Newbie here and need some advise !

Z_UZI · L Plate Warrior Joined: 16 Dec 2008 Karma :

Hello Pips !!!!!

I'm looking to get a bike soon and I thought I start of here with all my questions and do a bit of research on bikes in general.

I have not ridden a bike for over 15 years! I was very young at the time and messed around on a Suzuki 250 but can’t remember the exact model and so on.

Anyways as a beginner what is the best 125 recommended to start with or should I actually start with a Vespa?

I also don’t want to spend a lot so the cheaper the better. I personally like the looks of the Cagiva and Aprilia 125's but r they good bikes all around and cheap to pick up and maintain?

Also I remember years ago that all bikers used to meet on Chelsea bridge once a month. is this still happening or have they changed the location?

All advise is much appreciated.

lofty · Spanner Monkey Joined: 01 Aug 2007 Karma :

First of all, welcome and well done for getting back into riding!

Everyone will say to you that a cg125 is your best bet as a starter bike, they are reliable, and don't really drop in value. There are lots of very good threads about this, have a try with the search engine and see what comes up.

What sort of thing are you going to be using your bike for? Is getting a 125 going to be for a short period until you get a larger bike etc?

Lofty Thumbs Up

frez · Nova Slayer Joined: 02 Dec 2008 Karma :

If you like the look of a Mito or RS125 then I assume you want a sports bike.

A CG125 or YBR125 are commuter style 4-stroke bikes, which while easy to ride and learn on, look, ride and handle nothing like a sports bike.

The Mito and RS125 are both 2-strokes so will need regular maintenance, but look the dogs bollocks. They will be less forgiving for a newbie handling wise and their turning circle is pants.

The CBR125 and YZFR125 are 4-stroke sports bikes, which mean they look the part and need less regular maintenance than the 2-strokes, but will not have the option of de-restriction to make them go any faster.

As you mention price being a factor I assume you are after a used bike. If you plan on getting a 2-stroke you will have to be careful not to pick up a lemon. 2-strokes need rebuilds from time to time, more often if not looked after well, so you dont want to pay too much for one and then find you have a chunk of change to part with for an engine rebuild. The YZF has only been out about a year so you wont easily find a cheap example, but the CBR has been out longer so you may find something less than £1500.

Is there some reason you really want a 125 rather than doing a Direct Access course and getting something a little bigger?

Howling TerrorOutOfOffice · Super Spammer Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Karma :

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Z_UZI · L Plate Warrior Joined: 16 Dec 2008 Karma :

Thanks pips.

will look at all the options and find the best one for budget and usage. It will really be for riding around and having fun with it and i will wait until the weather gets a bit better.

the reason i don’t want to get a big bike so quick is that i need to really start again and take it easy as I’m not in a rush to go 150 mph but would love to pick a Triumph Bonneville or Ducati 848 in the near future !