I was here a couple years ago as I was restoring/repairing a nice AT3 that my wife had purchased. She really loved that little bike and preferred it far and away over the too tall/too heavy XT225 she had been riding. Thus, we went through a brief period of "vinduro bike heaven" as we would often go on "vinduro" tiddler dual sport outings, Wild Child aboard her AT3, and me aboard one of my vinduro tiddlers.

Alas, I made the "mistake" (not really) of having her swing a leg over a new KLX 140L. Her smile said it all. We purchased it off the show room floor, and I began the long process of making it street legal here where we live. (Oklahoma.)

She loved the KLX so much she let me know that she would chose it over the AT3 for any riding. (Bikes are only a means to an end for her. She has zero nostalgic attachment at ALL.) SO, she decided to sell it.

I considered keeping it for myself (I had ridden it right at 200+ miles myself), for I LOVED its user friendly nature. However, its 28"-29" seat height was just too low for my 6'1" frame (I need about 32" seat height), so I let it go. (I tried to attach a pic of Wild Child out in the woods with her AT3... but I may not have done it right!)

Well, I'm back, this time I'm looking for a '76 DT125 for MYSELF. I perceive a '76 DT125 as being a very user friendly bike that I can keep around as I continue to age. (At least I HOPE I continue to age!)

SO, I appeal to those of you here to keep an ear open for a '76 DT125.

I am NOT looking for a show piece. This bike will be purchased to ride out in the mountains on forest roads A LOT. However, there ARE some essentials that will help or hurt a purchase:Here's the essentials that I am looking for:

• CLEAR title with VIN matching the title. This is a MUST.
• Decent cosmetic shape. (Negotiable.)
• Decent mechanical shape. (Negotiable.)
• Still has factory instrumentation. (Tach/speedo/key switch w/key)
• Still has the factory luggage rack.
• Factory turn signals a plus, but not mandatory.

A '75 won't do it. (19" front wheel.) I need the extra height the 21" front wheel and forward mounted rear shocks will afford.

IF you know of such a bike, then I can be contacted via PM here, or at laming at cebridge dot net.

Thanks a bunch for reading this and for any input you can share!

Andre Ming
aka Vinduroman 

 

OH and...

How hard is it find high wear and/or normal wear parts? Such as:

* Front sprockets
* Rear sprockets
* Generator brushes
* Carb parts (float needle/seats, O-rings/etc.)
* Pistons/rings
* Clutch plates
* Headlamps (Does a '76 DT125 use a sealed beam or bulb?)

Any "gotcha's" I need to know about?

V-man

Assuming you are looking for a 1976 DT125c US model with 12v electric start, I feel compelled to point out the 1976 125 did not get "forward mounted shocks".  Only the US 1976 DT175c did...  

The US electric start 125 has a lot more in common with the earlier AT/CT series than it does with the 74-76 DT175.

Headlight is sealed beam and probably an oddball size... it was on the earlier 12v 125...  you might be able to find/fit a replaceable bulb headlight or change to 175 bucket that can accept a standard 5 3/4" bulb.  

Probably the next hardest thing to find on your list locally is the brushes unless you want to spend big bucks from Yamaha, but they can be ordered from Asia and received fairly quick.


 

Hi Mark!

Thanks much for your input.

Perhaps I read an overseas brochure? The textual description called them "forward-mounted". Hopefully the link below will take you to the page containing the brochure. It is certainly not "lay down" shocks, but appears to be mounted a bit further inward than what I recall the AT3 was. Here's the link:

bringatrailer.com/listing/1976-yamaha-dt...VwhC6khNPetuzbTXORFs

(EDIT: The above link only takes you to the main listing. Scroll down to the photo array. That is where a picture of the brochure page is found.)

I was afraid the headlight would be an issue.

For Wild Child's AT3, I was able to find/procure a headlight w/bulb opening that I think was for an AT1. The lamp used an available 12v light bulb. (I can't recall if it also required a pigtail.) Once installed, Wild Child's AT3 was all set for the years to come. (Except she didn't keep it!)

However, for the life of me, I can't remember where I found the headlamp or the bulb, or what I even ordered. Yes, I should have saved the link. I think it was eBay, but I also think I recall someone here helping me or on Facebook.

Yes, I recall spending some pretty hefty dollars for a set of brushes and clutch (fiber) plates from my Yamaha dealer for the wife's AT3.

I ask all these questions because I intend for a '76 DT125 to be one of my "take me to the finish line" bikes. I'm nearing 71 years of age, still doing well, but I intend to ride as long as I can. I feel a '76 in the stable can help me achieve that goal:

* Taller seat to fit me better than the other AT/DT's w/e-start

* 21" front wheel to help the seat height

* Very durable engine/transmission

* Acceptable weight

* E-start so I won't have to kick it every time I want to ride. (Don't know how the knees and hips will hold out for me!)

SO, if I'm successful finding a '76 of the quality/price range I hope to find, then it will be with me until I can't ride.

I have an '03 XT225 that has usurped my 21012 WR250R. The XT is just so much more user friendly with its lower seat height (32") and lighter weight (238 lbs dry). That compares to the WR's 36.5" seat height and 300 lbs. The differences between the XT and WR is even more pronounced now, than when I purchased it 3 years ago. That so, the WR will hit the used market come Spring.

Thanks again for your input!

Welcome back!! You can always put a 1 inch taller rear shock it doesn’t look out of place or to high I did it on my CT1C because I’m 6’2 but my son is 6’6 

Hi Ht1kid!

If I find the right '76 DT125 at the right price, I've considered fitting Hagon shocks that are just a bit longer.

Of course, trying to find the "right" bike is always a process and sometimes doesn't turn out successfully.

V-man

I answered on your new post...  I was wrong about 76 shock mounting...  they were actually moved forward very slightly on the 1976 DT125. 

Thanks again for input.

I have committed to purchasing a '75 DT125B and I should take delivery of this Friday, Jan 6.

SO, this thread has served it's purpose!

I'll be starting a new thread for my "new" bike shortly!

V-man