Suzuki DR-Z125: review, history, specs


The Suzuki DR-Z125L was a single cylinder, four-stroke Supermotard motorcycle produced by Suzuki between 2002 and 2019. Max torque was 8.85 ft/lbs (12.0 Nm) @ 8600 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 11.94 HP (8.9 KW) @ 9500 RPM.

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Suzuki DR-Z 125
Manufacturer
Also called DR-Z125, DR-Z125L, DR-Z 125 L
Production 2002 - 2019
Class Dirtbike
Engine
single cylinder, four-stroke
Bore / Stroke 57.0mm x 48.8mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Horsepower 11.94 HP (8.9 KW) @ 9500RPM
Torque 8.85 ft/lbs (12.0 Nm) @ 8600RPM
Fuel System carburetor. mikuni vm20ss
Ignition electric cdi
Spark Plug NGK DR8EA ‘03-13[1]
Transmission Gear box: 5-speed

Final Drive: chain

Clutch: wet multi-plate
Final Drive Chain: 428x122 ‘03-13[1]
Front Sprocket 14T ‘03-13[1]
Rear Sprocket 51T ‘03-13[1]
Suspension Front: telescopic fork
Rear: link type, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes Front: single disc
Rear: expanding brake (drum brake)
Front Tire 70/100-19
Rear Tire 90/100-16
Wheelbase 50.0 inches (1270 mm)
Length 73.03 inches (1855 mm)
Width 30.31 inches (770 mm)
Height 43.7 inches (1110 mm)
Seat Height 31.69 inches (805 mm)
Weight 174.17 pounds (79.0 Kg) (dry), 89.0 kg (wet)
Oil Filter K&N KN-132
Recommended Oil Suzuki ECSTAR 10w40
Fuel Capacity 1.1 Gallon (4.16 Liters)
Manuals Service Manual

EngineEdit

The engine was a air cooled single cylinder, four-stroke. A 57.0mm bore x 48.8mm stroke result in a displacement of just 124.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a single overhead cams (sohc).

DriveEdit

The bike has a 5-speed transmission. Power was moderated via the wet multi-plate.

ChassisEdit

It came with a 70/100-19 front tire and a 90/100-16 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via single disc in the front and a expanding brake (drum brake) in the rear. The front suspension was a telescopi fork while the rear was equipped with a link type, coil spring, oil damped. The DR-Z125L was fitted with a 1.1 Gallon (4.16 Liters) fuel tank. The bike weighed just 174.17 pounds (79.0 Kg). The wheelbase was 50.0 inches (1270 mm) long.

2003 Suzuki DR-Z125Edit

 

The 2003 MY DR-Z125 is a neat entry-point dirt bike for the young riders stepping up from the under-100cc machines. However, given the punchy character of the machine, the DR-Z125 can also be an all-round off-road fun for the entire family. There is more to this 4-stroke DOHC carbureted little beast than meets the eye, as the air-cooled single is mated to a 5-speed gearbox and this makes sure there's plenty of low-end grit for slow trails and high-revving power for jumping along the dirt track.


2003 Suzuki DR-Z 125 LEdit

 

The Suzuki DR-Z 125 L is designed for teenagers and adults who are developing their off-road skills. The DR-Z 125L has power and performance, with plenty of low-end and mid-range torque, matched by lightweight agility.The DR-Z125 L was a reliable starter for the entire test, though a bit on the cold-blooded side. The choke is easily actuated on the side of the 20mm Mikuni carburetor, though I’d prefer a pull-knob on the handlebars.



2004 Suzuki DR-Z125LEdit

 

The 2004 MY DR-Z125L is the standard eighth-liter off-road machine from Suzuki. This bike is equipped with larger wheels, as its suffix hints, offering a taller seat height, more leg room for better ergonomics, and longer travel suspension. Even more, the bigger wheels ensure better terrainability and obstacle-tackling capabilities with less effort.

Many components are derived from the RM85 high-performance racing-focused bike, and this means that the DR-Z125L is a truly thrilling off-roading platform for young riders.


2004 Suzuki DR-Z125Edit

 

The 2004 MY DR-Z125 is a fairly new addition to the off-road family, Still, it looks like this bike has gathered a massive following, because it blends in light weight with plenty of punch, great maneuverability and several race-derived technologies to make the package even better.

The DR-Z125 is a bike for first-time off-roaders, so it comes with slightly smaller wheels which offer a lower seat height and a more reassuring feel when the going gets tough. Many of the parts are influenced by high-performance architecture of the RM85 beast, and are aimed at offering a new standard for the off-road enthusiast.


2005 Suzuki DR-Z125Edit

       

The 2005 MY DR-Z125 is the standard eighth-liter off-road machine which makes the transition from the entry-point machines to the real-deal ones. The air-cooled 4-stroke engine keeps the bike light and makes it extremely easy to flip in the dirt.

A great new platform for the young riders, the DR-Z125 still offers a low seat height as it comes with 17" and 14" wheels. This makes it also suitable for beginning adults, while the adjustable suspensions can be set up for a wide variety of scenarios. And if you feel like you will outgrow the bike, there is always the L version with bigger wheels.


2005 Suzuki DR-Z125LEdit

 

As the very name of the bike says it, the 2005 MY DR-Z125L is the bigger-wheel version of the basic 125er off-road Suzuki. The vibe and the response of the engine is unchanged, as the L bike is identical to the base version. The differences can be spotted in the ergonomics department, as the DR-Z125L comes with a 19 and 16-inch wheel combo, which provides bigger ground clearance, better terrainability and more comfort for taller riders.


2006 Suzuki DR-Z125LEdit

     

It's amazing how much a bike can change as you change the wheels. Suzuki knows that some riders may be a tad too tall to feel comfortable on an 125er, but are not ready for the bigger displacement motorcycles. So a machine such as the DR-Z125L was a natural arrival. This bike retains all the grunt of the eighth-liter base version, and the off-road styling derived from the RM racing beasts, the sturdy, bulletproof frame and lightweight, trail-ready build.

The air-cooled engine also makes the bike light and easy to flip orpick up from the dirt, while the fluid 5-speed gearbox is engineered to deliver just the right amount of power and torque across the entire rev range for a reassuring feel regardless of the riding surface.


2007 Suzuki DR-Z125LEdit

   

The 2007 MY DR-Z125L is almost identical to the unsuffixed version, with the main difference being the size of the wheels. The L stands for Large, so it's easy to guess that Suzuki loaded bigger wheels on the DR-Z125L. This happened because there are many tall riders who are looking for a 125cc bike but whose inseam is a bit too long for the base version. Adding taller wheels improves the riding stance, ground clearance and overall feel of the bike, while not introducing the extra grunt of a bigger engine.


2007 Suzuki DR-Z125Edit

   

Designed with both teenagers and adults in mind, the 2007 MY DR-Z125 is Suzuki's offer for those in search of a fun off-road bike which can deliver an excellent balance of power, maneuverability combined with a reassuring feel. perfect for recreational riding, the DR-Z125 is also a nice way to hone one's off-road skills especially as the lightweight construction makes the bike easy to steer even across very rough terrain.

Compact, air-cooled and smooth-pulling thanks to its 4-stroke engine, the 2007 MY DR-Z125 is the basic off-road entry-level machine for everyone.


2008 Suzuki DR-Z125LEdit

   

The new L suffix in the badge adorning the skimpy fairings of the 2008 MY DR-Z125L introduces larger wheels, and no tech differences from the base model. Suzuki knows that certain youngsters are taller than others, and some will simply grow faster than the rest, and the DR-Z125L is dedicated to them. Likewise, the larger wheels make the bike more suitable for taller adults who want to ride it, which offering better obstacle-tackling capabilities while at it.


2008 Suzuki DR-Z125Edit

   

The 2008 model year DR-Z125 received an updated bodywork with a more aggressive styling and mimicking the livery of the competition RM-Z machines. Underneath these cool new "clothes" the DR-Z125 retains the punchy 4-stroke air-cooled single-cylinder engine tuned for low-to-mid range power and mated to a smooth 5-speed transmission.


A fun machine for both young and adult riders, the DR-Z125 is as good an educational machine as it is an excellent weekend fun generator for the entire family.


2009 Suzuki DR-Z125Edit

   

The DR-Z125 is the next logical step up from the entry-point Z70 machine. The eighth-liter machine retains the aggressive styling and upgrades the rest of the package, with a 4-stroke air-cooled engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. This means riders are being taken to the next level, where things are getting serious.


The suspensions are upgraded and offer smooth damping for heavier riders, while delivering excellent ground tracking and helping riders hone in their skills prior to jumping on quarter-liter machines.


2009 Suzuki DR-Z125LEdit

   

Suzuki knows that by the time young riders are skilled enough to get behind the bars of an 125cc-class motocross bike, some of them will have grown more than others. Some of them are ready to take on a quarter-liter bike, but many aren't, so the DR-Z125L was introduced. It packs the same engine as the standard 125er, but the wheels are larger.

This improves ground clearance and terrainability, while offering taller guys a rider more suitable for their stature. The engine and frame generic tech specs are unchanged.


2010 Suzuki DR-Z125LEdit

   

We got used with seeing Suzuki delivers L-suffixed off-road bikes, so the 2010 model year DR-Z125L is definitely not a surprise. The bike retains all the tech specs of the base model, including power and torque figures, transmission, suspensions and all. The only thing that;s changed is the size of the wheels, which are now 19" in the front and 16" in the rear.


This adds to the terainability and also serves taller riders obtain a better, more comfortable and reassuring position while out in the dirt.


2010 Suzuki DR-Z125Edit

     

The next natural step up from the entry-point off-road bikes, the DR-Z125 is however a fun machine which can be ridden by adults, as well, and not a treat for youngsters alone. With a bigger, stronger-pulling engine, the 2010 MY DR-Z125 also replaces the 3-speed semiautomatic transmission of the Z70 entry-level machine with a full-fledged 5-stage gearbox.


The frame. suspensions and wheels are all bigger and shaped to accommodate larger riders, while at the same time providing better terrainability and thus expanding the application range for the bike. Lightweight and utterly fun for weekend outings, the DR-Z125 is truly a family fun bike.


2012 Suzuki DR-Z125LEdit

   

The DR-Z125L introduces bigger wheels which also increase the distance between the rider's feet and the ground, making riding a more pleasant and comfortable experience for the taller kids... or their parents. The bike is identical to the DR-Z125, so you're putting your money down on a punchy and nimble eighth-liter off-road machine which can take you almost anywhere.


Lightweight and robust, the DR-Z125L can be your wilderness exploration partner, as it can carry you and your gear to your fav fishing pond or river far from asphalt roads. easy to ride, the bike is also cheap to own, maintain and operate, and if all-fun, no-frills action is what you're after, this is the right choice.


2012 Suzuki DR-Z125Edit

 

Inspired from the racing RM-Z machines, the 2020 MY DR-Z125 delivers plenty of fun into a package which is easy to ride and to enjoy. Whether it's going to be your kids behind the bars or even you is less important, as the bike has something for everyone. A cool step up from the entry point bikes for youngsters, the DR-Z125 is also a fun bike for the whole family and a major source of nice memories weekend by weekend.



2013 Suzuki DR-Z125LEdit

   

The 2013 MY DR-Z125L is basically a standard DR-Z125 equipped with larger wheels. Suzuki went for this because some of the riders who would throw a leg over are simply taller than the "ideal" rider. Larger rims are a quick and cost-efficient way to improve ergonomics while retaining the full character of the bike.


This 4-stroke 125cc dirt machine sports the same character as the base model, with a predictable power and torque spread, a 5-speed transmission and racing-inspired seating position. Wilderness fun in the weekend or racing your friends at the local dirt track, the DR-Z125L is happy to deliver.


2013 Suzuki DR-Z125Edit

   

For weekend warriors, occasional off-road explorers and new riders in search of a bike to help them build confidence and experience, the 2013 MY DR-Z125 is one of the bikes which can do it all. With looks inspired from the racing RM-Z machines, the DR-Z125 is also loaded with a lot of technology derived from the those bikes and this makes it a great tool for jumps and mud play, aggressive dirt riding and trail adventures.


Riding this air-cooled eighth-liter 4-stroke bike also feels non-intimidating, thanks to the precise gearbox and predictable power deployment, and is thus a great educational platform for future raceers, as well.


2014 Suzuki DR-Z125LEdit

   

The 2014 MY DR-Z125L is a great choice for kids who have gotten past their first two-wheeled experience. In case your children are older when they start riding, the bike could also do, because it offers a non-intimidating power delivery. However, the 5-speed transmission may be a tad scary for those who have never ridden a motorcycle before.


Derived from the racing dirt bikes, the DR-Z125L retains the firm chassis which provides crisp handling, while the front disc brake generates a lot of stopping power for a confident ride. With adjustable spring preload for the rear monoshock, setting the bike for perfect compliance with various riders is easy and adds to the rewarding owner experience.


2015 Suzuki DR-Z125LEdit

   

The 2015 MY DR-Z125L retains all the reassuring feel of an eighth-liter dirt bike, but introduces larger wheels for better ergonomics and terrainability. The bike styling is inspired strongly by the RM-Z real factory racers, and this adds to the rewarding feel when riding it. Top-drawer handling is matched to the nifty combination of low- and mid-range power and versatility of the 5-speed transmission and once in the saddle you'll start thinking differently at the sight of most common bumps and turns in your way.


Great as a bike for young riders who want to up their off-roading game. the DR-Z125L is also an awesome family fun machine, as it will gladly carry adults along muddy paths.


2017 Suzuki DR-Z125LEdit

Here comes the 2017 DR-Z1250L to make sure young and smaller stature riders can tackle the dirt. Larger 19-inch front and 16-inch rear tires, as well as a front disc brake, deliver big bike performance to a size appropriate motorcycle. Styled to mirror Suzuki’s RM-Z and RMX models, this DR-Z promotes a more race-oriented look while the sharp handling and strong low-to-mid end power provide the get-up-and-go that defines off-road bikes.


In MediaEdit

ReferencesEdit

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 2019 Western Power Sports Catalog. Western Power Sports. 2019.