Suzuki DR-Z125L specifications, dimensions and price

Suzuki DR-Z125L

Total Motorcycle says the lightweight, high-rigidity steel frame, rear beam-style swingarm and lightweight aluminum-rimmed wheels, 19-inch front and 16-inch rear, help reduce unsprung weight and contribute to agile handling. The reviewer says the bike is styled to mirror Suzuki's championship-winning RM-Z models and brings sharp handling with strong low-end and mid-range power, and that the large-diameter 19-inch front and 16-inch rear tires and a front disc brake deliver big-bike performance in a size-appropriate motorcycle.

The DR-Z125L has a 50.0 in wheelbase, 11.4 in of ground clearance and a 32.0 in seat, weighs 196 lb at the curb and holds 1.3 gal. A telescopic fork and a link-type rear shock provide the suspension and a single front disc brakes. The seat is 1.3 in higher than the Kawasaki KLX140R's 30.7 in and the bike weighs 9 lb less.

DR-Z125L against the small trail bikes

At $3,649 it costs $50 more than Honda's CRF125F at $3,599, $150 less than Kawasaki's KLX140R at $3,799, $1,050 less than Yamaha's TT-R230 at $4,699 and $1,450 less than Honda's CRF300F at $5,099. The Suzuki is one of the lightest and cheapest of the group.

Fit, suspension and who it is for

Motocross Hideout says the stock suspension is set up for riders of 80 to 120 lb but will work for a heavier rider who wants to ride casually, and describes the DR-Z125 as a low-tech, easy to ride dirt bike that is affordable and reliable for a beginner.

Total Motorcycle says the 32-inch seat lets the bike fit a variety of riders, and that the telescopic forks and link-type rear suspension give long wheel travel and a smooth, progressive action. The DR-Z125L has a 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheel.

The smaller DR-Z125 has 17-inch and 14-inch wheels for shorter riders.

DR-Z125L or the smaller DR-Z125

Suzuki sells two 125s, and the wheel size is the difference. The L has 19-inch and 16-inch wheels and a 32.0 in seat. The plain DR-Z125 has 17-inch and 14-inch wheels and a lower seat.

The L suits a taller teenager or a small adult, and the DR-Z125 suits a smaller child. A rider who will outgrow a 125 within a year should consider the KLX140R at $3,799 or Honda's CRF300F at $5,099 instead of buying a 125 and selling it.

Against the other small trail bikes

Suzuki's DR-Z125L costs $3,649, $250 more than Honda's XR150L at $3,399 and $50 more than Yamaha's TT-R125LE at $3,599. At 196 lb curb it is the lightest of the group, 2 lb lighter than the Yamaha and 86 lb lighter than the Honda, which has a bigger engine and a 282 lb curb weight. Kawasaki's KLX140R at $3,799 has a 30.7 in seat, 1.3 in lower than the Suzuki's 32.0 in.

DR-Z125L against the CRF125F and KLX140R

Honda's CRF125F and Kawasaki's KLX140R are the closest small trail bikes.