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Honda NSR125?

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spike_Alike
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Joined: 27 Jan 2007
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PostPosted: 23:33 - 28 Jan 2007    Post subject: Honda NSR125? Reply with quote

Well, the time is almost here for me to upgrade my 50cc. (Just gotta sell the bugger first, hehe). I've been browsing the internet for a few bikes that I like, and the NSR grabs me the most. From what I have read, it can move Wink It also looks pretty sexy (or at least, I think so).

Another bike I have considered is the Aprilia RS125, but one of my good friends has one and its nice to have some variety. And he has a fair few problems with his too.

Also the Honda CBR125. As much as I love the bigger CBR's, I have read that the 125 version is a very small bike, and has such thin tyres. Its kind of put me off to be honest (as has the high insurance quotes I get for one!).

Anyone with either of these bikes care to guide or advise me? Would be much appreciated. Thumbs Up
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Handsome
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PostPosted: 00:25 - 29 Jan 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

What do you need to know about the NSR mate and I'll do my best to help, not messed with it technicaly though as all I do is get on it a ring the tits off it...

Basic bits I can help with or alternatively do a search as there are.were a few threads on the same subject ...
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spike_Alike
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PostPosted: 00:34 - 29 Jan 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cheers for the reply mate. Just some simply questions really,

Is it a decent learner bike?

How is it compared to similar bikes?

And, well, anything else you think I should know about before taking the plunge and buying one.

(Will do a quick search now, didn't really think of that. Cheers again)
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Handsome
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PostPosted: 00:43 - 29 Jan 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've found it to be a decent learner bike, parts are cheap new and second hand are obviously even cheaper, they can be a bit of a bitch to work on regards the engine and bay...

The turning circle is a little tight, it's got a decent top end but with all two strokes you need to keep it in the revs to get anywhere, it's not the quickest out of the two strokes but I'll do it's job...

All in all I've had mine for two years nearly and I can't really moan, I've had a few electrical probs but they were/are easily sorted...

I'd recommend them but as with all two strokes it needs to be looked after...If you do go for one let me know as I've got a few links to cheap new parts...

HTH mate... Thumbs Up
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Previous Bikes...Honda NSR 125 RR...Kawasaki Zephyr 550...Suzuki SV 1000 S...Yamaha FZ8...Current Bike...Suzuki GSX-R 750...
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spike_Alike
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PostPosted: 09:09 - 29 Jan 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks a lot mate, really helpful.

If I do manage to get one, you'll be the first to know Thumbs Up

(I'll get pics too, hehe)
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ncrn
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PostPosted: 14:00 - 29 Jan 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi, I've got one also, I think its been a brilliant learner bike for me, before I rode it all I had was a 50 scooter.

Its got a good riding position and its quite light when its moving. The turner circle is a bit hard, making u-turns difficult at first, but when you get the hang of them they are easy.

Its fast too, I've got 80mph out of mine and thats with it still restricted, it's easy enough to work on, you just got to be careful taking the panels off because they can be a bit flimsy in places.

If you do get one, I will suggest you check the oil pump is set up correctly before you ride it, mine wasn't and that caused the engine to blow, it was easy enough to fix the top end however.

Best bit about them has to be how they look though Wink If you need any help I'm also willing to give advice, I know a bit about how it works now so I can help that way ^^
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Marci
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PostPosted: 16:48 - 29 Jan 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

How's your bank balance / income? 2T bike will cost you more to run over time as they're prone to failure if ill-maintained, and you can't guarantee history of a 2ndhand buy unless you're getting it off someone you know and trust. If buying 2ndhand, wise to keep £300 in the bank for worst case scenarios (ie: Engine Rebuild required)... this applies to ALL 2 stroke 125's...

If you want reliability and low maintenance, look to the 4 stroke 125's (CBR125 being a good example). We've been using the CBR125 engine for racing for near on 2 years now... superbly reliable in comparison to the 2 stroke engines that are used by the guys we race against...

If you have the cash and the motivation to buy and run a 2 stroke, go for it... they're superb pieces of machinery and GREAT to learn basic mechanics on, and tend to shift a fair bit speedier than their 4 stroke counterparts... I started on them and skinted myself to keep them running, but enjoyed every minute of it. Now that I've passed my test, and acknowledged my low bank balance, I've shifted to something with a bit more long-term reliability to it.

ie: If you're skinting yourself to buy a bike, get a 4 stroke with a solid history on paper...

Ignore the tyre size issue on the CBR125... it doesn't have big tyres because it doesn't NEED big tyres. Race bikes - they always go for the smallest tyre physically possible for the bike - a tyre that's too big is generally worse than one that's too small... many knock the CBR for it's tyre size, but at the end of the day they're all wrong Very Happy

If you're buying a bike for looks - Aprilia or Mito tend to be the most notorious good-lookers.

Insurance is high on the CBR cos it's the 2nd biggest selling bike in the UK recently... therefore, there are significantly more of them about than a lot of other 125's, which means statistically, more of them get nicked than the others... plus they're popular for young uns with more cash than sense, who tend to go out, buy them, fully comp insurance, then throw em into a wall on the first day out on it... the most popular bike will always incurr large premiums purely due to statistics. End of the day, the Aprilia and Mito will both clear another 40mph top speed over the CBR, so logically should be more to insure... but they ain't. S'all down to the numbers of them that are out there.
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ncrn
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Joined: 24 May 2006
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PostPosted: 18:42 - 29 Jan 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Marci wrote:
If you're buying a bike for looks - Aprilia or Mito tend to be the most notorious good-lookers.


And from what I hear they are the least reliable Wink I'd pick an NSR just for its sheer reliability, as long as you look after it well it will go forever, I can't remember the exact mileage, but I remember a member on here saying how his NSR has gone a ridiculous length without ever needing a re-build (swear it was over 30k)
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Past: 55 Sym Jet, 91 ZZR250, 03 NSR125R. Present: 97 ER-5.
https://www.nsr125.co.uk - NSR Owners forum.
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spike_Alike
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Joined: 27 Jan 2007
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PostPosted: 18:44 - 29 Jan 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Marci wrote:
How's your bank balance / income? 2T bike will cost you more to run over time as they're prone to failure if ill-maintained, and you can't guarantee history of a 2ndhand buy unless you're getting it off someone you know and trust. If buying 2ndhand, wise to keep £300 in the bank for worst case scenarios (ie: Engine Rebuild required)... this applies to ALL 2 stroke 125's...

If you want reliability and low maintenance, look to the 4 stroke 125's (CBR125 being a good example). We've been using the CBR125 engine for racing for near on 2 years now... superbly reliable in comparison to the 2 stroke engines that are used by the guys we race against...

If you have the cash and the motivation to buy and run a 2 stroke, go for it... they're superb pieces of machinery and GREAT to learn basic mechanics on, and tend to shift a fair bit speedier than their 4 stroke counterparts... I started on them and skinted myself to keep them running, but enjoyed every minute of it. Now that I've passed my test, and acknowledged my low bank balance, I've shifted to something with a bit more long-term reliability to it.

ie: If you're skinting yourself to buy a bike, get a 4 stroke with a solid history on paper...

Ignore the tyre size issue on the CBR125... it doesn't have big tyres because it doesn't NEED big tyres. Race bikes - they always go for the smallest tyre physically possible for the bike - a tyre that's too big is generally worse than one that's too small... many knock the CBR for it's tyre size, but at the end of the day they're all wrong Very Happy

If you're buying a bike for looks - Aprilia or Mito tend to be the most notorious good-lookers.

Insurance is high on the CBR cos it's the 2nd biggest selling bike in the UK recently... therefore, there are significantly more of them about than a lot of other 125's, which means statistically, more of them get nicked than the others... plus they're popular for young uns with more cash than sense, who tend to go out, buy them, fully comp insurance, then throw em into a wall on the first day out on it... the most popular bike will always incurr large premiums purely due to statistics. End of the day, the Aprilia and Mito will both clear another 40mph top speed over the CBR, so logically should be more to insure... but they ain't. S'all down to the numbers of them that are out there.


Wow, really detailed! Where do I start? Shocked

Well, I can earn enough cash to keep a fair bit in the bank (although I *was* planning on getting a decent set of leathers sometime soon) but, I'd hate to have to spend cash on replacing an engine. Is it significantly more expensive to run a 2 stroke in general or where you just unlucky with yours?

Then again, I guess you really can never fully trust a second hand bike (I'll be taking my uncle along, he really knows what he is dealing with so he'll spot anything major right away). Still, it might be nice to get my hands dirty and learn a bit of basic mechanics like you say. I don't mind having a project to work on.

You've given me a lot to consider, cheers mate.
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st3v3
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PostPosted: 19:29 - 29 Jan 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have an NS125R, they are the earlier versions of the NSR and people said it would do 60 tops, I had 80 out of it so they are ok although the NSR does look nice Wink , aprilas are known for their engines being less stable than others, the CBR is ok, bit skinny though. Another one to look at is the Yamaha TZR.
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ncrn
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PostPosted: 19:45 - 29 Jan 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

spike_Alike wrote:
Is it significantly more expensive to run a 2 stroke in general or where you just unlucky with yours?


No, not massively, it can cost more, but thats only if you don't care for the engine.

Basically you need to keep plenty of 2 stroke oil in the oil tank, if you run out, bang, your engines gone, you have to maintain your oil pump, check its still set up correctly once every so often. Keep on top of the engine maintainance as well.

The NSR needs after 8000 miles new piston rings, after 16000 miles new piston rings and a new piston, after 32000 miles the top end needs rebuilding, this starts after every rebuild, isn't very expensive and is easy to keep on top of.

My friend just bought a 4 stroke GN125, he has spent roughly the same amount of money as I did to get the bike back on the road, tyres chains, stuff like that).

If you look after a 2 stroke it will run forever, its when they aren't looked after, or, something goes wrong that problems happen, keep an eye on your temperature gauge and you can spot a problem as it develops.
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Past: 55 Sym Jet, 91 ZZR250, 03 NSR125R. Present: 97 ER-5.
https://www.nsr125.co.uk - NSR Owners forum.
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spike_Alike
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PostPosted: 15:11 - 30 Jan 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well, I'm going to look at an NSR tommorow.

What kind of things should I look out for? (Its second hand).

Milage? (What is classes as 'ok' and what is just way too much?)

Someone mentioned an oil pump. How can I check whether its in working order?

Obviously cosmetic things I can spot, dials I can see right away if they aint working.

Anything else I should look out for to make sure I'm not buying nothing more than an expensive waste of garage space?

Here is a quick picture.

https://pictures.autotrader.co.uk/ATD_web/servlet/media?id=449983757
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0ddball
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PostPosted: 15:40 - 30 Jan 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Make sure you start it from cold. It should start on the first or 2nd kick. If it's hard to start think about walking away. Take it on a good test ride (15mins at least) and keep an eye on the temperature gauge

The oil pump should be fine. If it isn't working properly you'd soon know about it when the engine siezes.

Ask how many miles ago the last rebuild was and ask to see bills for the work/parts. I'd be weary if the owner did the work themselves. It's not a complicated job but plenty of clueless people still manage to balls it up.

Most of all, check the frame number looks legit and matches the V5. So many people get wrapped up in the excitement that they forget to check.
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ncrn
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PostPosted: 18:17 - 30 Jan 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thats a fox eye so its an electric start, should start on the button really, might take a little to get it to go depending on how cold it is.

Basically the oil pump is under the screw off panel on the right hand fairing, In this guide somewhere it tells you how to calibrate it, its not my manual its from alains, its incredibly useful if your going to own one.

Basically the bike won't work if the pump doesn't work, but all the same it is worth checking that it is calibrated properly. All it involves is turning a small nut, and that determines how much fuel is let in, theres a marker on the pump to let you know whats correct.

Edit: Oh and check the chain for rust, look to see what condition the tyres are in, how much damage is on the fairings - I'd recommend buying a bike trader, it's a couple of quid, tells you what to look out for.
____________________
Past: 55 Sym Jet, 91 ZZR250, 03 NSR125R. Present: 97 ER-5.
https://www.nsr125.co.uk - NSR Owners forum.
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spike_Alike
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Joined: 27 Jan 2007
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PostPosted: 18:25 - 30 Jan 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

ncrn wrote:
Thats a fox eye so its an electric start, should start on the button really, might take a little to get it to go depending on how cold it is.

Basically the oil pump is under the screw off panel on the right hand fairing, In this guide somewhere it tells you how to calibrate it, its not my manual its from alains, its incredibly useful if your going to own one.

Basically the bike won't work if the pump doesn't work, but all the same it is worth checking that it is calibrated properly. All it involves is turning a small nut, and that determines how much fuel is let in, theres a marker on the pump to let you know whats correct.

Edit: Oh and check the chain for rust, look to see what condition the tyres are in, how much damage is on the fairings - I'd recommend buying a bike trader, it's a couple of quid, tells you what to look out for.


I got myself a copy of bike trader at the ally pally (came with a nice calender too), so I'll have a skim through Thumbs Up

Thanks for the tips guys, I'll keep you posted
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Handsome
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PostPosted: 19:45 - 30 Jan 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Make sure the chain adjusters are there on the swing arm as one of mine was missing and a few others I've seen have the same...

Here's the Links for parts I was on about mate...

https://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/cgi-bin/dss2-cgi/Catalogue.pl?cat=1%20Genuine%20Spares...

https://www.bitzforbikes.co.uk/myproducts.php?BikeID=61&year=4147...

https://www.motorrad-bach.de/Nsr125/hauptteil_nsr125.html...

https://www.hondaspares.com/newparts/search/default.asp?keyword=nsr&match=AND&offset=0

Good Luck with the viewing... Thumbs Up
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ncrn
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PostPosted: 22:06 - 30 Jan 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

NSR-AD wrote:
Make sure the chain adjusters are there on the swing arm as one of mine was missing and a few others I've seen have the same...


mine was snapped off at the end, managed to bodge a new one though which works fine, all for the grand cost of £0 Smile
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Past: 55 Sym Jet, 91 ZZR250, 03 NSR125R. Present: 97 ER-5.
https://www.nsr125.co.uk - NSR Owners forum.
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