Thinking of joining the 125cc club

DangerMoose · 31 May 2014 at 10:37

Disclaimer: Noobish questions.

So anyway, I'm starting a new job in a few days and am thinking that a scooter or low end bike might be the best answer to my relatively modest commuting needs. I've been mainly looking at scooters as I reckon they are more practical for my likely usage. A 125cc bike is tempting as I imagine they can be more fun to ride (responsibly and with practice, naturally) and might end up being a gateway drug. But I don't know know if I would actually get to ride for pleasure all that much, so it might not be worth the sacrifice in terms of things like storage space. I don't mind learning gears, however.

Looking at potential purchases, I am seriously considering new for peace of mind, warranty and suchlike (trying to balance that with the potential for damaging it whilst learning). And quite frankly, some of the prices look pretty good too, especially coming from 4 wheeled transportation (I've driven for about ten years). What I am not clear on though is which makes/models are worth considering. Buying new, Piaggio and Yamaha seem easiest to come by locally (and Vespas but retro chic costs). For a scooter, I quite like the looks of the Typhoon and Fly models. Anyone got any experience with them? The Yamahas are mostly a bit pricier, from what I have seen.

For a bike, is the YBR 125 any good? I gather the Honda equivalent is decent but I cannot find a local Honda bike dealer, so that would likely involve going second hand.

I already have an idea about licensing and am looking into doing my CBT.

TL;DR: what is a decent 125 scooter/bike for a beginner, with a potential preference for buying new?

Any advice welcome. Thanks in advance.

DangerMoose · 31 May 2014 at 15:39

Thanks.

I will consider second hand and have a bit more of a look. However, as much as I am not swimming in surplus disposable income, I am less concerned about depreciation at this end of the market. Simply put, I am not very good at shopping for second hand motor vehicles. Part of this might include a deficiency at finding bargains but a quick look at the Autotrader app suggests that on the YBR, for example, I might save as little as a few hundred on one with that sort of mileage. I would like to save a few hundred if possible but warranty, lack of need for MOT and suchlike do provide some reassurance. Any pointers on finding a bargain, without getting lumbered with something that has been thrashed senseless would be welcome, however.

Fair point about the likelihood of not keeping one for long. Although I should stress that first priority is commuting, so I should not be in too much of a hurry to trade up to something more fun, as long as it does that job well enough. Maybe I will change my tune once I get to ride one on the open road though.

What about scooters? My general understanding so far is that they are more likely to have decent onboard storage and are easier to ride, but that a bike has a potentially superior MPG, even for the same engine size. Also a bigger tank, compared with scooters. From the two replies so far, I kind of seeing a preference for a bike. Is this a fair assumption?

DangerMoose · 4 Jun 2014 at 09:06

On the subject of CBT, anyone in the Notts or Derby area who can recommend a place to do it? Bike hire will likely be required, though I am considering one dealer who offer to deliver to the training (they use a firm called Shires).

DangerMoose · 4 Jun 2014 at 09:21

Thanks, I'll check them out.

I'm sitting on a bus going nowhere fast, wondering why it takes me nearly an hour and a half to complete a 5.5mile journey. The future is on two wheels I think. I could cycle that distance but maybe I'm just too lazy. Besides, using one's own power gives a rather more limited range on days off.