First Bike (125cc) in UK & Insurance

[puls3]

Hello there,

I have been following a lot of threads from here to get advice on biking, insurance and buying a used motorcycle. After spending sometime on what I need (bike, cost, insurance etc.,), I have decided to go with Derbi GPR 125 (2006) with less mileage (1800 miles) which costs me around ?1500. No damage or scratch, the motorbike was never used for racing as such and hence in very good condition. I am off to buying the bike later today but I thought I would make a quick post here and find your feedback.

I am not a total newbie in motorbiking, I have been riding for 5+ years on 150-200cc motorcycles back in my home country but riding in UK is something I'm totally new with. I cleared my CBT 2 weeks ago and even got a good feedback on bike and traffic handling from my course inspector.

I tried to get a quote for this bike for Third Party Only and cheapest I saw using MCE Insurance was ?165 and lot of in 250's range. Should I go for Third Party only or Comprehensive or Third Party, Fire and Theft , I am new in Car/Motorbike Insurance so any guidance here is most welcome. I am 24 (turned last month), if this could help me any way and been in UK for close to three years now. I plan to use this vehicle for commuting and sometimes for weekend trip.

I also want to get into racing (long time passion), not very soon not until I have mastered to handle 125cc's, pass my full test and handle big bikes. Let's say in a year or two would be a good target, any advice here is also most welcome.

I have been looking at Yamaha YZF R125, Aprilla r125 & Derbi GPR 125R. Yamaha sounds very expensive being a 4 stroke, Aprilla and Derbi sound great both having 2 stroke although maintenance and reliability is not up-to standard as many here comment.

Would be great if you can provide advice on my chosen bike, insurance and a career into racing.

Thanks in advance & look forward to quick reply on bike so I can make up mind completely to buy !

Cheers

[amrath]

Hello Puls3, concerning your insurance i use MCE insurance as well, they tend to offer good prices and the free break down cover is also a nice bonus but as far as a bike goes with insurance you want to go for third party fire & theft, its still cheap, looking about ?250 and you get the little extra cover its not really worth going fully comp because in the long run its better and cheaper to fix bikes yourself.

with the bikes id say the aprilia rs and the derbi are both good bikes, very quick for 125's however they are most likely to have been thrashed around unless bought from new, the Yamaha YZF R125 is an absolutely stunning solid bike and its meant to be quite nippy for a 4 stroke but like you said the prices tend to be quite high, really it just comes down to what you can stretch too spending.

However if you have found a derbi owned by sensible rider then id say go for it it shouldn't give you any problems as long as it has been maintained well and you continue to do so yourself

Good luck with the bike anyway and i hope you have fun riding it around haha
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Current Bike: Honda Varadero XL125 V5

[deanoet]

MCE breakdown is only recovery to nearest garage, it isnt a recover home service.
Be warned.

Better than nothing, but not exactly useful if you have a flat tyre. You are still stranded in the middle of no where. Just at a garage in the middle of no where.


Insurance level depends what you can afford really

Third Party only = if it gets stolen or crashed it is your problem. Insurance will only cover costs for what you hit

TPF&T = as above, but you are covered for fire and theft. So if it gets stolen they will pay out. If it gets burnt out they will pay out (a lot of bikes stolen turn up on a field a smouldering wreck)

Fully comp = they will pay out even if it is your fault. As long as you werent commiting any offences.

I would personally class 3rd party fire and theft as minimum really unless you are riding a 200 quid bike that is easy to replace financially.



For racing post in the trackdays forum
Basically you want to get yourself a track bike and do lots of track days. You will also need a race licence if you want to enter any actual races. Details are in the track day forum.
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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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[puls3]

Thanks @amrath & @deanoet for your replies and feedback, much appreciated!

I went for viewing and biking looked very new, the original tyres still look strong, not a single scratch I've seen anywhere in the body. I took my mate along with me who has good knowledge on biking and their conditions, he assured me the bike has been well taken care of and that it still looks brand new! Since the bike was garaged for year or so, the battery was down, needed a new battery to start & test - which I couldn't but I have been in touch with seller for 10 day snow and things looks pretty trustworthy so far.

I have paid a small advance and paying rest when the Motorbiking is shipped to my address with original documents for which seller agreed to. I will post pics when I receive it (hopefully tomorrow). I am trying to find a cheap delivery for motorbike from London to Brighton, anyone know of any service I can count on which would deliver the same day or should I go for next day delivery which would bring the cost down?

I have a friend who is happy to help me by hiring a van so we could bring the bike ourself, but wasn't sure if this is a good option or if the bike delivery service can be trusted? Any help here would be most welcome.

As you guys have suggested, I am thinking of going with TPT&F. Any particular insurance provider you recommend with whom you had a good experience? I think I can go upto ?300 - ?350/Year which sound decent?

Looking forward to safe fun days!

[amrath]

I have no idea on any bike delivery companies to be honest, i have always picked up bikes and put them onto a trailer or like you suggested a decent sized van.

like i said ive been with MCE third party fire&theft and i have had no problems but like deanoet said the break down recovery is usually offered to closest garage only, however the card i have for my MCE insurance is roadside assistance =/

But still even closest garage is better than no breakdown service at all so its still a nice little bonus.
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Current Bike: Honda Varadero XL125 V5

[puls3]

I found a motorbike delivery service through Shiply, was nice to place an ad. and see service providers bid and choose someone who had a good reputation and reviews there. Sorted it all for ?50 for pick up and delivery tomorrow.

I might go with MCE as they sound cheap although their claim fee is so huge! I have RAC break down that comes as part of my bank account fee I'm paying... I hope they include Motorbike too and if it did I might register the bike. Waiting for the motorbike to arrive tomorrow evening!

Thanks again for your feedback !

[puls3]

Update: Got my Bike on February 3rd, tried replacing a new battery as the current battery was dead (since the bike was garaged more than 1 year), had no luck starting it.. and fortunately I signed up for insurance with MCE the same day and was active since morning.. spoke to them and asked if I can request for Breakdown, although it wasn't possible.. the guy on the phone said he could try and I got a road side assistance within 1 hour, some cleaning in spark plugs and extra charge to battery and bike started.

Although, bike started to work, it had minor issues... lights would go off very often and engine turns off when I slow or stop accelerating. Had to spend ?40 to just fix the issue with lights and indicators as I wanted to take (pass) MOT. MOT, Insurance sorted but to take road tax I need Original Copy of Insurance which I am still waiting for. I know its risky to ride a bike without Road Tax, but I couldn't wait to get all these sorted to test the bike.. so took it for few rides.. all seem good... but shame the engine turns of at traffic lights.. was advised to do a service which could cost me anywhere b/w ?100-?120... am kinda broke after spending all my money on bike, mot, insurance, tax & accessories.

Any suggestion on how to fix basic issues with motorbikes? Surprisingly the bike consumes lot of fuel, I loaded ?10 worth petrol 3 days ago and its already empty.. had to pump another ?10.. does this happen with all motorbike you buy for second hand or its just a normal thing to spend after buying one?

Bike looks, sounds & rides good so far but if i can get these minor issues sorted without having to spend ?100+ pounds with a mechanic, I would be glad!

[PIC] Me & My Bad Boy - Derbi GPR 125 Racing:

https://imgur.com/RZziq.jpg

[Kickstart]

Hi

If it has sat for a while I would be inclined to make sure it has fresh petrol. The issues you have could easily be down to 1 year old petrol in the tank.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[puls3]

Hello KickStart,

When I received the bike there was 1-2 litre of petrol, I had to fill up 8 litre and today around 9 litre. When you talk about fresh petrol, should I drain the current .. clean and fill up new petrol? I'm sorry, fairly new to biking scene, would appreciate if you can point me in the right direction.

Cheers

[Kickstart]

Hi

That should have diluted it enough.

Another problem is that old fuel evaporates over time and leaves a residue which can and will restrict jets (and hence fuel flow) in the carb.

Proper way to deal with this is to strip the carb down and clean it out. However as the bike runs (just not that well) I would be inclined to add some carb / fuel injector cleaning fuel additive.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[puls3]

Hi Keith,

Thanks for your help, I'll try to carry on the steps you had outlined and will also try to tune a bit so it runs normal. Thanks again for your help

Cheers

[puls3]

Quick Question: What is a normal fuel consumption of a 125cc Motorbike (2-Stroke)? I filled my tank (10 L) on Monday.. done around 75 miles and fuel is empty already.. is this common or may be I need to service my bike?

Cheers

[Kickstart]

Hi

Sounds a bit much. In general use I get about 55mpg from an RS125, but not used round town much at all (but not hanging round and with trips to the other side of an indicated 100mph).

Lots of short journies will use more fuel. Leaving the choke on too long will use more fuel. Really thrashing it will use more fuel.

You are getting under 35mpg, which while possible strikes me as unlikely.

However work it out over a few tanks of petrol as it is way too easy to be a few litres out over 1 tank (ie, was the 10L from well under reserve, while now you have just hit reserve).

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[puls3]

Thanks Keith, I suppose cleaning a carb isn't tough?

I changed a new battery, loaded fresh fuel and oil, had it running for couple of days when it broke down again... took the battery out and charged it to make sure it had full power. Didn't help much after charging it, also tried starting by pushing down the hill could hear the starting sound and just shuts down when slowed down.

Like I said the bike was garaged for more than a year, should I be do anything else other than what I have done above? I have downloaded the Manual from FAQ section and running it through as I speak, since I never had experience of fixing a motorbike before any heads up would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[Kickstart]

Hi

Not difficult, just don't be tempted to use anything hard through the jets to clean them out.

What condition is the spark plug in?

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing