]

I like your razor blade scrapper.

[@nickgruber2593]

Great job on the bike Joe! As always. Hey I would love to see a Suzuki lt80 on here I don’t think you ever had one on the channel and they made them for a long time

[@rickcoleman8903]

Best way to pour out of a 5 gallon pail is spout up top not bottom it prevents glugging and splashing.

[@KentRoads]

if that was a 4 stroke that would have bent valves :o

[@robertstewart8704]

Been waiting for a notification from you love the video's great mechanic for real

[@brianmckenna3440]

Another great video Joe pity about the Leak

[@PaulHigginbothamSr]

On these new bikes with the power valve, it behaves a lot like a four stroke probably fuel wise without full throttle. I have never ridden one yet. Tune wise the dents remove power equivalent to dent size.

[@michaelfowler8289]

Permatex Indian head has been used on motorcycles since the beginning of motorcycles basically I use it for Sealing old head gaskets😮 they do have a new permatex brand called copper spray head gasket rebuilder you can use it on new and used head gaskets the best way is to get a copper gasket and spray it with the copperhead gasket or coat it with the Indian Head permatex brand😊

[@michaellabombard9507]

Sounds good!!

[@JyveKilla]

you rally should try and rebuild the shock yourself, its very rewarding and not as hard as it seems. all balls sell seal heads and maximus sell shock fluid. just get a motorcycle shop to gas it up for you. you get more content too and its something new for us.

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

So, been watching this channel for a while. Seems like a trend with these bikes.

[@bricehale6593]

I miss my 98 kx250 I beat on that bike every day for 4 months before it blew the rings only payed 200$ for It too

[@rockman49er]

I just finished restoring a 98 kx250 got mine for free and put 4500 into it it's now better than new sitting in my room to only be started once every couple months so many extras and multiple plastics and graphics she's a keeper

[@bricehale6593]

@rockman49er that's awesome man

[@262fallguy]

Watching that belt install was painful. That was the most complicated way you could have done that😂😂

[@yeahright302]

you sure made some good money on you tube over the past 4 years.from working out of your mom and dads garage to were you are now.damn i never knew you tube paid that much money until I google what you tube pays for vids,likes and subscribes.unreal.never thought a person could make a living let alone a great living on your tube!!!

[@elodmihaly6665]

Clutch basket was grooved terribly.. and putting back the steel clutch plates rusty is just a hack job.. people that comment how great he is don’t know what they are talking about.. nothing is ever clean water pump housing covered in rust .

[@Johnbruzzi4234]

@@elodmihaly6665 exactly someone who actually knows what he saying, enough with hes the best mechaic crap, he changes parts

[@matthewg6562]

Hey there's Vinny! Yay! Such a cute dogo mascot!! LOL

[@PurpleMonkeyWaffle]

She sounded horrible at first but yeah shes great! You really should warm up a bike slower though man trust me! I just cold seized my tzr250 giving her the beans too early.

[@Sweendawg32]

Did you put the p.v. Cover on ? And what was dripping on the floor and in the bed of your truck before you unloaded it to go ride. ? Also I noticed the triple clamps sticking above the forks just a bit.

[@MotorcycleMayhem595]

I would like to see you move up to inline 4 street bikes.

[@dougaranda6187]

Nice job again. Bummer about the leak. Shouldn’t you do a plug check on the mower? 😉

[@GNX157]

Factoryconnection for your shock rebuild. Six locations to send to.

[@thinkbeforeyouupload6130]

How you put it back together and the water pump so dam rusty like wht guess not cleaning tht have to rebuild again