Going back to a 125?

[johnsmith222]

Hi guys,

I was wondering what your thoughts were of going back to a reliable Japanese 125cc 4t for commuting?

I currently have a renault clio, RXS100, ZZR 600 and ZX9R. I can't afford to run all these vehicles at the same time, so I'd be looking to sell the ZZR600 and RXS100 after I MOT them.

That would leave my car for social/carrying stuff/icy weather purposes, the ZX9R for summer fun and a 125 for commuting.

I'm considering this based on my experience this summer, where I was only working 1 day a week, and volunteering the rest, resulting in much more money going out than coming in. This paid off and I managed to get the job I was after though.

My job is a temporary position, so I'm thinking that it might be best to take this opportunity to limit my transport costs, as well as setting myself up better for if I do end up in that situation again.

If I was out of work and had a 125, then I could SORN the 9R and car without the hassle of having pressure to sell vehicles to reduce my cost, and not having the money to spend on vehicles I intend to sell.

Also, should I not be in the situation of being skint again, I could use the money saved on transport to save up quicker.

It'd be interesting to hear your thoughts. My minimum commuting is 16 miles a day, 6 days a week.

Thanks guys.

[arry]

If that 16 miles isn't motorway then it'll be fine

[pepperami]

Well obviously the question is Why? buy a 125 when already have a RSX 100, why not keep that?
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I am the sum total of my own existence, what went before makes me who I am now!

[-Monty-]

I can't see that the ZZR offers much/anything that the ZX9R doesn't, so it seems sensible to sell the ZZR as you have suggested.

However, rather than buying a 4t 125, why not just keep the RXS for commuting? Sure, petrol and oil costs will be a bit higher than that of a 4t but all other upkeep on the RXS is very cheap and they are very easy to work on. As well as this, the RXS is far more fun to ride than a bland 4t 125.

Just seems a little counter intuitive to go through the hassle of selling the RXS and then buying another bike to do the exact same job little/no better than the RXS will do it.
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Present: [Kawasaki ZX7r][Suzuki DRZ 400s]
Past: [Honda PCX 125] [Yamaha RXS 100] [Honda CB 500] [Triumph Speed Four] [Honda ST1100 Pan European - Po-Po Edition]

[G]

As above, I'd stick to the RXS on "the devil you know" side.
It seems like the running costs really shouldn't be too far off a 4 stroke 125 - mpg only a bit lower, though of course with 2 stroke costs added.
But then you don't need to refresh engine oil as often - the little 4 strokes often need regular changes.

Or sell that and just use the ZX9R, because sportsbike* .
*Well, it was at the time.

[Dan79]

I still regret getting rid of my RXS100, even though it needed work. Don't do it !
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Previous bikes - 1984 Honda VF500 (FII) Interceptor and 1990 Yamaha RXS100
Current bikes - 1984 Honda VF500 (V30) Magna

[johnsmith222]

[-Monty-]

[P.addy]

If you do sell the RXS, you will regret it. I've never owned one but I wish I still had my KH125 and my Varadero.

[DiggerHD]

Join the marauding club

[Val]

16 miles where? I mean the most comfortable and cheapest way to do that in and around town woud be on 125 scooter like Piaggio Liberty or Aprilia SR Motard.
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Yamaha Fazer FZS 600, MT09, XSR 900

[G]

Actually 8 miles each way and trying to save money - push bike or electric assisted push bike.

[Scootaloo]

Having just recently jumped down to a 125 I can say its great!

Recommend the Varadero highly if you do decide to change... although as others have said I would keep the RXS (I have not owned one) It sounds like a lot of fun.
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(CBF125 - 09) (CBF125 - 11) (CB-1 - 89) (CBF500 - 06) (Push Bike) (CB-1 - 90) (XL125 - 01) (VF500 - 83) (GPZ500 - 94) (GPZ500 - 95) (GPZ500 - 87) (XV535 - 94) (XV535 - 94) (GPZ500 - 87)

[Ribenapigeon]

Why a 125? surely a 250 is not going to be any more expensive and you will have the power to at least keep up with traffic.

[Scootaloo]

[Northern Monkey]

The cost of a 125 will be significantly more than the fuel saved not using the 9r.

Use the 9r
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Fisty: after polishing the tank with the glistenng beads of sweat from my full hot scrotum, I filled the headrace bearings with 10cc of my manmilk

[BigShow]

As a 125 owner all i can tell you is that I haven't put any petrol in my YBR since the 15th September 2014. In that time i've used it almost every day to commute a similar distance to you.
The needle has been dead flat on E for weeks but the thing just won't stop going, it's astonishingly frugal. I must have done well over 220 miles in that time on a £9 fill up.

When i rocked it this morning to check the fuel there was still a healthy sloshing sound coming from the tank so who knows how many more miles im still going to get out the thing until it is finally empty.

That is the only saving grace though.

[Rogerborg]

Tried a couple of 125s, couldn't go back down again. Didn't try anything competent like a Varadero or craaaazy like an MSX125.

Got a Royal Enfield as a compromise, works for me.
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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

[G]

Someone on here a while ago rode a GPZ500 at C90 speeds and found they got similar fuel economy.
May not be quite the same for a ZX9R, but just riding slower would likely save you a decent bit.

[map]

Whenever I borrow my lad's 125 I have to adjust to how little torque there is and how much extra I need to work the engine and gears.

While I could cope I'm really liking the old CB500 I got last year for the winter commute and doing the same this year.
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[MC]

[stevo as b4]

Sell everything but the RXS and Clio IMO!

Then with what you get back, sort them both out as required and keep both taxed and insured at all times, (peanuts on an RXS).

If funds would allow, I'd buy a scabby secondhand motor for the RXS to re-build and shelve as a spare in case it ever throws a hissy fit.

And I'd invest in a good pushbike for road use. Nothing flashy or expensive, but something comfy and that can carry a few bits like your laptop/sarnies/toolbox etc if required, so if you fancy some summer pedal power action to work, or everything with an engine goes tits up at once you have got wheels!

G's idea of a gentle electric assist money permitting is a pretty good shout too!

BTW I have the full option to re-consider my above opinion depending on exactly what your Clio is like?

If it's a Williams, Rsi or 16v, then you must show it some love and polish! if it's a battered and dented Dci with 200k on the clock then you'd best keep the ZX9 instead!

[Snowdonia Rider]

Go retro, why not a CB250 Superdream. Pennies to run and you won't hold up traffic.
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[johnsmith222]

Apologies for not replying sooner. I've read all your suggestions and they have been very helpful.

I was really liking the idea about the cbf250 as I didn't even know it existed, but unfortunately the lack of 2nd hand parts availability is putting me off it quite a bit.

I agree that cycling sounds like a good option, and while I do see people cycling it, the NSL roads that I do are asking to be killed.

The cb250 is getting on a bit for what I'm looking for imo, but still worth considering as an option.

I know what you guys mean about the RXS and keeping it, but I could never rely on it. It's very temperamental and it's just not going to get the use.

I agree that the cost of fuel saved compared to my 9R will not recoup my cost of the 125, but there's other running costs to consider too (less miles on 9R tyres, less winter abuse etc).

Even then, the biggest advantage would most definitely be the ability to stay on the road for as cheaply as possible (leaving the 9R and clio off the road if need be) when my employment ends.

[rideslikean00...]