2001 Suzuki RM125 questions

[Vargo671]

2001 Suzuki RM 125 questions.......I remember pit and others discussing this bike. I’m thinking about picking one up for my son and wondering if this is a good idea. Any issues to be concerned with this model? Engine changed after that year?

 

[DTS]

If possible go 04 and up.

 

[Vargo671]

If possible go 04 and up.

Why? Appreciate the feedback.

 

[DTS]

01/02 had oil starvation issues in the bottom end. 04 the motor was redesigned, making the 04 and up bikes better. There’s more little tweaks and upgrades that made things on the 01/02 slightly obsolete. Front brake was improved in newer years, linkage change.. etc. I’m sure pit can chime in for more info.

With all the being said, I have owned a 02 and currently own a 06. I LOVED my 02, but I would go through multiple crank bearings a season. No issues with my 06. Whatever you do though, put a Hinson clutch in it, and save yourself problems with the stock basket. They’re soft.

 

[TwentyThreeMX]

i went through 4 bottom ends on an 01... at the time i recall others having issues too. eventually we changed something and it seemed to fix it but i couldnt tell you what it was.

 

[DelBalso28]

My buddy Stacy Crute went through 4 bottom ends on his 2001 rm125

 

[MxFreedom33]

i went through 4 bottom ends on an 01... at the time i recall others having issues too. eventually we changed something and it seemed to fix it but i couldnt tell you what it was.

I’m more surprised you held on to a bike long enough to go through 4 bottom ends.

 

[DelBalso28]

I’m more surprised you held on to a bike long enough to go through 4 bottom ends.

That was his fix, sell the bikes before the bottom end goes. He’s been doing that every since that dang 01 rm

 

[TwentyThreeMX]

I’m more surprised you held on to a bike long enough to go through 4 bottom ends.

haha i wasnt the one buying them back then didnt have much of a choice lol. that was the last one dad ever paid for, prob cuz of the damn bottom ends!!!

 

[Michael]

Check the case around the drain bolt. It isn't uncommon for the bolt to take a hit and crack the case.

 

[Joe dingess]

Vforce reed cage, sst pipe and Hinson clutch basket and she will run good. Personally I kind of like that era yz 125 a bit better. Hard to beat a 97-2002 yz 125 and they can be had cheap.