Faults:

It is hard to start or stalls at idle.

The rear drum brake and single front disc offer a response that is barely adequate for modern demands.

The timing chain loses tension due to natural wear of the tensioner.

When changing the oil, the wrong gear selector bolt is often accidentally loosened, causing a spring to pop out and throwing the gearbox out of adjustment.

General Comments:

An ageing, simple, four-stroke motorcycle, yet one with an attractive design that undoubtedly draws far more attention today than it did when it was new.

Most of its basic mechanical components have remained unchanged since the 1980s. It is large enough to accommodate taller riders, easy to handle, and relatively comfortable. Its off-road look isn't just for show; the bike is also well-suited for weekend rides along country roads. Just stick to trails close to home, though, covering long distances can quickly become monotonous!.

It features a smooth-running, reliable, and efficient four-stroke single-cylinder engine. Don't expect major thrills from the Suzuki DR125SE, but you can certainly count on more than enough power. By today's standards, the DR's 12 hp is nothing to write home about. But the DR is so light that you'll feel quite agile navigating the city or riding across a field.

It is a robust motorcycle; consequently, even though it is getting on in years and was never imported in large numbers, you can still find Suzuki DR125SEs. The basic mechanics and cycle parts hold up well with proper maintenance, showing no major reliability issues.

With this bike, what you see is what you get. Minimalist off-road-style controls and a single instrument cluster surrounded by indicator lights; brakes and suspension of acceptable quality, and a basic rear seat. Nothing more, nothing less…

It is a very simple motorcycle, yet very well built. Everything bears the "Made in Japan" mark, which inspires confidence and helps explain why it performs so well. Simplicity is another one of its virtues for those of us looking for an economical vehicle; performing the maintenance yourself is very straightforward.

Great bike, with very low maintenance costs and few issues.