Hi guys

[Jason4]

Hi all, hope everyone is fine. I'm Jason and I'm 18. New to bikes (well new to the road). Will be taking my CBT as soon as I get my provisional through, I'm just wondering on what bike I should go for.

I would prefer automatic for my first time, but I hate the scooter look so I was thinking the GILERA DNA. Found this: https://manchester.gumtree.com/manchester/04/67268204.html (hopefully I could get a bit knocked off the price :p)

So is that a good first bike? Or should I look elsewhere?

Cheers guys.

[Jason4]

Forgot to add, it will be used for just commuting and running errands. Also bear in mind I'm 5'7" so don't want nothing too big lol.

[Paxovasa]

Hello and welcome.

Since you are 18 go for a 125 I would advise you to get a bike rather than a scoot.
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Suzuki GSF600 K3 (in the fastest colour, black).

[pinkyfloyd]

[Jason4]

I've been looking at Aprilia RS 125 but need to save a little more as most are into the thousands.

What 125's would you recommend? I'm just a little nervous I'll forget the gears and cause a traffic jam lol.

[nokiakeys]

You won't forget the gears it just something you learn once and you won't really forget.

I say it's always best to get a bike than a scoot. so try do you cbt on a bike to get a feel for it.

I got a new cbf 125 mainly coz I had the cash and coz you get 2 years warranty and other free stuff.

[Jason4]

I want my first bike to be cheap, I can always upgrade after a few months.

I mean, something like this looks like it would do me for commuting ect: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201042370857579/sort/priceasc/usedbikes/engine-size-bikes/70cc_to_225cc/price-to/1000/radius/1500/page/4/postcode/st66ns?logcode=p

[Jason4]

But I think I'd prefer the GILERA DNA 50 to that. It'll do me for commuting, won't it?

[andyj88]

you'd probably regret not doing the gears. do the cbt on the gears and see if u still want a scooter after. i'll say what i always say to people buying a first bike Honda CG125 probably one of the best first bikes
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Suzuki Bandit GSF 600s. Mod 1 - passed Mod 2 - passed

[Rogerborg]

[Myler]

i started off on a geared bike, 3 years ago at the age of 17.
it was a 1994 Suzuki Gn125 with around 25k on it, an ex learner bike.
since then ive had 50cc 2 stroke scooters and a 125 4-stroke scooter.

from my own experience you would be better off starting on gears, as i found all my scooters shite and boring lol. ive also found geared bikes alot more reliable and cheaper to insure.

Also, i agree with that honda cg, theyre good bikes, pretty bulletproof too
____________________
Current: 1988 Yamaha Fzr400 3en1 Project
Past: 1994 Suzuki Gn125, 2005 Aprilia Sportcity 125, Benelli Pepe 50, 2000 GasGas 249 'txt', 2004 Yamaha Neo's 50, 1990 Yamaha Tzr 125

[Jason4]

Ok guys, thanks.

I found this: https://www.gumtree.com/london/71/67614271.html (he's posted it a lot, though. Worth getting?)

[Jason4]

Or is this a better option for me: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201040370111670/sort/priceasc/usedbikes/model/rs/make/aprilia/page/1/postcode/st66ns/radius/1500?logcode=p

Or this 125: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201042370905808/sort/priceasc/usedbikes/model/rs/make/aprilia/page/1/postcode/st66ns/radius/1500?logcode=p

[Rogerborg]

Avoid all 50cc and 2 strokes unless you know what you're doing.

For a first bike, go for a CG125, YBR 125 or Suzuki VanVan. Whether a bike is a good 'un can only be determined by viewing / checking / riding it - bring a bike-guru or at least a sceptical mate along. Only view at the bike's registered address. Assume that the advert is complete fiction, that the bike has been dropped, crashed, stolen and rebuilt with parts from an Elbonian tractor until you have proved to yourself otherwise, and be prepared to walk or run away from any bike if your Spidey Sense so much as tingles.

Other than that, bike ownership is a blast!

[psychofox]

I would say avoid anything that's 50cc. You're right in saying that you could commute on it, but 50cc will get very frustrating very quickly. Either of those cg125s you posted would be ideal. £600 is a really good price for something of about that age with a long MOT.

Get your CBT sorted first though. I would recommend you start on a geared bike, so make sure you ask the instructor. Gears may be tricky to start with but they will become second nature very quickly. Keep at it, even if you're struggling. If your CBT runs into a second day and you still can't get the hang of gears, then maybe make the switch to an auto. After you've spent a whole day or two on a bike or a scooter, then you will be able to make an informed decision as to what you want. It' always best to make sure you actually want something before you shell out £600 on it.

And then if you do decide you want to do the full test, you can learn and take the test on a 125, where as a 50cc and scooter you can't.

[Jason4]

Hi-thanks guys, I really appreciate it.

So I guess it's between the CBR or Yahama YBR. Found this YBR: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201043371604496/sort/priceasc/usedbikes/model/ybr/make/yamaha/radius/1500/page/1/postcode/st66ns?logcode=p

Looks great and the company seem reputable. Might go for it. I know I'm probably rushing into things but I just want get it sorted as I would like to do my CBT on the bike.

[Jason4]

By the way, can you ever get dealers down in price? Or is that a stuck price?

[bhinso]

I agree with the others on here definitely go for a geared bike, it will stand you well for bigger bikes in the future if you want them.
You can negotiate with the dealers, if they won't move on price, ask them to throw in a free cbt/helmet/gloves etc
Unless you're really obsessed by speed, go for a 4 stroke 125

[psychofox]

[Jason4]

Hi-thanks guys. Been reading up on gears, watching videos ect and I think I've got it. I'm just wondering, does it show what gear your in on the display where the speed is ect?

Also, I would have to use a motorbike delivery to bring my motorbike as London is a long way for me. I know many are going say you should test the bike ect, but that YBR looks ok (I know looks can be deceiving lol), and the dealer seem ok so I don't think there's much chance of me being scammed. Is this viable? Do dealers allow it? Or will it need to be collected?

Cheers.

[Bendy]