Just passed my CBT what's a good beginners bike?

Geekazoid

Geekazoid

Geekazoid

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Hi guys as the title i just passed my CBT and want to get used to a bike (manual) non of them grip shift scooters... and was thinking what would be a good beginners bike.

Now i have been looking at Yamaha YZF R125

Do you think 125cc is a good starting point?

I'm buying new as i have the view with a bike (allot more dangerous than cars) its best to buy new or are my views not correct?

I have set aside 1k for Gear do you think that should cover me in leathers/helmets boots etc.

im 27 (been driving for 6 years or so) and around 11 1/2 stone think you need that info with CC :-)
 
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Yamaha YZF R125 - fastest of it's class, loads of fun -- Expensive fairings if you drop it (R&G bar ends and engine protectors are a must on faired bikes!)
Honda CBR125 - slightly slower but just as reliable -- Cheaper parts generally
Honda Varadero 125 - Aimed more torwards touring, up-right and quite comfortable position -- Fairly solid
Yamaha YBR125 - a lot slower than the above, probably more suited to town riding. -- As above ^

Only bike I haven't ridden in the above is the CBR

I wouldn't recommend buying new as you'll lose a grand in depreciation as soon as it's out the showroom, I'd spend £2400 - £2600 on a great condition used bike, £550 on gear and save the rest for lessons/full test/big bike in a year or twos time.
Save buying new until it's a big bike you're likely to keep for 3+ years.


Would be around £150 jacket, £120 legs, £150 helmet, £120 boots for decent gear.

General rule of thumb is to stay away from re-sprayed bikes as very most likely they've had an accident.
 
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Yamaha YZF R125 - fastest of it's class, loads of fun -- Expensive fairings if you drop it (R&G bar ends and engine protectors are a must on faired bikes!)
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ah ok what is it capable of? how much did you get out of a full tank... what was your insurance?

EDIT

I wouldn't recommend buying new as you'll lose a grand in depreciation as soon as it's out the showroom, I'd spend £2-2500 on a great condition used bike, £550 on gear and save the rest for lessons/full test/big bike in a year or twos time.
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what sort of milage should i be looking for in a second hand how much can a 4 stroke do before it start to throw in the towel
 
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Edited my post to £2400-£2600 as used hand bikes seem to be higher than what I had looked at a couple of years ago!

R125 can do around 80mph factory, some guys I know have had 90-95 with aftermarket teeth, powercommander, exhaust etc.

I'd imagine insurance would be fairly cheaper than what I paid (£800), probably around the £400-500 mark for you.

4 Strokes will last many years compared to 2 strokes (which require a rebuild usually every 8k I believe)

Mileage varies greatly, I've seen 09 models with 2k miles, and 11 models with 8k miles for around the £2400 mark.

---

Cagiva Mito wouldn't be legal unless CBT are no longer restricted to 14bhp ?
 
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It's a 125 - they are all about the same power. 2 strokes have more potential power if you derestrict them but also more maintenance (but also more fun to ride).

Other than that get what you can afford and like the look of, but stick to main manufacturers not Chinese crap. Money no object the YZR125 looks fantastic and like a big bike. Varadero is a decent size too if you don't want the sports bike looks.
 
It looks like you are potentially going to spend about four grand on a new 125 + gear by the OP?
If that's right, I would forget that idea, do your Direct access which should leave you over three grand left. Then I would spend this on a decent 600 and some gear. This will save you money in the long run and you'll have a lot more fun doing it this way and you'll have something good to show for your money.
Spending so much on a new bike + gear when you are 27 seems painful to me. :)
 
Barry makes a VERY good point, a CBF 500 or something after doing your DAS would be much more financially viable and it's far from a powerful bike. But will give you much more longevity with the money spent.
 
When i did my direct access I spent just under 4k getting through the course, getting a bike and the gear.

I bought a cheap, high milage, ER6f as my first big bike and for the 18 months I had it, it didn't miss a beat and then I sold it for £100 less than I paid for it.

Forget 125's and get on a bike that's not going to restrict what roads you can ride on. I avoid motorways like the plague, but sometimes they serve a purpose.
 
Forget 125's and get on a bike that's not going to restrict what roads you can ride on. I avoid motorways like the plague, but sometimes they serve a purpose
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reason 125 is because i have only been driving and have just got into bikes without any previous experience i would like to just get a 'feel' and adjust to the new road awareness.

now i know 125's are not less dangerous than higher cc bikes but the limiting of roads might in my case be a good thing it keep me off the faster stretches of road.
 
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