Looking to get back to the dirt

754 Views 14 Replies 6 Participants Last post by 40acres, Feb 24, 2015

40acres

Discussion Starter · Feb 23, 2015

So, I've been looking around for another dirt bike here lately and have decided to go back to a 2-smoke. I know this is a zx6r board, but I'm looking for any specific advice out there on a 2004 RM 125. This would be my first Suzuki as I've only owned Kawasaki and Yamaha. I found a great deal on a lightly used one and I'm really thinking of picking it up tonight if I can get the price down to where I want it. So, anyone have any experience with the RM 125 in particular?

1 - 15 of 15 Posts

NatBrown

· #2 · Feb 23, 2015

Check thumpertalk.com. They have a pretty big repository of threads on all dirt bikes.

Suzuki 2-Stroke - ThumperTalk

Me personally, I wouldn't have a 125 bike any more. I'm too old and fat for one. They really are designed for smaller and younger riders. But, if your light and don't mind reving the piss out of it's probably a good bike.

BTW, my first dirt bike was a '78 RM125

CMSRacing

· #3 · Feb 23, 2015

I had a 125 for a long time. They're cheap, easy to fix, and fun. People don't realize how much you can lug a 2smoke. Get a big sprocket for the rear, add a little extra oil to lean out the mix, and remember that the clutch is a big part of equation on a 2smoke. You should be able bump start it up a hill practically. If it won't start with a kick or two something's not quite right.
And for reference, I was about 180# when I had the yz.

40acres

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 23, 2015

Well, I went ahead and pulled the trigger. They ran this thing rich as shit (24:1) so it runs like a dog. It's got about 15 hours on the top end of farm and noob trail riding, so I think I'm going to rebuild the top end this weekend just to be safe. Overall it's a well-maintained bike. Going to tear it down and clean the carb and swap fluids and I should be good to go by Sunday. Brought back some great memories of my 97 YZ 125 when I got on the pipe hard! And Nat, I'm 5'7" and 150 lbs. This thing is perfect for me. It's got Renthal bars, V-Force reeds and a full FMF exhaust. I got a brand new Noleen pipe with it, but I'll probably sell it.

It's not a Kawi, but welcome to the family!

See less See more

CMSRacing

· #5 · Feb 23, 2015

Looks good man. I have to preheat bikes right now to get em to fire and then you need spikes to ride out side.
So you gunna do the top end at home before you load the bike Saturday, or just wait till you get to the trail head

Sometimes you just gotta love simplicity.

40acres

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 23, 2015

CMSRacing said:
Looks good man. I have to preheat bikes right now to get em to fire and then you need spikes to ride out side.
So you gunna do the top end at home before you load the bike Saturday, or just wait till you get to the trail head Sometimes you just gotta love simplicity.

Thanks, now there's Dr. Pepper all over my keyboard.

I've got to tear it down before I can even order the top end kit. This guy had no idea what bore it was. Heater is on and I'm about to get to tearing apart here soon.

trackdayhero

· #7 · Feb 24, 2015

I just rebuilt my YZ250 (2-stroke). I've never owned a 125 but I guess they would be a little like the 600s in that you need to keep them wound up to get any power. What kind of riding do you plan on doing? I've done a lot of woods racing.

messi4

· #8 · Feb 24, 2015

Very fun bikes those 125s.

My I used to race that class for about 2 decades.
Towards the end I went to a 250 thumper, but I always missed the wound out top end of those 2 smokes

Have fun with that thing!

My buddy has a blown up kx125 that I have my eye on. He has everything to rebuild, just no time. I may offer him some cash to take it off his hands as is and do it myself.. Just finished my winter work on the zx6r, and next week I'm going to put the Harley back together.. ( just got the heads back from the machine shop)So I'll have lots of room to do so!

40acres

Discussion Starter · #9 · Feb 24, 2015 (Edited)

trackdayhero said:
I just rebuilt my YZ250 (2-stroke). I've never owned a 125 but I guess they would be a little like the 600s in that you need to keep them wound up to get any power. What kind of riding do you plan on doing? I've done a lot of woods racing.

You do have to keep em pretty wound up, but like I mentioned before I'm not a very big guy so it is plenty for me. I plan on riding trails for right now to get back into the swing mentally and physically before I take it to the track. I'm assuming this little 125 is going to remind me of how out of shape I've gotten over the years :butbut:

messi4 said:
Very fun bikes those 125s.

My I used to race that class for about 2 decades.
Towards the end I went to a 250 thumper, but I always missed the wound out top end of those 2 smokes

Have fun with that thing!

My buddy has a blown up kx125 that I have my eye on. He has everything to rebuild, just no time. I may offer him some cash to take it off his hands as is and do it myself.. Just finished my winter work on the zx6r, and next week I'm going to put the Harley back together.. ( just got the heads back from the machine shop)So I'll have lots of room to do so!

I plan on having a blast with it, thanks! Sounds like you have some work to do! I actually set out looking for a KX 125 but couldn't find a decent deal on one. A 2 stroke is a 2 stroke to me and I've never owned a Suzuki. I figured what the hell, and went for it. It's not like these things are too tough to work on.

NatBrown

· #10 · Feb 24, 2015

You will have a lot of fun on the dirt bike. I always enjoy riding mine.

It's interesting how many 2T bikes you see on the trails. Some of the most popular sellers are still 2T for KTM.

I've got 300XC and of the guys I ride with just about everyone is on a 250 or 300 2T bike.

40acres

Discussion Starter · #11 · Feb 24, 2015

Thanks Nat, I should have her all buttoned up and ready to go by Sunday, so hopefully the rain holds off. Wait, never mind screw the rain! I've still got to go get all of my gear too, so it's a good thing it's torn down right now.

NatBrown

· #12 · Feb 24, 2015

Yeah, a few of the guys I ride with are considering doing the hare scramble in Gainesville Florida this weekend. But right now it looks like it's going to be really wet. I know most of us don't want to drive 3 hours to ride a mud race up there. That area is all limestone and clay so it's not going to dry out very quickly. Just going to turn into one long mud puddle after 600 bikes go over it a few times during the weekend. We will probably just ride our normal area in Brooksville. That's all sand so a few hours after it rains most of the water has filtered down thru the surface.

Gerar is good. Good boots and a good helmet are a must. Sound familiar? Same as riding the street or track.

40acres

Discussion Starter · #13 · Feb 24, 2015

Lol, right? I sold all of my gear with the YZ years ago. Now I've got to go buy it all over again :coocoo

Schooley

· #14 · Feb 24, 2015

No mountain bike I'm assuming :no:

40acres

Discussion Starter · #15 · Feb 24, 2015

Schooley said:
No mountain bike I'm assuming :no:

I decided I need a motor. I felt compelled to feel youthful again, lol. That might prove to be a bad idea, but it sure is going to be fun figuring that out! Hopefully this isn't a mid-life crisis or anything.

Reactions: 1

1 - 15 of 15 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.