MT-125 for short riders?

Jamieking86 · 27 Feb 2018 at 09:45

Hi guys, I currently have a YBR 125 and still on my learner licence. I did set my heart on the R3 eventually somewhere down the line, but just recently the MT series is really growing on me. I didn't check them out much before but now, I really love the look and style of the bikes. So after a bit of thinking I am debating wether to sell my YBR, get an MT-125 and stay with that for a while instead of rushing my test and going for the R3 (which was my original plan). Question is, the seat height on the MT-125 is an inch an half more than the YBR, and as a short bloke at 5 foot 3/4 on a good day, I am worried it maybe too much for me? Any short riders out their with an MT-125 that can help me out a little? Lol.

Jamieking86 · 27 Feb 2018 at 13:40

I am actually quite scared of doing my test. I do plan on doing it eventually but at my height, I weigh nothing, 140 pounds, I feel i'm going to struggle so much with a big bike.

Jamieking86 · 27 Feb 2018 at 15:00

Fair point Diddums. I went to sit on a MT125 this aft, was too big for me, could only just tip toe on both sides lol. So i am thinking of doing my DAS and going for the MT-03? The seat height is the same as my YBR so i know it will be fine although I am going to view one tomorrow to be safe. Can't get anything much bigger than a 300cc yet as I only have a small outhouse to store my bike, and a 600cc in their, just won't fit. Plus I am more than happy to start on a 300cc for a few years then maybe think of upgrading in the future

Jamieking86 · 27 Feb 2018 at 16:39

On my YBR i am practising stopping just putting my left foot down. I do most of the time anyway and i know that's what your supposed to do, but the odd time when i stop and lose my balance a little, i put both feet down just to make sure i don't drop it

I'm guessing this all comes with practice though. I've only been riding 2 months, but due to the crap weather in Leeds at the moment.....very limited when I can go out for a spin.

Jamieking86 · 27 Feb 2018 at 16:44

IC3 said:
You'll find that using the rear brake at lower speed stabilises the bike better than using front, on bigger bikes you'll crash if you use the front... Just a tip.

Yes i found that out the first time i did my CBT. Going round in circles getting used to feathering the clutch, lost my balance, panicked at the front brake, went flying and broke the clutch lever. Had to wait another week to do my CBT lol. Was gutted at the time but i can laught about it now. Luckily no injuries apart from pride.

Jamieking86 · 27 Feb 2018 at 17:06

Yes since my CBT (the one i passed) I have been out on the road quite a few times practising the basics. Looking where you want to go i always thought what a load of rubbish, but it actually is 100% true. First time i went out on my bike i turned right at a quiet junction but was looking at the kerb on the other side of the road as it was quite a tight turn, and what do you know? The kerb is where i went

Almost dropped the bike but luckily the YBR 125 is extremely light so managed to keep it up. Since then, not had a problem and feel very confident when I'm on it. I am nervous jumping on to a big bike though. I'm only a little lad so i hope i don't struggle too much.

Jamieking86 · 27 Feb 2018 at 17:09

Just out of curiosity do you know the rough price of the DAS course? I've phoned a few places near me, one was £699 for 4 days training before MOD 1, the other was £89.00 per 3 hour lesson, like a pay as you go rather than one lump sum and i'm waiting to hear back from the other place. I thought £699 was freaking expensive though.

Jamieking86 · 27 Feb 2018 at 18:10

Completely agree. I remember just sitting on the bike for the first time and being scared ********, thinking jeez is this really for me, but it was the best feeling in the world just getting my CBT. I can't imagine the feeling when i finally pass my test and get something a little bigger and better.

Yes my CBT instructor did warn me that getting a 125 and learning myself can pick up bad habits. I always do shoulder checks when leaving roundabouts, turning left or right etc, but very rarely when I'm at a stand still at traffic lights. I will get into the habit of this though as i am hopiing to do some training and my test within the next month or 2.