The Suzuki TS125 is a small dual-sport motorcycle with a 123 cc air-cooled two-stroke engine. It was introduced for the Japanese home market in December 1970 with 13 bhp and a five-speed gearbox.
Suzuki TS125 at a glance
| Introduced | December 1970, Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | dual-sport motorcycle |
| Engine | 123 cc air-cooled two-stroke single, piston ported |
| Bore x stroke | 56 x 50 mm |
| Power | 13 bhp |
| Compression | 6.6:1 |
| Carburettor | VM24SH |
| Lubrication | Suzuki CCI |
| Gearbox | five speeds, six on later models |
| Dry weight | 97 kg |
| Wheels | 21-inch front, 18-inch rear |
| Top speed figure | high-drawn exhaust for ground clearance |
Based on one short source, the English Wikipedia article on the Suzuki TS125.
History of the Suzuki TS125
A trail bike for the road
The TS125 arrived in Japan in December 1970 as a simple dual-purpose machine: a 123 cc air-cooled two-stroke single with piston-port induction, a 56 by 50 mm bore and stroke and 6.6:1 compression, fed by a VM24SH carburettor and lubricated by Suzuki’s CCI system. It made 13 bhp, had a five-speed gearbox (six speeds on later models), a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear, drum brakes at both ends and a dry weight of 97 kg. The high-drawn exhaust pipe was there to keep it clear of the ground on rough going.
The TC125 trail version
Suzuki also built a sister model called the TC125, sold in America as the Prospector. It used a dual-range gearbox with eight speeds, a luggage rack and a higher-mounted front mudguard to make it more suitable for rough terrain. The TC trail family ran from 90 to 250 cc, but the whole series was discontinued during the 1970s.
The enduro relatives
The TS line sat between Suzuki’s small commuter bikes and its racing machines, and the same formula of a light two-stroke single with long-travel suspension was developed further in the PE enduro models.
Design and features
- Simple two-stroke: 123 cc, piston porting and CCI lubrication.
- Trail-ready: 21- and 18-inch wheels and a high exhaust.
- Light: 97 kg dry.
- TC125 sister: a dual-range eight-speed trail version.
Suzuki TS125 versions
- TS125: the standard dual-sport model.
- TS125A: early five-speed version.
- Later TS125s: six-speed gearbox.
- TC125 Prospector: trail version with a dual-range gearbox.
The TS125’s trail formula was developed further in the RM motocross bikes, and the AX100 is its small commuter relative. More Suzukis are in the Suzuki collection.
Video: SUZUKI TS 125
Video by man abdul on YouTube.
Sources
- Suzuki TS125, English Wikipedia: engine, dimensions, TC125
