125-200cc 99 cr125 what to do first?

So i just picked up a 99 cr125 from a buddy for $100. The reason it was $100 is that it is completely torn apart, all the way down to the frame stripped (i have everything). Here is where my reason for posting comes about, the motor needs going through and a few parts replacing, thinking about doing the 144 kit as i have read on this site (im very new to this site) but do not really know where to find parts to do the kit. I do not have a carb, what should i do as i have read the stock carbs are not much to be desired, so i cannot see myself spending money on something thats not worth it. Lastly, i have read multiple posts about upgrading the suspension, can you guys give me ideas on what should be done. I figured i would post this before i start rebuilding my bike so i know what to put on before i waste money on rebuilding junk stock parts. Thanks

#1 must do, sell it to me for $101.

I'll have a stock carb for ya, once my lectron arrives ...I also have a brand new pwk air striker for a 125 if you want. I would keep it a 125 and put my money into the bottom end. Freshen up the top and ride it.

I have a 99 WR 125. The rear shock isn't much to be excited about. I had my man Corey at ProTuneSuspension set up a 2002 CR250 rear shock and a set of 99 CR250 forks, (same as both of our stockers but I had both in excellent cond) up for my skill and weight for GNCC. The suspension works as well as anything thing else out there IMO. The shock length was off but he got me close and I run the forks a bit deeper to off set the shorter shock. My EXC530/570 has a SXS shock and CC Husaberg forks. More adjustability but same result. He did a bunch to the forks to make them really work. If you want his info PM me or look for him on facebook.

For the engine, really be honest with yourself about how you ride. If you plan on lugging it around the 165 seems the way to go. I've ridden one, awesome bottom and mid but cuts off too soon for how I ride. If you are a top end guy, a port job and a 144 is great. We had a Eric Gorr ported 09 WR144 for top end and it just sang. Pump gas too.

I have ridden the Lectron, not impressed but I ride WFO. I won't feel the smoother transitions from idle to pilot to needle cause I'm never modulating there. On my 4t BB I feel those differences so I get it. If you are a gun & run 125er, I think the Mik carb is dandy as long as you aren't changing elevation a lot. I'm in NJ at a few hunny over sea level.

The 165 signs off at 11k while the 144 pulls to 12.5k. It won't make as much top as a 144...

By the way, drew at WER does great work on the suspension. You can't go wrong with the 125 144 or 165. 3 different animals in one bike.

I would have to concur with Kelly on the 165 transformation. I am running the dinosaur Uptite 167 and can not believe the low and mid of that top end. It is exactly as he described his 165. I run a 13/52 combo and still rocket to 54mph. I have a 144 kit but could not imagine going down in displacement, but I am not moto. I love the power when climbing and I'm going with the Lectron this week. Cha ching Kelly!

My buddies bike HAS the KTM 200 pipe and Lectron, it just dies on top.

Same here. HGS pipe and lectron carb. I tried the tmx carb as well. Experimented with gearing 13/46, 13/48, 13/50, 14/48. No luck for me. Just doesn't have the revs that I need. My buddy who is a beginner loves it on the mx track because most of the power that he uses is down low. This motor makes one heck of a woods bike though.

Not sure how many rpms some people need on the 165 as mine has plenty on top, During winter testing I was all over the low to mid pipes as they worked so well in the deep mud/snow ect and were so easy to get front wheel up if needed but then the sun finally showed itself and things dried out some and I then prefered the more higher reving type pipes.
Did 5 hours playing / working on getting a bit fitter last saturday with a few friends running a HGS and 38mm lectron, bike pulls a reasonable bottom mid that pulls my 225lbs around just fine and has a good long pull right to the upper rev range. personally I dont need any more power as the bike suits me fine and I aint getting any younger Swapping back to the 125 for a few laps was not a nice experience even though its a real nice example.
Dep pipe is the highest reving pipe I have used and even that produces a reasonable pull right from the bottom, So as Kelly said the pipe make all the difference on the 165 and also the gearing! its pointless running 125/144 gearing as you will not reap the true rewards of the 165s greatness.

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD0UnJP-fpE

That looked fun.

Johnnyboy, where in the UK is that? looks awesome

Agreed, and I can see, and hear from the vid above, that the 165 pulls great from low to mid, no doubt there. I'd probably have one just for tight woods if I went back to multiple dirt bikes. I'm at a point where I have 2, a WR125 as a back up/scrambles/play bike and my BB EXC 610 KTM do it all MX to woods bike.

That extra 1000-1500 RPMs mean everything when you are launching off a big jump out of a corner! My seat of the pants estimates are my buddies 165 peaks far lower, and falls off even sooner than that. He has pretty steep gearing on it too, 13/48??? Right where it feels like it should rip it is finished. Hey, maybe the open can will wake it up. It sure sounds like the bike is extremely sensitive to exhaust changes.

Power delivery in this video seems good to me - sounds like it will rev well when asked
Love the english countryside!
If you want to sell the dep pipe let me know please. Is a dep 200 pipe?
It s interesting some say the 165 is easier to ride but if you like to really fang it It's harder to keep on top of it due to extra power down low to mid
So as walt has said to me the challenge will be bringing my level up to being able to use all of its potential