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- June 29, 2024, 10:09:58 AM2025 Suzuki DR-Z125L Preview
Suzuki Motor USA has confirmed its popular DR-Z125L dirt bike will be returning for the 2025 model year with no updates to speak of. Everything from the engine to the graphics will be a rerun of last year's offering, but if you're in the market for a beginner-friendly off-road bike, that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Related: 2025 Suzuki DR650 Preview
Truth be told the big-wheel 125 hasn't changed much at all since its introduction in 2003, and that comes with a few upsides. The DR-Z-L's air-cooled 124cc engine is a known factor when it comes to reliability, as is its smooth-fueling Mikuni carburetor and no-frills front disc/rear drum brake combo.
All that simplicity also helps to keep costs down, making the DR-Z125L among the most affordable bikes in the segment. Suzuki has confirmed a modest price increase of just $20 for 2025, bringing the 125′s total MSRP to just $3,619.
Related: How Honda's CRF300L Became the Bestselling Dual Sport
That's a big chunk of change saved compared to the DR-Z's big-wheel competitors, with Honda's CRF125F Big Wheel retailing for $3,899 this year and Kawasaki's KLX140R L commanding a $3,999 premium for the added displacement. Yamaha's TT-R125LE currently undercuts the Suzuki by about $20, but pricing for the 2025 model has yet to be confirmed.
For your money you're getting the standard list of "big wheel" trail bike features. A 19-inch front wheel, a low seat height, a lightweight clutch, and a smooth, easygoing motor that's nearly impossible to stall. Soft suspension with 7.1 inches of travel up front and 6.9 inches out back is ideal for new riders and low-speed shenanigans.
The biggest difference between the Suzuki DR-Z125L and its competitors is that DR is the only bike in the segment that doesn't include an electric starter. Kickstart-only will be a major drawback to some and added street cred to others, but for better or worse, the DR-Z125L remains a time capsule for the trail bikes of yesteryear.
The 2025 DR-Z125L is available in showrooms now nationwide.
2025 Suzuki DR-Z125L Technical Specifications and Price
| PRICE: | $3,619 |
|---|---|
| ENGINE: | 124cc, SOHC, 4-stroke, air-cooled single-cylinder |
| BORE x STROKE: | 57.0 x 48.8mm |
| COMPRESSION RATIO: | 9.5:1 |
| FUEL DELIVERY: | Mikuni VM20SS carburetor |
| CLUTCH: | Wet, multi-plate; mechanically actuation |
| TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE: | 5-speed/chain |
| CLAIMED HORSEPOWER: | NA |
| CLAIMED TORQUE: | NA |
| FRAME: | Steel |
| FRONT SUSPENSION: | Telescopic coil-spring fork, oil damped; 7.1 in. travel |
| REAR SUSPENSION: | Link-type coil-spring shock, oil damped; 6.9 in. travel |
| FRONT BRAKE: | Disc |
| REAR BRAKE: | Drum |
| WHEELS, FRONT/REAR: | Cast aluminum, spoked; 19 in./16 in. |
| TIRES, FRONT/REAR: | 70/100-19, 90/100-16, tube type |
| RAKE/TRAIL: | 27.5°/3.9 in. |
| WHEELBASE: | 50.0 in. |
| SEAT HEIGHT: | 32.0 in. |
| FUEL CAPACITY: | 1.3 gal. |
| CLAIMED WET WEIGHT: | 196 lb. |
| WARRANTY: | 6 mo. |
| AVAILABLE: | June |
| CONTACT: | suzukicycles.com |
Courtesy of Motorcyclist Magazine