DT125 R 1990 Wheels ??
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Hi, new to the forum. I've recently purchased a 1990 DT125R and am looking at restoring it back to original condition. Had the frame, swing arm, yokes etc powder coated and they look great but the wheels let it down. They are quite pitted in places. Does anyone have or know where I can get some good wheels from, or anywhere that does a decent re- chrome job. Any help appreciated.
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Hello and Welcome.
Nice to hear about another DTR being restored.
It depends on how far you want to go, I'm not aware of anything in particular that owners are doing to restore their wheels. But it is possible to have wheels refurbished.
It may be a case of merely splitting the rims from the hub and buying new rims and lacing them to the hubs.
I suspect it would be easier to find wheels from a newer model and fitting those instead.
I'm surprised that they are so expensive!
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Personally I'd go aluminium and get new rims from SM-Pro
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@Nottsbiker If you're restoring it though it's different right. You're looking for originality.
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True.
I prefer to improve with better quality components as well where I can find or afford them. Also I think of it like this is what I would have done 20 odd years ago if I had access to the funds
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@Nottsbiker I know the feeling. I know it's only a 125, but I built exactly the RS I wanted when I was 17.
But I know people like @scrimsmustang and @oldman like concourse and I get that too! Superb jobs.
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my Personal opinion is that once you start work on a vehicle you destroy originality. You may as well do it how you’d like it, to the best of your ability. Whether that’s throwing money at or hands on (my favourite is hands on but I still like the money option) End of days, it’s your bike. It’s not historical,( and I believe that there are vehicles out there that are so righteous that you are basically just a custodian) so go wild as you like, or not 🤪
If you love a bike, or are passionate, you’re gonna want it in as best a condition as possible. Whether that is mechanical or just bling, depending on your abilities. Don’t be swayed by other people’s opinions. Do your thing
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Had my wheels rebuilt with new rims and genuine Yamaha spokes by local bike shop for £300 odd quid if memory serves. Central Wheels will rebuild for a price. Had hubs powder coated first. Not many early bikes left, personally prefer originality, too many bikes look like a dog's dinner imho!
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I like a nice restoration but there is always an aspect of a motorcycle that bugs me so I feel obliged to change it
Also if I restored something to "brand new" condition I'd never want to ride it and motorcycles are for riding
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@Nottsbiker Now that's crazy thought! I don't ride my motorcycles so...
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This is exactly what I mean! I appreciate all of it. The lavish attention to detail. The ratty old survivor is my personal favourite, but it’s all good. It’s the passion that matters. As soon as you become opinionated you limited your own options, which is a shame. I love bikes for the freedom they give you. When I was 16 and had my first vespa90 registered as a 50 it was like growing wings! 45mph was like flying🤪 shit! I’ve gone all Zen
Reality is I’m a bit jealous of people who can throw money at a bike to their hearts content. I’d love to build a dream bike, but I’ve always been cash-poor. And watching other people is never how I’d do it. It’s still nice to see people do it though...
Sorry, rambled and forgot my point
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if you do some searching around using the size of your rims you can find brand new rims for very little money can even go aluminium and get polished ones that look similar to stock only obviously better im confident you can get a pair of rims new cheaper than getting yours re chromed
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Thanks for all the on and off
topic replies. I managed to get a front rim off ebay from a guy 2 miles up the street ( weird ) that's in great condition, spokes are on back order so sorted for the front, so the hunt is on for a rear. I'm not rich , I'm on minimum wage so this restoration is on a tight budget, but if you can't start with a good base ( frame, wheels ), it'll never be what you expected. The temptation to break away and do my own thing is incredible, but I just want to see how far I can get before breaking down and setting fire to it .
