SUZUKI DR125 (1985 - 2001) Review

Overall rating

The Suzuki DR125SE, is a straightforward but attractively styled four-stroke learner trailie that was only available for a limited period, so rare now. Earlier twin-headlamp “Raider’ was more common, but most are by now unserviceable. A good Suzuki DR125SE is a valid alternative to a Yamaha XT125 or the like.

125 enduro bikes for the road were once a mainstay in sixth form carparks up and down the country, after the heyday of legally questionable two-strokes and before the rise of tidy race reps and naked roadsters in the category.

During this simpler time, when TFT was a noise you made to voice incredulity and ABS were a thing you had under your T-shirt, bikes like the DR with its bawdy decals and rugged off-road looks were all the rage.

Ride quality & brakes

Again, fairly straightforward fare – the Suzuki DR125SE has a long history, after all and most of the basic mechanicals were carried through from the 1980s – but when it comes to rugged learner trailies there’s not much wrong with that.

The Suzuki DR125SE is big enough for larger riders, a doddle ride and relatively comfortable, too, just don’t expect to go dicing with the Aprilia or Cagiva 125 sportsbike boys.

The off-road looks aren't just for show either and the DR will handle a spot of light greenlaning at the weekend. Just pick some trails that are near your house because riding too far to get there will get monotonous quickly!

Engine

The Suzuki DR125SE is home to a softly tuned, proven, and solid four-stroke single. Identical to that used in Suzuki’s enduring GN125 learner custom. So don’t expect much in the way of thrills from the Suzuki DR125SE but there’s plenty of good-to-honest motive force here.

The GN125 engine is still built by the thousands in China and is fitted to all manner of small retros and commuters to this day - so you'll never struggle for spares.

By modern standards, the DR's 12bhp is nothing to shout about and won't trouble the 15bhp A1 power limit. But the DR is so light that you'll feel spritely enough nipping around town or across a field.

Reliability & build quality

The Suzuki DR125SE is among the more rugged of the Japanese 125 trailies which is why, although now long in the tooth and never imported in great numbers, there are still some Suzuki DR125SEs around. Basic mechanicals and cycle parts are fine if looked after with no major reliability issues.

Value vs rivals

There aren’t many Suzuki DR125SEs about, which helps keeps used values up, but if you find a good un’ they’re decent value and you could be onto a winner – all the rugged peace of mind and style of , say, a Yamaha XT125, but with a whole bundle more exclusivity.

If you're not a learner but are looking for something old-school and dirtbike-shaped for your garage, the bigger Suzuki DR-Z400 could be a better bet. The road-only SM variants are fetching big money these days though.

If you want the modern equivalent then your options are a little more limited - with learner legal mudpluggers falling out of fashion in recent years. A Sinnis SM-XE 125 might be up your street, though.

Or you could find a used Suzuki DR125 for sale.

Equipment

What you see is what you get with the Suzuki DR125SE. Minimal, off-road style switchgear and single clock surrounded by idiot lights; reasonable quality brakes, suspension etc and a token pillion seat. Nothing more, nothing less…