This weekend I rode on my family's land for the first time in about 15 years. Under the porch of my great aunt and uncle's old summer home was the machine I grew up riding: a 1985 ATC 125M. I couldn't believe it was still there!

It probably hasn't been ridden in 10-12 years. All three tires are flat. There is very little rust on it, and none on the motor. It has been sitting outside under a porch that whole time.

Despite all that I was thinking about taking it and trying to restore it. However I have never done anything like that. My mechanical abilities are less than stellar.

What sort of problems might I be looking at? Optimistically I might just be able to get some tires, toss a battery in there, drain the fuel, and change the plug and oil, and be good to go.

 

well like you said oil, gas, plug, battery, tires, clean carb, airfilter, maybe chewed wires or mouse nest, oil some parts like chain and stuff
hope this helps

 

ajd, if it is just sitting there, what do you have to lose? I know of a few local guys that might be able to help you find parts and what not. There are actually quite a few trike enthusiasts around here.

 

if its been sitting a while the piston maybe siezed to the piston wall. not permanantly (sp) but try spraying som wd40 or liquid wrench in the spark plug hole and let it sit for a while before you try to turn the motor over

 

ajd187

......"My mechanical abilities are less than stellar" .....Before you buy any part....go buy a book! It will be the best purchase you make for that trike.

If you really want to restore it, and have a couple hundred to throw at it, go for it. I could type anyone through a trike rebuild. I even have a couple references here on the forum.

There are quite a few places to get any part for that trike.
Hyperparts
BikeBandit
E-bay
and some others.

 

Wow, Thrash, I just checked out Hyperparts.com- I never heard of 'em, Tanx for posting that link up, BM...................