125cc - 200 mile a week commute

TallPaul_S

TallPaul_S

TallPaul_S

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So, I'd started a couple of other threads on doing my cbt and getting a 125 to commute to work and back, and I'm now finally(!!) in the position to be buying a 125 in a couple of weeks.

I'll be doing a 20 mile each way commute of mostly A-roads, with some dual carriageway, between Maidstone and north Tunbridge wells for anyone who knows kent (or can use a map!).

Now I'd love a varadero, but I'm gonna be very limited to where and when I can look at bikes, so it's gonna be a case of buying the best local ish bike in decent nick (not been owned by a 17 year who's had it sliding down the road more times than it's been upright). 'Deros are just too rare round here to be a realistic proposition unless I get very lucky. Seen a '13 plate YBR 125 local to me in a dealer, with top box, done under 3k, no more than a year old. Only issue is it's more than I was looking to pay, its up for just under £1900 which should mean about £1750 after haggling. Is it worth paying a little extra for the peace of mind considering the mileage I'll be doing? And that I'll be relying on it for work transport (train is a back up of course). Will probably be keeping it for 6-12 months at least.

I could wait a while to find one at the right price/condition, but the train commute (3 separate trains) to work is robbing me of many hours a week, for instance I'm leaving the house at either 6:30am and getting home at 6:30pm or leaving at 7:50am and getting home at gone 8pm. That means I only have a couple of hours free time during the week in the evening by the time I've got in. It's ok now but I wouldn't want to do it for too long, that's doing a normal 8.5hr day. On the bike it would be a 45 min ride each way, shaving off 2 hours a day commuting time (1.5hrs vs 3.5hrs).

So, when I come to sell it on/part exchange 6/12 months from now, how much would I loose on a bike like the one above? And is the extra couple of hundred worth it for no MOT worries for 2 years, and possibly a years yamaha warranty still on the bike? YBR's have 2 years warranty don't they?

I'll be getting a helmet/boots/gloves from the same dealer too so should be able to get a few hundred knocked off the bike or the gear :D

Cheers, knackered of Maidstone. :)
 
I do 150miles a week in and out of the city centre on my honda cbf125, definately worth a look too as theyre cheap as chips, get 130mpg at least and are actually pretty well made. I got a 9month old one with a top box for under 2k last year.

Love mine, ndver missed a beat and I ride it in all weather. Im not even that fussed on doing my full test to be honest as I use it solely for commuting so dont really need anything else.
 
Go with a CB if you can, the YBR suffers from fuel pump and gearbox issues.

Honda`s really are a good first bike you pay a little more in general but they are bomb proof tbh.
 
Another vote for the cbf125, I had one before I did my DAS. Loads around now, especially since people buy new, pass their DAS and then sell on.
 
Yep, cbf is on the list too, tbh though it's more a case of what comes up for sale locally rather than looking for a specific model. I'd be happy with a ybr, cbf, varadero, etc. Don't want a 'sports' 125 as I don't see the point! And at 32 I'm not bothered about the looks. And I ain't touching a chinky 125 with a long ****** stick!

I'll probably end up doing my full test end of this summer or a year from now after racking up several thousand k on the 125 :D
 
SPG said:
Go with a CB if you can, the YBR suffers from fuel pump and gearbox issues.

Honda`s really are a good first bike you pay a little more in general but they are bomb proof tbh.
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Good to know, the YBR I used on my CBT had issues going into neutral from 1st but I just put it down to being an abused school bike.
 
I'd look at anything four stroke,Pref a trail bike style just because they are comfy have higher riding position and good turning circles,I think they do a dt125 four stroke,wr125 I think it is
 
Honestly if it was me id do your full test and get a bigger bike, 200 miles a week on a 125 year round isnt going to be comfortable, youll be taking on fast moving traffic with only cbt training on something thats got just enough power to skin a cold rice pudding, yes it will be a bit more expensive in the short term but in the long term youl be thankful. IMHO full test and take your pick of the hundreds of great value 5-600cc bikes bandits, hornets, fazers etc etc, you will feel safer, be safer and be much more comfortable on the road, dont waste time and money doing it in a year or so, you will pick up bad habits plus additional cost of swapping bikes in not much time, go large or go home IMO
 
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I don't have the free time to do a DAS course, only just started a new job so taking a week off ain't an option. A 125 will do me just fine for now, the journey is probably 20% dual carriageway and the rest A roads/30 & 40 limits, so should be fine.
 
TallPaul_S said:
I don't have the free time to do a DAS course, only just started a new job so taking a week off ain't an option. A 125 will do me just fine for now, the journey is probably 20% dual carriageway and the rest A roads/30 & 40 limits, so should be fine.
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Most schools space it out over a few weeks and give you the choice of doing weekend days.
I think the only weekday I had to book off was for my MOD2 test.
 
Unless you're a famous DJ, I assume you're called 'TALL Paul' because you're tall/long-limbed?

Unusual choice, but consider a 125 Dragstar.
It's not especially fast, but it has plenty of space for us taller riders, is very comfy for long distances, nice and relaxed to combat stressy commuting in heavy traffic and surprisingly good all-round, so long as you look after it. Also very forgiving when you're riding home on Friday after a long week at work.

I know several Tunbridge Wells/Paddock Wood riders who favour Cruisers for commuting those roads. If you really take to it, you can hop up to the 650 Dragstar after your test or even a larger Cruiser.

Do you hit the A21 much?
 
ttaskmaster said:
Unless you're a famous DJ, I assume you're called 'TALL Paul' because you're tall/long-limbed?

Unusual choice, but consider a 125 Dragstar.
It's not especially fast, but it has plenty of space for us taller riders, is very comfy for long distances, nice and relaxed to combat stressy commuting in heavy traffic and surprisingly good all-round, so long as you look after it. Also very forgiving when you're riding home on Friday after a long week at work.

I know several Tunbridge Wells/Paddock Wood riders who favour Cruisers for commuting those roads. If you really take to it, you can hop up to the 650 Dragstar after your test or even a larger Cruiser.

Do you hit the A21 much?
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Yep, I'm tall. :D 6ft 4.

Not sure about cruisers, there aren't that many about and aren't they meant to be much heavier and slower than other 125's?

I won't be using the A21 at all, A26 out of Maidstone, then A228 all the way to Tunbridge wells. Will be doing the route in a car next week and the week after so will see how busy it is and what the route is like before I do it a bike.
 
TallPaul_S said:
Not sure about cruisers, there aren't that many about and aren't they meant to be much heavier and slower than other 125's?
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125 Dragstar - 144kg, 12BHP.
It's not that fast, no, but you can still misbehave on one (believe me... or if not, believe Thames Valley Police!!). You have about the same performance as an average car, I suppose.
I personally achieved a top indicated speed of 74mph uphill toward that bit where the A21 drops to a single lane before the A26 and all the traffic snarls up during rush hour.

But then, 125s are learner bikes. You're not meant to be going all Guy Martin on 'em!
I found the Drag forced me into forward observation and planning, timing my maneuvres and actually made me a better rider as I habitually do not rely on power. In town, I could out-ride many faster sporty riders and in traffic I got the hang of filtering very well. Surprisngly maneuvrable, these little Cruisers.

There are a fair few around and you'll see more as the sun comes out. They hold their resale value too, especially if you do not muck around and start adding custom junk to them, changing or drilling the exhausts and all that.
You can expect to get one in very good nick for £1500 and, so long as you look after it, expect the same when you sell it (or up to £2500 if you catch a Butterfly early in the riding season ;) ).
 
Are you wanting to get into biking? If not I'd go for a twist and go scooter like a Suzuki Burgman 125. More practical for carrying things and better weather protection.
 
Tall rider, 125?

Honda Varadero is a good shout. Bigger bike dimensions in a 125 form. Loved mine as a 125. Only downside of a Varadero is they are a little more pricey compared to other 125s.
 
Sin_Chase said:
Tall rider, 125?

Honda Varadero is a good shout. Bigger bike dimensions in a 125 form. Loved mine as a 125. Only downside of a Varadero is they are a little more pricey compared to other 125s.
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Yeah a varadero is my number one choice, and you know what, when I consider that for £1700 I could get a decent (if older) varadero vs a newer YBR, I may just do the train for a few more weeks until I can find one local ish and in my price range and that doesn't sell within hours of it being advertised... :rolleyes::)

Price ain't the main barrier, its finding one!! You've got a good choice if you want to spend 2.5k but under £2000 there's not many about. There is one not too far away for £1250 though, open to sensible offers ;)

In kent currently there are 3 or 4 private and none for sale through dealers, closest dealer one is croydon, would prefer a dealer bike - some warranty, come back, easier viewing etc.

On a side note, how do you go about doing test rides on just a CBT?
 
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