1976 SUZUKI RM125A

CONCOURS RESTORATION - MUSEUM QUALITY

3X WORLD CHAMP DNA

The Icon That Changed Motocross

If you know motocross history, you already understand what this is.

The 1975–1977 Suzuki RM125 platform—dominated in the World Championships ridden by Gaston Rahier—was one of the most revolutionary lightweight motocross machines ever built. Alongside legends like Roger DeCoster, Suzuki was at the top of the sport—and this bike represents that golden era.

This wasn’t just a production bike…

This was the closest thing to a factory works bike a privateer could buy in 1976.

Why the 1976 RM125A Matters

• First truly competitive “race-ready out of the crate” Suzuki motocrosser

• Evolution from the earlier TM (“Trail Machine”) lineup → RM = Race Machine

• GP-inspired engineering with trickle-down factory race tech

• First Suzuki with:

• Iconic up-pipe exhaust

• Laid-down rear shocks

• Purpose-built motocross geometry and powerband

This bike changed the game.

Condition: CONCOURS – FRAME-OFF NUT & BOLT RESTORATION

This is, without question, one of the finest 1976 RM125s in existence.

Restored to a level that exceeds factory finish—every detail addressed.

The Cost For us to Duplicate This Bike Exactly Will be Over $18,000

• 100+ hours professional labor (at $150/hr) = $15,000

• $4,000 in New parts & Paint

• Built from a mint core platform (original frame rails, engine cases & swingarm are pristine)

No Pro Shop Like Kaplan Cycles Can duplicate this bike for the asking price it is an excellent value.

ENGINE – FULL PROFESSIONAL REBUILD

• Complete top-to-bottom rebuild

• Crank rebuilt & balanced (new rod kit, bearings, seals)

• Cylinder resleeved & bored

• New piston kit installed

• Engine components refinished in correct satin black

• New ignition system (CDI, stator, coil replaced)

Over $2,000 invested in engine alone

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

• Frame, swingarm, pegs, brake components → powder coated

• Brand new Progressive shocks (~$350+)

• Forks fully rebuilt:

• New seals & dust caps

• Refinished lowers

• Chrome tubes in near-perfect condition

WHEELS & RUNNING GEAR

• Brand new rims

• Buchanan stainless spokes

• Refinished hubs with new bearings

• New tires, tubes & rim strips

• New sprockets (front & rear) + chain

• RARE NOS PARTS (UNOBTAINIUM)

This build separates itself here…

• NOS side panels (valued $500+ — nearly impossible to find)

• NOS kickstarter

• NOS gear shifter

• Correct OEM hardware throughout (Phillips, washers, rubber mounts)

• Original-style number plate rollers (rare detail!)

BODY & COSMETICS

• Professionally painted tank (base/clear) – ~$750 job

• New OEM-style fenders & number plate

• New decals throughout

• New seat foam & cover

• Airbox in pristine condition

EXHAUST – FACTORY “WORKS LOOK”

• Upgraded PFR hand-built cone pipe

• Welds heat-treated/blued for factory race appearance

• OEM silencer was replaced for performance + aesthetics

FUEL & CONTROLS

• New Mikuni VM carb (jetted by Sudco – no china clones)

• New cables throughout:

• Throttle

• Clutch

• Front & rear brake

• New intake manifold, air boot, air filter

• New fuel lines, filter, and vent lines

• PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO FOR FULL DETAILS

Right foot peg is bent (currently restored original) and a Replacement peg will be installed before shipping

TESTING & SETUP

• 3 full heat cycles completed

• ~15 minutes ride time

• Fully tuned and dialed

A fresh build, museum display-kept, never ridden in dirt since completed

FINAL THOUGHTS

This is not just a motorcycle…

It’s a museum-grade investment piece

A time capsule of Suzuki’s championship era

A bike that looks better than it did new

You could:

• Display it in a collection

• Hang it in your office or showroom

• Or take it to vintage events like Daytona and blow minds

CONTACT

Call Ken Kaplan Jr. at Kaplan Cycles for details or to secure before auction.

Many of our bikes sell before hitting eBay to repeat collectors—don’t wait.

THE KAPLAN PROMISE

At Kaplan Cycles, we don’t just sell motorcycles—we preserve history.

• Concierge-level service

• Transparent builds

• No shortcuts, ever

• We stand behind everything we sell

Own a Piece of Motocross History

If you’re looking for the best of the best, this is it.

Bid with confidence. Buy with pride.

God Bless America

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.