1973 Suzuki TM125K
Model Information
Released before it’s Japanese competitors, the 1973 TM125K Challenger may have been one of the first serious Japanese contenders in the 125 class in the US. Suzuki’s magazine ads associated the TM’s with the works GP bikes, but Suzuki didn’t have 125 GP bikes, so it likely applied what it learned from the 250 and 500. Although the oil-injected, 5-speed motor lacked the horsepower of the European 125’s on the market, it was extremely reliable, ease to ride, and had a solid dealer network.
That combination and the $680 out-the-door price provided one of the best selling 125’s of its time. Although Suzuki was dominating the World Motocross Championships with DeCoster and Robert, the technology didn’t necessarily translate to the production models. As a consequence, the TM125 floundered at the bottom of the 125 shootouts with the subsequent release of the L and M models until 1975 when Suzuki released the RM125M.
1973 Suzuki TM125K
This bike was purchased from the Rick Burns Collection in 2004. Rick specializes in Honda’s and Suzuki’s, specifically enduro’s and motocross bikes. It took some persuasion to pry this bike from Rick’s collection, but he knows it’s safe and sound and that he can come and see it any time. This is a pristine restoration that any TM enthusiast would be proud of.
