Too big for a Gilera DNA 125?

[Scouser]

Hi all,

The time has finally come for me to get a bike...At 31 it's now or never! Every year since the age of 17 I've promised myself I'll get one this year, then the next and I've always put it off because a) I couldn't afford it, or b) I could afford it but my other half always had something more important to spend the money on (read sofa, cooker, washing machine, blah blah blah).

This year my new years resolution was to buy a 125, do my CBT, continue riding the 125 to get road awareness, learn a few skills (and spills) and do my DAS when I feel ready.

I'm looking at buying a Gilera DNA 125 for my first foray onto two wheels. I intended to get a scooter to commute the short journey to work but like the look of the Gilera, as well as the better speed/acceleration and the fact that it apparantly handles more like a bike than a scooter - I want to ride a bike for riding's sake, not for commuting.

I've read all the reviews I can find and spoken to a lot of owners who swear by them, plus I can afford a used DNA so my mind's made up on this one! I'm taking my CBT in a few weeks time, though I will be doing this on a 125 with gears/clutch in preparation for my DAS - hopefully a few months down the line when I'm a bit more road/bike-savvy.

I've been reading a lot of the posts over the past few days and have been learning a lot from all the knowledgeable riders here...Now that I've got my login, you'll probably get a lot of newbie questions as I haven't got a clue about bikes, except for this burning desire to get one.

Just one question for today.... I'm 6'2 and 14 stone - does this rule me out for riding the Gilera, some say no, others say I'll be uncomfortable after a while, though this shouldn't be a problem as I won't be riding any real distance.

Any advice before I go and buy one?

Regards,

Scouser.

[Weedy]

I had a friend in Worthing who was 6'3 and pretty hefty! He rode a DNA 125 and he said it was a bit cramped, but he got on ok. I guess the only thing is to go sit on one

Good luck with the CBT
____________________
<CBT passed 16th Sept 2007><Theory Test passed 11th Oct 2007><Practical Test passed 19th Apr 2008>
OWNED: 2008 Aprilia Pegaso Strada CURRENT: Bikeless :'(

[veeeffarr]

Where abouts in Liverpool are you from? Your 'dot' appears to be exactly on top of mine on the profile page... Which seems to have a screwed it a little bit...

I'm in Wavertree.

T

[BanditBitch]

[merquis]

I'm about 15st and own a gilera 125, takes my weight fine, where as the 50cc only has 1 rear shock, the 125 has 2

mine takes corners like its on rails well, it used to until the belt snapped and crank teeth wore away..etc but I'm replacing the whole engine for under £300, and there is so many parts for them.

i would recommend this bike
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~|\/|ΞΓΔ?łŞ~
Yeah, i own a Gilera DNA, what of it?

[Scouser]

I'm in Walton, right by Everton's Ground

[G]

Compared to a proper bike, I'd say it still doesn't handle great.

Any reason for not going for something like a CG125?

Gaz fitted on our DNA ok, but not sure I'd be wanting to ride in that position to get to work and back ...
https://dusty.my-site.me.uk/pics/mopedmadness/gaz.jpg
Think he's a similar height to you. (yes, the bike was slightly modified, but seat and clip ons are only a little lower.

[Barker-CBR 600]

I'm with G on this one,

trouble with a Gilera DNA (i had a 50 which i know is smaller) as a 125 is that if i recall its still an automatic?

Geared practice would be far far far more handy for your DAS as there are enough things to worry about without having to master gearing on a bike. I know you probbaly have car etc so understand how it all works but its still a different ball game.

And Honda CG125 Indestructable and unediably great learning bikes. Most others are just a tarted up version of it.
____________________
Previous - Gilera DNA50 / XVS125 Dragstar/Honda CBR 600F/GSF 650 Bandit
Current - 2013 Suzuki VZ800 Intruder
'Is this a rhetorical question?'

[Scouser]

F**k me!

That looks seriously uncomfortable! I can't see myself hunched over like that everyday! Is Gaz my height? You say similar but he looks massive compared to the bike. Or is it that the bike really is that small? You've now put doubts into my mind whether it's a wise choice for me to get one....

Any other 6 footers (and over) out there riding the DNA 125? Pics would be a great help.....

NB. The reason I was considering a scooter, then the Gilera is - apart from cosmetic/performance issues, I have very limited space to keep it in overnight - basically a hallway with barely room to squeeze past. eg. There's no way a NSR 125 would even fit. Help!!!!

[G]

Presume you can't go the route of a ground anchor/bike cover outside?

Not sure how high Gaz is, but he's not far off your height if he's taller.

Me on it;
https://dusty.my-site.me.uk/midpic.php?sn=g_korn_gaz&picnum=017
https://dusty.my-site.me.uk/midpic.php?sn=g_korn_gaz&picnum=020
https://dusty.my-site.me.uk/midpic.php?sn=g_korn_gaz&picnum=032
I'm just under 6'.
As I say, the riding position is a bit more cramped than a normal one, but not by a lot.

[Scouser]

Thanks for the pics G. You've put my mind a little more at ease....at least you look like you're actually riding the thing, even if it looks a little cramped - but hey, that's for speed right. The pic of you and No. 12 on the scooter did it for me - which rider would I rather be and on what bike? Simple choice really...

[veeeffarr]

Look up the Honda Varadero, DT125 and the CLR125 Cityfly

[G]

He does say he needs to keep it in the house, to be fair.

What about an AR80? Similar speed to the DNA and probably smaller as far as a hallway is concerned.

[K3zXTC]

Hey Scouser, good luck with the Bikes, i know Orrell Motorcycles or wot ever in the Vale had a DNA125 the other week, Also by the Hospital there is a scooter dealer, who is a DNA specialist.

What road you live on buddy, the missus lives on Milman, i'm always up there on the gixxer picking her up.

[getshawty]

Im 6ft and had a dna 125 and i wasnt cramped at all ,
Then i had a 210cc kit fitted and it was quite nippy for a sccoter. Although im only 11 stone
And i think they look quite good as well.
Heres a pic of mine before i sold it
https://modded-motors.photos.gb.net/p38235108.html

[Scouser]

Hi all,

Thanks for the input and the photos. I think I'm definitely sticking with the Gilera.....I'm on Langham by the way K3zXTC.

Having just showed the pick to my other half she asked the question "When are you taking me out on it?". I told her she'd have to wait until I was confident enough in my riding. Truth is, I didn't think you ride pillion on such a small bike! What the score here - can she climb aboard?

Cheers,

Scouser.

[Weedy]

You can't take pillions on a CBT unfortunately, but get that DAS done and you'll be right as rain for it!
____________________
<CBT passed 16th Sept 2007><Theory Test passed 11th Oct 2007><Practical Test passed 19th Apr 2008>
OWNED: 2008 Aprilia Pegaso Strada CURRENT: Bikeless :'(

[K3zXTC]

Heya mate make sure u signup to the North section