Suzuki Marauder 125 or Kawasaki Eliminator 125?

[europaflyer]

Hi folks,

I'm looking for a first bike... any thoughts on which of these two would be better eg. reliability, economy, handling, top speed, comfort etc... (bearing in mind I am 6'2"). Or any other suggestions for a 125cc cruiser-style bike?

Many thanks!

[Livefast123]

If your looking for a first 125 then a cruiser will not make a good bike to learn on. They are heavy, woefully underpowered and have the turning circle of a supertanker, combine this with less than nimble handling and it's not a great learning package.

With your height i'd be looking at the Honda Varadero, Hyosung GT125 Comet or maybe a trail type bike like the Honda XR125.

Most of the other learner 125 such as YBR, CG etc will also serve you far better than a cruiser and they even do a YBR Custom. There are also custom style bike likes the Yamaha SR which are dirt cheap to buy and a good middle ground.

Get your A2 licence out the way then you can buy a proper cruiser.
____________________
Current ride - Yamaha MT-07

[europaflyer]

Thanks Livefast123

The YBR125 Custom looks like a nice bike - would it really be better than the 'cruisers'?

[Livefast123]

Yes, Yes and Yes. It's basically a Yamaha YBR 125 with a few extra bits styled and put on and seeing as the YBR is probably the best basic learner 4t 125 out there........ It'll be lighter, handle better, has an reliable engine which is a doddle to work on etc.

You should view a 125 as a tool to get your full licence, just because you have that doesn't mean you need to have a big bike. Ride a 125 for the rest of your life but it will mean you are a safer qualified rider who has earned their place on the road.

If you do decide to sell it you probably get near enough what you pay for it back.
____________________
Current ride - Yamaha MT-07

[europaflyer]

Thanks Livefast123.

Just the sort of info I needed as it would be too easy for a newbie like me to be conned by some salesman! The YBR looks like a great option...and as burying myself in a corner isn't my sort of thing it will probably have all the power I'll ever need...

Again, many thanks mate

[...]

I learnt on a Marauder. Not a good start

It's heavy, slow and almost impossible to do Module 1 on it. YBR custom seems the ideal compromise between shiny and practical.

[Rogerborg]

Another vote for the YBR Custom. Nice bikes, some of them are prone to a bit of chrome rot on the forks and bars, but they're a nice balance of style and practicality, with good usable performance.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Livefast123]

You'll be needing some chrome polish and some good car wax to protect the shiny bits in summer. Then in winter cover the whole bike with ACF - 50.
____________________
Current ride - Yamaha MT-07

[trippz]

i like the RS125 but i have heard they are abit unreliable and they are quite high insurance
____________________
Don't take what I say seriously, I'm a F&*cking idiot