125cc - 200 mile a week commute

TallPaul_S · 1 Apr 2014 at 21:50

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

Cheers, knackered of Maidstone.

TallPaul_S · 1 Apr 2014 at 22:19

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

TallPaul_S · 1 Apr 2014 at 22:24

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.

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.

TallPaul_S · 2 Apr 2014 at 12:33

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 · 2 Apr 2014 at 12:56

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?

Yep, I'm tall.

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 · 2 Apr 2014 at 18:02

Yep, looking to do the full test later this year, then on to a CB500 or hornet or similar, so a geared bike is a must.

TallPaul_S · 2 Apr 2014 at 21:21

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.

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?

TallPaul_S · 2 Apr 2014 at 21:57

I've done my CBT, I'm talking about looking at bikes for sale at dealers, I presume they won't be that happy about giving a test ride to someone who only has a provisional licence (and CBT cert). So how else do you test gears/brakes/throttle etc are all in decent nick?