1980 RM125T Restoration

Mouse153
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Virginia Beach, VA US
2/16/2016 1:03pm Edited Date/Time 5/29/2017 7:47pm
I picked up this little beauty over the weekend and plan on doing a full restoration/vintage racer. I completely broke it down and started ordering parts (amazing that I can still find OEM plastic through the local Suzuki dealer), getting the frame repaired and powder coated and rebuilding the engine. I haven't decided what to do about suspension yet but I'll update the thread as I go. Here's a few pics of what I'm starting with:






I'm looking for an FMF porcupine head still so if anyone knows where one is please let me know.

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Uncle Tony
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New York, NY US
2/16/2016 1:40pm
Had one of those in 1980 I really liked it, I thought it was a great bike, good luck
MaxPower
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2/16/2016 2:22pm
I had a 79 and used it for 2 seasons. I'd like one now. You have a good starting point. Looks like it wasn't loved by the previous owners but it has low hours
slomoto
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San Luis Obispo, CA US
2/16/2016 6:04pm
check out vintagesuzuki.com they have a lot of parts. Ive got a 79 125 that I'm working on,
Hasletjoe
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Haslet, TX US
2/16/2016 6:39pm
MaxPower wrote:
I had a 79 and used it for 2 seasons. I'd like one now. You have a good starting point. Looks like it wasn't loved by...
I had a 79 and used it for 2 seasons. I'd like one now. You have a good starting point. Looks like it wasn't loved by the previous owners but it has low hours
Max, I have a pretty nice 80 Model if you are interested.

The Shop

Mouse153
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2/17/2016 7:29am
MaxPower wrote:
I had a 79 and used it for 2 seasons. I'd like one now. You have a good starting point. Looks like it wasn't loved by...
I had a 79 and used it for 2 seasons. I'd like one now. You have a good starting point. Looks like it wasn't loved by the previous owners but it has low hours
It certainly wasn't loved but its all there and there's plenty of bore left in it so its a great starting point. The great thing about these bikes is so many parts are available, most from Suzuki, so it is going to be much easier than my old Husky restoration! LOL
notme
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CA
2/17/2016 8:36am
There are a few threads on here about the 79/80 125 and 250's. Lots of good info in them be sure to read them over.
2/17/2016 9:13am
You can replenish your shocks easily if the seals are still good. 5 weight and 200 psi does the trick.
yzweldon
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Grapevine, TX US
2/17/2016 9:31am
I have a junk frame I was about to throw out, if you want brackets off of it let me know
Mouse153
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2/17/2016 10:43am
yzweldon wrote:
I have a junk frame I was about to throw out, if you want brackets off of it let me know
Really? I have a friend in Roanoke that can come get it! I would appreciate it :-)
Mouse153
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5/13/2016 4:49am
Some progress on the old RM125:

Needed a new crank assy



Frame is back from powder coating



Engine cases are painted, cylinder bored to .50 and its ready for assembly this weekend


Still a ton more to do but it's starting to come together. I think I found the last NOS clutch basket in the US, new crank assy, bearings, seals, Wiseco piston, gaskets, shift shaft are all on the bench ready to be installed.







Mouse153
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5/13/2016 5:05am
I had to find a new pipe, $70 on ebay but it cleaned up great!






sandman768
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Saratoga Springs, NY US
5/13/2016 5:23am
Nice work! Keep the photos coming! I have brand new "vintage Suzuki " fenders for the 80 model, still in the plastic if ÿour interested. I bought them for my 79 250 but decided to stick with my original 79 fenders. Great bikes, lots of parts availible. I had a 79 125 in 1984, bought a brand new DG head from DG for about 25.00, they were unloading all their air cooled stuff! Wish. I still had it....
Mouse153
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5/13/2016 5:26am
Sandman, I'm interested in the rear fender if you'd sell it separately. I have a new front fender sitting here but I could use a rear.
MaxPower
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5/13/2016 6:59am
Has anyone ever had issues with the counter shaft breaking on 79/80 rm125.
I remember seeing a few and one guy i knew personally i can say im positive adjusted his chain correctly.
A solid counter shaft from a 77/78 rm fit right in.
Mouse153
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5/15/2016 7:28am
Not sure Max but I'd ask the guys on the Vintage Suzuki RM Facebook page.
Paul333
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Virginia Beach, VA US
5/15/2016 9:26am
Incredible restoration. I cannot wait to see it completed.
slomoto
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San Luis Obispo, CA US
5/15/2016 6:33pm


mines coming along slowly
sandman768
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5/18/2016 4:48am
Mouse153 wrote:
Sandman, I'm interested in the rear fender if you'd sell it separately. I have a new front fender sitting here but I could use a rear.
I will dig them out & send you a photo....
Mouse153
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Virginia Beach, VA US
9/6/2016 2:21pm
It's been a little while since I posted an update but a lot of things are happening with the old RM so here it goes:

It's starting to go back together; the engine is in, swing arm is cleaned up and I installed new bearings, found a great deal on a set of shocks, my last part for the forks arrived today so I can rebuild those now, my tank should be finished this week (or next) my hubs are at the powder coaters and my rims and spokes are on order. If everything lines up I could be finished shortly. For now here are a few pictures.










I have every bearing, washer, and bolt ready for installation and just ordered tire, tubes, bars and controls. I hope to provide a final update shortly and be riding this thing in October!
Paul333
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9/6/2016 3:14pm
It looks just as awesome in person as it does in the pictures. I cannot wait to see it done and fired up.
MaxPower
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9/6/2016 7:41pm
Nice work
What is the kicker from?
CamP
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Colleyville, TX US
9/7/2016 4:29am
Cool bike! I started racing on a 1980 RM125.
mayzo
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AU
12/11/2016 11:28pm
Just wondering if there's an update coming on this build?
Mouse153
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Virginia Beach, VA US
4/24/2017 2:15pm
Well it took me longer than I had planned but it's finally finish! I still need to do some minor jetting but so far it runs great.














4/24/2017 3:24pm
Great job! It's a beauty! You planning on riding it?
Mouse153
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4/24/2017 4:01pm
Yes sir, it's going to some vintage bike races this fall!
sandman768
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Saratoga Springs, NY US
4/26/2017 4:52am Edited Date/Time 4/26/2017 4:55am
Great job on this restore! Gold wheels look great.....think about an aftermarket folding tip shifter if you race it....put stock shifter back on when your done racing it.....
TG130
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US
4/26/2017 9:27pm
Nice !
RCN4HIM
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Holly Springs, SC US
4/29/2017 6:46am
Very nice job. I raced alot of vintage races on 78-80 RM's... You may want to pick up some Works Performance shocks set up for your weight when you plan on hitting the track hard... It will be way more safer and you'll have way more fun with a bike that will work the way its supposed to. The front you can tune with air and oil to get by but good rear shocks are a must!

Garand1
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central, NY US
4/29/2017 3:11pm
It looks great......I wanted one of those so bad when I was in highschool!!!! but I had to live with my 78 Suzuki DS100...was a good bike(trail riding) I LOVE the old air cooled bikes!!!!

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