Suzuki RM125 model history
Water-cooled models, 1981—

I have tried to tellthe RM 125 model history on this page as I know it. This page is still under construction. I would be grateful of any contributions — sales brochures, magazine ads, magazine articles, pictures, specs, facts, corrections etc. Please scan the material in JPEG format (large enough that all the details are visible) and send them to me. Please tell me the source and the publication date if possible. If you send me pictures of your own bike, please follow these instructions.

See even the first page: RM125 model history 1975—1980, the air-cooled models

Suzuki introduced the RM (RM = Racing Model, TM = Trail Model) series of motocross models in 1975. The range quicly stretched out from 50 to 400cc and became very successful. A few years later the Full Floater swingarm was introduced and water-cooled engines came along in 1981.

1981 Suzuki year code: X

Cold seizing was a problem in the early '80s on Suzuki RM125s. If early water-cooled RMs were not warmed up properly, the piston would seize because of the heat differential between the expansion of the piston and cylinder liner. Thanks to improvements in piston design and new cylinder linings, though, this is no longer a problem. The ”Full Floater” mono shock system was introduced by Suzuki to all full-size bikes (125-cc, 250-cc and 465-cc) starting in 1981. Suzuki first used liquid cooling on the RM125 in 1981. The RM250 was liquid cooled starting in 1982. The RM465/RM500 was never liquid-cooled. The first liquid cooled RMs, the 1981 RM125 and 1982 RM250, are by some people considered two of the finest MX bikes ever made. Both are in the Dirt Bike magazine's ”Hall of Fame” and recently Motocross Action magazine said that the 1981 RM125 was perhaps one of the best MX bikes of the last 25 years.

The 1981 RM 125 was the first model to introduce the "Full Floater" rear suspension. It is hard to see in this picture but Roger from San Diego was kind enough to diagram it on the attached picture. The image is from a Swedish RM125 magazine ad from 1981. It can be found on the RM125 adverts page.

1982 Suzuki year code: Z



1983 Suzuki year code: D



1984 Suzuki year code: E

”New, stronger engine. New Power Reed system that gives even more power at low- and mid-range. 20% stronger gearbox. New improved frame. Improved Full Floater suspension. New tough World Championship design with the front end of the saddle above the fuel tank.” That's what a Swedish magazine ad told us about the new model.

1984 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 135 mm (84.0 in) Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in) Overall Height: 1 250 mm (49.2 in) Seat Height: 950 mm (37.4 in) Ground Clearance: 360 mm (14.2 in) Wheelbase: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Dry Weight: 88 kg (194 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC/PC. 40 hp (29.5 kW) Click on the image for larger format.

1985 Suzuki year code: F

”Exact replica of Rinaldi's World Champion bike” told a Swedish magazine ad told us about the 1985-year's model.

1985 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 135 mm (84.0 in) Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in) Overall Height: 1 250 mm (49.2 in) Seat Height: 950 mm (37.4 in) Ground Clearance: 360 mm (14.2 in) Wheelbase: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Dry Weight: 88 kg (194 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC/PC. 40 hp (29.5 kW) Click on the image for larger format.

1986 Suzuki year code: G

The '86 RM125G had a new and stronger frame. Suzuki says that the amount of frame parts has been decreased to close to half. The Full Floater rear suspension was new, both swing and the link system."An eccentric cam in the link system for increased progressiveness and improved damping. Lower seat height despite of the higher ground clearance.” Also, the engine was new. It was slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, it had a new, flat, piston and AEC (Automatic Exhaust Control) system, Suzuki's variable expansion chamber to give the machine a broader powerband. The engine was coated Blue.

1986 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 135 mm (84.0 in) Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in) Overall Height: 1 250 mm (49.2 in) Seat Height: 950 mm (37.4 in) Ground Clearance: 360 mm (14.2 in) Wheelbase: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Dry Weight: 88 kg (194 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC/PC. 40 hp (29.5 kW) Click on the image for larger format.

1986 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 135 mm (84.0 in) Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in) Overall Height: 1 250 mm (49.2 in) Seat Height: 950 mm (37.4 in) Ground Clearance: 360 mm (14.2 in) Wheelbase: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Dry Weight: 88 kg (194 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC/PC. 40 hp (29.5 kW) Click on the image for larger format.

1995 Suzuki year code: S

1995 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 135 mm (84.0 in) Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in) Overall Height: 1 250 mm (49.2 in) Seat Height: 950 mm (37.4 in) Ground Clearance: 360 mm (14.2 in) Wheelbase: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) Dry Weight: 88 kg (194 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC/PC. 40 hp (29.5 kW) Click on the image for larger format.

1997 Suzuki year code: V

1997 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 150 mm (84.6 in) Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in) Overall Height: 1 250 mm (49.2 in) Seat Height: 950 mm (37.4 in) Ground Clearance: 350 mm (13.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 455 mm (57.3 in) Dry Weight: 88 kg (194 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC. Click on the image for larger format.

1998 Suzuki year code: W

1998 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 150 mm (84.6 in) Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in) Overall Height: 1 250 mm (49.2 in) Seat Height: 950 mm (37.4 in) Ground Clearance: 350 mm (13.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 455 mm (57.3 in) Dry Weight: 88 kg (194 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC. Click on the image for larger format. Here's more '98 RM125 specs.

1999 Suzuki year code: X

1999 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 150 mm (84.6 in) Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in) Overall Height: 1 250 mm (49.2 in) Seat Height: 950 mm (37.4 in) Ground Clearance: 350 mm (13.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 455 mm (57.3 in) Dry Weight: 88 kg (194 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC crankcase reed. Click on the image for larger format.

2000 Suzuki year code: Y

2000 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 150 mm (84,6 in) Overall Width: 815 mm (32,1 in) Overall Height: 1 250 mm (49,2 in) Seat Height: 950 mm (37,4 in) Ground Clearance: 350 mm (13,8 in) Wheelbase: 1 455 mm (57,3 in) Dry Weight: 88 kg (194 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. Effect, torque: ? Click on the image for larger format.

2001 Suzuki year code: K1

2001 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 145 mm (84,4 in) Overall Width: 840 mm (33,1 in) Overall Height: 1 275 mm (50,2 in) Seat Height: 940 mm (37,0 in) Ground Clearance: 335 mm (13,2 in) Wheelbase: 1 450 mm (57,1 in) Dry Weight: 86.5 kg (191 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. Effect, torque: ? Click on the image for larger format.

2002 Suzuki year code: K2

2002 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 145 mm (84.4 in) Overall Width: 840 mm (33.1 in) Overall Height: 1 275 mm (50.2 in) Seat Height: 940 mm (37.0 in) Ground Clearance: 335 mm (13.2 in) Wheelbase: 1 450 mm (57.1 in) Dry Weight: 86.5 kg (191 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124.8 cc single cylinder 2-stroke. Click on the image for larger format.

2002 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 145 mm (84.4 in) Overall Width: 840 mm (33.1 in) Overall Height: 1 275 mm (50.2 in) Seat Height: 940 mm (37.0 in) Ground Clearance: 335 mm (13.2 in) Wheelbase: 1 450 mm (57.1 in) Dry Weight: 86.5 kg (191 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124.8 cc single cylinder 2-stroke. Click on the image for larger format.

2003 Suzuki year code: K3

2003 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 145 mm (84.4 in) Overall Width: 840 mm (33.1 in) Overall Height: 1 275 mm (50.2 in) Seat Height: 940 mm (37.0 in) Ground Clearance: 335 mm (13.2 in) Wheelbase: 1 450 mm (57.1 in) Dry Weight: 87 kg (191 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124.8 cc single cylinder 2-stroke. Click on the image for larger format.

2003 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 145 mm (84.4 in) Overall Width: 840 mm (33.1 in) Overall Height: 1 275 mm (50.2 in) Seat Height: 940 mm (37.0 in) Ground Clearance: 335 mm (13.2 in) Wheelbase: 1 450 mm (57.1 in) Dry Weight: 87 kg (191 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124.8 cc single cylinder 2-stroke. Click on the image for larger format.

2004 Suzuki year code: K4

Suzuki says that the power and torque on mid-high and high revs has been improved for the 2004-year's model. The connecting rod is 8mm (0.3 in) longer (from 102mm to 110mm). Redesigned and lighter flat-top piston, redesigned exhaust ports, new exhaust valves are some of the other improvements to the engine. The frame, suspension and brakeshave all been improved for the K4 model, both front and rear shock absorbers are new, the rear suspension linkage has been redesigned for better progressivity, both front and rear brakes have been improved and the front fork is thicker and the outer fork tube longer than in the previous model. The frame has the same design than before but is made a bit stronger. Some minor improvements on the rear wheel and clutch cabel adjustement. The seat has been redesigned and is made 10mm (0.4 in) lower.

2004 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 145 mm (84.4 in) Overall Width: 840 mm (33.1 in) Overall Height: 1 275 mm (50.2 in) Seat Height: 950 mm (37.2 in) Ground Clearance: 350 mm (13.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 450 mm (57.1 in) Dry Weight: 87 kg (191 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124.8 cc single cylinder 2-stroke. 41 hp (30.2 kW) @ 11 500 rpm, 30.2 Nm (3.08 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

2004 RM125 specifications Engine: 124.8cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, liquid-cooled, AETC, crankcase reed Bore Stroke: 54.0 x 54.5mm Compression Ratio: 8.9:1/11.7:1 Fuel System: MikuniT TMX38S Lubrication: Premix Ignition: Digital CDI Transmission: 6-speed Final Drive: #520 chain Overall Length: 2145mm (84.4 in.) Overall Width: 840mm (33.1 in.) Overall Height: 1275mm (50.2 in.) Seat Height: 950mm (37.4 in.) Ground Clearance: 350mm (13.8 in.) Wheelbase: 1450mm (57.1 in.) Dry Weight: 87 kg (192 lbs.) Suspension Front: Telescopic, 22 compression & 20 rebound settings, 12.2 inches (310mm) of wheel travel Suspension Rear: Link-type, spring preload fully-adjustable, 4 high-speed, 16 low-speed compression settings, 19 rebound settings, 12.6 inches (320mm) of wheel travel Brakes Front: Single hydraulic disc Brakes Rear: Single hydraulic disc Tires Front: 80/100-21 51M Tires Rear: 110/90-19 57M Fuel Tank Capacity: 8.0 liter (2.1 gal.) Color: Yellow

2005 Suzuki year code: K5

2005 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 145 mm (84.4 in) Overall Width: 830 mm (32.7 in) Overall Height: 1 275 mm (50.2 in) Seat Height: 950 mm (37.2 in) Ground Clearance: 350 mm (13.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 450 mm (57.1 in) Dry Weight: 87 kg (192 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124.8 cc single cylinder 2-stroke. 41 hp (30.2 kW) @ 11 500 rpm, 30.2 Nm (3.08 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

2006 Suzuki year code: K6

2006 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 145 mm (84.4 in) Overall Width: 830 mm (32.7 in) Overall Height: 1 275 mm (50.2 in) Seat Height: 950 mm (37.2 in) Ground Clearance: 350 mm (13.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 450 mm (57.1 in) Dry Weight: 87 kg (192 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124.8 cc single cylinder 2-stroke. 41 hp (30.2 kW) @ 11 500 rpm, 30.2 Nm (3.08 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

2007 Suzuki year code: K7

For 2007, Suzuki updates the RM125 with a gripper seat that is standard and race ready. The graphic scheme is also redesigned; simpler and claimed to be longer lasting.

2007 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 145 mm (84.4 in) Overall Width: 830 mm (32.7 in) Overall Height: 1 275 mm (50.2 in) Seat Height: 950 mm (37.2 in) Ground Clearance: 350 mm (13.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 450 mm (57.1 in) Dry Weight: 87 kg (192 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124.8 cc single cylinder 2-stroke. 41 hp (30.2 kW) @ 11 500 rpm, 30.2 Nm (3.08 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

2007 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 145 mm (84.4 in) Overall Width: 830 mm (32.7 in) Overall Height: 1 275 mm (50.2 in) Seat Height: 950 mm (37.2 in) Ground Clearance: 350 mm (13.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 450 mm (57.1 in) Dry Weight: 87 kg (192 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 124.8 cc single cylinder 2-stroke. 41 hp (30.2 kW) @ 11 500 rpm, 30.2 Nm (3.08 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

2007 RM125K7 specifications Engine: 124cc, two-stroke, single cylinder, liquid-cooled, AETC, crankcase reed valve Bore Stroke: 54.0 x 54.5mm Compression Ratio: 8.3:1/9.9:1 (Ex valve open/Ex valve close) Fuel System: MikuniT TMX38SS carburetor Lubrication: Fuel/oil premixture of 30:1 Clutch: Wet multi-plate type Ignition: Digital CDI Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh Gear ratios: 3.368 (64/19)                      2.071 (29/14)                      1.687 (27/16)                      1.444 (26/18)                      1.200 (24/20)                      1.052 (20/19)                      0.950 (19/20) Final reduction ratio: 4.250 (51/12) Final Drive: #520 chain Overall Length: 2 145 mm (84.4 in.) Overall Width: 830 mm (32.7 in.) Overall Height: 1 275 mm (50.2 in.) Seat Height: 950 mm (37.4 in.) Ground Clearance: 350 mm (13.8 in.) Wheelbase: 1 450 mm (57.1 in.) Dry Weight: 87 kg (192 lbs.) Front Suspension: Showa telescopic forks, pneumatic/coil spring, oil damped Rear Suspension: Swingarm, link type, Showa piggyback-reservoir shocks Caster: 27.5° Trail: 115 mm (4.53 in.) Brakes Front: Single hydraulic disc Brakes Rear: Single hydraulic disc Tires Front: 80/100-21 51M Tires Rear: 110/90-19 57M Fuel Tank Capacity: 8.0 liter (2.1 gal.) Color: Champion Yellow No.2 (YU1)

More: Suzuki RM125 1975-1980

More: Suzuki RM125 brochures

More: Suzuki RM-RMX series

More: All Suzuki models

Sources: Suzuki Motor Company, Mineola Moto (USA), James Strawn etc.

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