Best and Worst 125s..

9/23/2015 11:33am
Dude. Focus on Your education. Finish with good grades. Get a good job (Co-op) with work experience, in chosen field. Lots of time later for bikes...
Dude. Focus on Your education. Finish with good grades. Get a good job (Co-op) with work experience, in chosen field. Lots of time later for bikes. Cool
A professor in engineering school once told me to enjoy having lots of time, and no money in college...Now that I am 2 years out of...
A professor in engineering school once told me to enjoy having lots of time, and no money in college...Now that I am 2 years out of school working as a mech engineer, and just got married, I know exactly what he meant. Now I have money, and almost no time ! Funny how things change.
Wait until you have kids and you will no money AND no time. Tongue
Now that I have a toddler I realize how much time I used to have.
mxrose3
Posts
2333
Joined
8/17/2006
Location
Delmar, DE US
9/23/2015 11:46am
mx621 wrote:
the Hondas are really underrated. and there dirt cheap right now.. I just raced mine for the first time this weekend... I was very pleased with...
the Hondas are really underrated. and there dirt cheap right now.. I just raced mine for the first time this weekend... I was very pleased with how it ran, even rounded the first turn in 3rd in unlimited B class on it, 14 riders in class, got 4th in the moto. . mind u I am way to big for it ( 6'3', 220lb). and it was my first race in 7 years. sure I was outgunned but it was so fun!
You were rolling on that 125.... Good luck at Sleepy this weekend. Regardless of how you do, it sounds like that race is going to be a ton of fun. Keith will be there on his 250... I can't make it - gotta work...
edgo897
Posts
579
Joined
1/3/2010
Location
Land O Lakes, FL US
9/23/2015 2:24pm
Dude. Focus on Your education. Finish with good grades. Get a good job (Co-op) with work experience, in chosen field. Lots of time later for bikes...
Dude. Focus on Your education. Finish with good grades. Get a good job (Co-op) with work experience, in chosen field. Lots of time later for bikes. Cool
A professor in engineering school once told me to enjoy having lots of time, and no money in college...Now that I am 2 years out of...
A professor in engineering school once told me to enjoy having lots of time, and no money in college...Now that I am 2 years out of school working as a mech engineer, and just got married, I know exactly what he meant. Now I have money, and almost no time ! Funny how things change.
Wait until you have kids and you will no money AND no time. :P Now that I have a toddler I realize how much time I...
Wait until you have kids and you will no money AND no time. Tongue
Now that I have a toddler I realize how much time I used to have.
But once they get a little older it get fun.


mx621
Posts
310
Joined
12/8/2014
Location
DE US
9/23/2015 3:09pm
mxrose3 wrote:
You were rolling on that 125.... Good luck at Sleepy this weekend. Regardless of how you do, it sounds like that race is going to be...
You were rolling on that 125.... Good luck at Sleepy this weekend. Regardless of how you do, it sounds like that race is going to be a ton of fun. Keith will be there on his 250... I can't make it - gotta work...
Thanks! Lol. Ahh that sucks!! Pm me Keith's # to make sure we meet up.

The Shop

9/23/2015 3:22pm
Dude. Focus on Your education. Finish with good grades. Get a good job (Co-op) with work experience, in chosen field. Lots of time later for bikes...
Dude. Focus on Your education. Finish with good grades. Get a good job (Co-op) with work experience, in chosen field. Lots of time later for bikes. Cool
Good input. But you gotta do something for yourself to stay sane. One day a week you gotta do something for yourself. If that's riding, then do it. 2005 yz125 will keep the broken heart mended while you're studying.
9/23/2015 4:53pm
I would get a CR125 or a YZ125.

The Honda has awesome build quality and is very reliable. Might not be the fastest in the hands of a pro but for trails and hitting up buddy hill/ the mounds a CR125 would be perfect.
motoxracer611
Posts
45
Joined
9/21/2015
Location
Punxsutawney, PA US
9/23/2015 8:25pm
I bought a 04 cr125r blown up for $250 bought a jug,head,power valves,and a top end rebuild and it was such an amazing bike loved it at the track super light and fun just find something blown up for cheap a 2-stroke rebuild kit is between $80-$120 usually

mxrose3
Posts
2333
Joined
8/17/2006
Location
Delmar, DE US
9/24/2015 10:08am Edited Date/Time 9/24/2015 10:10am
mx621 wrote:
Thanks! Lol. Ahh that sucks!! Pm me Keith's # to make sure we meet up.
PM sent
9/24/2015 12:38pm
I bought a 04 cr125r blown up for $250 bought a jug,head,power valves,and a top end rebuild and it was such an amazing bike loved it...
I bought a 04 cr125r blown up for $250 bought a jug,head,power valves,and a top end rebuild and it was such an amazing bike loved it at the track super light and fun just find something blown up for cheap a 2-stroke rebuild kit is between $80-$120 usually

Damn thats a hell of a deal, even on a blown up bike!
9/24/2015 3:16pm
You should try to find a 2006 yz125 but if you can't 2003 yz125 is the way to go
9/24/2015 5:00pm
I owned a 01 RM125 and loved it. Surprised it's not mentioned more in this thread.

I rode a 02 CR125 and it was a doooooog.

I owned a 03 KX125 and it was okay.. just felt cramped to me.

06 & newer YZ125 is just amazing. Highly recommended but usually priced out of range (at least near my city).
motoxracer611
Posts
45
Joined
9/21/2015
Location
Punxsutawney, PA US
9/24/2015 5:04pm
I owned a 01 RM125 and loved it. Surprised it's not mentioned more in this thread. I rode a 02 CR125 and it was a doooooog...
I owned a 01 RM125 and loved it. Surprised it's not mentioned more in this thread.

I rode a 02 CR125 and it was a doooooog.

I owned a 03 KX125 and it was okay.. just felt cramped to me.

06 & newer YZ125 is just amazing. Highly recommended but usually priced out of range (at least near my city).
Only bad thing about rm's are the 98's to 01's you cant find motor parts for except top end build they no longer make the crank or any of the internals
MxKing809
Posts
6374
Joined
10/13/2013
Location
Big Sand Whoops, MI US
Fantasy
9/24/2015 5:35pm
I owned a 01 RM125 and loved it. Surprised it's not mentioned more in this thread. I rode a 02 CR125 and it was a doooooog...
I owned a 01 RM125 and loved it. Surprised it's not mentioned more in this thread.

I rode a 02 CR125 and it was a doooooog.

I owned a 03 KX125 and it was okay.. just felt cramped to me.

06 & newer YZ125 is just amazing. Highly recommended but usually priced out of range (at least near my city).
Only bad thing about rm's are the 98's to 01's you cant find motor parts for except top end build they no longer make the crank...
Only bad thing about rm's are the 98's to 01's you cant find motor parts for except top end build they no longer make the crank or any of the internals
Any you'll be needing tranny parts.....lots and lots of tranny parts
motoxracer611
Posts
45
Joined
9/21/2015
Location
Punxsutawney, PA US
9/24/2015 5:37pm
I owned a 01 RM125 and loved it. Surprised it's not mentioned more in this thread. I rode a 02 CR125 and it was a doooooog...
I owned a 01 RM125 and loved it. Surprised it's not mentioned more in this thread.

I rode a 02 CR125 and it was a doooooog.

I owned a 03 KX125 and it was okay.. just felt cramped to me.

06 & newer YZ125 is just amazing. Highly recommended but usually priced out of range (at least near my city).
Only bad thing about rm's are the 98's to 01's you cant find motor parts for except top end build they no longer make the crank...
Only bad thing about rm's are the 98's to 01's you cant find motor parts for except top end build they no longer make the crank or any of the internals
MxKing809 wrote:
Any you'll be needing tranny parts.....lots and lots of tranny parts
I rebuilt one bottom and top it took 4 weeks to look for a crank then decide to send it out and get it machined pos haha
9/24/2015 5:40pm
I owned a 01 RM125 and loved it. Surprised it's not mentioned more in this thread. I rode a 02 CR125 and it was a doooooog...
I owned a 01 RM125 and loved it. Surprised it's not mentioned more in this thread.

I rode a 02 CR125 and it was a doooooog.

I owned a 03 KX125 and it was okay.. just felt cramped to me.

06 & newer YZ125 is just amazing. Highly recommended but usually priced out of range (at least near my city).
Only bad thing about rm's are the 98's to 01's you cant find motor parts for except top end build they no longer make the crank...
Only bad thing about rm's are the 98's to 01's you cant find motor parts for except top end build they no longer make the crank or any of the internals
Say it ain't so. I just was thinking about buying a 2001 RM125 for 700 with a blown top end. I guess I'll hold out for an 02 and above so I'll be able to find parts if I need them. Thanks!
motoxracer611
Posts
45
Joined
9/21/2015
Location
Punxsutawney, PA US
9/24/2015 5:44pm
I owned a 01 RM125 and loved it. Surprised it's not mentioned more in this thread. I rode a 02 CR125 and it was a doooooog...
I owned a 01 RM125 and loved it. Surprised it's not mentioned more in this thread.

I rode a 02 CR125 and it was a doooooog.

I owned a 03 KX125 and it was okay.. just felt cramped to me.

06 & newer YZ125 is just amazing. Highly recommended but usually priced out of range (at least near my city).
Only bad thing about rm's are the 98's to 01's you cant find motor parts for except top end build they no longer make the crank...
Only bad thing about rm's are the 98's to 01's you cant find motor parts for except top end build they no longer make the crank or any of the internals
Say it ain't so. I just was thinking about buying a 2001 RM125 for 700 with a blown top end. I guess I'll hold out for...
Say it ain't so. I just was thinking about buying a 2001 RM125 for 700 with a blown top end. I guess I'll hold out for an 02 and above so I'll be able to find parts if I need them. Thanks!
Yea it sucks I bought a 99 for 750 locked up and that's the problem we had then we got it rebuilt blew it up rebuilt it sold it that kid blew it up and can't keep it running but when it was running it was one of the fastest 125's but we couldn't put 10 hours on it before it blew again
MxKing809
Posts
6374
Joined
10/13/2013
Location
Big Sand Whoops, MI US
Fantasy
9/24/2015 5:56pm
Tracktor wrote:
The '02 CR125 with an HPP top end, 38 PWK carb & '03 KX125 pipe has been a very solid package for us. My kid just...
The '02 CR125 with an HPP top end, 38 PWK carb & '03 KX125 pipe has been a very solid package for us. My kid just rode his at the 125 Dream Race at Washougal and was not under powered by any stretch even against KTM's. It's all about setup with 125's & watching them it seems most people have forgotten that. Our bike would pull where many others just bogged.......I think all of the colors have good points and would look for a clean bike that's been taken care of before I chose brand..........
mx621 wrote:
I plan on that same setup over the winter. I just need the carb and a few small odds and ends complete what's needed. Curious to...
I plan on that same setup over the winter. I just need the carb and a few small odds and ends complete what's needed. Curious to see how it changes the bike.
What needle and jet are you running? I got my 38 PWK as a OEM 2000 CR250 carb and I'm currently running that needle. I'm thinking if trying the NECJ needle I used in my KTM
9/24/2015 6:19pm Edited Date/Time 9/24/2015 6:19pm
Damn. Good to know about the 01 and earlier RMs. I see them for cheaper on CL from time to time.. really want to build a 86 replica (with 01-07 model) but not if parts are a PITA. Had my fill of NOS hell with my 89 KX125 build.
9/24/2015 6:23pm
Only bad thing about rm's are the 98's to 01's you cant find motor parts for except top end build they no longer make the crank...
Only bad thing about rm's are the 98's to 01's you cant find motor parts for except top end build they no longer make the crank or any of the internals
Say it ain't so. I just was thinking about buying a 2001 RM125 for 700 with a blown top end. I guess I'll hold out for...
Say it ain't so. I just was thinking about buying a 2001 RM125 for 700 with a blown top end. I guess I'll hold out for an 02 and above so I'll be able to find parts if I need them. Thanks!
Yea it sucks I bought a 99 for 750 locked up and that's the problem we had then we got it rebuilt blew it up rebuilt...
Yea it sucks I bought a 99 for 750 locked up and that's the problem we had then we got it rebuilt blew it up rebuilt it sold it that kid blew it up and can't keep it running but when it was running it was one of the fastest 125's but we couldn't put 10 hours on it before it blew again
That sucks man. I just looked on ebay and I should be good with a 2001, Wiseco has a top and bottom end kit for $300.
motoxracer611
Posts
45
Joined
9/21/2015
Location
Punxsutawney, PA US
9/24/2015 6:32pm
Say it ain't so. I just was thinking about buying a 2001 RM125 for 700 with a blown top end. I guess I'll hold out for...
Say it ain't so. I just was thinking about buying a 2001 RM125 for 700 with a blown top end. I guess I'll hold out for an 02 and above so I'll be able to find parts if I need them. Thanks!
Yea it sucks I bought a 99 for 750 locked up and that's the problem we had then we got it rebuilt blew it up rebuilt...
Yea it sucks I bought a 99 for 750 locked up and that's the problem we had then we got it rebuilt blew it up rebuilt it sold it that kid blew it up and can't keep it running but when it was running it was one of the fastest 125's but we couldn't put 10 hours on it before it blew again
That sucks man. I just looked on ebay and I should be good with a 2001, Wiseco has a top and bottom end kit for $300.
Oh well good luck if you do just letting people know that they are Bitches at times
9/24/2015 8:37pm
I owned a 01 RM125 and loved it. Surprised it's not mentioned more in this thread. I rode a 02 CR125 and it was a doooooog...
I owned a 01 RM125 and loved it. Surprised it's not mentioned more in this thread.

I rode a 02 CR125 and it was a doooooog.

I owned a 03 KX125 and it was okay.. just felt cramped to me.

06 & newer YZ125 is just amazing. Highly recommended but usually priced out of range (at least near my city).
^^^This
9/24/2015 8:43pm
Damn. Good to know about the 01 and earlier RMs. I see them for cheaper on CL from time to time.. really want to build a...
Damn. Good to know about the 01 and earlier RMs. I see them for cheaper on CL from time to time.. really want to build a 86 replica (with 01-07 model) but not if parts are a PITA. Had my fill of NOS hell with my 89 KX125 build.
01-up RMs have transmission/bottom end parts readily available. 2001 was the major redesign. 2001-2003 use the same crank.

In 2004, the cranks were changed to the KTM-style long-rod format.

00-earlier RM125 parts are really drying up in the North American Suzuki warehouses.
JerseyFresh
Posts
607
Joined
9/7/2009
Location
Denver, CO US
9/24/2015 9:45pm
Cut all the nonsense and just get a YZ. All the others had their issues. CRs and KXs for the most part are dogs. Go cart slow. RMs handle great, nothing turns like an Zook, but they fall apart like a cheap watch. As sick as an 02 CR125 with the HPP topend and all that is, its so much work.
9/24/2015 10:40pm
Cut all the nonsense and just get a YZ. All the others had their issues. CRs and KXs for the most part are dogs. Go cart...
Cut all the nonsense and just get a YZ. All the others had their issues. CRs and KXs for the most part are dogs. Go cart slow. RMs handle great, nothing turns like an Zook, but they fall apart like a cheap watch. As sick as an 02 CR125 with the HPP topend and all that is, its so much work.
Yep. That's the name of the game. The only down side is there aren't that many cool looking bikes that you can replicate with a Yz. Yamaha's are the cat's meow in the two stroke world if you don't have the coin to get a KTM.
HenryA
Posts
3785
Joined
12/29/2011
Location
Stockholm SE
9/25/2015 4:03am
Cut all the nonsense and just get a YZ. All the others had their issues. CRs and KXs for the most part are dogs. Go cart...
Cut all the nonsense and just get a YZ. All the others had their issues. CRs and KXs for the most part are dogs. Go cart slow. RMs handle great, nothing turns like an Zook, but they fall apart like a cheap watch. As sick as an 02 CR125 with the HPP topend and all that is, its so much work.
I wouldn't say that the KX is a dog, and comparing it to a CR125 is a bit rough.
But with that said, I would also pick up a YZ125 if I was in the market today. If we are talking used 125's, if it was a new one. Then a 125SX would be my weapon of choice.
Ryan598
Posts
124
Joined
12/30/2010
Location
Marion, OH US
9/25/2015 4:43am
I owned a 01 RM125 and loved it. Surprised it's not mentioned more in this thread. I rode a 02 CR125 and it was a doooooog...
I owned a 01 RM125 and loved it. Surprised it's not mentioned more in this thread.

I rode a 02 CR125 and it was a doooooog.

I owned a 03 KX125 and it was okay.. just felt cramped to me.

06 & newer YZ125 is just amazing. Highly recommended but usually priced out of range (at least near my city).
Only bad thing about rm's are the 98's to 01's you cant find motor parts for except top end build they no longer make the crank...
Only bad thing about rm's are the 98's to 01's you cant find motor parts for except top end build they no longer make the crank or any of the internals
MxKing809 wrote:
Any you'll be needing tranny parts.....lots and lots of tranny parts
I bought a 2003 RM 125 in pieces blown up last year. Transmission turned out to be completely shot. Not so sure 01 was the end of the tranny issue. Not from my experience anyways.
motoxracer611
Posts
45
Joined
9/21/2015
Location
Punxsutawney, PA US
9/25/2015 5:04am
Only bad thing about rm's are the 98's to 01's you cant find motor parts for except top end build they no longer make the crank...
Only bad thing about rm's are the 98's to 01's you cant find motor parts for except top end build they no longer make the crank or any of the internals
MxKing809 wrote:
Any you'll be needing tranny parts.....lots and lots of tranny parts
Ryan598 wrote:
I bought a 2003 RM 125 in pieces blown up last year. Transmission turned out to be completely shot. Not so sure 01 was the end...
I bought a 2003 RM 125 in pieces blown up last year. Transmission turned out to be completely shot. Not so sure 01 was the end of the tranny issue. Not from my experience anyways.
We werent talking about them blowing up I was referreing to buying the crank and such because for the 98's too 2000 it is near impossible to find a new bottom end parts I had to get my whole crank machined
MxKing809
Posts
6374
Joined
10/13/2013
Location
Big Sand Whoops, MI US
Fantasy
9/25/2015 10:38am
MxKing809 wrote:
Any you'll be needing tranny parts.....lots and lots of tranny parts
Ryan598 wrote:
I bought a 2003 RM 125 in pieces blown up last year. Transmission turned out to be completely shot. Not so sure 01 was the end...
I bought a 2003 RM 125 in pieces blown up last year. Transmission turned out to be completely shot. Not so sure 01 was the end of the tranny issue. Not from my experience anyways.
We werent talking about them blowing up I was referreing to buying the crank and such because for the 98's too 2000 it is near impossible...
We werent talking about them blowing up I was referreing to buying the crank and such because for the 98's too 2000 it is near impossible to find a new bottom end parts I had to get my whole crank machined
I was...... lol. The early 2000's were my 125 schoolboy days...... and I remember lots of RM125 Tranny issues
Tracktor
Posts
2343
Joined
8/17/2006
Location
The RTF/Amboy, WA US
9/25/2015 11:38am Edited Date/Time 9/25/2015 11:39am
Tracktor wrote:
The '02 CR125 with an HPP top end, 38 PWK carb & '03 KX125 pipe has been a very solid package for us. My kid just...
The '02 CR125 with an HPP top end, 38 PWK carb & '03 KX125 pipe has been a very solid package for us. My kid just rode his at the 125 Dream Race at Washougal and was not under powered by any stretch even against KTM's. It's all about setup with 125's & watching them it seems most people have forgotten that. Our bike would pull where many others just bogged.......I think all of the colors have good points and would look for a clean bike that's been taken care of before I chose brand..........
mx621 wrote:
I plan on that same setup over the winter. I just need the carb and a few small odds and ends complete what's needed. Curious to...
I plan on that same setup over the winter. I just need the carb and a few small odds and ends complete what's needed. Curious to see how it changes the bike.
MxKing809 wrote:
What needle and jet are you running? I got my 38 PWK as a OEM 2000 CR250 carb and I'm currently running that needle. I'm thinking...
What needle and jet are you running? I got my 38 PWK as a OEM 2000 CR250 carb and I'm currently running that needle. I'm thinking if trying the NECJ needle I used in my KTM
I am going off memory here but-

172 Main
42 pilot
#6 slide ( these need a 5.5 or 6 slide to run right I've heard)
Some big thick needle that was in carb I believe it was a JD red? in second position.

Carb was used of of a KTM 250 (Ebay)

We let a kid that usually rides a 2010 YZ125 race it last night since his blew up again. His words were "Holy crap that thing is fast. My arms are tired!" He adjusted to it very quickly....................
MxKing809
Posts
6374
Joined
10/13/2013
Location
Big Sand Whoops, MI US
Fantasy
9/25/2015 12:11pm Edited Date/Time 9/25/2015 2:35pm
mx621 wrote:
I plan on that same setup over the winter. I just need the carb and a few small odds and ends complete what's needed. Curious to...
I plan on that same setup over the winter. I just need the carb and a few small odds and ends complete what's needed. Curious to see how it changes the bike.
MxKing809 wrote:
What needle and jet are you running? I got my 38 PWK as a OEM 2000 CR250 carb and I'm currently running that needle. I'm thinking...
What needle and jet are you running? I got my 38 PWK as a OEM 2000 CR250 carb and I'm currently running that needle. I'm thinking if trying the NECJ needle I used in my KTM
Tracktor wrote:
I am going off memory here but- 172 Main 42 pilot #6 slide ( these need a 5.5 or 6 slide to run right I've heard)...
I am going off memory here but-

172 Main
42 pilot
#6 slide ( these need a 5.5 or 6 slide to run right I've heard)
Some big thick needle that was in carb I believe it was a JD red? in second position.

Carb was used of of a KTM 250 (Ebay)

We let a kid that usually rides a 2010 YZ125 race it last night since his blew up again. His words were "Holy crap that thing is fast. My arms are tired!" He adjusted to it very quickly....................
I've got a #7 slide, 45 pilot, and 178 main..... it seems to rip but I'm freestyling

Post a reply to: Best and Worst 125s..

The Latest