Biker's Cafe Chatroom

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It reminds me of the last time I was in New York. Although they were fully clothed, every now and then you would walk past someone completely out of it, and somehow leaning at a 60 degree angle without falling over. It amazes me how they defy mavity. Very sad.

EDIT: That's weird, the forum won't let me type g r a v i t y
 
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Looking at first bike 125

Second hand japanese or new taiwanese, chinese? Keeway RKS £1900, SYM NHT/NHX

Are there are at bang on 15hp? Many seem to be 10hp

Storing outside but I'd probably get some of bike tent, means blocking back garden path but I guess either choose between bike outside exposed, I can walk past or shed to protect it as best as I can
 
Just a thought, but “if” you buy a bike, will you actually show a picture of it?

No, but I'll say what I buy.

Mate has a kawasaki 1000/1100, his son and friends chinese bikes and he said they didn't have any problems he's pushing me to get a chinese bike. I'm veering towards used japanese, from what I've been reeading but I do notice they are pretty much the same price as a new chinese/tainwanese bike, with the latter I get 3 years warranty, will depreciate a lot, harder to sell, harder to source parts etc.
 
Looking at first bike 125

Second hand japanese or new taiwanese, chinese? Keeway RKS £1900, SYM NHT/NHX

Are there are at bang on 15hp? Many seem to be 10hp

Storing outside but I'd probably get some of bike tent, means blocking back garden path but I guess either choose between bike outside exposed, I can walk past or shed to protect it as best as I can
It depends on whether you want to sell it for decent money or you want to take a rinsing. If you fancy a rinsing then Chinese all day long. Otherwise get a used Japanese.
 
Would be interesting to know feedback of owners of chinese, tainwanise bikes, not just going by other people (which can be snowball effect)
There’s a million videos on YouTube ref Chinese bikes, go watch some.
I’d be surprised if anyone in this thread would own one, or admit to owning one, and most of us here have been riding for years and have steered clear of them.
When I got my SDR1290 serviced by Davey Bros Ipswich (I needed a stamp in the book before I p/x’d it), I had a nose at their stock and the quality was just awful, but they are cheap, and for a reason.
Just buy a CB125F and have done with it.
 
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Taiwanese stuff was absolutely bomb proof when we used to ride them. Literally indestructible. They'll hold their value but will take a lot longer to sell. Chinese stuff is improving dramatically but their reputation will take forever to wear off, which will kill your resale value. Used Jap is good, and will sell well and hold it's value.
 
Yeah I'm considering SYM & Kymco. Mate keeps on trying to get me consider Lexmoto or other chinese brand.

Both very good bikes, another one worth considering is TGB (Taiwan Golden Bee).

We had all of these in our circle of friends when I was starting my biking journey and they were absolutely rock solid, certainly a LOT more reliable and better built than the Italians everyone wanted (Aprilia, Gilera, Benelli, etc).

My Kymco went through hell. It was tuned on a shoestring, maintained on cable ties and duct tape, it was stolen a few times, yet it always started. The only thing that killed it was when the coppers took it off me and shoved it in a compactor because I was a very naughty boy :p


If you're looking for other diamonds in the rough, have a look at Rieju and Derbi, both Spanish. Parts availability might be a concern though. - something like this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/317039788691


EDIT: Create a WBSIB thread, it's Friday so I'll likely spend more time browsing ebay than working.
 
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I remember a time when you didn't even need to wear one. You can wear a £1000 helmet, if your time's up then it's not going to save you.
Wonder when they'll make those inflatable air vest things (with subscription...) compulsory. :p

From experience, air bag vests are a huge step forward in rider protection. I've had the misfortune to test mine on two occasions, both high speed, I've also had similar crashes with regular armour (the good stuff too) I'll take the airbag vest anyday of the week.
 
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