How does this one look? (:

obiwan · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 12 Oct 2011 Karma :

Found a CG125 on gumtree, being a 17 year old lad, I'd much rather have something a little flashier, but BCF's advice on getting a cheap reliable first bike so you have money left over to spend on getting your full test makes sense.

Still, does this look alright? :/

https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/honda-cg125-mot-and-tax-nice-cheap-little-bike-great-fuel-economy/90291678

anthony_r6 · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Karma :

He doesn't say too much about it, only way to be sure would be to go take a look at it, I guess.
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fatpies · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Mar 2011 Karma :

Looks OK, but you can never tell!

Just search on here about what to look for on a bike:

Miles on it = old MOTs and general wear and tear.

Forks for any pitting weeping oil bits.

Suspension if it rebounds back up and if the wheels wobble and the steering isn't notchy.
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obiwan · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 12 Oct 2011 Karma :

the fact it's from 1988 worries me, I've heard they're fantastic, but surely after over 20 years things will have rusted and been worn down and just generally gone to sh*t a little bit... Confused

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

The price is pretty optimistic, unless it's very low mileage or in ace condition. The engine and exhaust look freshly painted, that might be hiding something.
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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

ninja_butler · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Oct 2011 Karma :

Ask him how long the MOT is and what the mileage is.

It's hard to see in the photo (beware of low-res pictures!) but there are signs of rust all over the bike which tells me it hasn't always been kept under cover.

The bike might be fine but it's false economy to spend £475 on a bike and then have to spend another £200 - £300 to fix up the old rust-bucket. Saying that, I'm sure the guy would take £400 and it might go down to £350.

Go and inspect the bike and punt for £350 and see what he says. If the bike looks bad, be patient and wait for another, bikes like that go up for sale all the time and you will see lots more of them in better condition.

Pete. · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Karma :

I agree with Roger, it's been tarted up so make sure the engine starts easily and has a steady idle. Check all over the frame, mudguards, seat base and exhaust - especially the undersides - for corrosion hidden by paint. The fact that even the wheels have been painted says that it must have been a sorry sight before the work, and it's quite likely that a single winter's riding will reduce it to a pile of rust.
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Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

I'll just note that in another thread here, there's a guy about to scoop a 9,000 mile 2006 CBR125 for £850. Do the sums on that and ask whether you can afford not to spend a bit more.
____________________
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

von1papen · Spanner Monkey Joined: 12 Jan 2011 Karma :

Looks nice just do the basic checks as others have stated!

A bike that needs abit of work isn't a bad thing to start with imo, knowing everything about your bike because you've rebuilt the thing really pays off later.

passifid · Nova Slayer Joined: 13 Oct 2011 Karma :

i would still look as it's insurance will be 200-300ish, so you can get a bike and a years insurance for less then the insurance on a cbr(what i was quoted) i hvae a 93' cg and it's a solid bike. but it's up to you do you want a very cheap first and spednt a bit more after your licence or a flashy first and spend a bit less on after your licence

EazyDuz · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Apr 2011 Karma :

von1papen · Spanner Monkey Joined: 12 Jan 2011 Karma :

I'll second the advice on not getting a brand new bike as your first.

My mate bought a brand new 1600 quid ybr, unfortunately had a crash and now the frame is bent etc and with Third party f&t insurance he can't get a penny of it back

(Although we're looking at a firm that fixes frames)