Bike Builds | 2001 Suzuki RM125

Why a 125 and why the RM?

The 125 hype has been at an all-time high from the start of the pandemic and we've always liked the look of Suzuki’s. So a hunt for a clean RM125 that had a good base to work with was on. Sleeter spotted this 2001 RM125 that looked like the right bike to use as a platform. The father and son that started this project carried out a lot of the important work but after some issues with using an aftermarket carburetor, the bike seized twice when it went lean. They replaced the carb with an OEM one and did a little cleanup before putting it up for sale. The first day it was for sale Sleeter messaged the owner and said he’d take it because there wasn’t any inventory, and he was itching for a project. “Note it’s not always good to buy when you are desperate”. Once he saw the bike, he could tell that it was meant to be ridden and was definitely not a showpiece. Thankfully the motor was fresh with all the cases freshly vapor blasted, Excel rims, Talon hubs, FMF pipe and silencer, and other bits and pieces that would make this bike a great candidate for a project bike.

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Let the build begin!

The teardown began with the swingarm and radiators quickly being removed as both had been painted and looked a little worse for wear. Once the swingarm was hit with the pressure washer the paint started coming off right away which was a relief. Sleeter used his secret weapon Blitz alloy cleaner by Chemtech on the radiators to get them looking factory once again. The heavy cleaning was done, and now the fun part began, identifying the parts needed and the theme of the bike. Re-style or original? Sleeter decided to do a Ballard’s Off-Road themed bike, using a variety of quality hard parts from Ballard's was essential in bringing this RM125 back to life along with a Black Polisport restyle kit.

With the theme of the bike decided, next was getting this RM125 ready to ride. Bearings were changed or serviced, all the brakes were cleaned and inspected. Carby hoses were replaced and while out of the bike, Sleeter rebuilt the carb with an all-balls carburetor kit to make sure it was on point. With some new brake lines and a once over this RM was getting closer to hitting the track!

To get everything looking the way it should, Sleeter then used a Bolt hardware kit to freshen up the overall look and replace the mismatched bolts. Ballard's clutch and ignition covers were added along with some fresh Maxxis Tyres to get the bike hooking up the way it should. Lock on grips, chain guide, new chain and sprcokets were needed to bring the new bike feel back. Overall the RM was easy to work with considering it was Sleeter's first build on a Suzuki. We are stoked with the finished product and can't believe what a few new parts and some elbow grease can do!