Yet another new biker thread...

[UnspeedySam]

So, I've been wanting to get started with bikes since I was about 15 and seeing as my local training centre has some pretty impressive winter discounts on at the moment, I thought now would be as good a time as any to do my CBT (if a bit cold).

My current plan is to pass the CBT at some point in December, then get a 125 for the summer, when I'll hopefully do a summer work placement (I'm at uni) and earn some money to pay for the thing .

My question is, what's the best starter bike for someone who's about 6'1", because as I understand it, most of the 125s are a bit low. And yes I know the CG125 is amazing and reliable, but will it feel cramped?

Also, is this the right way to get into biking? Should I just do a full 33bhp test straight away and start on something with a bit more grunt?

Cheers
Sam

[bhinso]

Hi Sam, If you've not ridden a bike before, doing the CBT on one of their bikes before going for the test is definitely the best way.
See how you get on with the CBT, if you're confident you could go for the 33bhp test, or get a 125 for a bit to get some experience.
I'm 6'3 and did my CBT on a cg125, to be honest it was awful, felt like I was riding around on my knees. I have a moto x style 125 which suits taller riders I think

[UnspeedySam]

Yeah, it does seem a bit silly to go straight for a full test when I've never been on a bike before. But my local centre do courses that start with a cbt and end with a test in a few days, so it works out cheaper.

In regards to the bike, I don't really like the look of those off-road type bikes, but if they're the only 125s that will be a good height then I might go for one anyway. At least until I get a full licence.

[ClaireBear]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

What are you studying at uni?

I am 5ft 11 and found a yamaha sr 125 wasnt too bad but as bhinso said, the mx bikes are generally more suitable.

Although I am 21, I went for the A2 a couple weeks after doing my cbt. It was more achieveable to pass for me and the restriction doesnt bother me at all- after all, it isnt forever!

I know many places offer to do the CBT and DAS all in one package but I found it easier to do it on a 125!

I had the chance of getting a 125 or doing my test- limited finances from being at uni too - but went for the test. Even though I had nothing to ride for a while, it just felt ace having the test out of the way and knowing I had my motorbike licence

Good luck with whatever you decide

[UnspeedySam]

Thanks for replying I'm studying computer science at southampton uni (second year of 3). I really like the look of those sr125s, I hate that 125s can't do much more than 60 though which could be an issue for commuting any real distance. I'll do my CBT and see how I feel about riding after that (and how my bank balance looks). Hopefully I can use the summer job as an excuse to get a bike for commuting, but I'll likely do the full test before then, and get a 250 or something more motorway friendly. I would do DAS but I'm only 19 so that's not an option right now.

[iooi]

TBH. If the test centre are doing good deals on CBT and then the full (33bhp) test.
I would go for that. You can always just get a 125 and take it from there.
No need to actually go and get a larger bike because you have passed your test.

I would ask them that if you find when doing the CBT that biking is not for you. That they would refund the other part. Or would they allow you to do the CBT and then make your mind up on taking the full test at a reduced rate.

I would also be asking around (local area forum for a start) if the Co are a good one to learn with and not one that is having to discount to get people as they are rubbish.
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Just because my bike was A DIVVY, does not mean i am......

[UnspeedySam]

Thanks that's pretty sound advice To be honest I'm not sure I want to do the full test course this winter, even if it is cheaper, as I don't want to put myself off biking by spending a week in the cold and wet without any proper waterproof gear.

Also I haven't done the theory test yet and I have too much uni work to be studying for that as well. I'll probably take the CBT in a couple of weeks and see where I feel like going from there. I'll probably end up doing the full test at easter when I'll hopefully have an idea if I have a job for the summer to cover costs.

edit: I've done a bit of forum searching and I've found a couple of threads like this one that mention ADT (the company I was looking at) in a very positive light They're also close (my only transport is a push bike) and have discounts. I shall call them on monday I reckon

[ClaireBear]

[UnspeedySam]

The training centre I'm going with has Suzuki GN125s according to their website. I'll see how I get on with one of those, and if I like it I might go and buy one. I guess after I pass CBT I'll have to go around a few bike shops and sit on various models to get an idea of whether they're suited to me. That's if I get a 125 at all.

Seeing as most of the journeys I'm likely to make are between Southampton and home (Essex) and to wherever I'm working this summer, I can't help but feeling a 125 would be a pain. Probably end up getting a cheap 250 or something as a starter bike when I pass the test.

[nstrug]

I agree with bihnso that if you are reasonably tall then off-road bikes are the way to go. I'm 6' and find YBR125s quite cramped - SR125s are even lower.

Enduro/trail/supermoto 125s seem to have a bit more go to them than regular 125s too - although that just might be the lower gearing.

Nick

[UnspeedySam]

Ok. If I end up having to get a 125 for commuting before I pass my test then I'll consider on of those bikes. I still much prefer either the vintage styling or the naked sport tourer type styling. But you can't really be too picky when it comes to getting your first bike I suppose.

[27cows]

I'm a little over 6' and I found the DTR to be just about perfect for my height. Only downside of them (and all trail bikes) is that thieving scum have a particular liking for them.

[UnspeedySam]

Yeah I can understand why thieves would like them. Especially if there are any fields pretty close to where you live. I still think they look daft unless in a muddy field though, even if they are comfortable for taller guys

[27cows]

Trust me, the long travel suspension is fantastic on pot holed and speed bumped roads You can also see over the traffic nicely perched up there.

[bhinso]

yep absolutely right, dont feel stupid at all, good comfortable riding counts for a lot, easier to get in and out of traffic too, and good view.
but as had been said, they are kinda popular with the old tea-leaf

[BlackStallion]

I'm with bhinso on this one buddy, crosser style bikes offer a good insight into biking, and especially in the 125 class. The size, feel and comfort is all there on Motocross style bikes.

I've had mine for nearly 8 months now and it's been a real thrill to ride. Never had any major problems, just had a bit of dirt in my carburettor, other than that, it's been a truly awesome bike, it starts first time every time, no matter how cold the morning is.

I can see where you are coming from though, i travel every weekend to my girlfriends house in Norfolk, and i live in Peterborough, it's 70 miles there and 70 back, which is a fair journey, but long distance traveling is basically the only place any 125 lacks. I find my bike to be brilliant, nice and reliable, never let me down (touch wood) but speed is always an issue, and with mine being a 4 stroke, it does lack power.

I'd personally say go for the CBT, won't cost you much at all with the discount, it's easy to pass and it gives you a good chance to get on the road and practice with gears, get used to the feel of the bike, how to take corners, leaning, balance, clutch control and braking. Having a 125 will give you all the experience you will need to pass your big test in the future.

In my opinion you'd be best with a 4 stroke as they are reliable bikes that have just about bullet proof engines, but make sure you go for a Suzuki or Yamaha etc... because you don't want to be falling for the Chinese bikes, many do due to the price, but you'll be spending more on repairs in the long run. Maintenance on 4 strokes is basic too. However, many 4 strokes these days top between 60 - 70mph and comparing it to some 2 stroke 125's that can go over 100mph, it's a fairly big difference. Again, you'd have to make a sacrifice, which in a 2 strokes case would be reliability.

Whatever bike you choose, aslong as it's been well looked after if you're buying secondhand and as long as it's not Chinese, you'll be fine, but in my opinion the CBT is the cheapest and best route.

Best of luck mate with whatever you decide to do, and hope i've helped

[UnspeedySam]

Thanks for the advice I just booked my CBT for Saturday 12th. I'm praying it's dry and not freezing

[Muscle Bike Rider]

Have a look at the Honda Varadero 125 if your after a big comfortable bike for distance travelling. There more expensive but in my opinion worth it for us larger peeps.
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Previously Known As A5tra_G
Old Bikes :2010 Kawasaki ER6 F & 2000 Honda VTR Firestorm
Current Bike : XJR1300

[UnspeedySam]

Yeah I've had a look at those, and they look really nice. But unfortunately, looking around on 'Completed listings' on ebay, they rarely seem to go for under £1300 in a decent condition. If you get one for under £1k you've got a really good deal. For my first bike I think I'll either just do the full (33bhp) test and get an old 250 or get a cheap CG after my CBT. The 250 option is looking more likely right now, but we'll see how my CBT goes in a week.
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Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[fiveus]

[Clanger]

Hello.

Best to look around at all the types of bikes you like, then go out and find them and sit on them and see how you feel. Get a test ride (if you can), it might be wise to go down to your local CBT testing place, they might have the best advice for you.

It's totally up to you what you do regarding riding the 125cc then onto DAS.

I personally would always recommend trying it out on the smaller bikes first. But that's just me, I know plenty of people who have gone out and done DAS, and been totally fine about it. And are confident and a joy to ride with (Tonka is one such newish rider I could mention who did this).

It's all down to your personal choice.

Now would be the best time to do your CBT and get some riding experience, 'cos if you learn in dry conditions you'll likely worry about the prospect of riding in the wet conditions later on.

Good luck whatever you choose to do.
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[UnspeedySam]

I've now passed my CBT in rather cold conditions. The road was wet, although luckily it didn't rain. Only got about 45 mins road riding in because the girl I was riding with lost control and drove into a ~1ft church wall at about 25mph and pretty much wrecked her bike. I'm still far from confident but am definitely planning on getting a 125 in the near future.

The Suzuki GN125H I was riding seemed great and not too small at all for me. I have nothing to compare it with though so will definitely go and sit on some other bikes before buying.
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[dextersaurus]

Welcome to the forum mate

I say get a CG... just because I use and abuse them

I'm 6'2 and 12.5 stone, the CG managed 70 on a decent straight

Get a newer one though, the old ones are to be left to me to destroy

Dunc