SUZUKI
RM125
MOTOR
Key Features:
Mikuni TMX38SS Carburetor
Truncated-cane-shaped
cylinder head
Six-speed transmission
Even though Suzuki didn't make a
bunch of changes to the motor this
year, the RM's powerplant just didn't
impress us as much as it did last year though maybe it's because the others
just got bener. It feels a linle sluggish
off the bottom and only mildly entertaining from midrange on up. especially
compared with the KTM and Yamaha.
The bike is not what we would call
slow - it certainly has enough to get the
job done - but compared to the others,
the Suzuki left us wanting more. The
Suzuki also seems to be one of the
most difficult of the bunch to ride. If it
isn't on the pipe and in the meat of the
powerband, it will fall on its face quickly. Most of the testers agreed, however,
that it does run pretty good way up
top, but its kind of tough keeping it
there all the time.
Clutch pull is super light and has
good feel. and the transmission shifted
well, though one tester did say that he
missed more shifts on the Suzuki than
on anything else.
40 MAY 4,2005 • CYCLE NEWS
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION
Key Features:
Showa 47mm cartridge-style fork
Showa piggyback-reservoir rear shock
Chromium-molybdenum steel frame
Aluminum handlebars
Despite moving the footpegs back 10mm, the RM feels smaller and more cramped than the other four bikes. Our taller
riders, pushing six feet, said they felt rather confined on the
RM. Our sub-six-foot test riders, though, felt that the RM was
comfortable, but, like on the YZ, they all missed the grip pier
seat cover such as those found on the Kawasaki, Honda and
KTM.
Despite its small size, the Suzuki is still a good-handling
machine. The bike turns well and feels light, and its narrow
profile makes it easy to flick around.
Both front and rear suspensions work well, but some of
our riders felt like the back of the bike sat too low, despite
having the recommended ride height dialed in.
Probably the Suzuki's best handling trait is how it gets in
and out of the turns quickly. It steers quickly but can also
sweep through a flat, bermless turn quite well.
Like all of the bikes, the Suzuki has strong brakes.
