Description
Originally named the Sachs 125, the DKW 125 Enduro earned its titled after DKW and Sachs merged in the 60s. It ended up becoming one of the first baby MX bikes that took off in the US, as it compared well against the Kawasaki Green Streak and Hodaka Ace. It was a reliable package (though the Sachs unit apparently yielded a few too many false neutrals), and the whole package could be yours at the time for $748.
A decade later, the Sachs-powered model had been usurped by more modern competition. Still, for a few years the combination of a 125cc motor, leading-link forks, and Boge shocks was satisfying for American riders. For more on this model, check out this profile from Motocross Action Magazine, who call it Classic Motocross Iron.
This model has been on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum for the last three and a half years and they’ve decided it’s time to find the bike a new home. The Petersen Automotive Museum was established June 11th 1994 by magazine mogul Robert E. Petersen. The museum was originally located at the LA County Museum of Natural History and later moved to their current iconic building designed by Walton Becket. In 2014 the building’s façade was redesigned by architectural firm Kohn Pederson Fox. It features it’s current look which sports a stainless steel ribbon design that used over 100 tons of 14 gauge type 304 steel. We are honored to represent this bike as well as our partnership with the Petersen Museum. “Ask anyone to name an iconic classic motorbike and they’ll very possibly mention the Triumph Bonneville, Ducati 916 or Kawasaki Z1, but there’s one design that’s usually overlooked – the DKW RT 125.” – Carole Nash
This example is VIN: 427004109.
The odometer shows 652 miles, however true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Mileage: 652
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok, light rust inside tank
Transmission Oil Level: Ok
Transmission Oil Quality: Ok
2T Oil Level: NA
Coolant Level: NA, Air cooled
Coolant Quality: NA
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: NA, Cable brake
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: NA
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: NA, Cable brake
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: NA
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: NA, Cable clutch
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: NA
Final Drive Condition: Ok, needs service
Headlight High Beam: NOT WORKING
Headlight Low Beam: NA
Passing Light: NA
Parking Light: NA
Turn Signals: NA
Tail Light: NOT WORKING
Brake Light (Front Switch): NOT WORKING
Brake Light (Rear Switch): NOT WORKING
Plate Light: NOT WORKING
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: Drum
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: Drum
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: Pre-2000
Tire Date Code Rear: Pre-2000
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 22 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 22 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: NA, Magneto
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: NA
Running Condition: Good, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: None taken
Test Ride Distance: NA
Notes:
-Really light rust inside tank
-Chain is dry and dirty
-Headlight, taillight, brake light is not working
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED
-Clean fuel tank in-house
-Chain service
-Diag headlight
-Diag taillight
Modifications:
The seller states “the bike is all stock.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Metzler tires which have aged.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, this DKW is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any 125 Enduro stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
