Posts
180
Joined
12/25/2016
Location
CA
Hey Moto Build Enthusiasts! Figured I’d start a never ending build thread of my 2003 Suzuki RM 125. I purchased this bike a year ago after a 5 year break from Moto. I purchased it from a Shop Class Teacher who had owned it from when it was only 2 seasons old (in 2005-2006) and he used it for training students on how to work on dirt bikes.
Here’s a couple pictures when I picked it up. There were many signs that it wasn’t ridden much, but the horrendous old graphics kit made it look pretty ugly. 
The more I started looking, the more bits and pieces I realized I had to change before taking it out for a ride. I can’t stand a bike unless it feels at least somewhat fresh!
I installed a new ProX piston kit, rebuilt the forks and the shock, new swingarm bearings, new linkage bearings, new steering stem bearings, new bars, new clutch perch & lever, a complete front brake setup off a newer YZ450f - This allowed me to run the “CR Style” brake line routing, rather than under the fork lug like Suzuki and other brands did in those years. Other small bits such as ODI Grips, Carmichael Bend Pro-Tapers, new Dunlop tires, and some fresh plastics.
It was almost worthy enough to take for a ride at this point!
At this point it was rideable, but not up to my standards just yet. Tons of small bits such as rusted or tarnished bolts and hardware, a dented up stock pipe, an O-ring chain (Not a good choice for a 125) as well as some nasty 7/8 to 1 1/8 bar adapters that HAD TO GO. It was fall time here in Canada when I got to this point, so I got it out for a couple rides, and then started ordering parts once again.
I was fortunate enough to find a gently used 2007 seat cover for my build. A 2008 cover would have been nicer as they have a black top as opposed to being solid blue, but this was close enough at this time to fit the look I was going for. With that being said, if anybody has an 08 cover kicking around, let me know!
Shortly after a couple rides in the fall, the clutch was clearly in need of attention. I opted for a Barnett basket as they have nice little metal covers to prevent wear compared to the original aluminum basket.
I also picked up a Bills Works pipe and MX2 Silencer from DocWob.
The bike finally started looking cleaner!
The Shop
Free shipping: VITALMX
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
Before I bolted on the new wheels and new chain & sprockets, I figured I would clean up those nasty looking triple clamps... 8 hours of filing, sanding, and polishing later, I was pretty happy with how they turned out.
I also decided to pull the top end off again and see how the wash was looking and if our 91 Octane pump fuel was sufficient. Over the last year they put 10% Ethanol into all of our fuel here in Canada, so I had no idea how this would change things. Turns out it did as I was seeing some slight detonation on the sad, so I started running a 50/50 Mixture of VP C12 and 91 Pump.... At
24:1 with Maxima Castor 927! Mmmm!
I also scored a sweet deal on a Luxon bar mount!
Since the last update I installed the new wheels on the bike, and was able to get it out on the dirt!
Shortly after I found a sweet deal on a set of Raptor Ti footpegs that I couldn’t pass up!
More parts are currently in the mail…. Will update once those arrive!
Those wheels are sweet. Nice bluing on the pipe, too. It must be jetted right!
Thanks! The jetting is pretty close now, but still working on it. I started by replacing the Jet Block gasket as they’re very common to go bad in these Mikuni TMX carbs, as well as a new OEM Needle & Seat. Once those were ruled out, I went to a 440 (460 stock) Main, 37.5 (40 stock) Pilot, and raised the needle to lean it out one position. It’s close, but I’ll probably try a 35 pilot next.
Love love love these bikes. Looking good!
Beautiful bike man, gold wheels and that pipe makes that thing so sweet
Any chance I could get the part number for the Raptor footpegs you ordered...please!!??
Yessir! The part number is RX001, they are the 2015 & older KTM peg.
I ordered the RX0001 but they look completely different. This is the part number on the box I received:
Interesting, I ordered these off of eBay. Maybe they’re an older style and yours is a newer revision? They should fit the ol’ RM either way!
Just realized you're from Manitoba, I think we've talked Wedge Polaris before!
We likely have haha! Lots of those around here! 😄
That’s the WPS part number, not Raptor’s number.
Pit Row
All the way from Italy, these two snazzy pieces just arrived! I’m unsure if I want to cerakote them both or leave them raw. Thoughts?
Raw for the win! More period correct and with all the Fun25 shifting, you’d likely wear down whatever cerakote color you choose on that ignition cover…
Simple but very tasteful build! Bike looks great!
Great and clean build!
Love this pic:
Finally had a chance to install my new covers! Pretty happy with how things are looking.
As we approach the end of the season, it’s time to start thinking about what’s next for the ol’ RM. My main priority is to rebuild the original bottom end with some ProX parts (Connecting Rod, Main Bearings, Trans Bearings, etc.) as well as some case & cylinder porting, new reed petals (Like to try the high end Boyesen on stock cage) and if funds allow, some Ti bits here and there.
Pretty happy with how the bike is looking! Figured I’d post an outdoor photo of it with the new cover installed!
Nothing to update since the last posts, but just wanted to share a couple more riding photos!
I did order a couple more goodies for the ol’ RM recently, will update the post when those arrive in the mail!
I’ve officially been bitten by the Titanium bug! Purchased a few M6 pieces…. And now I’m itching for more! 😄
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