Commuter

RockLobster

RockLobster

RockLobster

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Joined
2 Sep 2007
Posts
1,994
Hi All

I'm not fussed on using my Honda S2000 to drive to work so I'm thinking of getting a small commuter. I've had various bikes over the years Hornets, etc. I came across the Honda CBF250 which they recently stopped making (I think 2008 or 2009) but after looking at the prices of used ones they are still fetching a pretty penny for what they are. The CBF125 looks like it could be ideal. Top speed is 70, apparently they can do 120mpg with normal riding and are cheap to insure. They look a modern bike and don't seem to be much more expensive than the CG125. Anyone here had one or ridden one? Or any other advice.
 
I don't know about the CBF but I've got a CBR125 which I believe is pretty much the same bike really.

It costs nothing to run, literally nothing. I think I average somewhere around 100mpg but that's based on short, stop/start journeys. Tax is £15 per year, insurance is £80 (I only have my CBT at the moment therefore no NCB yet).

As a cheap form of transport it's amazing. It's not the most civilised however, I don't mind nipping across town but I wouldn't want to be doing any sorts of distance at motorway speeds as it sounds in pain at anything above 70 and I don't have the most confidence in those skinny tyres either.
 
My commute is short I could cycle it but there's some places I have to go after work and I don't like parking my S2000 there. Budget around £1500. eidolon how is it in the wet? I've heard they can be a bit skittish.
 
Not tempted by something like a CB500? Decent commuter, low running costs, good reliability but with enough poke to have some weekend fun if you fancied it. I honestly think a 125 will loose its appeal after a few weeks especially if you've ridden bigger bikes in the past.
 
RockLobster said:
My commute is short I could cycle it but there's some places I have to go after work and I don't like parking my S2000 there. Budget around £1500. eidolon how is it in the wet? I've heard they can be a bit skittish.
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I'm only a relatively new rider so my experience isn't the best but I do find it a bit unnerving in the wet whereas it's absolutely fine in the dry. It might just be the tyres though (still got the standard ones on which might even be the 4yr old originals)

It's not unrideable or anything, it just doesn't fill you full of confidence that's all.
 
The CBRs are tiny! It is literally like wearing a thong (not that I've tried of course)! If you have the willpower you can commute on anything, I see guys in Loonydon on 848s ZZR1400s, you name it, the skys the limit and go nuts! Get something you want to ride would be my advice!
 
I use a CBF125 every day for commuting and I get over 125mpg. I can't get over 65mph but seeing as most of my commuting is 30s and 40s it doesn't really matter but there are occasions when I wish there was a bit more power. In the dry its fine, in the wet it is interesting but as long as you take it easy. Brakes aren't great but I can't compare it with any other bikes.
 
Personally I cant recommend a 125 over a 250.
Its 15bhp vs 25+, now that doesnt sound much but it is a world of difference even on a small bike.
Get something you want to ride as it can totally be done, getting a commute hack thats a laugh when you want it to be.
 
I remember when you could buy a cheap hack for winter like a cg125 £75 notes but now it's gone kinda crazey even old 250 super dreams make money ffs.
 
Super Dreams are almost reaching collectable status these days, they are certainly getting quite rare.

Took my SV650 on a blast around Cornwall with my brother on a GPZ500, and I was very impressed at just how quick these little bikes are, hardly any slower than the SV in most situations though you do have to wring it's neck to extract decent performance. Driven gently it's also very economic (though obviously not as good as a 125). You can pick up a usable one for £400
 
Thanks for the replies. I'm going to stick with a 125. I understand about having something which is fun for the weekend but I got my S2K for that. When I had my Hornet I was a complete lunatic on it so maybe it's for the best. What I like is everything is cheap about a 125. Crazy MPG, tax, insurance, tyres, etc all cheap. And it is light so I can flick it about in my garage without breaking my back.

Maybe some of you guys are right and I'll get ****ed of with it but hey they hold their value very well so I can always get shot.

eidolon I've heard the stock tyres are crap on the CBF not sure about the CBR so would most likely change them.
 
My tyres are "Eagle" something or other, dunno how that compares to the CBF.

As you said though, a 125 won't really depreciate much at all and costs absolutely nothing to run so you can try it out and if you don't like it, just sell it and get something a bit bigger.
 
Well I bought a CBF 125 in the end. 10 Months old, 600 miles, Black with topbox for £1600. Really happy with the bike it looks immaculate. It is easy to ride and tops out at 70mph which is fine for me. The fuel consumption is ridiculous. I put in 12 quid, I've done just over 100 miles and only used quarter of a tank.:eek:

Anyone looking for a 125 this is a cracking bike.
 
You won't regret it, I filled up mine today having done 325 miles on the last tank. Its fuel economy is the biggest thing stopping me from upgrading. a lot of people say the stock tyres are rubbish but scrub them in and after 1500 miles they aren't too bad.
 
RockLobster said:
Well I bought a CBF 125 in the end. 10 Months old, 600 miles, Black with topbox for £1600. Really happy with the bike it looks immaculate. It is easy to ride and tops out at 70mph which is fine for me. The fuel consumption is ridiculous. I put in 12 quid, I've done just over 100 miles and only used quarter of a tank.:eek:

Anyone looking for a 125 this is a cracking bike.
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Watch out for the fuel gauge. Mine was hopelessly inaccurate in the sense that the first 150 miles would use about a third of the tank, and then I'd run out at 200. Ignored it and just filled up every 200-220.
 
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