Custom Yamaha DT125 MX Is a Neat Display of Neo-Retro Minimalism From France

Run by a couple of close friends named Hugo and Clement, the Toulouse-based shop has been in operation since 2015. Clement had previously indulged in go-kart racing for about 15 years, and his professional background revolves around aerospace engineering. On the other hand, Hugo makes a living in the aerospace industry, as well, but he only got into motorcycles around the age of 23.

That’s when Clement piqued his interest by explaining the inner workings of a carburetor, and he’d been hooked ever since. It didn’t take long for the two Frenchmen to start tinkering with bikes in their free time, ultimately leading to the birth of Baam Garage. Although motorcycle customization is just a side gig for these guys, their projects never fail to impress!

The scrambled DT125 MX we’re about to look at was built some time ago for one David Ferrara, the owner of a stylish barber shop by the name of Tonsor & Cie. Baam picked a 1979 variant from Yamaha’s lineup as their starting point, but the model is actually known as the DTMX 125 in France. While the Japanese dual-sport was coming apart, items like the stock bodywork, wheels, and subframe have all been taken out of the equation.

Clement and Hugo were then concerned with revising the DT125’s rear-end geometry, so they fabricated a bespoke subframe from scratch. Perched atop the new tubing is a handsome leather seat put together by Carolyn Macagno, an upholstery expert based just outside Toulouse in the commune of Montgiscard. There’s a tailor-made electronics tray beneath the saddle, housing Motogadget’s tried-and-true mo.Unit controller among other goodies.

The donor’s swingarm was heavily modified, too, and it now connects to an adjustable aftermarket shock absorber supplied by EMC. At the front, suspension duties are assigned to the conventional telescopic forks of a newer DT125 model. These were transplanted alongside its front disc brake, which is a considerable improvement over the original drum.

With the aid of fresh stainless-steel spokes, Baam’s artisans laced the wheel hubs to premium Excel rims at both ends. Then, they added a pair of Continental TKC 80 Twinduro knobbies for plentiful off-road grip and decent handling on the tarmac. The high-mounted front fender looks like it came from the same DT125 that donated the forks and disc brake, but it’s far from stock.

Hugo and his teammate had it fitted with a custom oil tank made of aluminum, which is hardly noticeable unless you crouch down. Fuel is now stored inside the repurposed tank of a DT50, whose underside was revised in order to suit its new host. As this part was quite beat-up and teeming with unsightly dents when purchased, Baam Garage also had to get it repaired prior to installation.

Flanking the specimen’s black leather seat are handmade aluminum side covers manufactured in-house by way of hammers and an English wheel. Further back, we come across a pointy tail unit of sorts, carrying a fresh license plate bracket at its southernmost tip. There are discreet LEDs attached to the latter, and they do double duty as taillights and turn signals.

On the opposite end, you’ll see a bright aftermarket headlamp sitting on bespoke mounting hardware, along with a tiny pair of LED blinkers supplied by Kellermann. All the electronics are connected to a modern wiring harness, which is hidden well out of sight for an ultra-clean look. Up in the cockpit area, a Motogadget Motoscope Tiny speedo takes pride of place center-stage, accompanied by a low-profile handlebar with plain Motone switches and snazzy grips.

As you might expect from a bike released back in ‘79, the DT125’s air-cooled 123cc thumper was in need of some serious TLC. Thus, Baam Garage had it refurbished inside out, even choosing to retain the stock exhaust system in the process. They did replace the silencer with a premium motocross-style alternative, though, and the overhauled Mikuni carb gained a youthful foam filter for ample airflow.

You’ll have a hard time spotting it from afar, but there is also a subtle rear fender installed in that same area. Lastly, the specimen’s color scheme is a monochromatic, black-and-white affair for the most part, while pinches of BMW Austin Yellow can be seen on the wheel hubs and engine. The same hue appears on the gas tank and side panels in the form of thin pinstripes, and subtle Tonsor & Cie graphics are present over the white surfaces.