Silly questions, probably

CyrilSwan · Spanner Monkey Joined: 24 Dec 2012 Karma :

I passed my cbt over the weekend and will be popping over to the dealer soon to buy a 125 geared bike. I want to take one for a test drive for obvious reasons, will I need to bring L plates with me? Also, on insurance, how do you cover yourself considering it's only a test drive?

Regards.. Karl

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

I would be very surprised if they'll let you actually go out and ride it. They may take you out on the back of one.
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Matt B · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 May 2012 Karma :

A 125 will probably have L plates on it anyway.

Phone them and ask if they will let you ride it. If they say no then ask why. You have a licence to ride a 125 and would be covered by their trade insurance.
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yaigi · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Jul 2012 Karma :

They may say you can so long as the money is already in their hands - break it you buy it kinda scenario, but yeah, doubtful they'll let a learner take it out on the road. I think you may have to have insurance yourself that will cover you to ride another bike, no sure on that one though. I was told I could take my big bike out for a test ride..... it had no MOT, insurance or tax Shocked

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Kingstondavo · Spanner Monkey Joined: 10 Jan 2012 Karma :

Yamaha will let you rent one of their 125s with a CBT, then refund the money if you decide to buy. I'm sure most dealers would be alright for a test ride anyway.
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steveh · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Aug 2004 Karma :

How old are you? most dealerships ( ive worked for 2) wont offer a test ride to anyone under 25.

Some places do offer deals ect, but 90% will turn you away, or offer you a ride on the back (whats the point in that)

Get someone with a full licence, and half a brain to test ride it for you and report there findings.

but, its always worth an ask, better off going in and asking rather than over the phone.

steve.
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mcfcbiker · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 11 Sep 2011 Karma :

Pretty much the same as what other people are saying.

I wasnt allowed to test drive a 125 when I was buying, plus friends of mine have been told that to test drive a bigger bike (with a full licence obviously) that you have to be 25 and also have held your full licence for 2 years.

Another dealer wouldnt let him do a test drive without at least 1 years full licence.

It seems to depend on the dealer in question, I dont think there is a set rule.

As advised above, all you can do is ask, if you dont ask, you dont get Very Happy

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Current Bike = 2011 Triumph Street Triple R
Previous Bikes = Yamaha YBR 125, Honda CBF 125, SYM XS 125K

covent.gardens · World Clap Champion Joined: 09 Jun 2012 Karma :

It's a bit dodgy because even if you persuade the dealership to let you out (wave the cash in front of him!), his insurance probably wouldn't cover an L-plater with NO experience, and if you get caught it's on your head not his, as he'd know what to say to avoid getting done for aiding and abetting.

I'd resign myself to the fact you probably can't have a test ride, so make sure you buy from a decent dealer who will fix any issues or even facilitate some kind of swap if the bike just isn't for you.

yaigi · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Jul 2012 Karma :

CyrilSwan · Spanner Monkey Joined: 24 Dec 2012 Karma :

Thanks for all your responses, most helpful. I'm almost 30 so not a young un. I've seen a good deal on a brand new cbf125 that's already on sale for 300 quid less than list price. The test ride is more down to the feel for the bike rather than its state as it's brand new.

I'll pop over there when they open up again and see what they say. Thanks again.

mcfcbiker · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 11 Sep 2011 Karma :

I rode a 2011 CBF125 for several months, they are quite light, very easy to ride and have a good riding position.

Im 6ft 4in and found the seat height was fine and the design of the seat also locked you in securely and it felt good.

I found the riding position different to the YBR I rode previously and was more similar to a lot of the bikes people tend to buy after passing their tests such ER-6N/F, XJ6, SV650 etc so riding the CBF should make the change to bigger bikes riding position less alien where as I found moving from the sit up and beg position on the SYM XS 125 (YBR clone) which I have now to my friends ER-6F slightly off putting.

I personally think you will love the CBF, its a fun bike. Just ask the guys on here who have one.
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Current Bike = 2011 Triumph Street Triple R
Previous Bikes = Yamaha YBR 125, Honda CBF 125, SYM XS 125K

CyrilSwan · Spanner Monkey Joined: 24 Dec 2012 Karma :

Thanks for that. Yes, I've been looking around various sites for opinions on the bike and the majority are positive. That with its good looks and the mpg it does have sold it to me. Was going to pop over there today but the bloody car has now broken down!

lihp · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Karma :

BG5067 · Spanner Monkey Joined: 19 Mar 2010 Karma :

I was trading in me GN125 for a Brand new YBR, they let me test ride there 2011 YBR which is used for Hire purposes.

I Guess they didn't mind that as i was trading in and buying new as well. but i have heard some dealers declining due to inexperiance.
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covent.gardens · World Clap Champion Joined: 09 Jun 2012 Karma :

sidewinder · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Aug 2011 Karma :

I was allowed to test ride a 125 on a cbt.the sales guy just folled me on another bike Very Happy

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Matt B · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 May 2012 Karma :

mosc7pc2 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 29 Dec 2012 Karma :

Is it a pre-registered one? If so, £300 off is a fairly standard price.

Have you considered going second hand?

I was in a very similar situation 4 months back, almost brought a CBF125 brand new. But the dealer was taking its time sorting out the finance package for me, I got fed up waiting and bought one from gumtree!

6 months old (back then), already came fitted with a givi screen and top box, 2000 miles on the clock, came with all the warranty and AA cover, £1800 (private sale) Much better than buying brand new I thought...

And the best thing? 4 months and 2500 miles later, traded it in for £1700!
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CBF125 (Traded in)
GSX650F (Present)

lihp · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Karma :

CyrilSwan · Spanner Monkey Joined: 24 Dec 2012 Karma :

Ended up going in and getting it brand new for the same price and got them to give me 10% off accessories I bought, plus free fitting of heated grips, muffs, and top box. Didn't bother asking about a test ride in the end and just went for it. Been riding for a few days now and loving it. Still shaky on correct gears and speed for some corners so need more practice on that aspect. Anybody got any helpful tips?

Bought the dsa biker pack yesterday, it's got the highway code, practical advice, and theory questions on it. Hoping that will help. Think I'm most nervous on filtering, so far I've done a little but mostly queued in the traffic. The plan is to commute 17 miles into London, so want to get myself as ready as I can.

On a separate note, I was out in the rain yesterday and went into a nearby town centre (couldn't find anywhere to park for ages, even went in a multi storey and it wouldn't give me a ticket lol). Anyway, went in for a bite to eat, helmet with me, and one of the waiters (biker) came up and had a chat with me and brought over some glass cleaner for the helmet. Bikers stick together eh?

esullivan · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 06 Mar 2012 Karma :

pinkyfloyd · Super Spammer Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Karma :

Agreed with above. When you know how to handle the bike confidently then start to filter but always keep your obs up and concentrate and use the rule "if in doubt chicken out." If it looks a bit of a squeeze then dont risk it. You will soon figure out the size you need to filter comfortably.
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