A fellow that lived down the road had a 1979 RM 125. He had a track across the street from my house. Another fellow had a new Suzuki RM 125X. I saw that bike and said I am going to have one. I worked hard and purchased a used one in '82. I learned a lot rebuilding that bike over the years. Wish I still had it to this day. Good times on the small bore buzz bomb. I have every magazine test on the single shock, water cooled RM. It won every shootout in 1981.
In 79 The Suzuki RM125N won The Motocross Action Magazine and Dirtbike Magazine Shootout.I know because I still have both Magazines and My Brother and I both had New RM125N's that year.We both wish We still had them.No other stock 125 could stay with them that year.All the fastest Pro's raced RM'S in 1978-1981 here in North Carolina.
So I was a farm kid and I wanted a dirt bike bad . My Mom and Dad said that I could have one when I could buy one. So at the age of 10 I went haying for the neighbors and got a summer job sanding cars down for the local body shop which was in a barn. I saved up $600 bucks and bought a 1976 RM 80. I remember simply telling my Mom and Dad I bought the bike and I needed Dad to take me over and pick the bike up. My parents freaked out. Then my Dad said no,,,,,we said he could by the bike if he had the money,,,,, a deal is a deal. we picked up the bike and I was so happy. I paid for all my own parts and all my own gas and my dad and I figured out how to fix what ever needed it. One year later my Dad came home and told me that there was a 1979 RM125 for sale and we went and traded up. I remember my buddies and I on the first rip. they were all on their 80's and I had the RM125. We were at the bottom of this gravel mound that we used to climb and as usually we all took turns at it. On my Rm 80 I would hit the bottom of that hill at 5th gear and shift down till I hit the top. over I would go Cool ! with the 125 I hit the bottom of the hill in fifth and soured off the top in 3rd. Totally air born I cleared the hill and was about 65 feet in the air. I remember thinking O Lord I'm going to die. then I simply landed on a slope they were digging next to it. I do not even know how far I flew but it was epic, Saved ! it was not but two weeks that all my buddies were on 125's ripping up the gravel pit . So awesome to remember and still love the sounds and the smell of 2 stroke ! God I love the smell of 2 stroke ! Thank you Kaplan Cycles for bringing us all back to reality !!!! Good Job
My first full sized dirt bike was the 1979 RM125. Mine had the square fenders which I thought looked really cool. Some of my buddies didn’t like the square fenders but I did. I thought I was Kent Howerton or Mark Barnett every time I rode it. What a great bike it was. Hearing the sound …..I miss it!!!! Thanks for making my day Ken👍🏼 Semper Fidelis🇺🇸
I had a 79 RM 125N and I loved those square fenders,nobody else every had fenders like that.Loved watching Mark Barnett and Ken Howerton kick ass back in those days.
I was 16 years old in 1976 and I bought a brand new RM100, it had the dual rear shocks and the down pipe. It was so fast it would beat a 1976 kx125, but that stupid down pipe would get dents in it, worst idea in dirt bike history. Then in 1980 I got a brand new Suzuki PE250 for $1,195, had it for 2 years, then I sold it and bought a brand new 1982 Suzuki RM465 for $2,495, and that thing was a monster. I sent the rear shock to White Brothers in California, put a terry fork kit on the front, boyesen reeds, wiseco piston, metzler perfectcross tire on the front, and a cheng shin super digger sand and mud tire on the back, also put terrycables on the brake, throttle, and clutch, supercross bars and grips, and a White Brothers works airbox. And I had the best mx bike within a 100 miles of here. People used to come over to my truck to look at it while I was taking a break from riding. It was so fast you could barely keep the front wheel on the ground. Almost killed myself on it 4 or 5 times, but it was so fun to ride, I had it for 8 years until 1990, then I sold it.
My Brother and I bought two 1979 RM 125N'S new that year.We were about the same size and Loved racing each other and all of our friends.These bikes would pull the front wheel off the ground through 3rd.We could out run our friends who were on 250's on our home track.It's still My Favorite Motocross Bike and wish I still had it.
Kens dedication to Moto passion has been with him all his life.. I can imagine him bringing the cylinder barrel to school polishing the ports at lunch break while others ate their lunch
My Brother and I both had one.Bought new in June 1979.We loved racing each other and all our friends.They were surprised how fast these 125's were and that we could outrun them most of the time.👍❤️
My friend Terry's wife had a 1979 RM 125. Terry rode the wheels off the bike in the California sand dunes blew the top end up in flying over the dunes in mid air haha.
So nice Suzuki was hitting their prime...I used to ride a 1980 PE 250 when I was a kid in upstate NY...it was so much fun through the fields, mud, and dirt roads, almost anywhere!
The 79 through 1980 RM 100 125 250 and 400s absolute masterpieces in production form. Everybody raced the shit out of them and few survived today. Were there better bikes in '78-79 80? Yes but the simplicity of the RM line made it a favorite at local tracks and even at pro level. Yamahas were heavy, Kawasaki's you can hardly get parts for, Hondas were a dime a dozen because they were cheap and overproduced. The Suzuki however was a masterpiece. I always prefer the Hondas from this era but the Suzuki was no slouch and fully capable of ring-dinging your bell at the starting gate.
The seat is correct for 1979 RM125n, but the graphics & rear fender are 1980 RM125t. Also, 1979 shift lever was silver and non foldable. Dry weight was 187 lb. Best twin shock 125 ever made!
beautifull... they look even better with fox factory air shox and a few DG stickers... soo much better then.... tracks were better less ego's etc.... i had an rm125x full floater... great bike totally reliable handled nice etc... great memories
I had a 79 RM 125N,Loved it.Always wanted to ride a 81 watercooler 125 fullfloater but never got the chance.I did later have and race an 82 RM 250 watercooled fullfloater.That Bike was really fast.Won 4 times,2 nd's and 1 3 rd.
Had a '79 RM, that one looks like it has the rounded '80 year fenders on it. Anyway, I was a junior in HS, saved my lawn mowing money and bought it new for $800. My Mom had to sign for it as I was too young to be on the title, which I still have! Had a riding buddy with a Bultaco Pursang. Pretty bike but he was sad that my 125 would handily smoke his 250 😂
I had one of these, it was a super solid, reliable and dare I say "comfortable" bike (it fit me like a glove.) Quite possibly the best bike I have ever owned. A one kick starter every time. Only an idiot would sell something like this ...(I'm that idiot.)
The front and rear guards are not correct, they didn't have the chain tensioner, the N model had squarish guards, these look like T 1980 model. Overall I would own it in an instant.
Graphics are half right. Too bad you cant find the original square fenders. Keep it original!!! Toss those pegs and put the originals on. I rebuilt this guys big brother back in 2005/06, 1979 RM250N. Still have it and ride it a few times a year. RIPS!
You and me were the same what I wouldn't give to back in time 80s the best bike car music movies the list goes on
Absolutely man!
The chick's ! Oh I miss hairspray and leg warmers ... I still watch Jamie Lee Curtis in Perfect .
A fellow that lived down the road had a 1979 RM 125. He had a track across the street from my house. Another fellow had a new Suzuki RM 125X. I saw that bike and said I am going to have one. I worked hard and purchased a used one in '82. I learned a lot rebuilding that bike over the years. Wish I still had it to this day. Good times on the small bore buzz bomb. I have every magazine test on the single shock, water cooled RM. It won every shootout in 1981.
In 79 The Suzuki RM125N won The Motocross Action Magazine and Dirtbike Magazine Shootout.I know because I still have both Magazines and My Brother and I both had New RM125N's that year.We both wish We still had them.No other stock 125 could stay with them that year.All the fastest Pro's raced RM'S in 1978-1981 here in North Carolina.
So I was a farm kid and I wanted a dirt bike bad . My Mom and Dad said that I could have one when I could buy one. So at the age of 10 I went haying for the neighbors and got a summer job sanding cars down for the local body shop which was in a barn. I saved up $600 bucks and bought a 1976 RM 80. I remember simply telling my Mom and Dad I bought the bike and I needed Dad to take me over and pick the bike up. My parents freaked out. Then my Dad said no,,,,,we said he could by the bike if he had the money,,,,, a deal is a deal. we picked up the bike and I was so happy. I paid for all my own parts and all my own gas and my dad and I figured out how to fix what ever needed it. One year later my Dad came home and told me that there was a 1979 RM125 for sale and we went and traded up. I remember my buddies and I on the first rip. they were all on their 80's and I had the RM125. We were at the bottom of this gravel mound that we used to climb and as usually we all took turns at it. On my Rm 80 I would hit the bottom of that hill at 5th gear and shift down till I hit the top. over I would go Cool ! with the 125 I hit the bottom of the hill in fifth and soured off the top in 3rd. Totally air born I cleared the hill and was about 65 feet in the air. I remember thinking O Lord I'm going to die. then I simply landed on a slope they were digging next to it. I do not even know how far I flew but it was epic, Saved ! it was not but two weeks that all my buddies were on 125's ripping up the gravel pit . So awesome to remember and still love the sounds and the smell of 2 stroke ! God I love the smell of 2 stroke ! Thank you Kaplan Cycles for bringing us all back to reality !!!! Good Job
My first full sized dirt bike was the 1979 RM125. Mine had the square fenders which I thought looked really cool. Some of my buddies didn’t like the square fenders but I did. I thought I was Kent Howerton or Mark Barnett every time I rode it. What a great bike it was. Hearing the sound …..I miss it!!!! Thanks for making my day Ken👍🏼 Semper Fidelis🇺🇸
I had a 79 RM 125N and I loved those square fenders,nobody else every had fenders like that.Loved watching Mark Barnett and Ken Howerton kick ass back in those days.
1979 Square fenders were 👍
In 1979 this was THE 125 to have!! It was my first 125 after moving up from 80’s. I had 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1982 RM125’s. Awesome bikes!
I was 16 years old in 1976 and I bought a brand new RM100, it had the dual rear shocks and the down pipe. It was so fast it would beat a 1976 kx125, but that stupid down pipe would get dents in it, worst idea in dirt bike history. Then in 1980 I got a brand new Suzuki PE250 for $1,195, had it for 2 years, then I sold it and bought a brand new 1982 Suzuki RM465 for $2,495, and that thing was a monster.
I sent the rear shock to White Brothers in California, put a terry fork kit on the front, boyesen reeds, wiseco piston, metzler perfectcross tire on the front, and a cheng shin super digger sand and mud tire on the back, also put terrycables on the brake, throttle, and clutch, supercross bars and grips, and a White Brothers works airbox. And I had the best mx bike within a 100 miles of here. People used to come over to my truck to look at it while I was taking a break from riding.
It was so fast you could barely keep the front wheel on the ground. Almost killed myself on it 4 or 5 times, but it was so fun to ride, I had it for 8 years until 1990, then I sold it.
My Brother and I bought two 1979 RM 125N'S new that year.We were about the same size and Loved racing each other and all of our friends.These bikes would pull the front wheel off the ground through 3rd.We could out run our friends who were on 250's on our home track.It's still My Favorite Motocross Bike and wish I still had it.
What a sweet bike, bought one brand new when I was 19 years old, what a bad ass machine..Beautiful...
So did I and I was 19 years old at the time also.Loved that 125 and it's still My Favorite Motocross Bike.
I've got a 1980 RM125 now, bought it for my brother, he rebuilt it for over a year, got to ride it once before he died 3 years ago ..so now it's mine
They came out with the futuristic squared off fenders! We thought they were not that great!!
Kens dedication to Moto passion has been with him all his life.. I can imagine him bringing the cylinder barrel to school polishing the ports at lunch break while others ate their lunch
My dad did that while in class
@@vangeliskarachalios ate his lunch or polished the ports ?
Yup i did lol
@@donbrashsux polishing the ports from his 79 beta Mx-6 in high school
@@vangeliskarachalios After reading all these comments I can tell that you all think this man never BS any of you . Hook line sinker ....... GL
My Brother and I both had one.Bought new in June 1979.We loved racing each other and all our friends.They were surprised how fast these 125's were and that we could outrun them most of the time.👍❤️
My friend Terry's wife had a 1979 RM 125. Terry rode the wheels off the bike in the California sand dunes blew the top end up in flying over the dunes in mid air haha.
So nice Suzuki was hitting their prime...I used to ride a 1980 PE 250 when I was a kid in upstate NY...it was so much fun through the fields, mud, and dirt roads, almost anywhere!
They were awesome. Wish they still made them
Big love from South Wales UK, love this vids of classic bikes,I can sit & watch for hours
these bikes were perfect off dealer floor .
Never broke down,fast,handled awesome.
Amen to that
The 79 through 1980 RM 100 125 250 and 400s absolute masterpieces in production form. Everybody raced the shit out of them and few survived today. Were there better bikes in '78-79 80? Yes but the simplicity of the RM line made it a favorite at local tracks and even at pro level. Yamahas were heavy, Kawasaki's you can hardly get parts for, Hondas were a dime a dozen because they were cheap and overproduced. The Suzuki however was a masterpiece. I always prefer the Hondas from this era but the Suzuki was no slouch and fully capable of ring-dinging your bell at the starting gate.
I had a 1980 model. I love old suzuki dirtbikes
I had a brand new 1979 RM 250 ported polished one inch taken out of expansion chamber great bike
My first race bike SWEET!!!!!!
Had the 76 RM 125,,,but this is a dreamer😊
I was just looking at a 79 RM 100 survivor..Very nice RM 125 has the looks & sound just right ..FTW🇺🇸
Nice bike . brings back memories for shure.
I had a 1980 Suzuki RM 125, it was fast and very reliable.
The seat is correct for 1979 RM125n, but the graphics & rear fender are 1980 RM125t. Also, 1979 shift lever was silver and non foldable. Dry weight was 187 lb. Best twin shock 125 ever made!
Side panels are not factory either - Ken but you knew that
Wow !! I'd have that RM in a heartbeat !!! So clean !
If you were a adolescent this was superhero stuff. I had a RM 250 in 82 when I was 17 ,it was rarefied air back then.
Gorgeous Vintage RM! I bet she's a runner!
My first full size motorcycle, bought it brand new. The one to get, at the time.
beautifull... they look even better with fox factory air shox and a few DG stickers... soo much better then.... tracks were better less ego's etc.... i had an rm125x full floater... great bike totally reliable handled nice etc... great memories
I had a 79 RM 125N,Loved it.Always wanted to ride a 81 watercooler 125 fullfloater but never got the chance.I did later have and race an 82 RM 250 watercooled fullfloater.That Bike was really fast.Won 4 times,2 nd's and 1 3 rd.
That was my 1st full size bike..it was a beast back then.
Had a '79 RM, that one looks like it has the rounded '80 year fenders on it. Anyway, I was a junior in HS, saved my lawn mowing money and bought it new for $800. My Mom had to sign for it as I was too young to be on the title, which I still have!
Had a riding buddy with a Bultaco Pursang. Pretty bike but he was sad that my 125 would handily smoke his 250 😂
Awesome I had a 77 RM125 , in 1979
I had one of these, it was a super solid, reliable and dare I say "comfortable" bike (it fit me like a glove.) Quite possibly the best bike I have ever owned. A one kick starter every time. Only an idiot would sell something like this ...(I'm that idiot.)
81 RM125X has entered the building..😂 70s bikes become obsolete. 😂
Sorry got distracted there for a quick moment. :o)
Gorgeous 125. Ken, who use to ride the z-50 in the computer store down next to cycle gear.?
Holy flashback batmam. Great bike.
That thing's DOPE!!!! 👍 👍 👍 👍
I found a complete 79’ RM125 on top of a dumpster, I wish I’d have kept it and fixed it up.
Looks like the 1980 i had as a kid. Thats a 1980 model...I want it. Still for sale?
In 1979 the RM had the square back fender
0:29 had me very distracted
Me too lmao
Not that I have a bike at the moment but I always loved the RM series from this time period although I prefer Yamaha..
Beautiful bike. What's the price your asking?
I bought this bike brand new off the showroom floor for $1079 bucks in 79
0:34 If you look to the side, you can actually seen how steep that hilll is that SR. Rockets up on these videos. It's no joke.
Yeah Ronald I see what you mean - that is steep 😳
Yup totally
My dreamer 😪
Tank graphic incorrect for 79, rear fender 80’
first bike i ever road at 12 years old, I could barley touch the ground. fast as hell
Yer I had one a fantastic bike
Out the door a brand new 1980 RM 125 sold for $1100 off the show room floor
The front and rear guards are not correct, they didn't have the chain tensioner, the N model had squarish guards, these look like T 1980 model. Overall I would own it in an instant.
Yep, the rear fender should be squared off, it was a strange shape! But that bike was sooooo good in the day!!!
:30 what bike?!😍
:28 best part of the video
Nice bike but wrong rear fender. I had a 1979 RM 80 back then it was my first dirt bike after mini bikes with lawn mower engines
Rear mud guard doesn't look to be the correct one for a 79. They were a odd shape for that year. Could be wrong though.
Oh that rap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Graphics are half right. Too bad you cant find the original square fenders. Keep it original!!! Toss those pegs and put the originals on. I rebuilt this guys big brother back in 2005/06, 1979 RM250N. Still have it and ride it a few times a year. RIPS!
that's the RM 125 T
1st yr from metal tank to plastic
Luv ya ken but please get rid of those assinine 89 decals on the number plates theyre like birdshit on the hood of a 69 charger
I'm sure this in 1980.
These want Castor, don’t they? 20 to 1?
riviu pengapian
Wrong back fender.
🆒🆒🆒🆒🆒💯🏁🆒💯🏁🆒
I lost concentration early in into this one
What happened to all your subs TH-cam unsubscribe me
I was wondering that too but this seems to be a different channel than the Kaplan America main channel.
Ken loves to beat the crap out of brand new restored bikes then wants to sell them as brand new restored racers