Greetings, Bikers! Newb here. Couple questions...

Cronik · Scooby Slapper Joined: 15 Sep 2015 Karma :

Hey guys,

I'm 19 next month and really want to start learning how to ride/taking my CBT/theory test/attaining my license etc...

Skipping all the introductory drama, I ask:

1. Can I take the A2 without having to have done the A1 before-hand? I can't seem to find an absolute answer on this when I put it to my trusty ol' friend Google.

2. Is the CBF125 a good beginners bike? Mostly for commuting as I will be starting college again next year (about 10 miles there, 10 miles back, 4 days a week). My emphasis is on CHEAP RUNNING COSTS. I've heard the 125 has great MPG and it's pretty reliable so hopefully not a lot of repair expenses.

Second in importance- the INITIAL COST. A used one seems fairly cheap compared to the other bikes I've looked at.

Finally, beauty. It doesn't make me vomit when I look at it, which is nice. This importance may shift when I get older and have more money but for now, this is the order I'd like.

Running costs (encompasses reliability, petrol, service etc..) > Initial cost >>>> The way the bike looks.

3. If not the CBF125, what would you recommend from a ground beginner who has never ridden before and is mostly holding out until he gets his full license?

My dad is a biker (currently has a ZX-9R) -
https://tinypic.com/r/fp2tdv/8

https://tinypic.com/r/259a7oz/8

https://tinypic.com/r/nbyijm/8

Thanks guys!

Val · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Nov 2012 Karma :

Ben90 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 06 Feb 2014 Karma :

Yes, Do your A2 training and test when you turn 19. This will also start a two-year countdown at the end of which you can do your full A tests three years before someone who has not done their A2.

You won't be limited to a 125 with an A2 license, but you're prioritising cheap running costs so a 125 is probably a good way to go. All four stroke 125s cost about the same to tax, run and insure, except for the R125/CBR125/sheep in wolf's clothing bikes which you didn't mention anyway. They often cost more to insure because they're candy to thieves.

Google 'honda CBF125 rust' and see if that changes your mind. Most are fine, but some get rust-AIDS really bad.

I learned on a YBR-125. A more retro look than the CBF, but very reliable and you'll very likely get all of your money back on selling it.

Chinese bikes are improving in reliability, quality and parts availability, and they're incredibly cheap. May be worth a look.

Or as above, do your A2 and jump on a nice 500/restricted 600 for similar money. Pay slightly more for fuel, repairs etc but have many times more fun.
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Yamaha FZ6 S2

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Not much to add to that, really.

If you have a car license (i.e. your 2 year 'new driver' countdown is already running) then there's not a huge incentive to do A2 if you just want a 125. It'll cost you a good £500 on top of your other startup costs (CBT, gear, bike, insurance).

You can just do the CBT, ride a 125 for two years and see how you get on. Bigger bikes are more fun, safer, can be cheaper to buy, but running costs? No, get a 125 for that.

Ignore Val sperging about servicing costs. 1 litre of oil every 2000 miles = 3 litres every 6000 miles. Many 125s don't even have a disposable oil filter to replace. All the other consumables on a 125 are cheaper, and the mpg is significantly better.

But, CBT first then decide if it's for you. No need to rush into a decision.
____________________
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

grr666 · Super Spammer Joined: 16 Jun 2014 Karma :

R_Josh · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 17 Dec 2013 Karma :

1. Link for Licensing:
https://www.shires-motorcycle-training.co.uk/features/I_am_age_19_or_over.html

2. Make sure to factor in safety clothing and helmet cost.
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Current Bike: Honda CBR 125R R-C SUPER sports (SOLD)
Excuse my brevity

Cronik · Scooby Slapper Joined: 15 Sep 2015 Karma :

thx1138 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Karma :

I really like my CBF125, but they are not good old fashioned bullet proof Honda's.

I ride mine longish distances, and enjoying how frugal it is. I also clean it at least once a week, properly clean it, carefully and with attention to detail sparingly apply ACF-50 to it, regularly check the oil, check or adjust the chain etc

I've never bothered doing this with a bike before, but I rather fear if I don't my bike will dissolve.....

Andy_Pagin · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Nov 2010 Karma :

The biggest cost factors for you will be fuel and insurance, a 125 will typically do 100mpg or slightly more, a 500/600 around about 45-50mpg. However you may find insurance on a big bike is less than on a 125, possibly enough to counter the fuel savings on a 125.
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They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa, hey-hey,
the men in white coats are coming to take me away.
Yamaha Vity -> YBR125 -> FZS600 Fazer -> FZ1-S Fazer

jonpod · Derestricted Danger Joined: 26 Jul 2015 Karma :

Thoroughly recommend a YBR. Had one for a bit and really solid bike. Not the prettiest but does the job that needs to be done.

Not sure I agree with the insurance point that Andy makes through, my quotes seem to be a good bit more when the engine size goes up.
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Take 1: CBR125R > Theory Done > Expired
Take 2: YBR125 > Theory Done > DAS Passed
London Commuter

arry · Super Spammer Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Karma :

arry · Super Spammer Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Karma :

Wonko The Sane · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jan 2013 Karma :

If you're going A2 then bikes such as the Ninja 300, CBR250 would be possibles.

I think you'll also be ok restricting a GPZ500 or similar down to meet the power limit you'll have - plenty of spares about and can just loose the restrictor once you've done your full licence in a couple of years

worth having a look at different options especially considering insurance costs, if you plan on using motorways regularly then I'd personally be looking at something a bit bigger than a 125 (sold mine because of daily M'ways)
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Looking to pass your CBT / Bike tests in Bury Lancashire? try www.focusridertraining.co.uk Would recommend.
They're also on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Focus-Rider-Training/196832923734251

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

KnightsFall · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 14 Oct 2014 Karma :

pompousporcup... · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Apr 2015 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Val · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Nov 2012 Karma :

baderlfc · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 12 Aug 2015 Karma :

Check out the Hyosung GT125R for a good learner bike that gives you the feel for bigger bikes in the future.

Not much smaller than a 600, to the untrained eye could be passed off for more than a 125 easily.. looks great in my opinion with all the stickers removed.

Bought mine for £1070 on a 11 plate, sold it a year later without spending a penny on it with 2k miles more for £1250.

Handle well, quick enough for a learner bike, reliable in my experience.

Worth a glance as an alternative to whats been mentioned.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Maybe. They are proper sized bikes and the engines are nice enough. Be sure that you're not buying a fixer-upper though because you'll be fixing it with salvage or direct-from-Korea parts.
____________________
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