The Suzuki motocross line for 2001 features the mini-class standard, the RM80, and a totally new RM125 and RM250. Each Suzuki motocross model includes a full race contingency pack age with over $3 million dollars in cash and certificates up for grabs, plus other benefits exclusively for RM riders.

The 2001 RM125 has changed in major ways with a powerful new engine, an all new light weight chassis, and more aggressive styling. The engine is lighter weight and more compact thanks to an externally mounted waterpump, which reduces crankcase size, and allows the engine to be mounted in the frame closer to vertical for a straighter intake tract and improved cylinder charging. Contributing to better mid-to-high range power is a new Mikuni 38mm carb, revised exhaust port timing and an all new lightweight exhaust system.

The new lighter weight RM125 chassis has been redesigned to improve the balance of frame rigidity, weight placement, swingarm length, suspension calibration and overall geometry. Even the bodywork has reshaped for better rider mobility. Add in a new Showa fork and shock absorber, plus a host of weight-saving revisions and you have some serious changes.

RM125 AT A GLANCE

• Suggested Retail: $4,999.00
• Engine Type: Two-stroke, liquid cooled
• Bore and Stroke: 54.0 mm x 54.5 mm
• Front Brake: Single Hydraulic Disc
• Rear Brake: Single Hydraulic Disc
• Wheelbase: 1450mm (57.1 in)
• Dry Weight: 86.5 kg (191 lbs)

RM-125 NEW FORKS

The 2001 RM125 uses new Showa twin chamber cartridge forks with 47mm inner tubes and the fork springs relocated from the top of each leg to the bottom of each leg, where it is submersed in oil. This design change reduces the air volume at the top of each fork leg and increase the forks' resistance to bottoming. A new compression damping piston includes a low-speed valve to improve performance over rolling terrain and in corners.

RM125 REAR SHOCK

The 2001 RM125 has a new piggyback-reservoir Showa rear shock using the same type of compression-damping system as the RM250, but with a slightly different compression damping adjustment mechanism. The shock body is 50mm and a lighter (weight, not rating) spring is used, reducing overall rear shock weight by 417 grams compared to the shock on the previous model.

In the case of both models, detail changes in the swingarm design and the progressive rear suspension linkage have improved response and traction, especially on washboard surfaces. The linkage leverage ratio has been adjusted, and linkage lever and link rod design changes saved a total of 145.2 grams. The shock absorbers on both models now use needle-roller-bearing upper mounts instead of ball-bearing upper mounts, improving suspension response and smoothness, especially over high-speed washboard sections.

NEW RM 125 ENGINE

The 2001 RM 125 is engine is completely new. Bore and stroke are 54 x 54.5 for 124.8cc of displacement. Like the RM 250, the 125 is liquid cooled with race-proven SCEM cylinder plating. Compared to the previous models engine, the 2001 RM 125 makes more peak power and torque. The cylinder is positioned closer to vertical - 17 degrees, instead of the previous 20 degrees.

The new engine is 750 grams lighter and is 21mm shorter, measured front ? to - rear. The water pump, incorporated into the front of the crankcases on the previous RM 125 model, now bolts onto the right side of the cases, allowing the cases to be made shorter. Simplified radiator hose routing saves 95 grams of weight. Reducing the magneto rotors outside diameter saves another 55 grams and the engine's digital CDI control unit is 33 grams lighter.

Specifications:

RM125

MSRP:

$4,999.00

DIMENSIONS AND DRY MASS

Overall length:

2145mm (84.4 in.)

Overall width:

840mm (33.1 in.)

Overall height:

1275mm (50.2 in.)

Wheelbase:

1450mm (57.1 in.)

Ground clearance:

335mm (13.2 in.)

Seat height:

940mm (37.0 in.)

Dry mass:

86.5kg (191 lbs.)

ENGINE

Type:

2-stroke, 1-cylinder, liquid cooled, crankcase reed

Bore:

54.0 mm (2.126 in.)

Stroke:

54.5 mm (2.146 in.)

Piston displacement:

124.8cc (7.6 cu. in.)

Compression ratio:

8.9/10.7:1

Carburetor. Mikuni TMX38S

Air cleaner:

Foam element

Starter system:

Primary kick

Lubrication System:

Pre-mix 32:1

TRANSMISSION

Clutch:

Wet multi-plate type

Transmission:

6-speed constant mesh

Gearshift pattern:

1 down, 5 up

Primary ratio:

3.368 (64/19)

Gear ratios:

1st 2.071 (29/14)

2nd 1.668 (27/16)

3rd 1.444 (26/18)

4th 1.200 (24/20)

5th 1.053 (20/19)

6th 0/950 (19/20)

Final ratio:

4.083 (49/12)

Drive chain:

520 chain, 112 links

CHASSIS

Front suspension:

Inverted, 22 way compression & 20 rebound damping

Rear suspension:

Link-type, adjustable preload, 23 way comp. (4 high speed - l9 low speed) & 20 way rebound damping

F. suspension stroke:

310mm (12.2 in.)

R. wheel travel:

320mm (12.6 in.)

Rake:

26? 30'

Trail:

104mm (4.09 in.)

Steering angle:

45? (right & left)

Turning radius:

2.3m (7.5 ft.)

Front brake:

Disc

Rear brake:

Disc

Front tire size:

80/100-21 51 M

Rear tire size:

110/90-19 57M

ELECTRICAL

Ignition type:

CDI

Ignition timing:

5o B.T.D.C. @ 1700 r/min

Spark plug:

NGK R6918B-8

Generator:

Magneto

CAPACITIES

Fuel tank:

8.0L (2.1 gal.)

Engine coolant:

970ml (1.0 pt.)