Which bike advice..

[Milesprower]

so I did my CBT yesterday, had a great time and am shortly about to embark on the direct access training as hold full driving licence etc, the instructor said next time will try the bigger bike. Ideally I'd like to practice everything learned yesterday but don't own a 125 as my intention is to get a bigger bike eventually..
Anyone got any ideas?
Should i buy a cheap 125 to knock about on for a few weeks then hopefully sell with minimal loss, or just wait to do the bigger bike training... seems like renting one is overly expensive.
Interested in people's experiences
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milesprower

[arry]

If you're booked in for training, I'd just hold on and wait. You're going to be taught how to ride a big bike and then you'll go and buy a big bike. Buying a 125 now won't serve you particularly well - especially when you factor in you'll likely get square root of nack all back from insurer following short period cancellation, or a big bill for the mid term adjustment to 'upgrade' your licence to full and go from 125 - big bike and that's if they allow it at all.

Ordinarily I'd be yeah seat time is king, go for it - but since you're already booked in, I'd just concentrate on the upcoming training

Good luck.

[NJD]

Echo above.

You'll be spending a ton of money to scratch an itch and be stuck in a rut when you have to dig even deeper into your pocket to get out of that and upgrade in the space of five seconds time.

Get the license and then get the bike you want. Save much money in the process, enjoy the rewards of being patient later.

Scratch the itch and scan eBay for the cheapest items you'll need from the get go: a waterproof cover etc, a can of chain lube and cleaner (toothbrush and cloths to accompany), brake cleaner (clean the chain fling of tyres, and comes in handy for cleaning calipers) etc.
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The do it all, T̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶r̶o̶k̶e̶n̶ ̶o̶n̶e̶,̶ ̶T̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶i̶g̶ ̶l̶u̶m̶p̶,̶ ̶C̶h̶o̶n̶g̶ ̶N̶o̶o̶d̶l̶e̶

[Easy-X]

I did the CBT and planned on ~ 1 year on a 125. Turned out to be less than 6 months

If you have the money kicking about it'd probably be better invested in another day of training on a big bike.
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Milesprower]

Thanks for the replies guys... that's what I originally thought, but a friend who used to ride was concerned that going from a few hours total experience on a 125 (although it went pretty well, still feel i need to work a lot on control as definitely not natural yet) to a more powerful machine could be risky?
Obviously I'll follow the instructor's lead, but have asked whether he thinks should do another session on 125 first.
I'd not really thought of the insurance issues, just assumed I'd take out a rolling month policy
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milesprower

[NJD]

[Milesprower]

Yes definitely, he seems confident to move towards the standard DAS layout, the only problem is it's not until mid September so really need something to practice on.
Going to try to pick up a cheap 125 with temporary insurance... can't see any other way round it...
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milesprower

[weasley]

Having never ridden before (bar one or two can-I-have-a-go moments) but having years of driving experience I did CBT on a 125 in a day then the next bike I rode was a BMW F650ST, which I trained and passed DAS on. Within weeks of passing I bought my first bike - A Yamaha XJ600.

The size of the bike isn't the real risk, the operator is. Just because a bike is more powerful doesn't mean it must go faster, just that it can. And having the ability to accelerate faster and cruise comfortably at ambient speeds, plus more road presence, makes the whole thing arguably less risky.

But this all depends on your own self-confidence and self-preservation. The fact that you are asking suggests you have a modicum of common sense, you just need not to be seduced by that thrill of opening the throttle and feeling acceleration like you've never felt before.
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Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT | BMW F900XR TE

[Ayrton]

[Easy-X]

Say the gulf between zero and A-bike is 100% then, IMHO, the gulf between A1 and A bike is 90% Don't fret over 10%
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Milesprower]

[Milesprower]

[Milesprower]

Yeah think I'm going to follow the advice here, will see if the instructor can do some odd hours here and there over the next few weeks to keep my hand in...
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milesprower

[Barnoe]

Same here

I bought a brand new 125 for £2600 as i started lessons.
i promised myself i would stick with it for a least a year after i pass my test.

problem was i would ride to the lesson on a 125, ride around on a 600 then sulk as i had to ride home on a 125.
i started to fall out of love with my new 125 quickly.

I passed my test in October and bought a CBR600 early March, i couldnt wait any longer.

No offence to 125 owners, but they dont compare to a bigger bike.
its not just about power, the ride is usually smoother, less gear changes, better brakes and equipment. etc

When i part exed my 125 for the 600 i got £1500 for it, so it cost me £1100 in 6 months

Wait, save your money and go straight onto a big bike.
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You know you are old when you're told to slow down by your doctor and not the police.

[Zen Dog]

This was more of a dilemma in the past when you could ride 2-stroke 125s, and they were actually pretty fun. My NSR125 would do (an indicated) 95mph flat out, head on the tank. I rode a 125 for 4 years while in university and was happy enough.

Now though, all the legal 125 learners are gutless and anaemic. You're better off getting on a big bike ASAP.
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Current - '94 VFR750FR, '00 VFR800FI Previous - '10 Street Triple R, '92 MZ ETZ301, '05 TTR250, NSR125R, KMX125, "Honda" Win (chinese copy of an old Honda design with a C90 engine)
My bike trip around S.E. Asia 2010/2011

[Kentol750]

Direct access to what? How old are you?
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Some bikes.