Bike Trader

Suzuki DR125SM review

17 April 2008
Reviews image With its supermotard styling and road rubber, the DR125SM makes a great bike to get you to work on time – and with a big smile on your face.

The air-cooled, four-stroke 125cc engine is robustly simple, designed to deliver superb economy and durability for years of riding. A single-shaft counterbalancer with a damping mechanism keeps the motor running smooth. Power is transmitted through a well-proven, sweet-shifting five-speed gear box.

But while the engine may be classically simple, the fuelling is bang up to date. An efficient DCP-FI (Discharge Pump Fuel Injection) design contributes to better fuel economy, cleaner emissions and user-friendly power characteristics. Fuel injection and ignition timing are precisely controlled by signals from a 10-pulse multi-tipped crank sensor and other sensors.

An ISC (Idling Speed Control) mechanism adjusts intake airflow volume to maintain proper idling rpm at all times, and also performs fast-idling during cold starts. The clean-running DR125SM engine meets the stringent Euro 3 emissions regulations with a catalyzer and air/fuel ratio control by the ECM (Engine Control Module) based on an exhaust-pipe oxygen sensor feedback.

The DR125SM chassis offers a combination of compact, user-friendly handling and the distinctive supermotard riding feel. The front forks and rear shock fitted on a simple steel diamond frame, with spoked 17-inch wheels featuring RK Excel aluminium rims. Front 250mm and rear 220mm-disc brakes, each with a Nissin caliper, provide ample stopping power.

You also get an electric starter, locking tool box and petrol tank cap, grab bars for the pillion passenger, and a helmet lock. A rear carrier is available as an option.

Supermotard bodywork styling gets you a plastic petrol tank cover that is extended at the bottom to make it look like a radiator shield. The silencer is swept up along the frame cover/rear fender plastics, while the off-road type seat is a stylish two-tone. Neat bodywork cut-outs and slits on the tank, frame covers and headlight - inspired from traditional Japanese ‘oni’ demon fangs and horns motifs - add the finishing touches to the DR125SM.


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