RM125 vs CR125 vs YZ125

[pgalardi]

I am seriously considering an 02RM125. It will be an all around rock, sand woods bike. Three bikes ago I had a CR125 and really liked it. However, I heard (in the mags) that the Honda motor is weak. Just wondering from 125 woods guys, which 125 they ride and why they like it. I am looking for 2002 opinions. Please also let me know what you had to do to get your ride woods ready, and what type of terrain you ride it in. I will be doing mostly rock riding.

[HiG4s]

All the 125 mx bikes have more than enough power for the woods and all come on pretty hard for woods riding. The Yamaha probably has the plushest suspension. But a better woods 125 might be the Husqvarna WR125 or the Yamaha WR250f.
If you don't plan on racing and just want a good woods bike the KTM200exc is built on their 125 frame.

[kenykop]

Stay away from the 02 RM 125. It has no low end power whatsoever. When it does come on it is like a light switch. It does have the best suspension however.

[MN RMer]

I would disagree 110% with the previous post regarding description of the 02 RM125's powerband. My son rides that very bike (had last year's as well), and the 02 is even better than the 01. Granted, the 02 has V-Force reeds and the same 7oz Steahly FWW, so it isn't exactly stock.

But, it has a very nice powerband (for a buck-twentyfive) and I have a ball riding it. Granted, that it IS a 125, so you need to keep things cooking to keep the engine spinning some revs, but it comes on strong at mid range and will rev until your ears hurt.

Compared to the CR125... I don't have any experience with the 02, but the 01 & 00 CR125's were void of low and mid power compared to the 01/02 RM125.

One strong point of the RM's, is that they are comparatively quick steering and are fast steering (good thing) in the woods.

One other point of the 01/02, is the seat height. If you do not like the taller height of the 01/02 125, you can buy the lower seat foam from the 01 RM250. Note that the stock foam sags out fairly quickly and you will be shopping for foam. Ceet makes good stuff, and so does Factory Effex. The FE foam has a better more rounded shape and the tall is even taller than the stocker. (kid has the tall. I might buy the lower after I wear out the Ceet foam I had left from my last year's RM250.)

Good luck with the decision.

[Racer92]

I watched all the shootouts on TV last fall/winter, and read all the credible comparisons in the mags and the overwhelming conclusion is that the '02 RM125 is an awesome ride - and in at least half the cases considered the best in 2002.

For the most part, it was a dead tie with the '02 YZ125 as the best out there; with only subtle differences/ergos causing them to pick one over the other. Hands down Zooks turn better and have for some time now (IMO), and most persons I know who own the '02 RM125 have said, however, that only more experienced riders could make use of the extra power the RM had over its competitors. Beginners might not be able to access its potential, of no fault to the bike. Here are but a few critiques:

REVIEW 2002 RM125 (http://www.motorcycledaily.com/10october01suzuki2002rm125.html)

REVIEW 2002 RM125 (http://www.transworldmx.com/article/biketest.cfm?alias_id=7171)


"It will be an all around rock, sand woods bike......"

I would have to say that in my opinion, ANY motocross style 125 will be a chore in the woods (without many mods) and there are bikes more suited to that style of racing in the lower cc category. Im a satisfied Zook owner/rider, and my RM250 works great in scrambles. But if you want to buy a smaller displacement 2-stroke for woods riding, I feel there are other brands that are more suited to that application.

Good luck on your decision and gas it hard!

[A-Tek]

If you plan on racing the Suzuki makes a good choice , very good contingency program.

[pgalardi]

I got the RM125. Rode it twice so far, once in the sand and once in the rocks. I am very impressed with the motor, and suspension. I will most likely leave it alone for now. I am racing Broad Mtn Enduro in PA, which is as rocky a run as they get around here. I'll let you all know how it works.

Also, I plan on doing an article on the bike for woodsracer.com. I plan on illustrating what I did to the 125 to make it a woods machine.

[kenykop]

Let me retract my statement about staying away from the 02 RM 125. Apparently I have a lemon. It is only putting about 1/2 the power of any other 02 RM 125. I rode 2 of them over the weekend and I am eating my words. They are probably one of the fastest 125's I have ever ridden. Unfortunately I got a really bad one that no one seams to be able to fix.