2009 Suzuki DR-Z125/L Review

Exterior

2009 Suzuki DR-Z125

If there’s something to make the difference between these Yamaha and Suzuki bikes, that’s probably style…or better said, color. While Yamaha paints their off-road bikes Blue, Suzuki’s characteristic color is Yellow and, as we mentioned a little bit earlier, there is also a Black color scheme available for 2009.

But that isn’t everything there is to say in this concern as next year’s models feature decals that are color-matched with the seat. These enhance the looks of those aggressive side panels inspired on the modern RM-Z machines while the high mounted fenders, front and side number plates as well as the narrow seat all stand as testimony to the racing design.

The most notable difference between the two Suzuki models are the wheels dimensions: 17-front and 14-inch rear on the simple model and 19-front and 16-inch rear on the “L” model.

Test Drive

2008 Suzuki DR-Z125L

Riding a Suzuki DR-Z125 is a very enjoyable experience as the bike is user-friendly so that beginners can start gaining experience from the very first hour spent on it. Light (194 lbs) and very maneuverable, there is no wonder the small Suzuki has been a favorite among youngsters in these past years even though the kick started 124cc four-stroke, air-cooled engine hasn’t been revised for quite a long time (never, if I think it over). It is tuned for low-to-mid rpm power while still managing to maintain a decent top end, but it won’t through you off the seat or anything.

All through the five gears, the responsive four-stroke engine purrs its way steady to its rev limit and by the time you do that in fifth gear you’ll be rolling at a top speed of 50 mph.

Sharp corners approached with a little too much speed won’t scare you if you’ve ridden before and there is always the possibility to put your feet down and the bike won’t feel like it’s going to fall on you or anything, even if you’re just a kid (a skilled one, preferably). The coil spring, oil-damped suspensions make for a smooth, relaxing ride on the trails and if you are young and light enough, this is the perfect environment to start seeing if this thing actually pops up wheelies. It can, with a little bit of pulling on to the handlebars as the engine isn’t as throbbing like the one of a motocross bike.

The much criticized drum front brake is more that sufficient for what the small engine can deliver and that is as well confidence inspiring. At whatever speed you may be riding, hitting both brakes at a time is a smart choice if need to stop as the combined front and rear braking equipment is always an unbeatable combination. Of course, on the DR-Z125L, they have the front disc brake, which is even better and, generally, this bike offers a better way to ride off-road once you confidence level is close to high and fell like taking the closest next thing.

Price

With a fairly smaller MSRP than Yamaha’s TT-R125E, $2,499, the 2009 Suzuki DR-Z125 is a better bang for the buck. That also applies in the case of the larger model, the DR-Z125L which comes with an MSRP of $2,699.

Conclusion

Though Suzuki didn’t get back on the drawing board for the 2009 DR-Z125 and DR-Z125L, the two models carry on as the same affordable starters bikes that address to a very large category of riders, managing to fulfill their riding needs and put smiles on their faces with talent, not necessarily horsepower.

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