Suzuki DR 125 SM 2010 — Specifications

Who is still looking for a 12 horsepower supermotard in the age of turbocharged twins and engines with 100 horsepower or more? The answer is simple: someone who seeks above all pure sensation, accessible fun, and not brute performance. The Suzuki DR 125 SM, in its 2009 to 2013 versions, embodies this philosophy with disarming honesty. It's a machine that reminds you that pleasure is not measured solely by the speedometer.

Its 124 cc single-cylinder engine, air-cooled and with two valves, is no rocket. With 12 hp at 9800 rpm and a torque of 9.8 Nm, the figures are modest, and the maximum speed of the Suzuki DR 125 SM is around 110 km/h. But that's precisely its advantage for a beginner. The power is linear, the character docile, and the electronic management simplified by injection allows for faultless starting. The simple steel tubular frame and a wet weight of 132 kg make it a light and maneuverable motorcycle, a true featherweight in the city where it excels.

The comparison with the larger displacement bikes in the segment is undeniable, but also unfair. The DR 125 SM is not a competitor, it's a gateway. Its seat height of 836 mm may be intimidating, but once in the saddle, its low weight is reassuring. The basic but effective suspension and single disc brakes are sufficient for its use. Many buyers looking for a used Suzuki DR 125 SM are destined for learning or uncomplicated urban journeys. The 9-liter tank promises good range for this type of use.

Testing the Suzuki DR 125 SM reveals a robust and low-maintenance mechanical system. The proven engine is known for its reliability, and finding parts for the Suzuki DR 125 SM remains affordable. This is a crucial point for a new license holder or a small budget. The chain transmission on a 5-speed gearbox is simple and direct. Some may want to de-restrict the Suzuki DR 125 SM to gain a few km/h, but the exercise is often more costly than beneficial on this type of engine. The pleasure lies elsewhere: in its ease of maneuvering, in leaning without fear thanks to its 17-inch tires, and in offering the thrill of the supermotard without the risks of a too-nervous machine.

So, what is the price of a Suzuki DR 125 SM? New, it displayed around 3000 euros, a price that clearly positioned this motorcycle as a serious entry-level option. Today, on the used market, it represents an excellent deal for those who want to experience the supermotard without breaking the bank. Its drawback? Being sometimes a little too sensible. But for a new license holder seeking their first sensations or for a pragmatic urban rider, it is precisely this sensibility, coupled with undeniable fun, that makes all its charm and explains why positive reviews of the Suzuki DR 125 SM are still easily found. It's an honest machine, which does not claim to be what it is not, and it is in this that it deserves respect.