In the beginning (rough prices)...

carrot1401

carrot1401

carrot1401

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Oxfordshire
....there was a short ginger guy who started his placement, got annoyed with buses and thought, sod it, I'll get a moped.

Then a mate told me I can get a 125cc motorbike while still only having to do the 1 day CBT test. So having ordered the form to get my provisional, what costs am I looking at for everything (bike, leathers, helmet, tax, rough insurance etc etc)

Just wanna get an idea in my head. Mate told me to look at Yamaha YBR 125cc. For a 20 year old who doesn't drive, I just want a figure in my head to get me from getting the bus to on the road on 2 wheels. Any links to helpful stuff and whatever appreciated!
 
YBR's are decent enough bikes for commuting, around £2.3k new, anything upwards from £800 second hand. Other bikes in that niche would be things like the Honda CBF, or going back a little bit the CG which is still pretty capable.

I got my YZF and it was £450 TPFT for my first years insurance, I was 21 at the time, and had a car (dunno if the car was ever taken into account though). They tried to ream me this year though, doubling my premium, goodbye aviva, lol.

My helmet was £150, boots £80, textile jacket £120, Gloves £40. Got a pair of leather pants at around £130 a little later on, and a leather jacket for about £140. Check around the local bike shops, and on teh web at retailers for stuff you like, and you'll get a vauge idea of the prices you can pay for gear.

Obviously, don't buy a second hand helmet.
 
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you can get all the gear for much under £500 without scrimping, a half decent lid will cost £100, you can get a second hand jacket and trousers for £50 a piece for decent stuff and gloves at about £50 tops makes £250 and thats without scrimping, my kit cost quite a bit less (except the helmet which is always worth spending a bit on.
 
[ZiiP]carrot;17147815 said:
Just wanna get an idea in my head. Mate told me to look at Yamaha YBR 125cc. For a 20 year old who doesn't drive, I just want a figure in my head to get me from getting the bus to on the road on 2 wheels. Any links to helpful stuff and whatever appreciated!
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I noticed you're going Derby Uni. I live in Stoke and my YBR125 is up for sale. Let me know if you're interested seeing as it's nearby :)

EDIT: Whatever you do, don't get a 50cc! You're entitled to a 125, stick to one of them. Yeah you have to get used to gears on the bike, but a lot more rewarding in the process, I love my bike. Also it'll be fine with the main A roads in/out of derby (A50 is it or A500?)
 
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Scythe said:
Whatever you do, don't get a 50cc! You're entitled to a 125, stick to one of them.
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For sure, mopeds are evil inventions. On a 125 you can own your lane on most roads and get to a speed most people are happy to sit behind. On a 50 everyone and his pet snail will want to overtake you, even busses and that ain't fun.

Tax on a 125 I believe is just £15 a year.

Insurance, sorry I have no idea.

Lid you want to spend at least £150 on, make sure you get a good fit and a known brand.
http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/content/how-fit-your-helmet

You may wish to look into some under-armour.. Knox or sixsixone are good brands. pre-fitted armour ain't too bad but can slip out of the way where as under-armour will hold in position better.

If your short on doe for protection, ask your family if you can have your xmas/birthday in advance.

And to hell what anyone thinks about being over protected, it's your body not theirs.

With that I better get to bed, have to get up early :(
 
Scythe said:
I noticed you're going Derby Uni. I live in Stoke and my YBR125 is up for sale. Let me know if you're interested seeing as it's nearby :)

EDIT: Whatever you do, don't get a 50cc! You're entitled to a 125, stick to one of them. Yeah you have to get used to gears on the bike, but a lot more rewarding in the process, I love my bike. Also it'll be fine with the main A roads in/out of derby (A50 is it or A500?)
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Hehe placement is back down south near Winchester but no motorways to work so yer, looking good. Got told by a mate not to get a 50cc. Basaically I can put £2k aside and know I can get a good setup. Thanks for the heads up. Guessing its worth doing the cbt before I get on with buying everything else!
 
I would buy at least your lid and gloves for the CBT unless you want to put your head in a lid that has been warn by hundred of people leaving their sweat behind.
 
[ZiiP]carrot;17149508 said:
Hehe placement is back down south near Winchester but no motorways to work so yer, looking good. Got told by a mate not to get a 50cc. Basaically I can put £2k aside and know I can get a good setup. Thanks for the heads up. Guessing its worth doing the cbt before I get on with buying everything else!
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If you can get on a 125 then get one, don't suffer a 50 if you can help it, if all you want is a zip and go and your not interested in bikes persay a 125 moped is great.

Stick to the major manufacturers, don't buy any random make just because the number on the plate is newer, also a recognised manufacturer bike will hold it's money better than a Chinese make
 
Mucky_Pup said:
I got my YZF and it was £450 TPFT for my first years insurance
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is that the YZF r125? if so whats it like? i just did my CBT and was thinking 6 months or so riding experience would be a good idea rather than going straight for direct access and a big bike.

also looking at cbr 125 or the ybr125
 
Regarding the kit, make sure you shop around for lids, dont buy the one that looks pretty, get one that fits well, it might feel a little tight at first, but that will loosen up.

I have a arlen ness leather jacket, size 38, bought new for £320 new, very nice jacket. Used 2 times. I ordered it online to go with some trousers but the jacket is a little short for me, I'm 6'2" tall. If you are 6'0 or around there, it would fit wonders. I can do you a deal for £150 if you like, its gathering dust atm. Also, got a lid as well, spare one I used to use for pillions, but as I don't have a pillion seat anymore, I dont have any need for it. It's a caberg, medium size, pretty much bran new, couple of scuffs. Can have it for £50. If it doesn't fit wonders, at least it will do you for your cbt.

Gloves... Got some but need to find.

ags
 
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willems said:
is that the YZF r125? if so whats it like? i just did my CBT and was thinking 6 months or so riding experience would be a good idea rather than going straight for direct access and a big bike.

also looking at cbr 125 or the ybr125
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The only problem with the YZF125 is that it's bloody expensive for what it is. Also having a faired first bike isn't recommended, as it will cost a lot when you fall off and smash the fairings to pieces.
 
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Scythe said:
The only problem with the YZF125 is that it's bloody expensive for what it is. Also having a faired first bike isn't recommended, as it will cost a lot when you fall off and smash the fairings to pieces.
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Very good point, buy a old trials bike, LOADS of fun to ride in all conditions, cheap, and if you drop it, you wont be annoyed.

ags
 
Scythe said:
The only problem with the YZF125 is that it's bloody expensive for what it is. Also having a faired first bike isn't recommended, as it will cost a lot when you fall off and smash the fairings to pieces.
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i wouldnt be buying new and thought it'd hold its value quite well after its initial depreciation?

is it the right thing to do though start at the bottom and get some experience first? although the cbt limits even what 125s you can ride
 
willems said:
i wouldnt be buying new and thought it'd hold its value quite well after its initial depreciation?

is it the right thing to do though start at the bottom and get some experience first? although the cbt limits even what 125s you can ride
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They're a new bike, very small second hand market at the minute. Yup the CBT limits you to 14bhp I think, have to look it up. That basically means any 4 stroke 125 or a restricted 2 stroke (e.g. RS125, Derbi's 125 - cant remember the model, Cagiva Mito 125)

Most newer 125 will most likely be a four stroke due to emission regulations. As long as you don't buy a Chinese one you'll be fine, just make sure you get a Jap (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki) and not a copy.

Most learning school use Honda CG125s although the Yamaha equilavent (the YBR125) is becoming more popular in schools. They are cheap to run and cheap to fix, parts are easy to find. Also if you happen to fall off, they won't cause as much damage as a faired bike (e.g. CBR125/YZFR125). This means they are also cheaper to buy too.

Later YBR125s are fuel injections (mine is and its an 09) meaning you dont have to mess with a choke or anything in the winter when cold starting, the fuel injection system looks after everything for you.


EDIT: if you have any more questions about the bikes or anything,add me on MSN (email is in my profile) or put the email into facebook and it should find me on there

Oops I missed one of your questions out! I did a CBT and rode my 125 for a year, then put in for my test. Passed both tests first time (there are two pratical motorcycle tests - mod 1 and mod 2). I had a one day set of lessons to get rid of any bad habits too.

I definitely recommend riding on a 125 for a bit if you wish to do the full test like I did. The extra roadsense and experience makes the tests a breeze.
 
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Scythe said:
They're a new bike, very small second hand market at the minute. Yup the CBT limits you to 14bhp I think, have to look it up. That basically means any 4 stroke 125 or a restricted 2 stroke (e.g. RS125, Derbi's 125 - cant remember the model, Cagiva Mito 125)

Most newer 125 will most likely be a four stroke due to emission regulations. As long as you don't buy a Chinese one you'll be fine, just make sure you get a Jap (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki) and not a copy.

Most learning school use Honda CG125s although the Yamaha equilavent (the YBR125) is becoming more popular in schools. They are cheap to run and cheap to fix, parts are easy to find. Also if you happen to fall off, they won't cause as much damage as a faired bike (e.g. CBR125/YZFR125). This means they are also cheaper to buy too.

Later YBR125s are fuel injections (mine is and its an 09) meaning you dont have to mess with a choke or anything in the winter when cold starting, the fuel injection system looks after everything for you.


EDIT: if you have any more questions about the bikes or anything,add me on MSN (email is in my profile) or put the email into facebook and it should find me on there

Oops I missed one of your questions out! I did a CBT and rode my 125 for a year, then put in for my test. Passed both tests first time (there are two pratical motorcycle tests - mod 1 and mod 2). I had a one day set of lessons to get rid of any bad habits too.

I definitely recommend riding on a 125 for a bit if you wish to do the full test like I did. The extra roadsense and experience makes the tests a breeze.
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cheers, i'll try catch you over the weekend at some point
 
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