Hello, new biker looking for a 125..?

[Luke Flegg]

I'm quite mixed up emotionally about getting a motorbike. I used to justify the idea by saying "It's cheaper, it's all I can afford" but I see they actually cost the same as cars. Better mpg though, I like that. Trouble is I do video prodution and need to carry my camera and tripod etc...

It just really tears me up when my friends and family get upset about the idea of me on a bike, especially when it comes to me taking a passenger..

Anyway, I'm 19, in the country (Devon) and it's hilly. I'm looking for a bike once I've completed my licence, CBT and A1 (So probably later this year, but I will keep an eye out for good deals until then)

I'm far away from everything here in Buckfastleigh, and I need something that can take me and either a passenger or all of my camera gear a fair distance over the hillyness of Devonshire.

I love bicycles and have ridden them all my life. What I like about them is their slim form that lets you weave between congested traffic and tight spaces where unweildy vehicles get stuck.

I've been attracted to the Honda CBR125, because it's JUST about in my price range, it's really slim, and seems to have proper pillion support. (which I'm hoping will also take my camera gear).
I also like that it's capable of about 70mph, so I can keep up with the motorway traffic when I need to, and overtake when neccessary.

Do you think that's a good bike to go for? Any other ideas?

Thanks,
Luke

[kawakid]

Personaly i'd go for a CG 125, because they are very reliable.
And parts and insurance is cheap, MPG is also high at 110mpg.

Most riding schools use them, as they are easy to learn on.

Top speed is about 65.

Personaly I would look to buy a 3 year old one, don't bother buying it new, you'll want rid when you've past your test and not too much to loose should you have an accident.

I sold a 3 year old one earlier this year for £700.

The only other problem with biking is the gear.

ie Helmet
Jacket
Gloves
Trousers
Boots
Back Protector
Hi Viz vest, strips etc
security chains(for when your in town) and probably a better one for at home.
Ground anchor (Gosh i'm sure there's more).

These can cost a mint, i bought all my gear in February and have had to replace a lot , well buy lighter gear for summer.

I got a few things off ebay and looked around, but I must have spent £400 on initial gear alone.
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I've a twin and a 4.

[Luke Flegg]

Hey Mondeokid.
Thanks, I was looking at the CG as well in this magazine "What Bike" Summer'05. The only thing I prefer about it though is it's apprarently a little comfier, and can wind about a bit steadier at low speeds. (According to this)
I'm still pretty attracted to the CBR since the CG is only listed here as 20% cheaper, and it's got a bit more power (strange that it has better mpg than the CG), and it's really skinny. I'm finding most offers on ebay and stuff are around a grand..

I REALLY overlooked just HOW much it's going to cost for all the gear. I'll keep my eye out for ebay steals.

AH yes. I remembered what I forgot to ask; can I attach panniers to this bike? Like proper hard panniers that will carry a large video camera safely?

Finally, what's the insurance group rating mean? I'm guessing higher number means it costs more? If the CG is 3, and the CBR is 6, what's the price difference going to be do you know?

Thanks!

[kawakid]

Never had panniers sorry I don't know.

The CG was quite small as are most 125s, there was a rear rack option for the CG125, which could hold panniers, or a bag.

All I ever use is a rucksack. Go everywere with one.

With regards to your insurance, play around on the internet just look for bike insurance. That's the best thing to do.

I played around for ages, till I found the best quote/company.

That way you'll know what bikes for you.

Now I jumped from the CG to an ER5 ie 125 to 500CC and my premium only went up £160.
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I've a twin and a 4.

[Biker-Kev]

Hey,

From your criteria the CBR or CG seem like reasonable bikes for you. They are not speed machines but are good for begining on. If you are a taller fellow i would recomend the Honda Valadero. It looks bigger than a 125 and is a tall bike.

I dont know where you are going to put your camera equipment.. I think a car would be more appropriate for that.

If you look on Ebay you get copys of the Honda CG for a fraction of the price but they are made by unheard of chinese companys

All The Best

Kev
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Zhongyu ZY50, Aprilia SR50, Motorhispania RX50, Aprilia RS125, Honda VFR400 nc24 and my corsa
https://www.bikepics.com/members/bikerkev/
Theory: Passed 8/11/2005 Practical: Passed 13/12/2005 Proud holder of A2 license

[Josh|RD125LC]

Off topic I know but where abouts in Devon?
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Honda MBX50 | Yamaha RD125LC | Suzuki RG125F Lucky Strike | Suzuki GSF600S
RD125LC Pictures

[Luke Flegg]

In Buckfastleigh. You? I saw you in the virginty forum I think. GOD I'm bored.

Yeah.. Since the bike is for taking my camera gear around, I shoul really prioritise that. Is there any hard case pannier that I can attach to it?

Damn it I want that bike. It's probably a really dumb idea isn't it? I don't really know why I'm wanting a bike aimed at young men who need it to compensate for small penises.

[Chriss]

[colin1]

you can get all the gear you listed and panniers off ebay much cheaper than new stuff.

i've heard that separate back protectors can do more harm than good in an accident so get a jacket that has one built in

i think you find it tricky getting a 125 you can fit hard panniers to without getting an expensive frame mount of some kind

sturdy fabric panniers are pretty good. have a look whats available on ebay as they tend to be half or a third of shop prices.

you might find a big rucksack more convenient than panniers

I have a pair of cambirdge ones that are expandable to 50litre and cost me about £50. jacket i got was £50, trousers were £50 gloves £15 (kevlar ones that are £60 in shops) but i got my boots from hein gericke

get a disc lock instead of security chains for when you are in town but maybe chain and anchor for at home

You are unlikely to have an accident if you are careful. The reason there are so many bike accidents is some people go crazy on the power of their bikes. This is unlikely to happen to u on a cbr125
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colin1 is officially faster than god

[lilredmachine]

The best bike for this has already been mentioned, the Varedaro second hand is precisely what he is looking for.
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Bikes: too many, too much for one man to maintain anyway.

[maxpower125]

yo dogg, honda cg125, service it yourself, secong hand gear off ebay( new helmet tho! )
i rode on l plates for a year then passed with 1 hours tuition total!
thats cheap, cheaper than the bus! insurance is 175£ tpo from rampdale, at the age of 18
cheap as cheaps

[dodsi]

if your doing your test, your best off doing the A2 test which allows you 33hp for 2 years and unlimited afterwards.

Then dont bother with a 125 get something bigger that has the power/size to do what you want to do!

pillions kill the speed/acceleration on 125's

125's are normally smaller so panniers etc are harder to get to fit.

[The Tot]

My suggestion is to do the A2 test which expands your possibilities. I'm on a full license but riding an XR125, which has all the requirements you suggested. I've had a roll-bag on the back of mine and it's fine 2up in town. Only reservation is that it barely does 65mph. Downhill and tucked in, you can see 75mph if you're lucky on the speedo. It's a comfortable bike and it stoppies like there's no tomorrow . If you think "pillion support" is "good" on a CBR125, then try it on a XR125. XR is cheaper and more practical. It requires bugger all to run it and i would say that it's an underrated bike. The XR has much more room on it and it feels like a bigger bike altogether. Without the L's, it doesn't really look like a 125.

In all perfect honesty, NO 4 stroke 125 will keep up the 70mph motorway speed. Trust me, i've done that from London to Hastings. The Varadero will just maintain a steady 70 purely because it's a V twin with 15bhp, but the XR, CG, CBR and restricted DT will have trouble keeping up. You can expect it to wheeze past the arctics and the "good-speed" sunday drivers, but you'll spend most time behind the wake of the arctics until it's safe to overtake.

Hope this helps.
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The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

[G]

Buying a new 125 usually leads to a lot of money lost.

A second hand bike at half the price will do the same (or more if it's a 2stroke) for a lot less.

Personally, I would definitely do the restricted test.
Get a cheap 125 before that if you want a 125 to start with. Then you can see if you want more or not. Once you've had it for a while you won't lose much money if you sell it - then you can always get a newer one if you like it .

For arguments to use against those that don't like cars - find some pictures of car accidents. I was involved in a very nasty car accident last year (big thread about it if you search for it) - much worse than anything I've done on a bike (and I've probably crashed bikes over 40 times on the road now).

People, however, are happy to ignore car accidents, because that's the transport they use and they wouldn't be dangerous, oh no.

Bikes are a lot about how you ride them - give people a car than can do 180mph and 0-60mph in 3seconds for £8k new and see how many have bad accidents.