Deciding on whether or not to get a bike in the summer...

Number_25

Number_25

Number_25

Soldato
Joined
23 Dec 2010
Posts
3,483
Hey guys,

I am 19 and I don't have any 'true' means of getting around.

Getting a little annoyed that I can't actually go anywhere unless I bus or go with someone else, I want that bit of independence.

The problem is, is that I don't trust myself with a car.

However with a motorbike the responsibility is still there, but there's less of a chance of hitting anyone.

Anyway, time for the question.

Should I get a 125cc over the summer after passing a CBT?

I'm a pretty big guy, 6'1" and around 110-120kg in weight, would a 125cc be able to take me from home to Aberystwyth via the B-roads once a month? (Around 105 miles, or 210 miles round trip)

Thanks,

N25
 
Hi, any bike will get any size person to their destination, however...that's not to say it will always be fun and in a timely matter. I am 6'2 and have no experience of 125's as I always thought I would look like Donkey Kong in that bloody racing game :D
As a bit of a guess, I would say you may find it hard going, unless you don't mind revving it a fair bit.

However with a motorbike the responsibility is still there, but there's less of a chance of hitting anyone.
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Don't be fooled by this thought either, I can see you are thinking about safety already, which is great....if only other road users would think the same. Statistics will greatly show you are more likely to be involved in an accident on a bike, rather than a car.

It's a big decision but it can be very rewarding and given your aforementioned comments......Wales and b roads.... whoop !
 
Number_25 said:
The problem is, is that I don't trust myself with a car.

However with a motorbike the responsibility is still there, but there's less of a chance of hitting anyone.
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Why don't you trust yourself with a car? If you feel you aren't capable of driving a car safely then I'd suggest staying well away from a bike. They may be smaller, but they are also far more vulnerable to road conditions and other road users actions.
 
You dont trust yourself not to do what with a car? :S

If you want a bike, get a bike. If its not for you then sell it. Simples
 
If he's thinking like I did back then it's to do with judging the length/width of the car which is not as bad in practice as it is in the imagination of someone unsure how it'll be.
 
I could drive a car, but I think I'll be less of a danger if I'm on a motorbike.

That aside, with me being 17stone on a 125 - will that kill the engine?
 
Number_25 said:
I could drive a car, but I think I'll be less of a danger if I'm on a motorbike.

That aside, with me being 17stone on a 125 - will that kill the engine?
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I used to weight around 16-17 and had no problems on my old 125, even did a good few long distance trips 90-100 miles and while it performed admirably I kind of felt a bit silly going up hill with lorries overtaking me :o.
 
Number_25 said:
I could drive a car, but I think I'll be less of a danger if I'm on a motorbike.

That aside, with me being 17stone on a 125 - will that kill the engine?
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i don't think it will. getting cbt and a 125 is the cheapest way of getting into motorcycling and getting a taste of whether you like it or not, 4 stroke 125s will realistically only be able to get to 60 but will be bullet proof,2 strokes are faster but will need regular engine maintenance.
 
I ran a YBR 125 from May '11 to Nov '12, I'm 6"3' and 120kg. It didn't do much over 60/65 and was less on a steep hill, but it did get me where I wanted to go. For blatting into your local town/getting to work, it was absolutely fine. I also ran it from Newbury to Swindon and back a couple of times - it did that with no complaints.

Basically, yes, a 125 will do what you want it to. And you'll get 100mpg (ish) whilst its doing it :)
 
4 Stroke 125's are more than capable of maxxing out 75-85 depending on model.

The YBR125 is a nice bike but top-speed and comfort wise I wouldn't choose one myself, but for town-riding it's probably the best bike for it!
For somebody your height/weight, I'd definitely recommend a Honda Varadero or CBF125.

If you're not sure if you want to "get into bikes" then try the scheme called Get On.
 
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Generally car drivers say "I don't trust myself with a bike" as their pretend excuse for not having one, I've never heard it the other way round before!

I've never ridden a 125 - other than 2 days of the DAS - but I'd think a car would win still. If you're nervous about... driving into a horse, take some further lessons, courses etc.
 
I saw a Honda Varadero for the first time the other day and from a distance it looks like a bigger engined bike. I knew they were big but now havign seen one I was amazed how big. Being 6'2" I'd have had one of these is I'd needed a 125.
 
The varadero is supposed to be bullet proof as well, but then again it is a honda! However bare in mind it weight a bit more than the cbr125 etc due to its large frame.

ElliorR: Sent you a message on YT mate.
 
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I'll check it when I get home from work as my company doesn't give us access to YouTube. Not that I'd use it, our internet is so slow even at lowest quality YouTube would be buffering all the time.
 
Skudd said:
I'll just leave this here.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/N.../2009/April/jan2409-top-10-coolest-125-bikes/
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How is the KTM not in that list?!

ktm-125-duke-2_600x0w.jpg
 
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