The Suzuki RM 125 has been around so long, it definitely falls into the ""oldie but goodie"" category. The RM 125 has an illustrious history, beginning with its introduction in 1975. The Japanese manufacturer based this production dirt bike on the RA 75 that won the 1975 World Motocross GP championship in the 125 cc category. The RM 125 then won this competition every year for the next 10 years. Along the way, Suzuki built some firsts into the RM 125, such as the 1981 model being the first to use ""full floater"" rear suspension (swing arm); water-cooled engines also debuted in the RM 125 that year. Long considered one of the world’s best dirt bikes, the RM 125 garnered other accolades, including being named the best 125/150 two-stoke dirt bike of the year in 1981, 1992, 1994, and 1995 by Motocross Action magazine. Alas, just like the awards, the RM 125 is now history, at least in the United States, since Suzuki quit making it for the American market after the 2008 model year, though other RM models are available for 2013 in this country.
By 2007, the Suzuki RM came in four models: 85, 85L, 125 and 250, with the RM 85 and RM 85L (large wheels) targeted at younger riders who were just beginning to race. The RM 85L also has a longer swing arm and wheelbase that are suitable for larger riders. While the RM 125 is capable of being ridden on mountain trails, experienced riders do not recommend this as this bike can be difficult to handle on anything but desert or the motocross racetrack, where it really shines. Riders who want to pour on the power may prefer the RM 250 because it has a bigger engine, handles better and is not so hard to ride. The RM 250 comes with lighter Renthal aluminum handlebars and pads to reduce vibration. Suzuki continued its RM line with Z models. RM-Z models have four-stroke engines while the RM bikes have two-stroke engines.