Is this a good bike?

Question

I've recently been looking to get an old, small Honda. Like a CB125.

But I found a 1971 Suzuki 125cc. Are these two bikes comparable? It is in good condition and has only 9,000 miles.

Should I go for this bike or hold out for a Honda? They look to be pretty similar.

Also, does this bike carry two people well? Combined weight of about 350lbs.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

My first bike was a 1970 Honda CB125T. It carried 2 people easily and I could get to 60mph on flat terrain. Combined passenger weight was approximately 275lb, though (2 horny teenagers).

So your weight combination with a similar bike will probably get you past 30mph. However, you are pushing the bike's load capacity. Your braking will suffer. I recommend at least 250cc for a 350lb load to be safe.

Answer 2

I don't know much about older 125cc bikes, but I just looked up the specs on the CB125, and it makes about 12hp, which would barely carry one person down a small residential road, let alone two people.  Find something AT LEAST 250cc if you want to keep up with traffic on the street.

Answer 3

ah, the good old days...

the Honda CB125 was a 4 stroke street bike (low pipe, low front fender) and capable of carrying one person 55-60 mph without completely straining it.  top speed was around 70-75 on level ground.  I had a friend with one of these (his might have been a 1972 model)... the CL model was same engine but more of a scrambler styling, low front fender but high pipe, then the SL model was the "enduro" model with high front fender & upswung pipe... all based on the same engine though.

I am guessing the 1971 Suzuki 125cc is the TS model???  which was more of an enduro model with high front fender and upswung pipe.  if so, these were 2 stroke engines and would quite drastically out perform the 4 stroke CB/CL/SL hondas.  they were capable of 55-60 mph without straining, top speed 70-75 similar to the CB but being a 2 stroke, would out accelerate from a stand still up to around 45-50 mph.  I don't recall for sure, but think the Suzuki had a separate oil tank for the 2 stroke oil with a pumping system to mix with the gasoline.  these were great little bikes and would carry two average size passengers easily 45-50 mph but would strain for true highway speeds if any elevation changes.

I had a '73 Suzuki TS185 that would carry two people 60-65 mph fairly easily with a top speed of around 80 mph.  I added an aftermarket expansion chamber to mine and it would pull 88-90 mph on level ground.

but to answer you specific questions.  it depends on which model the Suzuki is to compare since there is quite a difference between 2 stroke and 4 stroke of equal cc displacement.  either will carry two people (350 lbs) up to around 45 mph without too much strain but you mileage might drop off drastically the faster you are going.

finding parts for either of these might be a bit of a challenge mainly due to their age but I believe the Honda would have an advantage there since they were very popular back in the early to mid 70s.