18 yr old, on a cbt - scooter or bike? D:

[skyremote]

Hi folks :]
I've done my CBT and i'm 18 years old so I can ride anything up to 125cc (woop!).

I only intend to commute a 20 miles round trip to work each day and go around town and I was wondering whether I should go for a bike or scooter.

Lets say a budget of £1000 tops (prefer less so I can be more lenient elsewhere )and I already have a jacket, helmet, and gloves.

I'm also 6 foot tall and tried out some Yamaha scooters at Webbs of Lincoln and the handlebars were attacking my knees - with my dad (bike mechanic) making sure I was sat right I still had the problem. I've also tried the new Honda Lead which was fine for my knees, shame about the £1507 price tag :'(.

Any advice on what to go for would be top notch, as well as other useful information

Thanks, Ben.

[ClaireBear]

I would definitely go for a geared bike! Much more exciting lol stay away from the chinese bikes though, loads of posts around about how poor they are.

The honda cg 125 is a nice bike as is the yamaha ybr 125, but maybe not enough knee room? I have seen a few hondas under the 1k price tag.

Anyway good luck bike hunting!

[skyremote]

Cheers Claire ^_^

I think those Hondas are what my local bike school taught on :o

[bhinso]

Definitely agree geared bike is the way forward. I think it gets you into good habits for if you decide to get a bigger bike in the future.
Honda cg is definitely the most economical option, cheap to buy, insure and >100mpg!!!!
Downside is the size of the bike, im a similar height to you (6'3'') and did my cbt on one, was almost riding around on my knees.
Crossers are the best sorta bikes for taller riders, you could get a 4 stroke for better economy like a honda xlr125

[metalangel]

I'd say bike just because they're cooler, and will also be more suited to the adventures you'll becoming inclined to take once the biking bug bites (bravo!).

And make sure you fit comfortably on it! Nothing worse than something that looks cool but kills your wrists.
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Previous: 2002 Honda CB500 (sold), 2007 Suzuki SV650SK6 (crashed), 2005 Yamaha FZ6 Fazer (sold). Currently bikeless
"A faired bike will get you 10x more clunge than a unfaired one." -Marlboro Matt

[That_Hornet]

I would sugest a Yammy Dt125 for someone who is tall ish.


Awesome bike

[Irn-Bru]

^^^^ Yes

When I was 18 I started off with a 125 scooter and was happy pottering to college and back but that's all it was good for really. It was scary in bad weather conditions as you don't really drive a scooter, you just cling to the hand grips Also, I'm 6'/6'1" so it was rather uncomfortable.

Just got myself a Yammy DTR(E) 125 and it's great, perfect fit for me. I'd recommend the same bike or a 4-stroke similar one (XT I think it is) as they're very comfy.
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

[skyremote]

Cheers so far guys, but I'm not too excited by the MotoX looking models, think I may look like a bit of a prat on one pulling into the small office car park (accountants!). Are there other alternatives besides the Honda and Yamaha that Claire mentioned?

Ty!

[Muscle Bike Rider]

I'm tall 6! 2" and ride a Honda Varadero XL125. big bike but heavy, does about 70mpg round town and more on a run, will do 70mph and sit on 65mph all day. I think its a nice ride and on of the better 125's to learn on as it has good visability and road presence.
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Previously Known As A5tra_G
Old Bikes :2010 Kawasaki ER6 F & 2000 Honda VTR Firestorm
Current Bike : XJR1300

[skyremote]

Oooo I just eBay-d the Honda Varadero, looks tasty + has some excellent reviews including the words "70mph" which please my teenage mind They're quite pricey though but I suppose that's the way it goes!

[Moo.]

Something a bit sportier, but reliable "Honda CBR125" Has the words "70" in there too somewhere..

theres a few cruiser types around too.. depends what kinda stuff you like

I would stick with the big brand names though.. dont go for obscure stuff.. i've had a 40year old honda for a year.. never missed a beat xD gotta say something for reliability
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A2 Passed 18/6/10

[skyremote]

Haha yes my Dad is a race engineer (builds the bikes/owns the team France and Li Asia Trading which Danny Frear rides for and came third at Cadwell Park bsb last week ) and would love for me to start on a Yammy R125 or Honda CBR125 but they're a little too pricey im afraid.

[skyremote]

Quick update folks, decided to go for the Varadero but wait until December when i'm a bit better off financially, bought a little peugeot 100cc scooter to last me until then - Thanks all ^_^

[clancy]

[Muscle Bike Rider]

You will be happy with the Varadero, it really is a lovely bike to ride, good luck with finding one, have a look on this website as there is often people selling well looked after bikes.


https://www.125varadero.com/forum2/index.php?act=idx
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Previously Known As A5tra_G
Old Bikes :2010 Kawasaki ER6 F & 2000 Honda VTR Firestorm
Current Bike : XJR1300

[clancy]

rieju rs2 matrix 125cc
excellent bike, made in spain. look the business, not very well known but dont let you put that off. parts are cheap and there very reliable anyway.

and there pretty cheap.

and the nsr125

steer clear of the cbr


i just noticed you said about the varadero....making my whole post pointless

youll love the varadero though good luck mate.
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KLX 300r

[skyremote]

Cheers everyone - why the cbr hate btw? Anyway im a bit of and old man before my time so the big comfy varadero looks like it'll suit me

[bhinso]

I think a lot of people are against the CBR because at it's time it came in against the aprilia rs125, and being a 4 stroke racer was a lot slower than the rs so got laughed at by a lot of people.
Still it's horses for courses, and the cbr is generally more reliable and much more economical.
As for the varadero, good choice, good for the taller rider, my only concern about them is that they're pricey

[cannondale-rider]

go for gears i had a moped for nearly 2 years, found it really boring to ride. now i have a yamaha xt125 and is alot more fun but i still want a bigger bike all ready .