1994 Suzuki GN125 from United Kingdom

Summary:

Superb! An undisputed must have for all beginners

Faults:

I would like to point out that all these faults were due to the age of bike, but mostly lack of care for numerous years from the previous owner. On closer inspection when buying the bike, it was quite obvious the previous owner had a small crash sideways, and had not bothered to do anything with it afterwards.

The 1st thing to go wrong with the bike, was the CDI box blew out.

2nd thing to go wrong was a relay had fallen out, which stopped the indicators working.

3rd thing was a loose connection to the brake light, which meant it stopped working briefly.

4th thing was something to do with the engine revs, which I never got told what caused it, but basically meant it over revved when stationary.

All faults on the bike were very easy to fix, and the cost was very low.

General Comments:

This little gutsy motorcycle is fantastic! Despite a few faults that have popped up from time to time, it has always been hugely reliable, and has only let me down once on the way to work, when I had to push it back (CDI box incident).

The seat is fantastically comfortable. Can literally ride it for hours upon hours.

Handling is near perfect.

It looks super pretty, and with the red and chrome mix, very retro!

Downsides are that it really, really, really hates hills. Go up any gradient of hill, and you notice the speed change almost immediately. If you have been riding for a while though, and the engine has had time to properly warm up, then hills are easier to manage, as the engine will perform better.

Another downside is it doesn't like the cold either. It takes longer for the engine to warm up, which means getting up to full speed takes time. In my experience, the best you'll get to start with is 40, then depending on how long you're riding, you'll eventually reach 50.

Final downside is the brakes are not amazing. They're not dangerous in any way, and not unreliable, but they could be a little bit more responsive in my opinion. Nothing bad enough to cause anyone not to buy the bike.

Back to positives; the bike is truly amazing to use in the summer. The heat and sunshine means you'll be able to hit 60 with great ease (that's the fastest I've ever been able to get it without going down a hill).

As proof of my love and knowledge for this bike, I recently rode it down to Netley Marsh in the New Forest, Hampshire, for the 19th annual Carol Nash Eurojumble. From where I live, it's about a 53 mile journey. Because I still have my L plates and not a big engine, I stayed away from highway roads and stuck to the rural routes (much better for journeys anyway). Apart from some gigantic hills to deal with, the trip was amazing! The bike performed beautifully, and hit 60 a majority of the way.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th September, 2012

26th Mar 2013, 07:41

Very helpful in confirming my purchase!

1994 Suzuki GN125 from New Zealand

Summary:

Good around town bike, not for the open road

Faults:

The seat has ripped on the top outer edges, and I can't find a good condition one anywhere, so it must be a common problem.

The brake light bulb keeps blowing.

General Comments:

Great economy, I get 560 kilometers per 10 litre tank.

Very comfortable upright riding position.

A lot of parts from the more common GN250 will fit on the GN125.

It's not for the open road, my bike will do 80 kilometers an hour at 8000 revs per minute, and I weigh 70 kilos.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th March, 2007

1994 Suzuki GN125 from Republic of Ireland

Summary:

A dream come true

Faults:

Front brakes are slippy.

Pressure builds up in the petrol if not used for a while, which leads to back firing.

Right wing mirror keeps loosening.

General Comments:

To be honest it's an amazing bike.

The insurance is cheap, which is great for young riders.

The bike runs on fumes nearly, full tank and you're sorted for a few weeks.

The handling is something else, you feel comfortable taking corners and while in traffic.

Me personally I'm not the most confident rider in traffic, and on this bike I feel like it's all OK.

My last bike was the Aprilia RS 50, and it was great when it was running, but when it comes to handling, it was terrible. Then I rode the GN125 and it's like a weight has been lifted.

I live in the middle of nowhere, so it's nice to have all the little country roads to cruise around on. The main roads are great too, but it's not a very fast bike, pushing it you might do 75 mph, but at that speed you're going to feel the bike straining.

Great bike in all, and without a doubt, one to look out for if it's your first bike...

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd September, 2005