Suzuki's 2003 RM125 is a great bike that ended the Dirt Rider shootout with a score of 95 points out of 100. Competition in the small-bore class is so tough, though, that 95 points left it fifth. With the introduction of the new, lightweight Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki baby-thumpers, surely the competition will be even more intense. Surely Suzuki's R & D team had their hands full with their new RMZ250 thumper, but instead of pushing the RM125 aside, they made some great changes to keep it competitive. They completely re-engineered the 2004 RM125 engine and added a swingarm-mounted (rather than frame) linkage. Some of the new features are visually less noticeable such as improved hardware, better attention to tolerances and many small detail changes to increase the durability and quality of the Suzuki. They also added their first quick-adjust clutch perch.
During our test our first discovery was the new ergonomic changes. The seat is 10mm lower for a more natural relationship to the footpegs and handlebar. The change allows shorter riders to feel more comfortable, yet are still suitable for taller riders. The lower seat foam is stiffer than '03 but still inviting compared to some.
Over all the motor feels more than competitive. The track chosen for the test was deep, loamy and hilly Cahuilla Creek: definitely a good place for a motor test. The Champion Yellow machine makes short work of deep berms and up hill straight-aways, unless you let it fall off the pipe (drop the revs) or lose momentum. Then it takes some serious clutch abuse to get the motor revving again. A one-tooth-larger rear sprocket helps the motor to recover more quickly when you make mistakes, though it may not be needed for a less hilly track..
Suzuki put a lot of work into the brakes on the new machines, and it was money well spent. They have always been lacking in the braking department, but no longer. The new brakes are very powerful and didn't seem to fade during the test despite hard use that discolored some rear rotors.
The handling and suspension on the Suzuki's has always been a very responsive and this year is no exception. The suspension is well balanced and plush. The fork also has good bottoming resistance.
Below are some of the new features and changes made to the 2004 Suzuki RM 125 check the October issue of Dirt Rider for the full story.
2004 Suzuki RM125 New Features
* Flat top piston (lighter) for more bottom power via closer squish area.
* Cylinder all new with non-bridged exhaust port with exhaust sub-ports.
* Transfer or boost ports have greater volume from the cases up for bottom hit.
* Went from a two-piece exhaust valve to a large single valve and small sub-port valves to make engine respond more like 250F.
* Long-rod (8mm) like '03 factory bikes for better hit.
* Crank inertia is increased 6.5-percent for more roll-on.
* Airbox like '03 250, with intakes in sidepanels for cool air, and straightened air boot and manifold.
* Shift stopper spring stronger and detents more solid like RM250 for more positive shifts.
* Seat 10mm lower than '03.
* All hardware and many detail items stronger and better quality.
* Quick-adjust clutch perch for first time.
* Suspension has refined valving front and rear, with redesigned compression valve for better hook-up with new link.
* Linkage rods attach to swingarm rather than frame.
* Redesigned front brake master cylinder and Honda-style hose routing for aftermarket performance stock.
* Wheel drag is reduced via a floating front disc and new carrier in rear.
* One-piece rear master cylinder/reservoir.