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Learner Legal Options - Bike Comparison

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alexinlondon
Two Stroke Sniffer



Joined: 15 Oct 2012
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PostPosted: 22:13 - 19 Oct 2012    Post subject: Learner Legal Options - Bike Comparison Reply with quote
Just failed mod 1, decided to get a 125 for a few months & re-test in spring. Thought a 125 bike list might be useful (as I'm trying to pick). Please provide comments that will be useful to people, what bikes to consider, pricing, reliability, power, big vs. small bike fee (I'm particularly interested in bike bike feel to make the transition to manoeuvring i.e. mod 1 easier).


Useful Links
Recommend me a learner bike - https://teflonmike.craywiki.co.uk/0_Lo_040_Features_036_1st_Bike_40_What_is_Learn_Leg.htm#Recommend_Me_a_Learner-Bike

Bike List
Aprilla RS 125
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/628/images/[email protected]


Honda CG 125
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/814/images/MCG1220043LA-01.jpg


Honda CBF 125
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/253776/images/01honda-cbf125.jpg


Honda XL 125 Varadero
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/848/images/[email protected]


Honda NSR 125R
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/839/images/aMNSR12003S3A-01.jpg


Honda CBR 125
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/278563/images/cbr125r-3.jpg


Hyosung GT125 / GT125R
https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Hyosung%20GT%20125%2004.jpg


KTM Duke 125
https://www.ktm.com/uploads/tx_ktmproduct/Duke_125_grau_90Grad_02.jpg


Yamaha YBR 125
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/734/images/02YBR125Yamaha01-01.jpg


Yamaha 125 XT
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/726/images/022005XT125RStudio0101.jpg


Yamaha YZF 125
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload/210552/images/125R_Blue_Action_8-01.jpg


Last edited by alexinlondon on 16:48 - 21 Oct 2012; edited 6 times in total
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TheSmiler
World Chat Champion



Joined: 14 Apr 2011
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PostPosted: 23:41 - 19 Oct 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Personally I'd go for the Cg125 or YBR125, all depends on how old you are of course if you are under 24 then you are best sticking with the das so you don't have to jump hoops next year. Either way that would be my choice.
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Im-a-Ridah
World Chat Champion



Joined: 20 Oct 2006
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PostPosted: 07:25 - 20 Oct 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
The old shape RS125 is quite a big bike, and is fast too Smile
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Rogerborg
nimbA



Joined: 26 Oct 2010
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PostPosted: 08:36 - 20 Oct 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hyosung GT125 / GT125R. They're pretty much GS500s with smaller engines.

You'll want to be sure to get a good 'un though, parts aren't exactly thick on the ground.
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shereen
World Chat Champion



Joined: 15 Mar 2011
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PostPosted: 08:38 - 20 Oct 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Rogerborg wrote:
Hyosung GT125 / GT125R. They're pretty much GS500s with smaller engines.

You'll want to be sure to get a good 'un though, parts aren't exactly thick on the ground.


This +1
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wots
World Chat Champion



Joined: 30 Aug 2012
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PostPosted: 09:41 - 20 Oct 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Honestly, IMO. Pay for more lessons, tests rather than a bike and get it done this year. As if you are planning on going the bigger bike route (assuming age isn't a factor), you will buy a 125 which is pointless to take your test on next year. As although experience is extremely important, you will buy a 125 and then still have to pay for a DAS next year. Get test passed now (even if only restricted), then save up and get a bike next year.

Desperately trying to get mine done by the end of the year, although I have a 125 to practice on now, I can pretty much guarantee I won't want it when I pass!
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Currently: Yamaha DT 125 LC2,Repsol Fireblade, and Bumblebee MSX 125
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Teflon-Mike
tl;dr



Joined: 01 Jun 2010
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PostPosted: 16:39 - 20 Oct 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
If you want to make Mod 1 maneuvers 'easy', then the learner-commuter is the ideal tool. Everything else is compromised some-how for looks or performance.

Recommend Me a Learner-Bike!
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My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

Last edited by Teflon-Mike on 19:15 - 20 Oct 2012; edited 1 time in total
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Damien1080
Two Stroke Sniffer



Joined: 19 May 2012
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PostPosted: 19:13 - 20 Oct 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
just passed my mod 1 and mod 2 on my ybr 125, which has seen me do nealry 6 thousand miles since june, never had a issue with it so id say go with that!
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symonh2000
Crazy Courier



Joined: 20 Feb 2005
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PostPosted: 19:15 - 20 Oct 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
What about a CBR125?

Bit faster than a YBR125 but just as reliable and economical.

Having said that the NSR also gets my vote, providing you find a good one.
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Polarbear
Super Spammer



Joined: 24 Feb 2007
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PostPosted: 19:21 - 20 Oct 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
If you are a big person, you won't look stupid on a Varadero 125. My brother in law has one and even he manages not to look like a dick. (although he is a class one wanker of the 'my 125 did 131 mph through London today and the police couldn't catch me' variety Rolling Eyes
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P.addy
Red Rocket



Joined: 14 Feb 2008
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PostPosted: 19:44 - 20 Oct 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
How much "In London" are you.

You can always have a go on my Varadero to get a feel for it and see if you'll fit.

Ideally, a Honda CG/Yamaha YBR will do you well. A Vara is still quite overpriced unless you find an absolute bargain.
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map
Mr Calendar



Joined: 14 Jun 2004
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PostPosted: 20:48 - 20 Oct 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Rogerborg wrote:
Hyosung GT125 / GT125R. They're pretty much GS500s with smaller engines.
You'll want to be sure to get a good 'un though, parts aren't exactly thick on the ground.

Have to agree.
Good road presence and when working a nice bike.

However, from experience gained this weekend the Varadero XL125V may not be a good choice for the younger rider from an insurance point of view. Looking for an 18yo, riding since 16, one year no claims on a 125 and eBike quote was £1780. Devitt/RAC (via meercats) £775 then Carole Nash via Tesco compare at £479.

The CG is the grandad of learner 125s and will do what you want but will do it without drama. May be seen as the boring safe option by some or the sensible get's the job done by others. Similar comments can be made for the YBR,

Don't know about the more 'sporty' inspired 125s, suspect insurance could be a factor with those too.

Just some thoughts Thumbs Up
HTH Thumbs Up
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P.addy
Red Rocket



Joined: 14 Feb 2008
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PostPosted: 21:09 - 20 Oct 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Is the Vara really that expensive there?

I pay around £180 for a CBR125 and £80 with 2 riders (one on L's and 6 points and me with 6 points)
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alexinlondon
Two Stroke Sniffer



Joined: 15 Oct 2012
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PostPosted: 21:32 - 20 Oct 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Quote:
My brother in law has one and even he manages not to look like a dick. (although he is a class one wanker of the 'my 125 did 131 mph through London today and the police couldn't catch me' variety


Haha

Quote:
How much "In London" are you.


##Paddy## - I live on Queensway (Westminster), if your nearby at all I'd appreciate being able to come and sit on it, I'm 5'11'' so I reckon should be alright Smile

I'm 34 so not as concerned with insurance as much as some, but I reckon I'll add the insurance groups to bike list as it'll be a bigger factor for some.

Thanks for the other comments. I wasn't aware of the Hyosung, but would be ideal for practice if I managed to get a test slot on a GS500 in Dec / early Jan before it changes to 650+
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P.addy
Red Rocket



Joined: 14 Feb 2008
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PostPosted: 21:40 - 20 Oct 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
If you can get to here - https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=Westminster,+London,+UK&daddr=Avery+Hill+Rd%2FB2214&hl=en&ll=51.445874,0.082192&spn=0.011434,0.033023&sll=51.444597,0.081624&sspn=0.011435,0.033023&geocode=FevKEQMdkQT-_yn3C9LH3AR2SDFafVRGQeKOjA%3BFSYHEQMdlD0BAA&t=w&mra=mift&mrsp=1&sz=16&z=16

I'm riding in Monday so if you could do a Monday after work or a weekend.. I'll happily ride there and you are welcome to give it a try, go pillion and obviously have a bimble yourself.
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Spy
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 14 Sep 2012
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PostPosted: 21:47 - 20 Oct 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
I am also in the market for a 125 and narrowed it down to the Varadero, YBR and CBF

I ruled out the Varadero due to the additional expense. I like the look of the YBR but as I am 5'11" it feels a little small. The CBF is the ideal height for me.

Also, you left one out:

https://www.ktm.com/uploads/tx_ktmproduct/Duke_125_grau_90Grad_02.jpg

KTM Duke 125
Pros: Big bike, sporty feel. Cheaper than than the YZF but just as much fun
Cons: More expensive than a YBR/CBR and not many around on teh used market
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Davenaylor
Crazy Courier



Joined: 30 Jun 2012
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PostPosted: 09:26 - 21 Oct 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
I'm 6.3 and have done about 2000 miles on my YBR 125. I'm pretty sure I look daft as it does feel small. However I have no intention of keeping it beyond my big bike test in a few weeks.
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passifid
Nova Slayer



Joined: 13 Oct 2011
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PostPosted: 15:55 - 21 Oct 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Ok i'm going to be unhelpful.
DO NOT GET A CG UNLESS YOU ARE 5 10 OR SMALLER, it is much harder to ride then it shou
ld be if you're tall as it is miniscule.

i had an old 1993 version and i decided to get another 125 for keeps because why not. i live in brighton near the front and the speed limits are abut 30-50 everywhere other then the obvious a roads.

I decided to get a XT125X which is 100% better then a CG for me, better brakes, lower torque peak so you dont have to scream it everywhere to accelerate, high up position = less cramped and better visibility.
personally i would go for an unfaired or half faired because 1.) you're most likly to drop it and crash bungs will cost you if you dont get then second hand or fairings will kill you.
2.) thinner makes filtering easier and makes you more confident to do so.
3.) not EVERYONE looks at you so in your first couple of weeks if you make a mistake you don't get as embarressed which makes you more irrisponsible on the road

so consider XT/WR style bikes too
Love Passi'd
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P.addy
Red Rocket



Joined: 14 Feb 2008
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PostPosted: 16:05 - 21 Oct 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
passifid wrote:
so consider XT/WR style bikes too


I would consider purchasing a garage and some serious locks.
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