Which 125cc for a beginner

silvagti · 20 Jul 2016 at 23:11

I've just say my CBT so I'm contemplating a Honda CBR125 or a CB125F. Or maybe one of the Yamaha 125cc models like the MT-125 which looks pretty nice? What's the verdict between the current models of each and is there anything else worth considering?

I'm just looking for something to commute to work on and for a bit of fun at the weekend. I don't really plan on doing my DAS anytime soon so want to stick to a 125cc for at least a couple of years as my commute is all below 50 mph anyway.

Should I go for a urban, sports of off-road model? Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated?

TripleT · 21 Jul 2016 at 08:23

Can't really go wrong with a Jap 125. The style depends on preference really, and your height!

Just don't buy new as you'll lose a fortune. Spend about £2-2.5k on an early new and you'll only lose a few hundred when you come to sell.

misterjingo · 21 Jul 2016 at 08:59

If you're tall, check out SuperMoto type bikes - many people overlook them, but they're a lot of fun.

Captain · 21 Jul 2016 at 09:42

Cbf125 everytime, much nicer bike to ride, unless you're going for a new style cbr, get the cbf125.

ttaskmaster · 21 Jul 2016 at 12:30

silvagti said:
is there anything else worth considering?

Find a large bike shop and go sit on some. You may be surprised to learn what is and isn't comfortable for you.
That's how I ended up riding Cruisers in the beginning - They were the only ones that fit me well enough!

aslco · 21 Jul 2016 at 19:41

Yamaha ybr 125 or a cbf/cbr125 can't go wrong

gcaster · 21 Jul 2016 at 20:59

I bought an R125, was a great bike and didn't feel super small. Still think I should have gone for a CBF though, for the amount of time I had it it would have saved me a packet.

IC3 · 21 Jul 2016 at 21:55

misterjingo said:
If you're tall, check out SuperMoto type bikes - many people overlook them, but they're a lot of fun.

+1,

If I was still stuck on CBT, I would deffo get a DT125 2T

silvagti · 21 Jul 2016 at 22:48

I had a seat on a few different bikes and so far I'm leaning towards something like the Yamaha MT-125. I prefer the slightly more upright riding position compared to the CBR125/YZF125 and I really like the styling of it. It also has ABS which is reassuring when you're a novice rider.

UltimateBadger · 23 Jul 2016 at 17:36

I just bought a brand new CBR 125R and though it's styled like a sports bike the position is still fairly upright - noticeably more upright than the YZF-R125. The MT-125 which I also sat on, is more upright still, but quite a bit more expensive too.

aslco · 24 Jul 2016 at 21:32

aslco said:
Yamaha ybr 125 or a cbf/cbr125 can't go wrong

Turns out my Ybr has a weird issue with not starting in warm weather. See my thread

Just an fyi

eidolon · 24 Jul 2016 at 21:35

aslco said:
Turns out my Ybr has a weird issue with not starting in warm weather. See my thread

Just an fyi

My friend had exactly the same problem with his. Wonder if it's a common thing?

Gilly · 25 Jul 2016 at 16:33

The MT-125 seems a lovely bike. I was very comfortable on it and it's upright position made me feel like I'd be able to see what was going on around me.

Over £4k for a 125 bike is a lot though.

Having said that, I won't be rushing through my DAS and they do 0% so maybe it's not such a bad option. There are few second hand 125s available near me that look anything like something I'd like to ride.

aslco · 31 Jul 2016 at 20:05

eidolon said:
My friend had exactly the same problem with his. Wonder if it's a common thing?

Yep appears to be. Replace the fuel pump and it seems to be OK

Sagalout · 1 Aug 2016 at 11:10

My son has an MT125 - its a brilliant little bike and with no L plates on looks like a full size bike.

Gilly · 1 Aug 2016 at 13:44

Looks like the road up to the 3 peaks that

Minibiker · 1 Aug 2016 at 18:02

Like most have said above, Price and build reliability the CBF125 is a great bike, They're so popular with beginners because you can't really go wrong!!

IC3 · 1 Aug 2016 at 18:03

MT has the best looks, but its too expensive for what it is...