Hello, new guy here.

[Phreek]

Hey, I've just signed up to the site, but have been reading it for a little while. The people here seem like a nice bunch who really know their stuff .

First off, my name's Joe (a.k.a Phreek) and i'm soon to turn 17 and do my CBT (in two weeks time). I've never so much as sat on a bike before and don't really know a great deal, but have been sponging up all the information i can get my hands on over the last few weeks. The bike will mostly be used for the daily journey to college and back, but the route involves alot of nice twisty country roads.

I think I've got most of the gear I want to get all planned out (apart from the lid). But I'm really deliberating over what bike to get. I've been really looking into getting a CBR125. I've heard alot about them being slower than the NSR or RS, however I want something that I can learn on, as well as get to grips with being on the roads and stuff, it all seems pretty scary at the moment . My other reasoning behind getting the CBR is my complete lack of mechanical knowledge. I plan on kinda learning as I go along, doing little jobs and things, and I feel like I'd kinda be jumping in at the deep end getting a 2 stroke bike that needs alot of maintanence. Oh yeah, and the CBR seems to be cheaper and more readily available than other sporty 125s.

So I was just wondering what some more experienced people think of my decisions, and I would appreciate and tips and advice .

Thanks in advance,
Joe .

[Moonie]

Hi mate.

Personally I'd go for a 4T if it's your first bike, as 2T's can be a right pian in my personal experience.

Have fun

[eddeddededded]

The CBR is a 4 stroke...and very reliable so I hear.

However, it is quite small, so be aware. Personally I am very glad I got a full size 125

[Phreek]

Thanks for the thoughts so far .

Yeah, the idea of having to rebuild and engine is pretty terrifying to me .

I had also read that it is a small bike. I'm quite a tall guy (6ft. 1-ish), would it's size impede my ability to ride it comfortably?

[Nebzor]

The 2T engines really are not as scary as one might think, but if you don't feel comfortable with one, you're best off getting a 4T.

The only way to know if it is too small for you is to go to a dealership and sit on one. If the CBR125 does turn out to be too small, you could always look into the Varadero which is quite large for a 125.

[deanoet]

Welcome to the forums

You can do a CBT when you are 16, you need both parts of your provisional license for it, which U can apply for at a post office + some money. Not sure how much


Like was said, go and sit on a few bikes, see which one you feel most comfortable with
They wont let you out on a test ride as there will be no L plates, even if u did have your CBT. If you take a mate, or find a decent salesperson you can get them to stand in front of the bike and support it so you can get both feet up and see how it feels in riding position.

If you are thinking of doing the full license remember that the test is due to get harder in October this year
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[Moonie]

I don't think 2 Strokes are really scary, it's just a pain in the arse and the wallet to have to keep fixing it up when you want to go and ride.

I don't know if you'd get on with a CBR125 if your 6'1", I'm the same and my mates got one, I'll ask if I can climb aboard tomorrow if it helps?

[Phreek]

Thanks again for all the input .

I've got my CBT all booked up, doing it on March 8th. Planning on doing the full licence in the summer some time, when I'm off college.

Ok, the I've found a dealer that has both the NSR and the CBR, so I can park my arse on both .

That'd be a great help Moonie .

On the mechanics side of things, is it hard to pick stuff up? Like is it fairly straight forward? Like I said I don't have any mechanical experience, other than building computers. I can take most things apart and put them back together right though . The cost of replacing things on a 2t could be an issue, me being a student and not having a huge income. Are the repairs expensive?

Sorry about all the questions

[Moonie]

Ok I'll get on it tomorrow.

If you can do computers then 2T maintenance shouldn't be an issue skill wise, but to be on the safe side see if you can get a mate who's done it before or just generally knows their way around an engine to give you a hand.

Or if you do happen to have a bit of spare cash just get a garage to do it.

Unless you live in the Banbury area in which case every garage within 20 miles of you will be UTTERLY SHITE

[Rowey]

Get a Workshop/Haynes (book of lies) manual. And an adequet toolset, and you'll be fine.

Honad parts galoure here at david silvers spares (google it)

If your still trumped then google the many guides or post on here. They're not as bad as you might think.
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ZX6R C6F.
Never argue with an idiot. They'll only bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience.