2003 RM125 anyone? UPDATE

bartoner
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bartoner
Edited Date/Time 1/25/2016 12:55pm
I have been looking for an affordable tiddler playbike for myself. Ran across this RM125 in my price range +/- $1500 with pink and registration (which apparently is hard to find). Also has a completely rebuilt top and bottom with receipts.

I have always been a honda guy, so don't know anything about these zooks. Any thoughts?



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mb
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mb 1/14/2016 2:52pm
1/14/2016 2:52pm
Looks a little rough cosmetically, make sure it is sound mechanically before buying.

If there are engine/tranny/wheelset problems I would pass at that price.
seth505
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seth505 1/14/2016 2:59pm
1/14/2016 2:59pm
I sold one last year for 1800 that I did a frame up restoration on, I would offer less than what they want on this one I think. Bike turned so well it was amazing but was still slower than a stock yz with Doma exhaust, porting, 134cc, vforce, etc
newmann
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newmann 1/14/2016 3:00pm
1/14/2016 3:00pm
Were those rims powder coated and now peeling? Use any defects to negotiate it as cheap as possible.

Now, about the bike, they are light and feel even lighter. Probably due to how well they corner and how good the brakes were. Engine is fast and likes to rev. If it calls for the $30.00 spark plug on that year, use the $30.00 spark plug. There is a reason for that .
seth505
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seth505 1/14/2016 3:03pm
1/14/2016 3:03pm
newmann wrote:
Were those rims powder coated and now peeling? Use any defects to negotiate it as cheap as possible. Now, about the bike, they are light and...
Were those rims powder coated and now peeling? Use any defects to negotiate it as cheap as possible.

Now, about the bike, they are light and feel even lighter. Probably due to how well they corner and how good the brakes were. Engine is fast and likes to rev. If it calls for the $30.00 spark plug on that year, use the $30.00 spark plug. There is a reason for that .
Yes, good point! If you buy it, use the 30 dollar spark plug, regular ones will break the electrode off and bounce off your piston/head.

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drummer dude
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drummer dude 1/14/2016 3:09pm
1/14/2016 3:09pm
I had a 2003 rm 125. loved that bike. it was probably my favorite 125. I added 1 tooth to the rear sprocket size.. I think stock was a 49 tooth. I went up to a 50..gave it just enough bottom end with out losing that much on the top end.. enjoy the ride !!!!
Pete The Fisherman 1/14/2016 3:12pm
1/14/2016 3:12pm
Cheaply painted wheels, dented pipe, broken fork guard, and worn out plastics. I'd pass. You can find much cleaner bikes for the same price if you're patient.
bartoner
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bartoner 1/14/2016 3:13pm
1/14/2016 3:13pm
newmann wrote:
Were those rims powder coated and now peeling? Use any defects to negotiate it as cheap as possible. Now, about the bike, they are light and...
Were those rims powder coated and now peeling? Use any defects to negotiate it as cheap as possible.

Now, about the bike, they are light and feel even lighter. Probably due to how well they corner and how good the brakes were. Engine is fast and likes to rev. If it calls for the $30.00 spark plug on that year, use the $30.00 spark plug. There is a reason for that .
Yes, exactly powder coated a few years ago, now peeling.

Wtf... $30 plug...I will have to look into that!
colintrax
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colintrax 1/14/2016 3:16pm
1/14/2016 3:16pm
If it really does have a new top and bottom end, I'd go for it. Just because it looks a little rough doesn't mean it isn't well taken care of. My 250F looked like absolute crap, but I took care of it. All my cash was going to new valves, cam chain, and ethanol free gas. Didn't have money for plastics :D

As far as you liking it.... idk. For sure take it for a test ride. IMO a guy that likes the feel of a Honda is gonna feel weird on a zook.
Phillip_Lamb
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Phillip_Lamb 1/14/2016 3:19pm
1/14/2016 3:19pm
doenst look too bad. ive had an 03 and 04 rm125. good bikes. the have a taller feel vs a honda. they also cut corners like a knife in butter. engines were more mid and up but if you drop at a good tuner they could get some bottom back without sacrificing top. showa suspension was good.

worst part of pretty much all suzuki's is the clutch. they are always light and wear quickly with abuse
bartoner
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bartoner 1/14/2016 3:22pm
1/14/2016 3:22pm Edited Date/Time 1/14/2016 3:25pm
There's also this '01 cr I've been looking at but this one is in the $1800...I've seen alot of cleaner ones in the range, but usually without any kind of paperwork..I'd like to stay away from those.



colintrax
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colintrax 1/14/2016 3:48pm
1/14/2016 3:48pm
bartoner wrote:
There's also this '01 cr I've been looking at but this one is in the $1800...I've seen alot of cleaner ones in the range, but usually...
There's also this '01 cr I've been looking at but this one is in the $1800...I've seen alot of cleaner ones in the range, but usually without any kind of paperwork..I'd like to stay away from those.



Last top end and bottom end?
bartoner
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bartoner 1/14/2016 5:29pm
1/14/2016 5:29pm
bartoner wrote:
There's also this '01 cr I've been looking at but this one is in the $1800...I've seen alot of cleaner ones in the range, but usually...
There's also this '01 cr I've been looking at but this one is in the $1800...I've seen alot of cleaner ones in the range, but usually without any kind of paperwork..I'd like to stay away from those.



colintrax wrote:
Last top end and bottom end?
He said about 10 hours on fresh top and bottom
byke
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byke 1/14/2016 5:36pm
1/14/2016 5:36pm
" hiya, im rick the bike seller, my employee who normally put the bikes on stands is off today"
johnnymf0
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johnnymf0 1/14/2016 5:37pm
1/14/2016 5:37pm
For what it's worth I switched from Hondas to this exact bike back in 2003 when it first came out and haven't ridden anything but Suzuki since.
bartoner
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bartoner 1/25/2016 8:15am
1/25/2016 8:15am
I ended up with this bike

2002 RM125
Vortex Ignition
Vortex Triple Trees
Works Connection Clutch Perch
Works Connection Frame Guards
Works Connection Radiator Braces
Tag Bars
Excel Wheels
Bills Pipe and Silencer
Tech-Care Suspension? (not familiar with them)
IMS Footrests
Hinson Clutch with Boyesen Cover
DSP Carbon Fiber Ignition cover and chain guard
V Force Reeds
Uni Filter



mattyhamz2
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mattyhamz2 1/25/2016 9:03am
1/25/2016 9:03am
She doesn't look to bad, congrats on the new 125 OP! Now just throw a new front fender and number plate on and do all those small things we all have to do when we buy a used bike and go ride the hell out of her!
gharmon
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gharmon 1/25/2016 9:12am
1/25/2016 9:12am
bartoner wrote:
There's also this '01 cr I've been looking at but this one is in the $1800...I've seen alot of cleaner ones in the range, but usually...
There's also this '01 cr I've been looking at but this one is in the $1800...I've seen alot of cleaner ones in the range, but usually without any kind of paperwork..I'd like to stay away from those.



colintrax wrote:
Last top end and bottom end?
bartoner wrote:
He said about 10 hours on fresh top and bottom
I don't think that's an 01. I believe that to be an 02 up. The 01 had those longer funky looking side plates. We had an 02 CR125 and I believe it to be the best 2 stroke we ever had and we have had them all (no ktm or KX). We also had nothing newer than an 07.

We also had the 03 RM125. If I could have two of the bikes back I sold it would be the 02 CR125 and the 03 RM125.

Both were slow off the bottom but if you kept them on the bike they were good bikes.
Big Lenny
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Big Lenny 1/25/2016 9:47am
1/25/2016 9:47am
newmann wrote:
Were those rims powder coated and now peeling? Use any defects to negotiate it as cheap as possible. Now, about the bike, they are light and...
Were those rims powder coated and now peeling? Use any defects to negotiate it as cheap as possible.

Now, about the bike, they are light and feel even lighter. Probably due to how well they corner and how good the brakes were. Engine is fast and likes to rev. If it calls for the $30.00 spark plug on that year, use the $30.00 spark plug. There is a reason for that .
Hey Newmann, I have a buddy with newer RM that won't fire, I checked the old CDI and it was bad so he got a new one, still nothing...

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harescrambled 1/25/2016 9:55am
1/25/2016 9:55am
newmann wrote:
Were those rims powder coated and now peeling? Use any defects to negotiate it as cheap as possible. Now, about the bike, they are light and...
Were those rims powder coated and now peeling? Use any defects to negotiate it as cheap as possible.

Now, about the bike, they are light and feel even lighter. Probably due to how well they corner and how good the brakes were. Engine is fast and likes to rev. If it calls for the $30.00 spark plug on that year, use the $30.00 spark plug. There is a reason for that .
Big Lenny wrote:
Hey Newmann, I have a buddy with newer RM that won't fire, I checked the old CDI and it was bad so he got a new...
Hey Newmann, I have a buddy with newer RM that won't fire, I checked the old CDI and it was bad so he got a new one, still nothing...
Did you check the stator? Usually with a blown CDI you'll find the stator is bad. When the stator burns open while running, it almost always blows the CDI
Big Lenny
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Big Lenny 1/25/2016 10:10am
1/25/2016 10:10am Edited Date/Time 1/25/2016 10:11am
newmann wrote:
Were those rims powder coated and now peeling? Use any defects to negotiate it as cheap as possible. Now, about the bike, they are light and...
Were those rims powder coated and now peeling? Use any defects to negotiate it as cheap as possible.

Now, about the bike, they are light and feel even lighter. Probably due to how well they corner and how good the brakes were. Engine is fast and likes to rev. If it calls for the $30.00 spark plug on that year, use the $30.00 spark plug. There is a reason for that .
Big Lenny wrote:
Hey Newmann, I have a buddy with newer RM that won't fire, I checked the old CDI and it was bad so he got a new...
Hey Newmann, I have a buddy with newer RM that won't fire, I checked the old CDI and it was bad so he got a new one, still nothing...
harescrambled wrote:
Did you check the stator? Usually with a blown CDI you'll find the stator is bad. When the stator burns open while running, it almost always...
Did you check the stator? Usually with a blown CDI you'll find the stator is bad. When the stator burns open while running, it almost always blows the CDI
I checked the stator and I'm pretty sure it was good,it was a long time ago, but I know he doesn't have the plug Suzuki call for and know those engines produce a hum that'll break off the plug and ruin the engine...
mattyhamz2
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mattyhamz2 1/25/2016 10:13am
1/25/2016 10:13am
colintrax wrote:
Last top end and bottom end?
bartoner wrote:
He said about 10 hours on fresh top and bottom
gharmon wrote:
I don't think that's an 01. I believe that to be an 02 up. The 01 had those longer funky looking side plates. We had an...
I don't think that's an 01. I believe that to be an 02 up. The 01 had those longer funky looking side plates. We had an 02 CR125 and I believe it to be the best 2 stroke we ever had and we have had them all (no ktm or KX). We also had nothing newer than an 07.

We also had the 03 RM125. If I could have two of the bikes back I sold it would be the 02 CR125 and the 03 RM125.

Both were slow off the bottom but if you kept them on the bike they were good bikes.
It's either a 00 or 01. 02 had the newer style plates and shrouds. The bike in the picture had that style plastic for 2 years, 2000 and 2001. 98 and 99 cr125's had the weird looking long rounded side panels, then it went to the plastic styling in the picture and changed again in 02.
Big Lenny
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Big Lenny 1/25/2016 10:18am
1/25/2016 10:18am
colintrax wrote:
Last top end and bottom end?
bartoner wrote:
He said about 10 hours on fresh top and bottom
gharmon wrote:
I don't think that's an 01. I believe that to be an 02 up. The 01 had those longer funky looking side plates. We had an...
I don't think that's an 01. I believe that to be an 02 up. The 01 had those longer funky looking side plates. We had an 02 CR125 and I believe it to be the best 2 stroke we ever had and we have had them all (no ktm or KX). We also had nothing newer than an 07.

We also had the 03 RM125. If I could have two of the bikes back I sold it would be the 02 CR125 and the 03 RM125.

Both were slow off the bottom but if you kept them on the bike they were good bikes.
That's either an '00 or '01, The '02 had the newer frame..
FGR01
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FGR01 1/25/2016 10:37am
1/25/2016 10:37am
My buddy got that "old guy wanna relive the glory years and buy a 125" itch. He bought a 2003 RM125 in mint condition, all original, low hours. Spent a lot of time getting it jetted. Stock was horribly rich. He got it really good and said yeah man it rips!!!! Then he rode my 2006 YZ125 and started frowning about his RM125.........
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Skerby 1/25/2016 12:32pm
1/25/2016 12:32pm
FGR01 wrote:
My buddy got that "old guy wanna relive the glory years and buy a 125" itch. He bought a 2003 RM125 in mint condition, all original...
My buddy got that "old guy wanna relive the glory years and buy a 125" itch. He bought a 2003 RM125 in mint condition, all original, low hours. Spent a lot of time getting it jetted. Stock was horribly rich. He got it really good and said yeah man it rips!!!! Then he rode my 2006 YZ125 and started frowning about his RM125.........
The yz is really good! Finally got mine jetted decently, holy crap these things have good power for a 125. Strong mid and just screams on top, pulls my 160lb ass around in the sand just fine.
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BAMX 1/25/2016 12:55pm
1/25/2016 12:55pm
Big Lenny wrote:
Hey Newmann, I have a buddy with newer RM that won't fire, I checked the old CDI and it was bad so he got a new...
Hey Newmann, I have a buddy with newer RM that won't fire, I checked the old CDI and it was bad so he got a new one, still nothing...
harescrambled wrote:
Did you check the stator? Usually with a blown CDI you'll find the stator is bad. When the stator burns open while running, it almost always...
Did you check the stator? Usually with a blown CDI you'll find the stator is bad. When the stator burns open while running, it almost always blows the CDI
Big Lenny wrote:
I checked the stator and I'm pretty sure it was good,it was a long time ago, but I know he doesn't have the plug Suzuki call...
I checked the stator and I'm pretty sure it was good,it was a long time ago, but I know he doesn't have the plug Suzuki call for and know those engines produce a hum that'll break off the plug and ruin the engine...
You can use a normal plug to check to see if it runs. Although, I wouldn't run it for a long time. Tell your buddy that rockauto.com or Ebay is the way to go for plugs.

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