Hello Everyone,

I have recently been gifted a motorcycle which is in quite a rough shape. After doing some preliminary research and stumbling upon this forum, I’ve been inspired by the great people here to begin my first restoration project.

As a starting point I have been trying to accurately identify it, this has been quite the challenge simply due to the lack of documentation detailing its exact model. The only information contained within an import document (imported into the UK) is that it’s a “1976 Yamaha Enduro DT125 Trial Bike” with this in mind I searched the internet thoroughly trying to find an exact visual match with limited luck.

During an inspection of the bike I noted a VIN number which starts with “594 - 1” and referring to the “YAMAHA Model index -1958 - 2010” lists it as a “DT125FC” however I am not 100% certain due to almost zero further evidence online.

I’ve gone to the extent of searching individual parts numbers with the aims of finding somewhat of a further acknowledgement of its existence, but this has only left me overwhelmed with the amount of interchangeability and visual differences within the already diverse DT range.

While searching I came across a discussion on another forum (See Link Below) were an individual with a similar issue received a comment stating that his was a “DT125D” (See Image: 1 - Below) apparently this model has a similar VIN to the “DT125FC” but its not listed in the model index.

The only two motorcycles that I have found that look almost identical to mine where found on two separate Thai websites. The first is a “DT125C 1978” (See Images: 2, 3, 4) and the second I think is a “DT125FB” (See Image: 5) The only difference is a miniscule colour difference on the fuel tank sticker.

Does anyone know if one of those little “Yamaha Part List” books would help with identifying it? If not any help or additional information is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Link mentioned above: advrider.com/f/threads/old-beast-no-idea-what-it-is.562145/

from Salisbury - another Brit!

Please post some photos!

Will you be doing a full resto, or a get it on the road resto?

You've clearly done a fair amount of research in the right areas already, so I won't tell you what you already know.

As 594 doesn't appear in the VIN tables in the Tech Library here, then it won't be a US bike. Would be great to know where it came from - Asia maybe?

Some components on your bike may well have a code stamped on to them - eg wheel hubs, brake plates, yokes (aka triple tree), barrel/jug/cylinder, carb.

Is your bike the kick start only model (with 6v electrics) or does it have an electric start as well (12v electrics)?

My guess is that your bike will share parts with others from various markets and so research each area of the bike carefully - posting photos here would be great, as the US guys will be able to tell you if a certain part was US spec or not.

Is your speedo original and kph or mph? If it is original, this might give a clue as to where it was imported from.

CMSNL (in Holland) and Partzilla (US) show which other models used a certain part. Take care though, as neither of their databases contain anything other than North American models of that era.

As I say, post loads of photos and fire away with loads of questions!

Most literature online is related to US models. Yours is not a US model.

Closest US model is likely a DT175C.

(The US did not get a twin shock 125 with magneto ignition, 6v lighting, and kick start only... all US 125's were 12v starter/generator models... be conscious of this... the US DT125 is VERY different than yours. 74-76 US DT175 is closer but has the 175 top end)

Alan has posted some links on a seller of European parts lists... that would be your best bet.

As far as model, it's likely a DT125FC from the model code. Confirmation can be found in other Yamaha model code lists found in the Tech Library here. The "F" stands for "foot start only"... not to be confused with the US model "F" which would be a 1979 model year with monoshock... known as an "MX" model outside the US.

With the 1 at the start of the second half of the VIN, it could also be a DT125FD if there was such a model?

There was also a DT125E twinshock in in other countries which had the "E" stand for "electric start"... that model is similar to the US DT125 twinshock and not similar to yours... (and again, not to be confused with a US DT125E.)

Finally, the official UK model likely most similar to yours is the 1F9 model from 76-77. Parts list in the Tech Library yamaha-enduros.com/index.php/parts-lists/76-dt-125-1f9-europe

Thank you very much for the replies and kind welcome @GR8UNCLEAL & @MarkT

Sorry for the very late reply, I have been preoccupied over the last couple of months with other matters caused by COVID

I’ve inspected the components but the large majority of them do not have a code in the form of a part number. Here is what I’ve managed to find:   ·        
Cylinder: 45200        
Exhaust: 576 - 14610        
Muffler: YAMAHA KRIZMAN SPARK ARRESTER - MODEL KS-350 U.S. PAT. PEND. APPROVED US FOREST SERVICE        
Brake Shoe: ASK 1036DYFF (183 - 01)        
Headlight: Koito + 110 – 31843·        
Headlight Bucket:  Yamaha + YHA-111 SAEM68·        
Light Switch – For Handle Bar: SAE QB2 YHA209·        
Tail Light Lens: 040-5118 SAE STL 71  
RIM: TAKASAGO Yamaha RIM        
Front Tyre: 2.75 – 21        
Rear Tyre: Trial Sport Made In Japan Nylon 4.25 – 1.8         
Front Hub: 248 - 25311-00        
Indicator: SAE D71 AU40 26408 (They are orange)·        
CAUTION DON’T PUT RAG AND TOOLS ON THIS COVER FUSE 10A

According to the “DT Series Owner’s Manual” – (specially for the C models)  

Tachometers with the order: High Beam (Blue), Flasher Pilot Light (Orange), Neutral Pilot (Green) is for only “DT125E(C), DT125(FC), DT175(C)” – Which checks out for mine as they are arranged in this order.

“LIGHTS” switch A (Right side-Lighting switch) Canadian models do not have this switch, European and “Except for Europe” both have it but they perform differently (I am unable to check mine as the wiring harness/loom has been burnt.)

I purchased a DT125FC part list, which has underwhelming as I thought this would be the one. There is nothing special or anything that stands out compared to other Yamaha DT books, unless I am missing something.

The book contains a bunch of exclusive parts for Australia & Canada but there aren’t any similarities to mine so it’s probably not from there, notably:  Australia has an exclusive “Chase, chain” this is different to mine, they do not have the “Pipe, Outlet” for the silencer, which mines does. Canada parts just confirm the “Lights Switch A” is not included and also has a different wiring harness compared to other models.

To answer your questions, sorry for the ignorance in advance:  ·     
* I believe the motorcycle is a kick start only as the handle switch does not have a “Start” button.
* Sadly I don’t what is original or not but the speedo is in KPH.
* Don’t know if its 6v lighting.
* It’s more than likely a magneto start, it has the same wire coming out and plug on the end that I’ve seen in books.

@MarkT your input on what each letter symbolises in model codes has been very intriguing.  With regards to the “1” I’ve contacted two people from Thailand and they seem to believe it’s a “DT125D” – Every part-list I’ve found for it has exclusive to Canada on the front; so I don’t know if any other country got them. What do you think? I know you mentioned “DT125FD” earlier It might exist as I’ve found a “DT Series Owner’s Manual” & somewhat of a part-list, apart from that absolutely nothing online.

I will upload a few images below; if you wish to see a specific part let me know. Thank you for your patience.

After extensive research and receiving mixed answers from Yamaha dealers, I've come to the conclusion the motorcycle is either a "DT125FC" or "DT125D" but it's more than likely a "DT125D" released between 76 - 77. The issue with "DT125D" they were never included in the "Yamaha Model Index" and most dealerships do not believe they exit. Judging by every parts list I've found for this model detailing "For Canada" I believe this motorcycle was only created for Canada and therefore the parts are exclusive to there will be very difficult to find, especially the wiring harness. So I've made the decision to restore my motorcycle with a combination of the two.

People who may come across this post struggling to find answers I belive this is the following for VIN:
- DT125FC = 594 - 0
- DT125D =   594 - 1 
 

The "594" VIN is listed for "other countries" in the best Yamaha VIN sheet I have...  Canada has its own column so it might not be a Canadian model?

I agree with the -1 likely being a 1977 (could be D or still FC).

Again, I know yours is a 125 but it's likely to be closest to the 1976 US DT175C for parts except for the cylinder/piston/head of course.

Also check out the 76 DT125 (1F9) parts list in the Tech Library.  That's the Euro version of what might be a very similar bike.

Hey MarkT, always great to see your replies.

Funnily enough, I just received an image of the “Yamaha VIN sheet” you just mentioned, I was just questioning the fact DT125FC was listed in other but has exclusive parts for Canada.   

When I was referring to Canada I was mainly talking about “DT125D” since the only information I’ve found on them are parts lists; the common occurrence amongst them they all detail “For Canada” on the front. To extend what I wrote earlier about being in contacting with a Canadian Yamaha Dealer, he explained from his books, that it’s a DT125D as 1977 serial range started at 594-100101, whereas the 1976 DT125FC serial numbers started at “594-000101” Apparently he has been in business since 1968, he claims that he is the few dealers in Canada that would have this type of record that far back.

You are correct on the US DT175C; I noticed the similarities too. I wrote a question a little while ago asking about a wiring harness.

I’ve checked the DT125 (1F9) They are quite similar, I will keep it in mind. But I think I am going to follow the parts list I own for the DT125FC, hopefully everything is compatible.

The DT 125 D was also sold in Australia and New Zealand .
Quite probably a similar spec to Canadian market .
If you looked on Aust. Ebay ( ebay.com.au ) ,
You might find a parts manual , which might help in your searches .

Thanks for the reply Swoop56, I will do.