[Yamaha]

WRECKERS TO CHECKERS: S2 / EP9

3 years ago | Words: Andy Wigan | Photos: MXstore

For Episode 9 of Wreckers to Checkers, find out who will win Season 2’s Golden Spanner Award – the Jono Porter RM125 or the Brett Metcalfe YZ125? And to help decide the battle, the MXstore crew take their fruited-up little 125cc two-strokes out at Willowbank MX track for an all-in shakedown against the stopwatch! Check it out…

If you missed the previous episodes from Season 2 of ‘Wreckers to Checkers’, here’s a quick summary and links:

In Episodes 1 and 2, MXstore’s ‘Wreckers to Checkers’ crew sourced a couple of old 125s for $5000 a pop (a 2002 RM125 and 2007 YZ125), explained the ground-rules for this season’s competition, and then got to work stripping the machines to lay bare their (bigger than expected!) issues.

Episode 3 was all about tearing down and rebuilding the engines, ordering fresh parts and starting to think about what big-name riders each machine could pay tribute to.

In Episode 4, the RM125 gets a fresh set of wheels and some MXRP Suspension love, while the wreck of a YZ gets … well, it gets a whole lot of parts to transform it into a factory race bike.

For Episode 5, it’s time to throw the engines back in, press some bearings and bring these two old 125s back to life!

For Episode 6, the heat is on cos there’s just two days left to transform each of these 125s from a rolling chassis into a fire-breathing dirt bike.

For Episode 7, it’s the final build day and both Team YZ and Team RM are under the pump to finish their builds. But with the pressure on, will the bikes even fire up? Plus, find out which two Aussie riders these bikes will pay tribute to.

For Episode 8, the bikes are built and it’s time for some last-minute tweaks so these 125s are ready for the dyno. But will their performance match their good looks? And will the YZ or RM be more popular at MXstore’s Show ‘n’ Shine night?

Alternatively, jump on MXstore’s website, where you’ll find all the eps in one place, along with details about Season 2’s bike build rules and scoring system, and the opportunity to vote for your favourite bike (and in the process, go in the running to win a bunch of cool prizes).

Be the first to comment...

You might also like...

Yamaha

4 days ago

BEING THERE: RYAN VILLOPOTO INTERVIEW

Ryan Villopoto talks 2026 AMA SX season and compares his riding style to RC’s and Haiden Deegan’s.

Yamaha

4 days ago

MXGP: TIM GAJSER JOINS YAMAHA FACTORY

The five-time MXGP World Champ has signed with the Yamaha Factory team for 2026 and beyond.

Yamaha

1 week ago

MICHAEL MOSIMAN: LESSONS LEARNED!

Star Yamaha’s Michael Mosiman: “No injury went without growth. I learned to take responsibility for my mistakes.”

Yamaha

1 week ago

COOPER WEBB TALKS DEEGAN VS JETT

On Gypsy Tales, Webb calls Jett Lawrence the benchmark, but can Haiden Deegan challenge him?

Yamaha

2 weeks ago

WATCH: MXSTORE’S YAMAHA PW50 BUILD

A two-year PW50 restoration that’s less about the bikes and more about legacy.

Yamaha

1 month ago

NATE THRASHER: “CHAMPIONSHIP OR BUST!”

Yamaha’s Nate Thrasher has proved he can win. But can he win consistently enough to earn a No.1 plate?

Yamaha

2 months ago

WSX CHAMP: MAX ANSTIE

Recently crowned WSX champ, Max Anstie, is going all in to claim what feels like an overdue AMA 250SX title.

2 months ago

2026 SMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP VIDEO PASS

The SMX Video Pass is back, and again providing live and on-demand access to all 31 rounds.