Suzuki RM125 2002 buying advice

I have this same bike. It lacks a few features compared to the 04+ RMs.

The main disparities are that it has the longer offset triples (24.5 vs the later 22.5), solid/cast-in-place bar mounts (as opposed to later adjustable, rubber mounts), and the foot peg mounts are oddball (such that you'll find very few aftermarket options). The foot peg mounts are also mounted 10mm higher and farther forwards than later years. And finally, the 02 lacks the updated rear linkage (I think it's more linear than the later design, causing the rear to ride slightly higher? I'm not clear on that).

As far as power goes, the motor kicks ass. Definitely a mid-up maven, but the power squirts on smoothly and very playfully. Transmission is kinda cheesy (I lost two gears last year), but I think all RMs have this problem, and it may be that I have poor shifting technique.

In short, it may be worth looking for an 04+ RM if you want the best RM available, but generally speaking, the 02 isn't too far behind and is of course still a blast to ride.

If you've never owned an RM before, they are really narrow between the legs and have a pretty tall inseam dimension. I really like the feel of the bike (I'm 5'10", 10.5 stone). I've also owned a YZ125, and the YZ feels wider and more squat, and it handles more sturdily. The RM feels tall and nimble like a horse, while the YZ feels like a squaty, buzzy mule. I liked the RM so much more that I sold the YZ and put the money into RM upgrades.

Regarding the specific bike above, I'd be a bit weary of the new crank. Aftermarket cranks can be out of alignment right off the shelf, and installing the crank without doing damage to main bearings takes some degree of care and caution. I'd ask which crank was installed, if they had checked the alignment first and what those numbers were, and who installed it or how, etc. Try to get some read on how legit the crank install is.

I had a 2002, but I would hold out for an 05 if you can since they are better in so many ways.

That bike the there looks like a real mish mash of parts and that would make me learn about it's age

+1 on the 05 onwards. If you plan on keeping an RM125 for a while then its a no brainer to get the latest and arguably best model.

I do regular RM125 searches on the net and you never have to wait long for a reasonable condition 05 onwards to pop up for a sensible price. Patience is key when buying these bikes and with OEM prices for RM parts being high, it is a lot more cost effective to pay more for a low hour bike then pay less for a high use one that needs a lot of replacement parts.

Having ridden both 03 and 06 model RM125's, I can also confirm that the 05's+ are a better bike.

If Suzuki were to release a 2018 RM 125 (per the rumors), i would assume the previously generation used market would get considerably cheaper.

However its just rumors, so Suzuki might be releasing a new 125 about the same time James Stewart is going to make a comeback.

I built an RM from the ground up a few years ago, and I totally love it! Mine is a 2002 as you've mentioned.

I've added the modern routed front brake (Modern KXF caliper is direct bolt-on) and also added triple clamps off of an 05'.

The bike corners on a dime and is so much fun to just scream on!



Here is a video of me riding it in the summer, all smiles under my lid! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JYTCVjpdrE

I am 26 and just got back into the sport about 4 years ago - the bike brings me back to the early years and I often fantasize about buying a new one for modern bits - then I throw a leg over her and ride it and forget about the others! Like I said, a ton of fun!

I'd go for the 2002 if the price is right, the 04+ likely has very incremental improvements - but i am biased

I got the 05' Clamps off of ebay - mainly for the removable bar mounts on the 05' so I could run a bigger bar than a 7/8's....

As for Handling, nothing immediately noticeable.....great in the corners per usual, can cut in and hold the throttle all the way out....

OEM master, 2009 KXF Caliper with a 2008 Front Brake line, and RMZ fork guards.

01-03 has a unique rear break and line as well, something to watch out for when replacing that brake hose.

Go for the the 02 but get rid of those ugly ass graphics!! I had one they are fun. Only issue I had was the clutch was shitty until you replace the whole thing with a Hinson.

Ps I agree with the crank comment above,

Sweet! Congrats!

I've also got the HGS pipe on my bike, although I'm currently running the PC. With the PC, I've found a bit more mid and up power (according to the ol' butt dyno at least) by running a non-shorty silencer (with fluffy packing, not the tight, quilt-like stuff), a Boyeson Rad Valve and milling the head .2mm to get the squish band right at 1.0mm. I haven't felt any need to port or polish the cylinder, just left it stock. It goes really good.