Watchlist Wednesday: Yamaha RD125LC

What’s that noise a ring-a-dinging? Not quite a two-stroke but the Ebay notification bell to let us know that time is ticking down on this piece of naughty as new nostalgia. Scottie Redmond explains why he’s watching this LC…

Not everyone possesses a full bike licence, and you’d be amazed how many middle aged folk regret not doing their bike test in their youth. But instead of being bothered to jump through the various hoops (or is it swerving round cones?) to obtain a full licence when they can simply treat themselves to a cool 125cc from yesteryear.

Don’t believe me? Check out the prices for those bikes that some of you slung a leg over when you were stuck on your L plates. The 80’s models, like the Honda NS125F, Kawasaki KMX125, Yamaha DT125R etc., are not alone, with 125cc bikes from the 90’s, like the excellent (if a little fragile…) Aprilia RS125 and Ducati 916 wannabe Cagiva Mito 125 shooting up in popularity and price!

This particular Yamaha RD125LC is an absolute peach; it’s been fully restored and no end of new parts have been chucked at it. There is even an Allspeed expansion exhaust fitted for extra cool (and power)!

The asking price of £5,495 is pushing the ceiling for an 80’s 125, but when you consider how much a project RD125LC alone is these days (if you can find one) combined with the expense of time and money getting it back to its former glory, it is easy to see why any serious punter wouldn’t put their money down on this.

Ebay Listing: NO LONGER LISTED

YAMAHA RD125LC SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and transmission

Displacement: 123.0 ccm (7.51 cubic inches)

Engine type: Single cylinder, two-stroke

Power: 17.0 HP (12.4 kW)) @ 9000 RPM

Top speed: 126.0 km/h (78.3 mph)

Compression: 6.4:1

Bore x stroke: 56.0 x 50.0 mm (2.2 x 2.0 inches)

Fuel control: Membrane

Cooling system: Liquid

Gearbox: 6-speed

Transmission type, final drive: Chain

Chassis, suspension, brakes and wheels

Front tyre: 2.75-18

Rear tyre: 3.25-18

Front brakes: Single disc

Rear brakes: Expanding brake

Physical measures and capacities

Weight incl. oil, gas, etc: 115.0 kg

Fuel capacity: 13.00 litres