Suzuki RM125
Liquid-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.

Page 1: RM125 model history 1975—1980 Page 2: RM125 model history 1980—2003 Page 3: RM125 model history 2004—2008

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.

1981 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 125 mm (83.6 in) Overall Width: 835 mm (32.9 in) Overall Height: 1 200 mm (49.0 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: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC/PC. 30.5 hp (22.4 kW) @ 10 500 rpm, 20.4 Nm (2.08 kg-m) @ 9 750 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1982 Suzuki year code: Z

1982 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 115 mm (83.2 in) Overall Width: 845 mm (33.3 in) Overall Height: 1 250 mm (49.2 in) Seat Height: 932 mm (36.7 in) Ground Clearance: 345 mm (13.6 in) Wheelbase: 1 440 mm (56.7 in) Dry Weight: 86.5 kg (191 lbs) Engine: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC/PC. 31 hp (22.8 kW) @ 10 500 rpm, 20.1 Nm (2.05 kg-m) @ 9 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1983 Suzuki year code: D

The '83 Suzuki RM125 was basically the same motorcycle third year in a row. It had same liquid-cooled motor, same Full-Floater rear suspension and looked almost the same. The seat cover was now blue and the fork sliders painted yellow and the graphics were different so it was easy to see that it's a 1983-year's model, if you know where to look. But the technical changes that were made are not visible for the naked eye. Inside those yellow forks are new parts. The 38mm KYB forks have adjustable compression damping. An adjustment screw, protected by a rubber cap, is located at the base of each fork leg. The screw tensions a spring-loaded pop-off valve that limits compression damping. The screw has eight adjustment positions. Rear suspension parts have undergone similar changes. The aluminum-bodied shock has new internals and adjustable compression damping has been added. Rear wheel travel has grown from 12.2 to 12.5 inches. The extruded aluminum swing arm is an inch longer and the aluminum rocker at the top of the rear suspension has been moved back an inch to change the rate of progression. While the suspension has been revised, the engine has been left mostly alone. It still has a 54mm bore and 54mm stroke. It’s still a reed valve, liquid-cooled twostroke. The radiator is still mounted on the frame downtubes, and there’s still a small water pump on the righthand side of the engine. What’s been changed is the porting and the flywheel weight. Suzuki has gone and tamed the RM 125 motor. Lower cylinder ports and a heavier full-circle flywheel makes the RM 125 work better at lower engine speeds. Shifting is done with a forged aluminum lever, which has a folding steel tip. Other new parts include the smaller 1.7 gal. plastic gas tank, replacing the 2.0 gal. tank, and the IRC tires in place of the Bridgestones used the previous year.

The 1983 Suzuki RM125 had revised graphics, yellow front forks and a blue seat cover.

1983 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 125 mm (83.6 in) Overall Width: 845 mm (33.3 in) Overall Height: 1 250 mm (49.2 in) Seat Height: 932 mm (36.7 in) Ground Clearance: 345 mm (13.6 in) Wheelbase: 1 450 mm (57.1 in) Dry Weight: 86.5 kg (191 lbs Engine: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC/PC. 31 hp (22.8 kW) @ 10 500 rpm, 20.9 Nm (2.13 kg-m) @ 10 000 rpm Here's even larger picture.

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: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC/PC. 36 hp (26.5 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 23.7 Nm (2.4 kg-m) @ 9 000 rpm 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: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC/PC. 36 hp (26.5 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 23.7 Nm (2.4 kg-m) @ 9 000 rpm Here's even larger picture.

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: Liquid-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: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC/PC. 40 hp (29.5 kW) Click on the image for larger format.

1987 Suzuki year code: H

1987 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: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC/PC. 36 hp (26.5 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 23.7 Nm (2.4 kg-m) @ 9 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1988 Suzuki year code: J

1988 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: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC/PC. 36 hp (26.5 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 23.7 Nm (2.4 kg-m) @ 9 000 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1989 Suzuki year code: K

1989 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 145 mm (84.4 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: 1 450 mm (57.1 in) Dry Weight: 87 kg (192 lbs) Engine: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC/PC. 36 hp (26.5 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 23.7 Nm (2.4 kg-m) @ 9 000 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1989 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: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC/PC. 36 hp (26.5 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 23.7 Nm (2.4 kg-m) @ 9 000 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1994 Suzuki year code: R

New features for the '94 Suzuki RM125: New cylinder porting for improved hugh rev power, new Keihin PWK 36 mm carburetor for better throttle response and overall engine performance, durable carbon fiber Reed valve and shortened intake pipe for quick-revving throttle response, new digital-type ignition system, new hiugh capacity water pump with larger 6-blade impeller, new low friction clutch cable, revised rear shock damping and lighetr spring rate complement changes to front forks, new linkage ratio for improved rear wheel tracking, new brake pad material, new narrower radiator shoruds, separate triangle-type prop-stand hooks to rear axle for more ground clearance and less weight than a frame mounted stand. Showa Twin Chamber front forks. Color: Yellow

1994 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 130 mm (83.9 in) Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in) Overall Height: 1 250 mm (49.2 in) Seat Height: 960 mm (37.8 in) Ground Clearance: 350 mm (13.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 435 mm (56.5 in) Dry Weight: 88 kg (194 lbs) Engine: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC/PC. 39.5 hp (29.1 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 26.5 Nm (2.7 kg-m) @ 10 000 rpm 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: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC/PC. 39.5 hp (29.1 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 26.5 Nm (2.7 kg-m) @ 10 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1996 Suzuki year code: T

New graphics. 1996 Suzuki RM125 color: Special White No.2 / Marble Science Yellow (3AE)

1996 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 140 mm (84.2 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: 1 445 mm (57.1 in) Dry Weight: 88 kg (194 lbs) Engine: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC. 39.5 hp (29.1 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 26.5 Nm (2.7 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1997 Suzuki year code: V

Unchanged model. 1997 Suzuki RM125 color: Special White No.2 / Marble Science Yellow (3AE)

1997 Suzuki RM 125 Overall Length: 2 140 mm (84.2 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: 1 445 mm (57.1 in) Dry Weight: 88 kg (194 lbs) Engine: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC. 39.5 hp (29.1 kW) @ 11 000 rpm, 26.5 Nm (2.7 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1998 Suzuki year code: W

New graphics. 1998 Suzuki RM125 color: Special White No.2 / Marble Science Yellow (3AE)

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: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC. 40 hp (29.4 kW) @ 11 500 rpm, 26.5 Nm (2.7 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Here's even larger picture.

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: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC crankcase reed. 40 hp (29.4 kW) @ 11 500 rpm, 26.5 Nm (2.7 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Here's even larger picture.

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: Liquid-cooled 124 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 40 hp (29.4 kW) @ 11 500 rpm, 26.5 Nm (2.7 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

2001 Suzuki year code: K1

New graphics. 2001 Suzuki RM125 color: Champion Yellow (YR1)

2001 Suzuki RM125, Champion Yellow (YR1)

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: 1 470 mm (57.9 in) Dry Weight: 86.5 kg (191 lbs) Engine: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. 41 hp (30.2 kW) @ 11 500 rpm, 27.1 Nm (2.76 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Here's even larger picture.

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: 1 470 mm (57.9 in) Dry Weight: 86.5 kg (191 lbs) Engine: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. 41 hp (30.2 kW) @ 11 500 rpm, 27.1 Nm (2.76 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm 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: 1 470 mm (57.9 in) Dry Weight: 86.5 kg (191 lbs) Engine: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. 41 hp (30.2 kW) @ 11 500 rpm, 27.1 Nm (2.76 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm 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: 1 470 mm (57.9 in) Dry Weight: 86.5 kg (191 lbs) Engine: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. 41 hp (30.2 kW) @ 11 500 rpm, 27.1 Nm (2.76 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm 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: 1 470 mm (57.9 in) Dry Weight: 86.5 kg (191 lbs) Engine: Liquid-cooled 124.8 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. 41 hp (30.2 kW) @ 11 500 rpm, 27.1 Nm (2.76 kg-m) @ 10 500 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

Page 1: RM125 model history 1975—1980 Page 2: RM125 model history 1980—2003 Page 3: RM125 model history 2004—2008

More: Suzuki RM-RMX series

More: All Suzuki models

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

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