Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128086
2001 Suzuki RM125 Motocrosser If you like to rev, you'll love the 2001 RM125. Suzuki increased peak horsepower and torque, though there's not as much down low. ~ uzuki is often considered a 125cc <&I'specialist in regard to motocross, with the RM 125 consistently placing higher in magazine shootouts than does the RM250. That being the case, it's a bit ironic that the company had until recently been experiencing more pro-racing success in the quarter-liter class than it had with its tiddler-divi- Suzuki was with Guy Cooper back in 1990 - nearly a decade before Greg Albertyn's 1999 250cc crown on an RM250. Not content, Suzuki set about rectifying the situation by revamping its 2001 RM 125 from the ground up, cutting weight, modernizing the layout and increasing peak horsepower and torque. If our riders can't get it done as is, the manufacturer no doubt thought, we'll give them a better tool sion effort. Sure, Mark Barnett collected three-straight 125cc National Championships for Suzuki back in the early '80s, but you might be surprised to find that before 2000, the last 125cc National MX title garnered by and eliminate any excuse. Of course no sooner had Suzuki unveiled said better tool, than Travis Pastrana went out and wrapped up the 2000 125cc National MX Championship on the old package. By CHRIS JONNUM PHOTOS BY MARK KARIYA But tnat doesn't concern us here. Our job is to evaluate the all-new RM 125, and to try and determine whether or not Pastrana will be happy that Suzuki decided to mess with it. RM=ROOST MONKEY Most of our testing of the new RM took place at Southern California's Lake Elsinore Motocross Park, though we also spent some time on it at Glen Helen Raceway. What we discovered was that the motor is awesome - at least for pros and experts. Talented riders (Left) The RM125 is new from the ground up for the new year. Suzuki focused on Increasing power and decreasing weight. (Right) The weightsaving mods result In a lightweight-feeling bike, though big riders will find the suspension a tad on the soft side. 30 JANUARY 10, 2001 • cue • e n e _ s will appreciate the shift up in the powerband's focus, which results in a motor with plenty of midrange and top end but not a lot down low. If you're a light, aggressive rider with a propensity for revving it, the new RM is right up your alley, although it may be a bit challenging for heavier riders to keep it on the pipe. Part of the reason for this may be the move by Suzuki to taller first and second gears, and although our 175-pound vet pro tester enthusiastically approved of the new mill, he wants to try adding a tooth or two to the rear sprocket in an effort to make it a little more forgiving off the bottom. Don't get us wrong, however: If you keep it in the meat, the little RM rips, especially on less-technical tracks and in fast sections. Don't be afraid to keep the Suzuki pinned - it'll rev to the moon - and you'll be rewarded with an extremely fast 125. Not that the engine isn't without its faults. Suzukis have long been renowned for having easy-pull clutches and buttery-smooth transmissions, and this one is no exception. Clutch