RM125: 1999 vs 2000 model.

[Nathan S]

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.

[monaro308]

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

[Nathan S]

Yeah good idea - the problem is that the only visible differences are the plastics/graphics.

[vandy010]

i think it's a 99.5

[Tex]

Does this help?

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

Tex

[monaro308]

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!

[Lozza]

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 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.

[Nathan S]

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.

[Nathan S]

Its a Keihin.

[Lozza]

Power jet/soleniod or not? Out on a limb the Keihin says 90's

[Nathan S]

Solenoid = Yes.

[Lozza]

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.

[BAHNZY]

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.

[Nathan S]

....
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?

[monaro308]

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