Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

I was wondering if anyone has replaced the battery box/air filter with a K&N round filter and a newer sealed battery or if it's possible as long as the volts and amps are the same. I could use a new rubber sleeve/air filter/ and battery and was just try to find all my options. possible new battery box with flat mount. I know this may not go along with restoring it to it's original splendor but I like to customize my bikes.

cheers,
Matthew

Yes, you can use a K&N filter with an adapter to the boot.
....but you may regret it. It is VERY noisy without the airbox.

The airbox is also what holds the battery. You would have to fabricate a shelf of something solid to strap the battery to.
Good luck,

Mike

Another question,now that it's brought up, is do I need a battery if I am not running the lights, turn signals, horn, etc? This is going to be a dirt only bike that I may swap out the top end for a CR. If it's kicked over would I need a battery or rectifier?

Hey again,
If your bike is either the MT 125 or the MT250, The stators and wiring for the battery is slightly different between them. Either way, there are 3 coils in the stator. One is for the headlight, not rectified, so it is AC current. One is for the tail-/brake light, horn, signals and for the charging. It is rectified but not regulated. The 3rd coil is for the ignition coil, so you only need the stator coil for the ignition coil if you don't need the lights.

In short, you don't need a battery for the ignition.

Mike

Matthew,
I forgot about your air-filter.
Uni-Filter carries them. Part Number -NU-4012 for the MT250 and NU-4013 for the MT125.
Look them up on the internet.
http://www.unifilter.com/online%20catalog/vintage.html

Mike

I appreciate the info. I am actually thinking of going minimal on the bike. It didn't come with any of the lights and I figure I will just strip it down to make it as simple as possible hence the air sock for a filter and the thought of discarding the battery completely. I really do love this site and the people on it. I wouldn't have the foggiest place to start if it weren't for your help.
Regards,
Matthew