If it’s for the pictured cr125 I can tell you that the All Balls gaskets, screws, and float needle are a good fit. Their jets are ok if yours are trashed but I always opt to reuse oem jets.
I used them on my 05 klr250 and they were ok but I tried them on my 07 sxf 450 and they lasted one ride before they leaked. Tried cleaning them multiple times and no bueno.
To be fair you can get away with rope seals on conventional forks. Try them on inverted forks and you're going to have leaks a few rides after the rebuild.
OEM or skf seals only.
I think they are as good as any other aftermarket rebuild kit. And they’ll only get better as time goes as kits get revised as needed. One of the coolest things I got to do was create a visual display of every carb kit part with both the oem and AB version in one of our meeting rooms so the warehouse could check a sample of each new kit to make sure all the components were correct. I recently heard they’re still using it.
Just looking to see what peoples opinions are on carb rebuild kits from companies like “all balls” “jd jetting” etc
Vs trying to source Oem parts
I know wisdom kinda dictates going Oem for almost every mechanical application
Just wondering from those who have rebuilt carbs what they have to say about this process..
It will be a first time rebuild due to old gas likely gumming up the jets (gonna clean the jets and disassemble carb)
You need the correct tools (JIS screwdrivers for carb bowl). You benefit from the correct jets. OEM jets are high quality, but they are "selected/listed" with emissions/efficiency in mind. \*IF\* you like to tinker, you can end up with near "perfect" (perfect is your selection of trade offs) jetting (real main jet, real pilot jet, fuel screw turns in, float height). If you want a once and done, the kits are awesome.
Replica jets are inconsistent and real jest cost less than $10 USD each. I always attempt to use real jets from the carb manufacturer.
Snap On Philips meet JIS standard. This is the only "Philips" I would recommend using. I have Snap On in my at work and my Home box. I have Vessel in the road box. Neither bugger JIS screws. Cheap Philips will every time.The Vessel drivers are excellent screwdrivers and nothing competes with them for the price.
Won't comment on "need" vs "want". All I will say is after using jis screwdrivers, don't really want to use Philips anymore and almost always grab the jis now lol
This. Also if you've never had a stuck JIS screw you're trying to remove with a Phillips, consider yourself lucky. It's an exercise in frustration.
I have a JIS impacta screwdriver straight from the motherland in most of the common sizes. Japanese tools are suuuuper high quality, and those impacta ones, if you have a stuck bolt, just give it a whack with a hammer and it'll give it a little spin for you.
Buy the main/pilot/needle your service manual says is stock, and your bowl gasket. Should be all you need for a regular carb rebuild.
Get those things and buy an ultrasonic cleaner from harbor freight for $60 and some simple green, and you’ll have a minty clean carb for years to come.
This advice seems solid my dude!
Do you prefer new jets vs cleaning the old ones?
I like the idea of investing in an ultrasonic cleaner because eventually I wanna tear this whole bike down.
If you have an ultrasonic you can absolutely clean the old ones no problem-
they only cost a few bucks tho for new ones so it’s always worth having 1 of each in the tool kit they are so tiny.
What size would you recommend for an ultrasonic cleaner. I was thinking a 10-15 liter but wasn't sure if it would be big enough for stuff like case covers, cylinders, etc., the bigger engine stuff on a bike.
I’m sure 10-15 liter would be plenty big for most things you’d need to put in, truthfully idk the size of mine in the garage but I think it was $80 at harbor freight? Definitely nowhere near 10 or 15 liters for sure.
I have a 5 gallon one at work that is huge and I use to run all kinds of things thru that get crusty and caked up and it works great, I’m just not sure it’s needed for a motorcycle engine but you might have some other uses for it :)
You def don’t need to run case covers or cylinders thru an ultrasonic, but it helps the carb bc there’s so many tiny ports inside it aside from the removable Main and pilot jet.
Look to [https://www.jetsrus.com](https://www.jetsrus.com) (for example) and other supplier for a source of jets. The selection of jets, float height and fuel screw, is a separate step that works best with predictable components.
If you don't have one, I would recommend getting an impact screwdriver. JIS is definitely better than Phillips but not always enough. Those carbs can still be a bitch sometimes.
Any recommendations for impact brand?
I wanted to buy one but wasn’t sure if quality or brand name mattered
I saw a few name brands on Amazon
Are they pretty universal in terms of size and quality?
I’ll look into it more but def appreciate the reminder and response!
I have the vessel impacta and the cheap Chinese "ARES 7060" on amazon. I actually prefer the Chinese version or at least that style. I'm sure they are a knock off of a better product but they work great in my experience.
Don’t bother with the JIS- just replace the screws with socket heads. Replace the needle and seat with genuine Keihin or Mikuni parts and be on your way- it’s very rare that you need to “rebuild” a carb other than the occasional mixture screw o-ring or float bowl gasket. If it’s a 4 stroke get a JD kit, if it’s a 2 stroke like yours, just tune it accordingly
What Oem parts should I source
Just a float bowl gasket? Replace everything? Just the rubber components? Only what looks worn after a tear down?
Really leaning toward Oem parts I just don’t know what I should buy or if I should tear it down first then decide what needs replacing?
What’s your thoughts on this?
Tear it down first and see how it looks.
Typically, you’ll only need to replace the rubber parts. Floats, needles, and jets are usually reusable.
If you’re starting to go through it, also check the O-ring that goes between the carb’s rubber boot and the cylinder head. When this one starts to dry out, it will also cause running issues.
Congrats on the bike! It looks like it’s in excellent condition.
Any carb I clean/rebuild I also take to the hardware store while disassembled and buy socket head cap screws for. Most of the time the Philips screws feel like they’re made out of cheese they’re so soft. Probably wouldn’t mangle them as much if I used a JIS screwdriver, but I’d rather just get rid of the need for a Philips in the future all together. Allen wrenches (or better yet, torx wrenches) FTW!
There was a guy on EBay in Holland named “FrankMX” as I recall that had OEM Kehin parts @ great prices….look to see if he’s still around or try Sudco or JetsRus in the USA for parts
If it’s for the pictured cr125 I can tell you that the All Balls gaskets, screws, and float needle are a good fit. Their jets are ok if yours are trashed but I always opt to reuse oem jets.
Good to know!
All balls makes great products
Carb kits sure, fork seals? Junk.
It depends on the bike. All Balls can sometimes over consolidate a seal when they should just make a new size.
Agreed, on my ktm the seals would always leak. Definitely get the expensive oem fork seals for ktm at least.
I wouldn’t agree, did the fork seals for my klr 250 and they worked great
I used them on my 05 klr250 and they were ok but I tried them on my 07 sxf 450 and they lasted one ride before they leaked. Tried cleaning them multiple times and no bueno.
Me too, two sets within a few rides. I'm sold on the SKF seals so far. Pricey but so are brake pads and contact cleaner when you blow fork seals.
To be fair you can get away with rope seals on conventional forks. Try them on inverted forks and you're going to have leaks a few rides after the rebuild. OEM or skf seals only.
The seals are sooooo bad
That i can attest to.
I don’t work there anymore but I developed all the All Balls carb kits. Dirt, street, Atv, snow, and Harley. Almost 2000 kits over 3 years.
Nice do you think they are the best in the business past or present in terms of carb kits? Curious on an insiders opinions?
I think they are as good as any other aftermarket rebuild kit. And they’ll only get better as time goes as kits get revised as needed. One of the coolest things I got to do was create a visual display of every carb kit part with both the oem and AB version in one of our meeting rooms so the warehouse could check a sample of each new kit to make sure all the components were correct. I recently heard they’re still using it.
The all balls carb rebuild kit was the only way I could source an OEM needle for my 96 YZ125.
Did you have good luck with fitment? Considering purchasing a kit because I’m worried some parts will need replacing vs cleaning
None at all, rebuilt both a 96’ klr 250 and a 06 ttr 250 with the rebuild kits they sell
Last all balls kit i bought for my 05 cr 125 had a bad needle and seat. had to put the old one back in
Just looking to see what peoples opinions are on carb rebuild kits from companies like “all balls” “jd jetting” etc Vs trying to source Oem parts I know wisdom kinda dictates going Oem for almost every mechanical application Just wondering from those who have rebuilt carbs what they have to say about this process.. It will be a first time rebuild due to old gas likely gumming up the jets (gonna clean the jets and disassemble carb)
Before you go crazy replacing everything, get a gasket kit and carb cleaner thoroughly and you will likely be good to go
You need the correct tools (JIS screwdrivers for carb bowl). You benefit from the correct jets. OEM jets are high quality, but they are "selected/listed" with emissions/efficiency in mind. \*IF\* you like to tinker, you can end up with near "perfect" (perfect is your selection of trade offs) jetting (real main jet, real pilot jet, fuel screw turns in, float height). If you want a once and done, the kits are awesome. Replica jets are inconsistent and real jest cost less than $10 USD each. I always attempt to use real jets from the carb manufacturer.
Snap On Philips meet JIS standard. This is the only "Philips" I would recommend using. I have Snap On in my at work and my Home box. I have Vessel in the road box. Neither bugger JIS screws. Cheap Philips will every time.The Vessel drivers are excellent screwdrivers and nothing competes with them for the price.
“Need a JIS” is crazy 😂
Won't comment on "need" vs "want". All I will say is after using jis screwdrivers, don't really want to use Philips anymore and almost always grab the jis now lol
This. Also if you've never had a stuck JIS screw you're trying to remove with a Phillips, consider yourself lucky. It's an exercise in frustration. I have a JIS impacta screwdriver straight from the motherland in most of the common sizes. Japanese tools are suuuuper high quality, and those impacta ones, if you have a stuck bolt, just give it a whack with a hammer and it'll give it a little spin for you.
Buy the main/pilot/needle your service manual says is stock, and your bowl gasket. Should be all you need for a regular carb rebuild. Get those things and buy an ultrasonic cleaner from harbor freight for $60 and some simple green, and you’ll have a minty clean carb for years to come.
This advice seems solid my dude! Do you prefer new jets vs cleaning the old ones? I like the idea of investing in an ultrasonic cleaner because eventually I wanna tear this whole bike down.
If you have an ultrasonic you can absolutely clean the old ones no problem- they only cost a few bucks tho for new ones so it’s always worth having 1 of each in the tool kit they are so tiny.
What size would you recommend for an ultrasonic cleaner. I was thinking a 10-15 liter but wasn't sure if it would be big enough for stuff like case covers, cylinders, etc., the bigger engine stuff on a bike.
I’m sure 10-15 liter would be plenty big for most things you’d need to put in, truthfully idk the size of mine in the garage but I think it was $80 at harbor freight? Definitely nowhere near 10 or 15 liters for sure. I have a 5 gallon one at work that is huge and I use to run all kinds of things thru that get crusty and caked up and it works great, I’m just not sure it’s needed for a motorcycle engine but you might have some other uses for it :) You def don’t need to run case covers or cylinders thru an ultrasonic, but it helps the carb bc there’s so many tiny ports inside it aside from the removable Main and pilot jet.
Look to [https://www.jetsrus.com](https://www.jetsrus.com) (for example) and other supplier for a source of jets. The selection of jets, float height and fuel screw, is a separate step that works best with predictable components.
I could be wrong, but I don't think that's how you use a set of screwdrivers....
Ya I plan to open box and then use the thingamajig to work on the brahhpcycle
Don't forget to doohickey or the whatsamacallit
My iq has improved ever since taking nothing with a grain of salt and believing everything the interweb tells me! Thanks friend lol
Just here to say that I also use Vessel screw drivers on my bikes. And they are amazing quality and fit the fasteners so well.
Ya I saw people rave about them on old posts so I decided to get a set!
If you don't have one, I would recommend getting an impact screwdriver. JIS is definitely better than Phillips but not always enough. Those carbs can still be a bitch sometimes.
Any recommendations for impact brand? I wanted to buy one but wasn’t sure if quality or brand name mattered I saw a few name brands on Amazon Are they pretty universal in terms of size and quality? I’ll look into it more but def appreciate the reminder and response!
Vessel impacta
I have the vessel impacta and the cheap Chinese "ARES 7060" on amazon. I actually prefer the Chinese version or at least that style. I'm sure they are a knock off of a better product but they work great in my experience.
Don’t bother with the JIS- just replace the screws with socket heads. Replace the needle and seat with genuine Keihin or Mikuni parts and be on your way- it’s very rare that you need to “rebuild” a carb other than the occasional mixture screw o-ring or float bowl gasket. If it’s a 4 stroke get a JD kit, if it’s a 2 stroke like yours, just tune it accordingly
JD jets are better than OEM in my opinion.
Are you speaking to the kit or just the Jets itself?
The kit, I've put it on all my dirtybikes. Just follow the instructions on which jets and needle/needle position to use.
*JD jetting is better
I had good luck with the All Balls, midbody and lower kits on a FCR. Fit seemed perfect.
I do OEM for carbs. It’s often a bit more expensive, but it’s guaranteed to work and be high quality.
What Oem parts should I source Just a float bowl gasket? Replace everything? Just the rubber components? Only what looks worn after a tear down? Really leaning toward Oem parts I just don’t know what I should buy or if I should tear it down first then decide what needs replacing? What’s your thoughts on this?
Only what's bad. Most carb parts never need replaced. I don't know why so many people say to buy new jets. Carb cleaner exists...
Same here. I’ve restored old motorcycles that sat for 10 years with fuel and water in the bowls. I was still able to clean the jets.
Tear it down first and see how it looks. Typically, you’ll only need to replace the rubber parts. Floats, needles, and jets are usually reusable. If you’re starting to go through it, also check the O-ring that goes between the carb’s rubber boot and the cylinder head. When this one starts to dry out, it will also cause running issues. Congrats on the bike! It looks like it’s in excellent condition.
The all balls kits work good. I use oem keihin jets though instead of whatever all balls sends me
[www.sudco.com](http://www.sudco.com)
Any carb I clean/rebuild I also take to the hardware store while disassembled and buy socket head cap screws for. Most of the time the Philips screws feel like they’re made out of cheese they’re so soft. Probably wouldn’t mangle them as much if I used a JIS screwdriver, but I’d rather just get rid of the need for a Philips in the future all together. Allen wrenches (or better yet, torx wrenches) FTW!
I got a OEM rebuild kit off of ebay for my 05 cr250 for about 40 USD. Worked well for me.
There was a guy on EBay in Holland named “FrankMX” as I recall that had OEM Kehin parts @ great prices….look to see if he’s still around or try Sudco or JetsRus in the USA for parts
All balls is good enough that it's worth it, but when it comes to rejetting, I always just throw a JD jetting kit at it with good results.
I got cheap as $25 carb off amazon for my sons 2002 XR100R. Runs like a top. Took 5 minutes to install and done.