TWO-STROKE TUESDAY | EXOTIC 2005 KX125 WITH MODERN STYLE

A 2005 Kawasaki KX125 with the body of a 202 KX250 four-stroke. 

By Robert Reed

I got back into riding after a long absence and decided to get a new motorcycle.  I have ridden Kawasakis my whole life and I love two strokes, but I was out of luck on buying a new green bike. Not wanting to deviate to another brand, I decided to build a 2017 Kawasaki KX250F with a 2004 Kawasaki KX250 engine.  In the process of trying to solve a problem with the airbox fitment, I found a kit on eBay that included 3D printed airbox spacers.  In addition to the spacer, I also bought a full kit to convert my 2005 Kawsaki KX125 to modern plastics.  The kit requires a 2017-2020 KX250F subframe, airbox, gas tank and seat, but it includes all the brackets and bolts.  It really modernizes the ergonomics and changes the riding experience.  With more and more KX250F parts becoming available on resell sites, it’s a quick way to make your older KX look and feel like a new bike. Below are the build specs of my 2005 KX125 project bike.

Build Specifics:

• 2005 KX125 with a C&N MX Powders plastic conversion kit
• Acerbis full 2017-2020 KX250F plastic kit and X Seat
• Full custom graphics by C4 Design Co
• DirtX Industries frame guard tape
• Athena 144 big bore kit
• Rekluse KX250F clutch adapted for use in the 125 by Enduro Pilot
• FMF SST pipe and Shorty silencer
• Boyesen ignition and clutch covers
• GPX Racing radiator hoses
• 2010 KX250F forks with Kashima coat and re-valve by N2Dirt Suspension, forks were lowered ½” to match the length of the stock KX125 forks, 2008 KX250F triple clamps (24.5 mm offset)
• 2005 KX125 shock with Kashima coat and re-valve by N2Dirt Suspension
• Tusk rims, polished stock spokes, wire-brushed stock hubs, Tusk rim lock nuts, Pivot Works bearings
• Pro X Sprockets, Primary Drive gold chain, Acerbis chain slider, TM Designworks Factory Edition rear chain guard
• JFG Racing anodized footpegs
• Tusk shifter
• Tusk KX250F brake lever tip adapted to the stock brake pedal by the owner, Tusk rear brake clevis, Faast rear brake spring delete
• Tusk front and rear master cylinder caps
• Tusk axle blocks, Nyloc rear axle nut
• Tusk rear disc brake guard and Works Connection rear caliper guard
• Galfer front and rear braided steel brake lines, Tusk Typhoon front rotor
• Pro Taper bars, ODI lock on grips, Best Dual Sport Bikes anti-vibration bar ends, Trackside folding levers and clutch perch
• Photos by Creel McFarland at Limerick Studio, Edmond, OK