First 125cc Recommendations

[syke]

Hi Guys,

Been looking at bikes for a while, and looking to do my CBT very soon (can pretty much book most days at a local place whenever I need). I had pretty much decided on a Honda Grom/MSX125 purely because of the interest/fun factor, and could keep it when I do finally 'upgrade' to the bigger bike. Since then looking at insurance quotes they are hideously high in my area.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I've had a few quotes on the Varadero's, CBF/CBR's, MT-125's etc and they are all pretty high. Although not recommended, I have no issue spending £2-3k on the bike if needed. Most of the quotes I'm getting are ~£700-900 a year, and MCE offer them at £350-400 but with a ridiculous excess of £950-1100+. I know it's going to be high for the first year, but would rather a good bike for that sort of price range!

I'm 28, and live in South London but don't have a car license so this probably makes it a bit more expensive too.

I do like the look of the YBR Custom's, and at the moment this is my first choice due to the overall costs of the others.

Any help/recommendations appreciated!

 

[syke]

I've been going a bit back and forth between wanting something kind of new, but also not liking the insurance prices. Of the 'new' the YBR Custom's are the best prices insurance wise, and I can get a 2016 one 5-10 minutes away with 50 miles on it for under £2k.

On the other end... there's a 1996 Suzuki GN125, that is quite a bit under £1k, and insurance is also very cheap... would just need to buy a new exhaust (bit of rush on the steel bit). Other 'older' bikes I'm considering are the Honda CG125's and Varadero's (can get a few near me for not too bad pricing).

Thoughts?

 

[syke]

I'm getting £750'ish with ~£800-950 excess on some of the newer bikes. The YBR Custom (the Naked version is more expensive) I can insure for ~£550 with £350 excess.

The GN125 for example I can insure for ~£300 with £100-150 excess fully Comp but for a bike at that price i'd probably go Third Party/Theft. Which is why it's a tempting bike. Plus I can always keep it after and turn it into a cafe racer or something too.