Am I "too old" for an NSR125?...

[TiN]

Hey there...I've been driving for about 4 years now (totally clean licence, no insurance claims etc...but I have been on my parent's insurance, so no bonuses :( but it keeps the cost way down =P)...I am a 21 year old uni student (insurance nightmare, I know!), but I'm gonna graduate this summer and start (gulp) working...

Anyway, I am looking to get into bikes (but not too seriously yet), and the NSR125 caught my eye...it's got the superbike looks, but is tame enough for a complete novice like me...I have never ridden a motorcycle...

I have been looking into the licences and I intend to go the "direct access" route to a full licence (I'll probably hire a bike for the test)...

I mainly want to get this bike for a kind of "hobby" - it would be cool to have something to play with in the summer, and offer alternative transportation to the car...but I might also want to upgrade to a "proper" bike in the future, but only after I have built up a few years NCBs! =P

Basically then: Will the NSR be a good starter bike for me (considering my age and road experience, but lack of bike experience)??

Thanks for listening!

[Phil.]

A'right Tin

No one is too old for an NSR. After all bikes are to ride, there not a label. I found it a great bike to learn on. When it's restricted you've not got much power...so if the worst dose happen you wont do yourself too much of an injury. Then when your ready you can de-restrict.

Your no claims bounus' on cars dont count towards bikes although if you HAVE made a claim on a car you must tell the bike insurer. Go figure

The nsr is a good learner bike..I think it's alot harder than driving a car but i did my bike before my car so i feel more at home on a bike. I've just got a new bike and it's like starting all over again. Gotta learn how to handle the engine and how well it corners.

If your thinking about getting into biking the NSR is one of the best bikes to start out on. Insurance shouldn't be too much for you seein as your 21.

Hope you join in the fun of biking
Gook luck

[Kickstart]

Hi

I agree with SummY, but add that it may be worth thinking about just doing a normal test for the NSR. You can always go for the direct access after a while, but for the NSR there is no need for the full licence (ie, direct access) as it is under 33hp even derestricted.

All the best

Keith

[Phil.S]

Never too old for an NSR mate,
i am 31 and have one as my first bike,
do your CBT and see how you feel about it.
then imagine riding a bike more than double the power and thats an NSR.
i guarantee that if you do buy one you'll be searching for the de-restriction guide within a matter of weeks.
i am sorry to all the still restricted owners but its a whole new bike
de-restricted, God its fun.

[TiN]

Thanks for the replies guys...

Actually, Phil, I'm looking at the de-restriction guide right now!

Another question then: Do I buy brand new, or look for a second hand one?...I would prefer to buy a new one (either the 2002, or hopefully, a cheaper "end of season" 2001...)...

Also, (this is a stupid and naive question, but...) would it be advisable (i.e. did you guys...) to report the de-restriction to the insurance company?

...and Keith, yeah, I think that I will just take the "standard" test first, but I just thought that it would be more cost effective to get the "proper" test out of the way...

Tin

[RFT]

I have to agree, I'm 24 and decided to get into biking for the same reasons- just as a bit of a hobby.

I bought new- I don't think they're making any changes for 2002- I got mine a week ago and it's the same paint job as all the 2001's on the site.

bear in mind, about de-restriction that of you do it befroe you've got your full test your insurance will be invalid not because you've not told them, but because you'll be unlicenced for the bike.

Rich T
____________________
2 strokes is all it takes...

[Russell]

Hi Tin
I'm 34y/o. The NSR is my first bike, after riding a scooter for a few months. Its a really good bike to learn on. Mine is still restricted, might keep it that way, cause it makes it more 'sellable' should I decide to go for a bigger bike(which is very likely after taking my test later this Spring) 8)
Russell

[Phil.S]

i wouldn't really tell your insurance company about it as d/ring invalidates
your insurance, even though technically you are un-modifying the bike.
restrictors are a modification.
i think it also invalidates your warranty ?
but its worth it.
as to new or old well thats up to you.
if i was bying a 2nd hand one i would make sure it wasn't d/restd
at least then you know its not been shagged about everywhere,
or else someone on here may sell you one at least you will get help.
either way make sure its NOT an import.
UK spec doesn't mean uk bike.
expect to pay £3000.00 plus new.
i got mine at Carnells for £3200.00 brand new after a few hours haggling.

[TiN]

Russell, I fully agree with you about keeping the bike restricted and I will probably keep it in "stock" condition for a little while...but obviously making it go faster sounds more attractive!

Phil, I was thinking about buying from a Carnell's "satellite" dealer (in Bristol) too...do you have any tips for haggling? =P ...the list price is £3895, and it would be great to get it down to £3200...even if it does take a few hours!...and would I sound too much like a lemon if I blurted out "...is this an import/ not an import?..."?

Thanks again to everyone for their help!

Tin

[retrofly]

hi
I would have to dissagree if i was your age i would never get a 125, i would get sounting bigger like a 400, a second hand one would be best u can get good one for about 3000 pound and the insurence isntexpensive and they are fast, dont waste your time and anyway you can always take it easy on a 400 you dont have to push it to its limits you could ride it like a 125 than really twist the throttle when you feel more comfortable. Anyway thats jus my view

Luke
____________________
"The food was not undelicious"
-Homer Simpson (Exceptional beast : Underachiving Human)
www.geocities.com/retrofly

[Phil.S]

A lot would depend on when you are planning to do your test.
i feel i have gained a lot of experience riding my NSR and i have only
had it since september last year.
I also feel more confident about passing my test this summer.
as reguards to haggling the best discount is on finance rather than cash.
as they make more money on the finance deal so are prepared to drop
the price more.
But i do see the point about passing your test 1st and then getting a 400cc.
its really a personal choice.

[TiN]

Hmm, I have read somewhere that it is best to go for a finance "deal", but surely paying the interest will pretty much balance everything out anyway!?...Please correct me if I'm wrong though!

And Luke, that is indeed a fair opinion mate, but as I have said, I mainly intend to use this bike as a little hobby machine, and use it as an _alternative_ rather _additional_ mode of transport...

...also, what doe people think about the Cagiva Mito?...(No flame wars please!)...I was going to ask about the Aprilia as well, but I already found a little discussion about it in the flame wars section!

Tin

[retrofly]

hi
well you might know that it is based on the ducati 996 modle and is the fastest 125 you can get. I think it looks pant stainingly delicious in yellow. Aparently it "feels most like a bike" (out of the 125) said gus from performance bikes. But its verey hard to ride as it has 7 gears. If i had enough money i would have bought it. buts its well worth the money if you can afford it. Where do you live by the way

Hope this helps

Luke
____________________
"The food was not undelicious"
-Homer Simpson (Exceptional beast : Underachiving Human)
www.geocities.com/retrofly

[TJ NSR]

i agry with all, get the NSR, nice begineers bike, not too slow when derestricted and looks good

[Mole]

Guys,

Bought my first bike ever last month from a local Honda dealer, in Rossi colors, UK bike bloody great, having lot's of fun an intend to put in for the test next month. In my head I'm 18 again but in reality I'm 58 !!! So guys you are never to old to do what you fancy !!!!

Keep on rocking,

The MOLE

[TiN]

Yeah, I'm convinced...I've done the hardest part - I've managed to persuade the 'rents that this was a good idea (yeah, I know that I'm 21, but there's no point in upsetting them for the sake of a bike...after all, they'll probably be helping with the financing!)...

I'm gonna book myself in for the CBT as soon as possible (is there usually a minimum waiting time?)...and then I hope to take the direct access soon after (again, is their a waiting time/list for tests nowadays?)...oh, I also need to waste £15.50 and about 5 mins of my time for the dang theory test :(
...In between all of this, I intend to purchase a nice new NSR...can anyone recommend any decent gear (esp. helmets)? and do I need to purchase any special footwear, considering that I'm only gonna be "playing" with this machine?

Also, which is better: Smartwater or Datatag?...Datatag sounds a little better...(?)

Tin

[Phil.]

If your gonna buy new then buy Uk. As you have probably already been told imports are really hard and costly to de-restrict.

Big dealers like carnell/city can do the best deals most of the time. You want to be paying £3,200 - £3,400 for a new one. Make sure it is a 2002 and not a 2001 they try to sell you though, even though there identical it's always better to have the latest model (Just ask mick jagger)

If you buy new you get the smart water free and fitted. Cant see the insurers treating smart water any differently to datatag, they both do the same job

There's a post going round about helmets
https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=105

[TiN]

Summy, I have been looking at the Carnells site and they look the most professional etc...and they have a dealer (sort of) about 2/3 miles from where I live, which could be useful

...I assume that I'm expected to haggle a price, and hence I assume that it would be better to actually visit the dealership and purchase on a face-to-face basis...?

Also, (total newbie reminder) how do I actually tell if the model is:
1.) NOT an import,
2.) the 2002 model?

I had a look at https://www.firstbike.co.uk and they're selling new NSRs for £2999 ...but they're in London, and I would prefer to physically check out the machine before commiting...

Thanks again to all for their thoughts and efforts...

Tin

[Kickstart]

[Phil.]

[STUMP]

I would look to buy second hand as this is your first bike. New bikes cost more to buy and insure. Most people will also fall off in some shape or form on their first bike and they can be very expensive to fix fairings.

Buying a second hand bike will save you around £1500 because I brought an 1998 nsr for £1500 in perfect condition. However make sure you get a go on the back to see it works fine and dont buy anything with a massive millage.

Mine now has 20,000 miles (brought at 13,000) and has yet to develop a fault. Good old Honda. However chain and sprockets should be taken into account (£50).

Still a massive saving, my recomendation anyway.

[Viper]

Hello there STUMP!

Its been a while........welcome back!

[G]

IMHO go for a second hand one... especially for a first bike. You can get away with TPFT insurance without too much worry about stacking it. Also they will generaly devalue less.

btw. you should expect fairly shit service from carnell from what I've heard.


Hey Stump, where you been?

[TiN]

It's kinda interesting how some of the replies are so positive about the NSR, and encouraging me to buy new, whereas some are giving me the impression that it's a wast of money...hmm...

Well, I've already put down a deposit on a new one...but I've decided to wait until March before I register it (well, the dealer is going to take care of all that for me actually...)...I have decided to go for the tri-colour, although I would have to say that the black one is more descrete and more "grown-up", but I thought that drivers had a hard enough time of seeing bikes already, so I'd better add a bit of colour!

...I'm buying through Motorcycle City...the setup is pretty nice and the people are quite friendly, and I managed to actually get a feel for the bike...

I took the first part of my CBT on Sunday, and it went pretty well, but we didn't have time to go on the roads, so I am going back on Wednesday...Considering that I had never been on a bike before, and I was learning from scratch on a geared 125, I'd say that it went pretty well...

My car experience only really helped on the highway code stuff, as everything else was completely different!...the perception of speed and direction was really somthing else...and it's just so weird that you really do go to where you're looking at (well, usually)!

[Walton Novice]

Can anyone tell me what the "NSR" in NSR125 actually stands for, if anything?

I've just bought myself a new 2002 Honda NSR125R and will be taking my CBT tomorrow (Monday 4th March). Being female, a complete novice and not the bravest person on earth, I had an induction lesson today on a Honda SR125 which was easy, but am still not sure about doing my CBT on my own bike. However, as I intend to use my NSR125 to commute into London from Walton-on-Thames (yes, I've been told it's a crazy thing to do and that I'd be better off/safer taking *&^% South West trains!), I think it would be wiser to do the CBT on my own bike so I can get to know it really well. The only disadvantage would be if I dropped it ...

It's a shame the bike magazines tend to slate NSRs, granted it's restricted and not dangerously fast, but surely reliability and ease of handling should count just as much? As a female, these are the things I would like in a bike, not just the speed capabilities ... after all, if you're in London, how many opportunities will there be for you to run your bike at 100mph?!