OzVMX Forum

Clubroom => Bike Talk => Topic started by: Nathan S on June 07, 2010, 11:00:48 pm

Title: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: Nathan S on June 07, 2010, 11:00:48 pm
I know that this isn't VMX, but the signal:noise is better here than any of the other forums....

I just bought an RM125. Its been stolen and recovered*, but has lost its engine and frame numbers. >:(

It was advertised as a 2002 model, but further research shows that its either a 99 or 00 model. Its got aftermarket plastics on it too, so I'm struggling to work out what year it actually is.
Google hasn't helped me and I stopped buying bike mags in about 1998 so I can't look it up there.

Can anyone tell me how I could identify one from the other?


*Yes, really. I have the papers from when it was released from Police impound. Also a receipt that is solid enough that even if something nasty turns up, the worst that will happen is that I'll lose the bike.
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: monaro308 on June 08, 2010, 01:25:08 am
Hey Nathan,im out of tune with the newer stuff too,but i have a look on Bikepics.com at the year models and work out it from there.

A nice PE175 engine would slot in nicely  ;)
Cheers....mario
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: Nathan S on June 08, 2010, 07:40:19 am
Yeah good idea - the problem is that the only visible differences are the plastics/graphics.

Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: vandy010 on June 08, 2010, 07:50:56 am
i think it's a 99.5 ;)
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: Tex on June 08, 2010, 09:29:33 am
Does this help?

http://www.motoverse.com/tools/vin/suzuki.asp

Tex
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: monaro308 on June 08, 2010, 12:48:35 pm
I thought of that too Tex but i think he doesn't have eng/vin numbers anymore.
I remember an issue with someone on thumpertalk in the suzy 2stroke section with the same dilemma and they narrowed it down to where the muffler hanger mount positions changed around that era.....you could try there Nathan!
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: Lozza on June 08, 2010, 01:22:59 pm
I know that this isn't VMX, but the signal:noise is better here than any of the other forums....

I just bought an RM125.

Were you suddenly stuck with an attack of commonsense?

The carburetor will tell all, AFAIK there was a switch from either Keihin :-[ to Mikuni ;D or vise versa around that period before post 05 going to the delightful TMX-X Mikuni. Also the presence of a powerjet solenoid will  give some clues.
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: Nathan S on June 08, 2010, 06:16:42 pm

Were you suddenly stuck with an attack of commonsense?

Good god, no!
It was very cheap and is mechanically OK. I'm figuring that it will owe me about $1200 by the time I'm hpapy with it, which is still less than you can buy a similar bike for - and most of the $1500 ones are needing tyres/chains/etc too.
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: Nathan S on June 09, 2010, 12:03:09 am
Its a Keihin.
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: Lozza on June 09, 2010, 08:10:51 am
Power jet/soleniod or not? Out on a limb the Keihin says 90's
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: Nathan S on June 09, 2010, 02:23:06 pm
Solenoid = Yes.
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: Lozza on June 09, 2010, 07:23:52 pm
I was close Alpha Sports shows non-TPS solenoid PJ Keihin PWK 99-00 changes to non-PJ TMX Mikuni 01. So it is 00 the very latest.
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: BAHNZY on June 09, 2010, 08:29:39 pm
Been down this route before (I have a 99 that was advertised & purchased as a 00  :( )
The exhaust is completely different, the rear shock has more adjustment & the power valve system is completley different, not sure about the carbs as I thought they were the same.
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: Nathan S on June 09, 2010, 09:11:17 pm
....
The exhaust is completely different, the rear shock has more adjustment & the power valve system is completley different, ....

Tell me more! How do I identify one from the other?
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: monaro308 on June 10, 2010, 10:13:22 am
Nathan i asked some questions on thumpertalk/suzu/2stroke section last night.

One of the responses was this.....

96-99 have the same plastic style and seat curve, and the change year is 2000 so an 02 looks just like an 00 with only shroud graphic changes. 00 was the first year of the inverted forks, so that should be a tat-a-tail sign for you. 99 down had standard cartridge forks and the front number plate exstended down the inter fork tubes. 00 up rm125s have showa front and rear suspension also. Well that does it for my history lesson, some else have anything to add?

Another wanted pics to narrow it down.

I hope you don't mind as it interests me...always handy to keep up on the later 2 bangers
cheers...mario
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: MRMOTORCROSS on June 10, 2010, 11:34:28 am
99 and 00 both had usd forks, and the plastics are identical! if your bike has a 38pwk keihin carb , with an electronic powerjet then its a 99 model.

the other true fire way is to look at the date stamp on the wheels, all 2000 models had a date stamp later than 7 99 , if your bike has stamps on the wheels between 9 98 and 6 99 its a 1999

position of the cdi unit is another give away, also the casting number on the suspension linkage.but these couple of tips should sort you out as to exactly what year it is.

previous post regarding seat/forks/front plate/pipe info is all incorrect, this refers to 1998 models and 2001-2006 models

cheers, Colin.
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: Nathan S on June 10, 2010, 12:40:38 pm
Thanks Gents.

The front wheel might be from something else, as it has a speedo drive on the RHS, but I'll check the rear one.

CDI box is in the LHS of the airbox, FWIW.

Mario, you might want to show the guy on ThumperTalk this link: http://www.suzukicycles.org/RM-RMX-series/index.html?RM125_1981-2003.shtml~isoraami
The pics show that he's bacially forgotten that the 99/00 models exists - he's correct if he was comparing 98 to 01.
I really, really don't mind that you asked though!  8)
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: monaro308 on June 10, 2010, 02:07:38 pm
Well that just threw another spanner in the works ;D
All part of the fun!
Might need pics to sort this one out!
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: Nathan S on June 11, 2010, 11:39:46 pm
.... all 2000 models had a date stamp later than 7 99 , if your bike has stamps on the wheels between 9 98 and 6 99 its a 1999

Rear wheel says 7-99.

The thot plickens.
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: monaro308 on June 12, 2010, 01:09:26 am
 ;D more clues engine oil capacity
Nathan...any chance of photos from both sides and maybe with the side covers off?
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: huskibul on June 12, 2010, 08:59:03 am
.... all 2000 models had a date stamp later than 7 99 , if your bike has stamps on the wheels between 9 98 and 6 99 its a 1999

Rear wheel says 7-99.

The thot plickens.    HAH, :D was it ever going to say anything other than 7/99,  :-\ geez those manufactureres know how to stuff people around what was wrong with the old plate/stamp on steering stem trick (to quote maxwell smart)  ??? talk about going backwards!!! good luck with that nathan  :)
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: huskibul on June 12, 2010, 10:12:57 am
   there a good thing,ive been looking for a cheap one around that era ,for a practice bike for my young bloke,saves flogging the vintage stuff all the time he had a 2003 rm85 and it went forever(till we sold it anyway) ;)
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: Nathan S on June 12, 2010, 07:03:49 pm
;D more clues engine oil capacity
Nathan...any chance of photos from both sides and maybe with the side covers off?

Will do.
Here's a starter pic:
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/annaandnathan/Bikestuff/DSCN0622.jpg)

The only thing that identifies it as either a 99 or a 00 here, is the 00 seat cover - but I don't trust that for a second.

Front guard is KTM65 or maybe small wheel 85. If anyone wants it, just ask. I've replaced it with a yellow one that was in my shed...
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: GMC on June 12, 2010, 07:16:28 pm
Here's a starter pic:
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/annaandnathan/Bikestuff/DSCN0624.jpg)


No wonder you can't work out what it is.
Thats a photo of a TY
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: mxmaniac on June 12, 2010, 07:26:34 pm
we had a 2000 RM125 and the bottom end seized on the 4th ride... Suzuki did warranty it, as while we were waiting on a response there were 2000 models starting to seize everywhere.
It turned out there was a drama with the slot in the rod that allows lubrication to the big end not being big enough or something like that!
very fast bike and was great to ride
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: Nathan S on June 12, 2010, 09:26:58 pm
No wonder you can't work out what it is.
Thats a photo of a TY

d'oh. But I've edited my post, so now people will wonder what drugs you're on.  :D
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: frostype400 on June 12, 2010, 09:36:02 pm
I have a 96 kx80 my little brother rides I would swap it for a 125 it flys it is funny how much go it has. I think I'd buy a rm250 too if I spot one all the japanese water cooled mxer's are great fun to ride. :)
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: Nathan S on June 13, 2010, 06:47:20 pm
;D more clues engine oil capacity
Nathan...any chance of photos from both sides and maybe with the side covers off?

750cc.
Took some pics with the sidecovers on. Will upload later.
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: Nathan S on June 13, 2010, 09:10:52 pm
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/annaandnathan/Bikestuff/RM125/DSCN0695.jpg)

(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/annaandnathan/Bikestuff/RM125/DSCN0696.jpg)

Bike: $700.
Spoke kit: $165.
Rear tyre: $0 from a serious racer.
Rear tube: $15.
Grips: $15.
Levers: $15 + from the shed.
Gearbox oil: $15.
Clean air filter: $0.
Wash: $0.
Front guard: $0 (was in shed, thanks Noel).
Sub total: $925.

Still waiting on chain and sprockets to arrive, and I'd like to change the fork & shock oil, so it looks like my $1200 estimate will be close.

I've also been offered a cheap ProCircuit pipe, which I'll grab.
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: Nathan S on June 15, 2010, 09:36:33 pm
I know that I'm boring the poop out of everyone but myself now, but I've convinced myself that its a 2000 model.

I remembered my stash of unloved post-TK era ADBs, and found the tests on the 1999 and 2000 models. Helpfully, the test on the later bike detailed the differences between the two, including the CDI box in the airbox and the slightly different frame under the motor.

So, bingo. :)
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: monaro308 on June 16, 2010, 01:08:02 am
Not boring at all Nathan,always fun trying to ID a bike...and learn in the process.
It wasn't like it was flatout on here the last few days.
I think it was you,me,frosty,Leith and couple of others keeping this place warm and toasty.
Now pull out that 125 and throw a PE engine in it ;)
cheers....mario
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: monaro308 on July 03, 2010, 11:14:44 pm
This any good to you Nathan?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/RM125-Chamber-Pipe-/160451688660?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories&hash=item255baa78d4
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: Nathan S on July 05, 2010, 07:55:35 am
It would be, except that I've been offered a new Pro-Circuit pipe for a friendly price - just need to have the spare cash before I grab it.

:)
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: BAHNZY on July 05, 2010, 01:23:51 pm
Found my file on the 99 Vs 00. These where the main (noticable diffrences)
Different Power Valve System
Rear Wheel Axle 2000-22mm / 1999-20mm.
Spokes, disc and sprocket are the same
Suspension Front
1999  16 compression and 16 rebound settings - 315mm of wheel travel
2000 16 compression and 16 rebound settings - 310mm of wheel travel
Suspension Rear
1999 20 compression & 24 rebound settings - 315mm of wheel travel
2000 26 compression & 20 rebound settings - 320mm of wheel travel
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: MRMOTORCROSS on December 31, 2012, 02:57:38 pm
bike is /was 2000 model
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: ian on December 31, 2012, 10:07:28 pm
is there a date under the tank like the older tanks have
Title: Re: RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.
Post by: MRMOTORCROSS on January 01, 2013, 09:59:54 am
yes there is , but that only signifies the tank build date, which on these bikes could be anywhere from 7/95-6/00 .
rm125 had virtually all of the same plastics from 96 - 2000 inclusive, nly the radiator shrouds and a few othe minor differences.