KX125 Engine swap

[Captain Fantastic]

Hi all, I'm new here.

I'm restoring an 88 KX125 and am just wondering what issues swapping the engine to an 89 model would cause. I know that the 88 uses 8mm engine mounts and bolts and the 89 10mm but is everything else the same?

I'd rather use my original motor but pretty much everything needs replacing (including cases and gearbox) and I can get an 89 pretty cheap and in good condition, just needing a new piston. I'm in Australia so parts are not quite so easy to come across.

[umberto]

Hello Captain Fantastic, welcome to the site. The frames on the 89 and 88 look fairly similar in pictures.  Knowing they were going to the perimeter frame in 1990, I couldn’t imagine Kawasaki making a ton of changes to the motors from 88 to 89. I think it’s worth a try if you can get a deal on the other motor, and you’re comfortable with a little fabrication (in case the motor is a little different). 

[Captain Fantastic]

Thanks mate. Yes I wouldn't have thought there'd be a lot of difference between them and I have no issues modding the frame if necessary. Fingers crossed it will drop right in for me.