84 rm 125

[Tim37]

Hi just taken delivery of an 84 Rm 125 E it's the usual ebay interstate bike " it just needs first gear fixing " when in reality it's a total scrapper every bush & bearing in the full floater is rooted , rusty spokes mashed pipe ... However I don't see many of these about . I raced one in 85/86 it was a great bike on rough tracks but I could never make it run with a Honda on outright HP .. Should I rebuild the front wheel and put the 43 mm TLS front end into my 125 x which is restored and flys or restore this e

[SUZUKI311]

Put the 43mm front end in the X, and you will have an unreal machine..

[alexbrown64]

Ive had the same thing recently with my 79 model RM80N.  Take a deep breath.  You now have the bike you used to race back in the day.  For now, put the front end on your X, then turn the E into a project.  Put it to one side for now while you plan it all out.  Sometimes the disappointment of a Fleabay bike buy gets to you but after a while you can turn it around and make a fun project out of it.  See my RM80N Roach project in the Suzuki forum. Heres the brochure for your old girl.. https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=407D7EF0965D3991&id=407D7EF0965D3991!4171
Cheers,
Alex

[D project]

I've got both bikes. The X has been bullet proof and the E nothing but problems. Saying that though the X was a low hour bike and the E had been flogged. You'll find the E a lot harder to get parts for but the linkage bearings are the larger type and cheaper. Rear shocks are usually flogged out as well compared to the X which runs the bigger shock. I'm onto my third gearbox, it's usally second gear that goes as its only a press fit on the shaft. If you need to replace it go for the 85 as its a stronger close ratio box. You'll also need the 85 shift forks otherwise it's a easy change over. Power wise the E is stronger but the X has a better spread.
The front end swap is a good option. You can also run the front wheel off the X.

[matcho mick]

you might want to requalify "press fit",make it 'shrink fit",& your gearbox(shaft) will thank you,

[suzuki59]

Yes,what D project said-I have owned both-the X has nice punchy bottom mid power the E is a topend screamer.
The x is smaller and more suited to the vertically challenged,whilst the E sits taller.
Both are cool bikes and Suzukis are still reasonably good to get parts for NOS.

Have fun deciding!

[alexbrown64]

One has just popped up on Perth gumtree for 900.... http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/parkerville/motorcycles/suzuki-rm-125/1061868586

[Tim37]

Thanks chaps ! I have another 84 tls front end on the ways and will fit it to the 81 , my  81 is well modified and revs to the moon , twin air airbox , small body 32 mikuni bored to 35 , DG pipe & silencer , ports matched . 
The 84 will get oiled up and reboxed for a while .   I love the 81 as I had two new ones that year , a big off wrecked the first one beyond economic repair ....
I will post pics when the 43 mm tls is fitted . cheers