Suzuki RM80
1978—2001

I have tried to tell the Suzuki RM 80 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.

Johnnie Purvis iding the first water cooled RM80– racing for team Matsuda motor, Okinawa, Japan. Photo courtesy of Johnnie Purvis.

1978 Suzuki year code: C

The earliest types of the RM80 junior level moto-cross machine was an air-cooled two stroke producing a healthy 14.5hp @11 000 rpm when launched in 1978. Induction was both piston and reed valve, and although fast had a fairly fearsome power-band, not the best mix with a bike weighing just 62kg, likely to spit off the unwary novice straight out of the back door! By the early 1980’s the model acquired liquid cooling and more power, this time with a little more flexibility. Model evolved over the years, and was extremely popular with Junior riders, but was replaced in 2002 by the RM85. 1978 Suzuki RM80 retail price in Japan: 145,000 yen

1978 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1 715 mm (67.5 in) Overall Width: 775 mm (30.5 in) Overall Height: 970 mm (38.2 in) Seat Height: 720 mm (28.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.1 in) Ground Clearance: 205 mm (8.1 in) Dry Weight: 62 kg (136 lbs) Engine: 79 cc air-cooled single-cylinder 2-stroke, piston and reed valve. 14.5 hp (10.8 Nm) @ 11 000 rpm, 9.2 Nm (0.94 kg-m) @ 11 000 rpm. Click on the image for larger format. 1978 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1 715 mm (67.5 in) Overall Width: 775 mm (30.5 in) Overall Height: 970 mm (38.2 in) Seat Height: 720 mm (28.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 170 mm (46.1 in) Dry Weight: 62 kg (136 lbs) Engine: 79 cc air-cooled single-cylinder 2-stroke, piston and reed valve. 14.5 hp (10.8 Nm) @ 11 000 rpm, 9.2 Nm (0.94 kg-m) @ 11 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1979 Suzuki year code: N

Suzuki RM80 was evolving fast during its first years. The '79 (N) version of the RM80 had a new, slightly smaller, fuel tank with new graphics, chrome plated rear springs and silver/gray painted swingarm. The wheelbase was increased by 30 mm and the ground clearance was increased by 10 mm. Suzuki managed to squeeze out one more horsepower of the 79cc RM80 engine and maximum power output of the RM80 was increased almost every year until 1990, when Suzuki deceded that 27 hp was enough and no more upgrades were made to the engine before it was replaced with a 85cc and the RM80 became RM85 in 2002. The only color option for the early models of the RM80 was Phlolina Yellow (6LF). 1979 Suzuki RM80 retail price in Japan: 125,000 yen

1979 Suzuki RM80, as seen in a Japanese sales brochure

1979 Suzuki RM 80 (Japan) Overall Length: 1 745 mm (68.7 in) Overall Width: 775 mm (30.5 in) Overall Height: 975 mm (38.4 in) Seat Height: 720 mm (28.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 200 mm (47.2 in) Ground Clearance: 215 mm (8.5 in) Dry Weight: 65 kg (143 lbs) Engine: 79 cc air-cooled single-cylinder 2-stroke, piston and reed valve. 15.5 hp (11.4 Nm) @ 11 500 rpm, 9.9 Nm (1.01 kg-m) @ 11 250 rpm. Click on the image for larger format. 1979 Suzuki RM 80 (USA) Overall Length: 1 755 mm (69.1 in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 980 mm (38.6 in) Seat Height: 720 mm (28.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 200 mm (47.2 in) Ground Clearance: 185 mm (7.3 in) Dry Weight: 66 kg (146 lbs) Engine: 79 cc air-cooled single-cylinder 2-stroke, piston and reed valve. 15.5 hp (11.4 Nm) @ 11 500 rpm, 9.9 Nm (1.01 kg-m) @ 11 250 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

1980 Suzuki year code: T

No dramatic changes. New graphics. The carburator was changed from Mikuni VM28SS to VM26SS. The peak power of the engine was increased from 15.5 hp to 17 hp. 1980 Suzuki RM80 retail price in Japan: 140,000 yen

1980 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1 775 mm (69.9in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 980 mm (38.6 in) Seat Height: 785 mm (30.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 200 mm (48.4 in) Ground Clearance: 250 mm (9.8 in) Dry Weight: 66 kg (145 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 79 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. 17 hp (12.5 kW) @ 11 500 rpm, 10.6 Nm (1.08 kg-m) @ 10 000 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1980 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1 775 mm (69.9in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 980 mm (38.6 in) Seat Height: 785 mm (30.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 200 mm (48.4 in) Ground Clearance: 250 mm (9.8 in) Dry Weight: 66 kg (145 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 79 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. 17 hp (12.5 kW) @ 11 500 rpm, 10.6 Nm (1.08 kg-m) @ 10 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1981 Suzuki year code: X

Engine update. The bore and stroke were changed from 49mm x 44mm in the previous model to 48mm x 44mm, and the maximum output was increased from 17 hpto 19 hp. In the 1983 model, the engine was water-cooled, and the maximum output was further increased to 22 hp. 1981 Suzuki RM80 retail price in Japan: 155,000 yen

1981 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1 775 mm (69.9in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 980 mm (38.6 in) Seat Height: 785 mm (30.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 200 mm (48.4 in) Ground Clearance: 250 mm (9.8 in) Dry Weight: 66 kg (145 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 79 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. 19 hp (14.0 kW) @ 11 500 rpm, 12.1 Nm (1.23 kg-m) @ 10 000 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1981 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1 775 mm (69.9in) Overall Width: 750 mm (29.5 in) Overall Height: 980 mm (38.6 in) Seat Height: 785 mm (30.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 200 mm (48.4 in) Ground Clearance: 250 mm (9.8 in) Dry Weight: 66 kg (145 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 79 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. 19 hp (14.0 kW) @ 11 500 rpm, 12.1 Nm (1.23 kg-m) @ 10 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1982 Suzuki year code: Z

Major suspension upgrade. Suzuki RM80 receiver a single shock ”Full Floater” rear suspension with a rectangular steel pipe swing arm. The front wheel size increased from 16 inches to 17 inches. The rims are aluminum and the fenders, side panels and fuel tank are made of plastic. The dry weight dropped from 66 to 59 kilogram (from 145 to 130 pounds). 1982 Suzuki RM80 retail price in Japan: 175,000 yen

1982 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1 780 mm (67.1in) Overall Width: 770 mm (30.3 in) Overall Height: 1 030 mm (40.6 in) Seat Height: 770 mm (30.3 in) Wheelbase: 1 220 mm (48.0 in) Ground Clearance: 270 mm (10.6 in) Dry Weight: 59 kg (130 lbs) Engine: Air-cooled 79 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. 19.5 hp (14.3 kW) @ 12 000 rpm, 12.25 Nm (1.25 kg-m) @ 10 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1983 Suzuki year code: D

Major update. Suzuki RM80 was received a liquid-cooled engine and the maximum power of the engine was increased to 22 hp @ 12,000 rpm. By 1983, the RM80H was the only 80cc motocross bike with higher wheels. While the standard version of the Suzuki RM80 had 17-inch front wheel and 14-inch rear wheel, the RM80H had 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel and longer swing. 1983 Suzuki RM80 retail price in Japan: 189,000 yen

1983 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1 795 mm (70.7 in) Overall Width: 770 mm (30.3 in) Overall Height: 1 035 mm (40.8 in) Seat Height: 785 mm (30.9 in) Wheelbase: 1 230 mm (48.4 in) Ground Clearance: 275 mm (10.8 in) Dry Weight: 59 kg (130 lbs) Engine: Liquid-cooled 79 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. 22 hp (16.2 kW) @ 12 000 rpm, 13.2 Nm (1.35 kg-m) @ 11 000 rpm Here's even larger picture.

1983 Suzuki RM 80 H Overall Length: 1 795 mm (70.7 in) Overall Width: 770 mm (30.3 in) Overall Height: Seat Height: 785 mm (30.9 in) Ground Clearance: Wheelbase: 1 235 mm (48.6 in) Dry Weight: 60 kg (132 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 79 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. 16 hp (11.8 kW) Click on the image for larger format.

1984 Suzuki year code: E

Many improvements. The 1984 RM80XE got a new, stronger frame but no importand measurements were changed. The wheels had received straight spokes to increase endurance. The bike has lost some weight, especially behind the engine, the exhaust is now made of aluminum. The carburetor is Flat-side type creating better response. The mid-range torque has been improved (larger exhaust chamber and altered port timing) and the gear ratios (six speeds) are now closer together.

1984 Suzuki RM 80 X Overall Length: 1 795 mm (70.7 in) Overall Width: 770 mm (30.3 in) Overall Height: Seat Height: 785 mm (30.9 in) Ground Clearance: Wheelbase: 1 235 mm (48.6 in) Dry Weight: 60 kg (132 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 79 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. 16 hp (11.8 kW) Click on the image for larger format.

1984 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 2 045mm (80.5 in) Overall Width: 825 mm (32.5 in) Overall Height: Seat Height: 900 mm (35.4 in) Ground Clearance: 345 mm (13.6 in) Wheelbase: 1 370 mm (53.9 in) Dry Weight: 71 kg (157 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 79 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. 16 hp (11.8 kW) Click on the image for larger format.

1984 RM80XE specifications (Sweden) Source; Allt on MC 6/1984, Sweden Compression ratio: 8,2 :1 Carburetor: 26mm Mikuni Ignition: CDI Front suspension stroke: 230 mm (9.1 in) Rear suspension travel: 230 mm (9.1 in) Front tyre: 2.75-17 Rear tyre: 4.10-14

1984 RM80HE specifications (Sweden) Source; Allt on MC 7/1984, Sweden Engine: Liquid-cooled 79cc single cylinder two-stroke Bore and stroke: 48 x 44 mm Compression ratio: 8,5 :1 Carburetor: 26mm Mikuni VM 26 SS Clutch: wetmultiple plate Transmission: 6 speeds, chain drive Front suspension: air/oil, 250 mm (9.8 in) stroke Rear suspension: Full Floater, 250 mm (9.8 in) travel Frame: Steel tube, craddle type Rake/trail: 26¾/ 127 mm (5.0 in) Wheels: Spoke wheels Front tyre: 2.75-21 Rear tyre: 3.50-18 Brakes: Drum brakes, front and rear Ignition: Suzuki PEI pointless electronic ignition Fuel tank capacity: 5 liter (1.3/1.1 US/UK gal.)

1985 Suzuki year code: F

1985 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1795 mm (70.7 in) Overall Width: 785 mm (30.9 in) Overall Height: 1,035 mm (40.7 in) Seat Height: 780 mm (30.7 in) Ground Clearance: 275 mm (10.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 235 mm (48.6 in) Dry Weight: 60 kg (132 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 79 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. 16 hp (11.8 kW) Click on the image for larger format.

1986 Suzuki year code: G

Major update. The liqued-cooled 79cc 2-stroke power reed valve engine with a bore and stroke that has been squared from 48mm x 44mm in the previous model to 46.5mm x 46.8mm. Maximum output has been increased from 22.5 hp to 23.5 hp. A new disc brake has been adopted on the front, further improving braking power and operability. The frame is also a new design, using elliptical pipes made of high-tension steel to smooth out foot contact and increase frame rigidity.

1986 Suzuki RM80, Phlolina Yellow (6LF)

1986 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1795 mm (70.7 in) Overall Width: 770 mm (30.3 in) Overall Height: 1100 mm (43.3 in) Seat Height: 818 mm (32.2 in) Ground Clearance: 310 mm (12.2 in) Wheelbase: 1240 mm (48.8 in) Dry Weight: 62 kg (137 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 79 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke Click on the image for larger format.

1986 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1795 mm (70.7 in) Overall Width: 770 mm (30.3 in) Overall Height: 1100 mm (43.3 in) Seat Height: 818 mm (32.2 in) Ground Clearance: 310 mm (12.2 in) Wheelbase: 1240 mm (48.8 in) Dry Weight: 62 kg (137 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 79 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke Here's even larger picture.

1988 Suzuki year code: J

1988 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1795 mm (70.7 in) Overall Width: 770 mm (30.3 in) Overall Height: 1100 mm (43.3 in) Seat Height: 818 mm (32.2 in) Ground Clearance: 310 mm (12.2 in) Wheelbase: 1240 mm (48.8 in) Dry Weight: 62 kg (137 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 79 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. Click on the image for larger format.

1991 Suzuki year code: M

1991 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71.1 in) Overall Width: 735 mm (28.9 in) Overall Height: 1 100 mm (43.3 in) Seat Height: 840 mm (33.1 in) Wheelbase: 1240 mm (48.8 in) Ground Clearance: 325 mm (12.8 in) Dry Weight: 64 kg (141 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 79 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 27.5 hp (20.5 kW) Click on the image for larger format.

1994 Suzuki year code: R

1994 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71.1 in) Overall Width: 735 mm (28.9 in) Overall Height: 1 100 mm (43.3 in) Seat Height: 840 mm (33.1 in) Wheelbase 1 240 mm (48.8 in) Ground Clearance: 325 mm (12.8 in) Dry weight: 64 kg (141 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 82 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 27.5 hp (20.5 kW) Click on the image for larger format.

1995 Suzuki year code: S

1995 Suzuki RM80, Phlolina Yellow (6LF)

1995 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71.1 in) Overall Width: 735 mm (28.9 in) Overall Height: 1 100 mm (43.3 in) Seat Height: 840 mm (33.1 in) Wheelbase 1 240 mm (48.8 in) Ground Clearance: 325 mm (12.8 in) Dry weight: 64 kg (141 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 82 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 27.5 hp (20.5 kW) Click on the image for larger format.

1995 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71.1 in) Overall Width: 735 mm (28.9 in) Overall Height: 1 100 mm (43.3 in) Seat Height: 840 mm (33.1 in) Wheelbase 1 240 mm (48.8 in) Ground Clearance: 325 mm (12.8 in) Dry weight: 64 kg (141 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 82 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 27.5 hp (20.5 kW) Here's even larger picture.

1997 Suzuki year code: V

New graphics. 1997 Suzuki RM80 color: Special White No.2 / Marble Science Yellow (3AE)

1997 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71.1 in) Overall Width: 735 mm (28.9 in) Overall Height: 1 100 mm (43.3 in) Seat Height: 840 mm (33.1 in) Ground Clearance: 325 mm (12.8 in) Wheelbase 1 240 mm (48.8 in) Dry Weight: 64 kg (141 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 82 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke. 27.5 hp (20.5 kW) Click on the image for larger format.

1998 Suzuki year code: W

1998 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71.1 in) Overall Width: 735 mm (28.9 in) Overall Height: 1 100 mm (43.3 in) Seat Height: 850 mm (33.5 in) Wheelbase 1 240 mm (48.8 in) Ground Clearance: 325 mm (12.8 in) Dry Weight: 65 kg Engine: Water-cooled 84.7 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke Click on the image for larger format.

1999 Suzuki year code: X

1999 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71,1 in) Overall Width: 735 mm (28,9 in) Overall Height: 1 100 mm (43,3 in) Seat Height: 840 mm (33,2 in) Wheelbase 1 240 mm (48,8 in) Ground Clearance: 325 mm (12,8 in) Dry Weight: 64 kg (141 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 82 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. Effect, torque: ? Click on the image for larger format.

1999 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71.1 in) Overall Width: 735 mm (28.9 in) Overall Height: 1 100 mm (43.3 in) Seat Height: 840 mm (33.1 in) Wheelbase 1 240 mm (48.8 in) Ground Clearance: 325 mm (12.8 in) Dry Weight: 64 kg (141 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 82 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC, crankcase Reed valve. Here's even larger picture.

2000 Suzuki year code: Y

2001 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71.1 in) Overall Width: 735 mm (28.9 in) Overall Height: 1 100 mm (43.3 in) Seat Height: 840 mm (33.1 in) Wheelbase 1 240 mm (48.8 in) Ground Clearance: 325 mm (12.8 in) Dry Weight: 64 kg (141 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 82 cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke, AETC, crankcase Reed valve. Click on the image for larger format.

2001 Suzuki year code: K1

2001 Suzuki RM 80 Overall Length: 1 805 mm (71,1 in) Overall Width: 735 mm (28,9 in) Overall Height: 1 100 mm (43,3 in) Seat Height: 850 mm (33,5 in) Wheelbase 1 240 mm (48,8 in) Ground Clearance: 325 mm (12,8 in) Dry Weight: 64 kg (141 lbs) Engine: Water-cooled 82 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke. Effect, torque: ? Click on the image for larger format.

More: Suzuki RM-RMX series

More: All Suzuki models


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