new forum member says hi, all tips welcome....

alovern · Derestricted Danger Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Karma :

Hi, i just wanted to introduce myself and hopefully pick up a bit of advice...I've just bought a new 125, i've been looking around in this forum and picked up some great tips, but i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for the soon to be on the road.... i've gone for one of the chinese cg clones, basically because i don't want to spend a fortune on a bike that i will probably sell after i've passed my test, and also because it shouldn't(i hope) have any mechanical issues that i wouldn't be able to spot on a second hand bike.....
Any suggestions on how long i should spend getting used to it before the test, i'll probably take the restricted one, don't plan on going too far beyond 125 for a couple of years... also anything i should know about maintenance of a new bike...
all suggestions welcome, but basically wanted to say hi and introduce myself, looking forward to going for a drive at the weekend...
Cheers.

Stu_666 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 27 Jun 2004 Karma :

Hey ho

I'd probably spend a few months on it before going for the test. I did me CBT last November and I'm probably thinking about practicing for the test now (plus that theory bollocks Crying or Very sad

). In terms of maintenance, I'm not particularly shit hot on the technical crap when it comes to bikes, but just really check over general stuff like the chain is lubricated well, enough oil etc. Usually a good clean regularly keeps it looking good.

Cheers

Stu

DanceLikeAMon... · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Sep 2004 Karma :

Evening and welcome to the club,

I'm a pretty new biker myself. Did my CBT in August but didn't get my bike until December (courtesy of Dodsi who posts on here) and I have my test in just over 3 weeks. I have been driving for the past 13 years, so didn't have to worry about learning road marking etc (I hope!), and could concentrate on learning to ride the bike and doing the observations correctly.

I didn't plan on going further the the SR125 for a year or so, but trust me you will get bored of having no real power very quickly. Especially when pulling away at lights - cars can be soooo impatient.

If you read my first few posts on here, you will see that I was possibly the crappiest biker ever, but perseverance and practise is paying off. I still wobble a bit at slow speeds (got to get that sorted out before the test!), and sometimes make stupid mistakes but I'm getting there.

I personally did my theory test as soon as I had passed my CBT (before I got my bike), it gets it out of the way, and it's one less thing to think about.

I haven;t got any real maintenance advice (I'm a crap mechanic too Laughing

), but keep your chain lubed and your chrome shiny and you can't go far wrong.

Oh yeah, and make sure you have protective gloves, jacket, boots and trousers. Chances are you will fall off - although I have still managed to avoid it - touch wood.

Have fun at the weekend!

Flip · Super Spammer Joined: 28 Feb 2004 Karma :

You don't want to join this forum. We're all wankers. Wink

Vespa · Traffic Copper Joined: 12 Feb 2005 Karma :

lilredmachine · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Jan 2005 Karma :

Hey Hey there...
Good to hear another one out on the road. The chinese clones, what are they like?
____________________
Bikes: too many, too much for one man to maintain anyway.

The Tot · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Karma :

North Londoner eh? Nice to see you've got your bike. With regards to the bike, oil and lube the chain with chain lube (5 quid), keep it washed and waxed to preserve the finish and service at the regular intervals.

I've had my XR for just over 6 months now, i'm loving it, but am yearning to do my A2 practical test this easter. I guess 6-12 months will be sufficient time to play around and hold onto a 125. It'll soon get tedious if you cover any distance on it or go on open roads. In town, they're perfect, but out of town, they're underpowered and i guess the same can be said for all 4 stroke 125's. As a learning tool, can't fault ur bike.

Try to keep it rubber side down.
____________________
The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

alovern · Derestricted Danger Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Karma :

thanks very much guys..(and lady), just got the bike delivered, and have returned from an hours very enjoyable riding, the bike feels really good, smooth as you like, i spent most of my time getting the L plates on the thing... but then i was off...
I'll keep you posted about how these chinese bikes are to ride, i've bought a good cover for it because a few people have told me that while the engine is solid as you like, the electrics can be a bit dodgy...
For now i will be enjoying it, and taking it easy... got all the gear before the bike, i knew i'd be too impatient to wait, here's hoping the bike stays between me and the road......

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Welcome to the forum.

First tip is to do your DAS if you can. It's the same test pretty much, just on a bigger bike, which most reckon is easier to ride anyway. Seen a few people that could do DAS do the restricted test and all that I can think of have regretted it.

If you want riding or other tips, check the FAQ posts that are at the top of quite a few sections, lots of good stuff in there.
Apart from that, enjoy Thumbs Up

for the moment, get used to riding for a bit then see where you want to go Smile

.