Best pre 78 125?

[E74]

Just wondering peoples opinion on pre 78 125's?, I was thinking YZ125D or RM125B  then I was told the RM125S was the ticket?

[TM BILL]

Disclamier: as a registered Suzuki tragic my  opinion is unbiased :

Depending on the track i believe it is hard to go past the RM 125 S , A well set up one will run rings around an RM 125B or a YZ 125D until it gets rough.
At the Coffs nats a young bloke on a hastily assembled RM 125S took top honours in the class from i think Nic Smith on a 77 CR 125 and a bloke called Princess on a Rm 125B .
But yep in True Pre 78 125s the RM 125S gets my vote 

[Nathan S]

Pretty much.

I asked a similar question a while back, and the Yamaha tragics went for the YZ-D, and the Suzuki freaks went for the 77 RM.
The Yamaha is a bit heavier, more stable, doesn't handle quite as well and has a better motor, compared to the RM.
And it seems that the same arguments applied when comparing the YZ-X to the RM-S for 3rd best pre-78 125.

I suspect that you've got to go back to the YZ-C/first RM-A before the CR or KX get a look-in (which doesn't stop Noel on his 77 CR beating me almost all of the time...).

Personally, I love my YZ-X, even though my YZ-D is clearly a better bike in every way except weight - for my level of ability/my brain, the X is faster.

Late ammendment: Seems that Bill feels the same way about RM-B vs RM-S as I do about YZ-D vs YZ-X.

[Doc]

I'd be going for the RM125B with the C motor if possible the S is nice to ride fast but the B has better suspenders and (in my opinion) a far better spread of power and seating position, with the S she's a full on racer, it's all or nothing and it's not forgiving, this doesn't suit everyone as we get older. Not saying the B isn't a racer but it's a far easier bike to ride. Silencing the S is also an issue, very few if any will scrape under the DB limit without some serious exhaust mods which detracts from the true race bike it is/was . The 6 speed gearbox is also a deciding factor swaying me towards the RM125B

[E74]

The S  seems to be a prettier bike but the B sounds like the goods, I have only ever had one Suzuki in my whole life and it was a DUD (1993 DR350), but the dominance of suzuki in the pre 78 era has me hooked, and I think I would roooly rooly like one built up just like this one..


http://www.vintagefactory.com/1977_suzuki_rm125b.htm




PS ,.... I am glad no one said the "Montesa"............ because i think I'd rather walk or puke!

[suzuki27]

I had an RM125A which I loved. A year or 2 previous I had ridden an RM 125M or S- my feeble mind fails me- Anyway this M or S still had the down pipe and no Reed valve and it was like a light switch, even for a 125. Logic would suggest that an RM125B would trounce an M or S. HOWEVER, I had the great good fortune to witness the motocross display put on by Peter Ploen on an RH250M(1975), in a race in NZ on the 1st NOV. Now, given it was your typical rolling green natural terrain motocross track NZ is famous for , but not only was he competitive against a lot more slick, trick Evo bikes, including a Mugen 360, amongst others, Peter won. The Queenslander(090) got himself in front a couple of times on the Mugen, only to be out manoeuvred by the quicker handling Suzuki and its Master Rider. I have got a bit off track, but on a suitable course, outright speed and long legs are not necessarily the answer. That race and seeing Roger D wandering around the open relaxed pit area by himself, just checking a few bikes out, was the highlight of a great weekend for me. And to TM Bill, many thanks for the loaner and it will be reciprocated to you and DJ- as long as he can stand throwing his leg over another Suzuki beasty. Thanks again fellas.

[TM BILL]

The S  seems to be a prettier bike but the B sounds like the goods, I have only ever had one Suzuki in my whole life and it was a DUD (1993 DR350), but the dominance of suzuki in the pre 78 era has me hooked, and I think I would roooly rooly like one built up just like this one..


http://www.vintagefactory.com/1977_suzuki_rm125b.htm

Thats a very Cool B  the asasin  8)is building an RM 125B weapon for the nats a lot of development going in , personally i think he should graft a 125S motor into a B roller  either way ill be there to make up the numbers (if im race fit ) or drink piss and tell lies 




PS ,.... I am glad no one said the "Montesa"............ because i think I'd rather walk or puke!

[DJRacing]

Just wondering peoples opinion on pre 78 125's?, I was thinking YZ125D or RM125B  then I was told the RM125S was the ticket?

Good question, but are you asking which one looks best? Which one is the fastest? Best handling or the best Pre78 125cc bike that will win the sheep station? because at the end of the day any of the bikes are capable of bringing a trophy home its more the fact is the rider fast enough to do the job?

The thoughts of the magazines in '77 said that the hot tickets were the YZ-D and the RM-B and their wasnt much in it as both had good and bad points, basically stating it was personal choice between them.
The '76 YZ-X and the RM-S both have killer motors but the YZ-X is probably easier to keep(or get) in the power but their suspension isnt up to the '77 models.

My opinion;
Best looking ;-   RM-B and YZ-C equal.
Best Handling;-  not qualified enough and havnt ridden them all.
Fastest;-          This is depending on how you ride a track, not a drag race.
Best Brakes;-    Any of the YZ's.

[holeshot buddy]

watch out bill i am building a fast montesa125 for the nats
we will see how it goes
you cant go past the rm125b best by heaps

[Maico31]

You can't go past the RM125B. I had an A and a B back in the day and had ridden an S and the RM125B was the best 125 i'd thrown a leg over.

[holeshot buddy]

that was close thought you were
gunna say a maico 125

[090]

I might have to bring the Maico out to shut that monty down! Monty and fast don't go together!

[Maico31]

Ha ha never ridden a Maico or Monty 125. Don't think i need to either.

[holeshot buddy]

you wont say that when you see my
vr montesa 250
quote from dirt bike mag  (fastest 250 made)
we will see

[Maico31]

Rusty a mate of mine bought 2 brand new Montesas in '75 or '76, a 125 like yours and a 250. He raced them here and around Brisbane and went pretty good. I wonder where those bikes are now? I'm keen to see your 125 when it's finished.