1983 WR 125 -Scrambler build

Hi folks! My name is Johan and im from sweden and i have owned this bike since i was like 15, but never had anywhere to store it and never had any interest in it since im more into cars really. But i have always loved bikes and knew about every sportsbike in the catalog when i was like 12, and dreamed about owning one, one day.

Lately i have been reading alot about scramblers and cafe bikes and thought to myself that hey, i actually got a bike.

So i went to my parents summercottage in the woods, loaded it on a trailer and drove home, washed it off and put it inside for the first time in like 25 years and started to take it apart.

This is what i have to work with.













So the bike is really rusty, like everywhere, i cant even roll it. The frame must be welded at the seat rail, and i guess about everything have to be exchanged. Right now im in a state where i dont really know if i should continue or just scrap it. But i thought i could start a thread here and maybe get some guidelines and advice.

The plan is(was?) to make a kind of flat tracker/scrambler look, just a simple fun bike to ride on. I think the engine is pretty much scrap since it have been sitting outside for so long without exhaust, so i had plans on putting a honda xl 250 or other engine in the frame, but people say the chain is on the wrong side so that would be impossible, then i thought i should find a beefier more modern fork to put on, with new wheels and disc brakes but after days of searching the net i cannot find any info about what would be a good fit.

Well, hope im not upsetting anyone where with this rather weird project. If it doesnt fit in you can just delete it. Thanks for any help!

is your bike !

125 WR 1983

Your bike is a 82 painted in white like 83 models.

Good catch MD! I didn't pick up on that!

I'd restore to put it back to original ?

that poor bike! amazing its actually held up well considering how long its been outside.

It looks a lot happier cleaned up and inside!

You will have to replace every wheel and swingarm bearing, very likely end up cutting the swingarm pivot, go completely through the engine,..... in short repair or replace every component on the bike. I agree with Dartyppyt, restore to original working condition as I personally feel a 2 stroke 125 single would not be a happy engine for a café racer as it would tend to seize after prolonged high rpm use as road loading is less than off road loading. The only way it could last is to install a handlebar mounted choke like desert racers used to do and hit it to put more lube in at the high rpms. If you want a real café racer or scrambler, just get the bike serviceable and do a nice rattle can paint on the frame. Of course it looks like the fork tubes are so rusted they need to be replaced. You can likely get it running and at least make a return on it. But at that point you could purchase a café or scrambler project.

That's a lot of work there.
I will follow.
Different engine is not a problem, just flip the wheel and do some brake mods.

Don't scrap it, I will gladly take if. (I'm from Sweden too)

yeah, dont scrap, at least let someone make use of the good parts left. i bet the tranny is still good!

I would like to point out that with the extensive water damage you are looking at a rather large investment to get it running. Some folks jump into refurbishing such a bike without considering the cost of parts and machine shop work. Something to consider before you begin a refurbish or modification journey.

Thanks for all the answers, unfortunately I dont really feel like or can afford bringing it back to original, i like things that are a bit off and look cool so im not planing on using the old engine.
I really just would like to build something cool that runs, so any advise on cheap engine/fork that fits good would be very very appreciated. I'm sure I will piss some people of by this attitude but I can guarantee it will be a cool and functional bike.

So its and 82? Thats really cool, because im too! Maybe me and the bike can help each other get in better shape then the 82 tank is way cooler!

I have begun to strip it down already, pictures will arrive.

DONT SCRAP IT the world needs all the 125WRs tear it all down bet its not as bad as you think you can rebuild anything if your willing to make the investment its a part of your youth rebuild it make it a project with your kid they or even grandkids will get a kick out of it someday[ yea that was grampa's bike way back in the day]

for you , the restore is easy
in sweden !
(husqvarnaclassic.se !
blocket.se ......)
price for me 10000/
15 000 krs
parts only !
(y have restore 125 very
very very bad ....)

give me your bike and y swear
restore in original 1982 !

Thanks for all the comments, i guess this project has come to an end before it even started, and im not a quitter but im also driven by passion and dreams and this bike really does nothing for me. Since hook it up with parts from other bike doesn't seem to be an option for you guys, i think i will just part it out on swedish craigslist(blocket). the money to buy parts and restore it will be alot more than just get a running dirt bike and get out in the trails and im not very keen on that, i think i will stick to cars. Thanks anyway and good look with your awesome projects!

Visiteur does a great job on bikes like yours. check some of his rebuild threads on here. Well worth the effort to redo this bike. I would undertake a full resto back to standard.

start with stripping it down and bagging / boxing and tagging up all the bits till you have a bare frame. photograph EVERYTHING! then you can make a decision.

I agree with the above that a different engine (and bike )would be a better starter for a café bike. a four stroke for a start.

enjoy the job!

yes just put it all back the way god and Husqvarna mint for it to be it is the only way to redeem yourself

Damn it, i cant sell the damn thing, i will give it a go restoring it! It will not be 100% original, but i will make it run and look cool!

I would really need some advice though.
What forks of other bikes/brands would fit bolt on? As cheap as possible, im thinking honda ktm?
Have anyone put another brand of engine in one of these frames? If so, what engine and which would be a good choice? The other option would be a used husky engine.
Right not the goal is to try and take it apart and blast + powdercoat stuff.