Segment Target:
Lightweight, utilitarian off-road/trail motorcycle, popular for recreational use and light utility tasks in its era.
Competitors Era:
Competed against other 125cc dual-sport or trail bikes from manufacturers like Yamaha (e.g., DT125), Honda (e.g., SL125/XR125), and Kawasaki (e.g., KE125).
Distinctive Features:
Robust construction, tractable engine, good ground clearance, comfortable riding position, often featured attractive styling for its time, appealing for both on- and off-road versatility.
Manual Purpose:
Essential resource for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the Suzuki RV125, ensuring longevity and optimal performance for owners and mechanics.
Engine:
Complete disassembly, assembly, inspection, repair, and adjustment of all engine components, including piston, rings, cylinder, crankshaft, connecting rod, bearings, valve train, cooling system (if applicable, though typically air-cooled), lubrication system.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (model identification, disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, jetting), fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel filter.
Transmission:
Gearbox (if applicable, though RV125 often featured automatic or semi-automatic), clutch system, drive chain maintenance and adjustment.
Electrical System:
Ignition system (coil, points, condenser, spark plug), lighting system (headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals), charging system (stator, rectifier/regulator), battery, wiring diagrams, fuse replacement, switch gear.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (drum brakes typical for this era), brake shoe inspection, replacement, adjustment, linkage maintenance.
Suspension:
Front fork (oil change, seal replacement, spring inspection), rear shock absorbers (inspection, replacement, adjustment).
Chassis And Bodywork:
Frame inspection and repair, body panel removal and installation, seat, fenders, handlebars, footpegs, controls, cables (throttle, brake, clutch).
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing inspection and replacement, spoke tensioning (if applicable), tire pressure specifications, tire removal and installation.
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, bolt torque specifications, adjustments.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and guides for identifying and resolving common mechanical and electrical issues.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Installation:
Procedures for installing new or replacement parts, including proper torque values and alignment.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for both professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts aiming for complete rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
File Format Type:
PDF (Digital facsimile of original printed manual)
Searchability:
Text-searchable (OCR processed)
Print Quality Description:
High-resolution scans of original pages, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.
Binding Type Description:
N/A (Digital format); Original print manual typically saddle-stitched or perfect bound.
Paper Type Description:
N/A (Digital format); Original manual printed on durable paper suitable for workshop environments.
Engine Type:
Two-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Displacement:
123 cc (7.5 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
56.0 mm x 50.0 mm (2.20 in x 1.97 in)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 6.5:1 (typical for the era)
Horsepower:
Approximately 10-12 HP (at ~6500 RPM, estimates vary by source)
Torque:
Approximately 0.9-1.0 kg-m (8-9 lb-ft) at ~5500 RPM (estimates vary by source)
Carburetor Model:
Mikuni VM Series (specific model number like VM20-131 or similar likely)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (minimum 85 octane) mixed with 2-stroke oil (e.g., 20:1 or 25:1 ratio depending on manufacturer recommendation).
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (1.98 US gal)
Safety Ratings Era:
Motorcycle safety standards of the late 1970s, focusing on basic mechanical integrity and rider control.
Braking System Type:
Drum brakes front and rear.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, front and rear reflectors, often equipped with turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame, designed for durability and off-road capability.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 2,000-3,000 km (1,200-1,800 miles) or annually, depending on usage. (Refer to manual for precise interval).
Spark Plug Check:
Every 1,000-2,000 km (600-1,200 miles).
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 1,000-2,000 km (600-1,200 miles), more frequently in dusty conditions.
Engine Oil Type:
Specific 2-stroke motorcycle oil (e.g., SAE 20W or 10W-30 for injection systems if applicable, but premix is more common).
Fork Oil Type:
Motorcycle fork oil (e.g., SAE 10W or 20W, manual will specify viscosity).
Transmission Oil Type:
Typically, a light gear oil or motorcycle-specific transmission oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90) would be used if a separate gearbox oil fill exists, though many 2-strokes use engine oil for lubrication. Manual to confirm.
Carburetor Gumming:
Tendency for carburetors to gum up if fuel is left in the system for extended periods, requiring regular cleaning and stabilization.
Ignition Points Wear:
Wear or contamination of ignition points and condenser can lead to starting issues or poor running.
Shock ABSorber Leaks:
Older shock absorbers may develop leaks, leading to reduced damping performance.
Cable Wear:
Throttle, brake, and clutch cables can stretch or fray over time, requiring adjustment or replacement.
Suzuki Motorcycle History:
Suzuki Motor Corporation, founded in 1909, has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for innovation and performance across various segments, from small-displacement engines to powerful sportbikes and off-road machines.
Rv Series Development:
The RV series was Suzuki's foray into the dual-purpose trail bike market, offering a more rugged and capable option than typical street scooters, with a focus on versatility.
Production Period:
The Suzuki RV125 was produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with the 1979 model being a representative example of this generation.
