suzuki DR125SM review

It does what is says on the tin but with some added extra style. The four stoke motor is virtually bullet proof if on the slow side and old compared to the two stoke competition. But it’s dependable, easy to ride, cheap to run, light, functional but with added extra Supermoto styling.

Engine

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The single cylinder, four stoke, fuel injected engines pushes out a claimed 12bhp, but a few of them seem to be hidden. On a flat dual carriage way the DR125SM will just about break the speed limit, eventually topping 70mph. It may not be revvy like a two stoke single, and older than Jimmy Savel buts its functional and the relatively torquey engine makes it easy to ride.

Ride and Handling

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As you would expect form the price tag and the non adjustable suspension it’s not breathtaking, but adequate. For normal riding it’s more than enough not too soft, and copes well with pot holes and speed ramps. However, the rear is on the soft side and will skip over bumps if pushed a little too hard. Two up and the rear shock turns into a pogo stick. 

Equipment

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It’s straightforward as the price tag suggests. The clocks are basic and simple, there isn’t even a rev counter. The air cooled engine is simplistic, why couldn’t they have given us a new water cooled lump. But it’s not too bad the styling is relatively funky, better than most budget four stoke 125 machines.

Quality and Reliability

There is no reason to doubt the engine reliability it should chug along forever, no matter how much you stretch the throttle cable. However, in places the Suzuki DR125SM feels a bit cheap and too plastic, like something made in China. There is no real feeling of quality; however you have to remember the low price tag.

Value

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At just over £2500 it’s competitively priced virtually the same as the other Japanese competition from Yamaha in the shape of the XT. The engine is bullet proof, should chug along forever, and if you want a budget, Supermoto styled commuter, offering value for money then look nor further.

Insurance

Insurance group: n/a

Model History

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Other Versions

Specifications

Top speed	75mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	12bhp
Torque	7ftlb
Weight	121kg
Seat height	836mm
Fuel capacity	9 litres
Average fuel consumption	mpg
Tank range	miles
Insurance group

Engine size	124cc
Engine specification	2v four stroke single, 6 gears
Frame	Tubular steel
Front suspension adjustment	35mm conventional forks
Rear suspension adjustment	Single shock, non adjust
Front brakes	1x 250mm 2 piston caliper
Rear brake	222mm disc single piston
Front tyre size	100/80x17
Rear tyre size	130/70x17