RS125 for a first bike.

hermand · Derestricted Danger Joined: 09 Oct 2004 Karma :

Hi,

Before answering, bear in mind I've passed my car test and have done plenty of driving. In other words, I know how roads work and 90% of bike theory it's just the doing it on a bike I've never done. Which is, obviously, the big bit!

So, I wanna do what everybody does, being 18. Pass me test, ride for 2 years, get big bike

What do you all think of the RS125. Money isn't going to be a massive issue for me, because I'm not desperate and it'll be totally for recreation. I'll be saving up fully before I do anything.

So, generally speaking, how would it fair for a first bike? Personally, I've utterly fallen in love with it but I'm no expert.

I'm going to add that I'm an utter attention whore with this. I love bikes (Har har dad, you knew you'd regret this one day!) and I want one which looks damned good, as well as being an excellent ride.

Dan

Frost · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2004 Karma :

Provided money is no object then go for it!

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

You're 18, and believe you do know how roads work, thats wrong as you do need to have experience to get to know how they work and getting concky can be a bad mistake to make. And the theory for a bike theory test is the same as the car one really, the theory of actually riding the thing is very very different to driving a car.

RS125 is perfectly okay choice for a first bike, you'll be fine as long as you don't try and ride it like a car is driven and are careful. As long as it has been serviced correctly (not necessary by a dealer, if they can show receipts that should be okay) and is looking generally okay you will be okay buying one and just look after it and ensure you warm it up correctly and you'll be fine. Don't spend too much on a first bike for learning on, not much more than £1000 really as if you spend too much when it is dropped and/or crashed (which are part of the course learning, even if it's just dropping the bike when getting on or off it) it will cost lots to repair the scuffs on the fairings or have to sell at a big loss.

Frost · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2004 Karma :

I think the real question people will try to get at is:

Are you ready for a bike, do you have the self control and correct frame of mind which is required to stop you getting countless speeding fines in your first few eeks of owership, or worse killed.

If you are ready for a bike, truth is you are ready for allmost any bike as you have the control and self disiline required to stay in control.

Do your CBT and ride around on the thing on L plates untill you feel comfortable with biking, then take your A2 test and derestrict it. In a way the RS125 is the perfect bike for what you want, the only concern most have it that they don't want you to go get a fast bike you can't handle and get yourself into trouble.

Nighteyes · Dirty Bint Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Karma :

RS125! Damn nice bike, I'm told it's the best learner bike handling wise, it looks fantastic (just don't drop it Wink

) and the back seat is nice and comfortable for any pillions you may take post test Razz

in short, go for it! Thumbs Up

____________________
My Precioussss!, My Bikes, The Lord & Master, Canis Lupus!
39. Something nice about the person who sent this to you? She's beautiful, funny, and has a huge heart. Very Happy

Ade067 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

Yep go for it,getting a bike is definately one of the best things I've done its just a shame I waited till I was 32!

My main reason for getting a bike was cheap transport to and from work but it doesn't take long to get bitten by the bike bug and now I mostly just use mine for pleasure,the main thing I found after driving cars for so long is just how much more alert you need to be,everything else on the roads could possibly kill you,bear that in mind and you should be fine,don't go thinking you're the next Valentino Rossi and take it easy...at least to begin with Thumbs Up

Spiral · Traffic Copper Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Karma :

An Rs would be an excellent bike for recreation as it does need a lot of TLC if used daily and your pulling high miles.

I've a mate that spent 280 quid on his RS the other week for engine work thing is its only got like 6000 odd miles on the clock.

But they do shift a good bit and they handle well and look good! Thumbs Up

____________________
****NORTHERN IRELAND NEWSFLASH!!**** According to a recent survey, 94% of loyalists said the best sex they ever had was in the shower; the other 6% haven't been to jail yet.***

Stu_666 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 27 Jun 2004 Karma :

Hi Dan,

RS125 is a fantastic looking bike (although I could of course be biased there as I bought mine last week Razz

) and I'd probably say its a pretty good learner bike. Corners are a piece of piss on them although they can be a bit fussy what gear they like to be in. Oh, and don't drop it as parts are pricey. Cost of a fairing is about £200 - £300 depending on where you go. Thing is as well, although I do like the bike, I wonder if I should have gone for a four stroke now which are easier for maintenance and starting up. So I'd probably say have a good look around before settling on one bike.

One thing I did notice the other day when I went for a quick spin around the block is that its amazing how quick they are. Before you know it you're doing 40 in a 30 without realising so you really do have to discipline yourself. Going from a car to bike like you it really does make a car seem unbelievably slow!

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

hermand · Derestricted Danger Joined: 09 Oct 2004 Karma :

Rollins · Trackday Trickster Joined: 15 Jul 2004 Karma :

RS125 for a first bike? Sounds damn good to me. Thumbs Up

____________________
"... I wouldn't mind doing 130 up to a T junction, but unfortunately my bike tops out at 120 which is gay..."
2005 CBR600RR

iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

If you intend to do your test soon then I would recommend a cheaper 125, like CG125, sexy they ain't but they teach you the basic skills how to ride.

Then go in for your test and get a nice decent bigger bike like a sports 400/600, which look alot better than the 125's IMO.

hermand · Derestricted Danger Joined: 09 Oct 2004 Karma :

It'd pain me to have a big bike I couldn't take advantage of, though Smile

RooRoo · Anal Intruder Joined: 04 May 2004 Karma :

sychosis · Crazy Courier Joined: 21 May 2004 Karma :

Go for it, I've had my rs for a year now, and not had a problem with it.
____________________
Bikes owned: Aprilia RS 125 GP1 2003 (Now sold), Suzuki GSX-r600 1997 (streetfightered), https://www.bikepics.com/members/sychosis/
psy?cho?sis (si-ko-sis),n. pl. psy?cho?ses (-sez) ,A severe mental disorder, with or without organic damage, characterized by derangement of personality and loss of contact with reality and causing deterioration of normal social functioning.

ian_s · Nova Slayer Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Karma :

I have been riding for about 2 months now and replaced my little NS125R with a RS125 yesterday. I have only been out on it once but my god does it go. I might get around to restricting it this weekend! The RS is really easy to potter around on, the gearbox, clutch and brakes are great. Back to the speed of the thing I have driven some pretty quick road cars but the RS blows them away. I don't think the speeds a problem if you have road sense as the power will only get you in to trouble if you use it.

The only potential problem is that it is quite a large bike so it may take a while to get used to if you are short like myself!