Couple of Questions from a First Timer.

[Twentythousan...]

Hey Guys!
Im just getting into the whole biking thing recently, after a long time in toying with biking, and i've decided im gonna go for it!

Im 19 at the moment and have decided by reading around that the best way about it would be to do my CBT and ride around on a cheapish 125 for a few months to get used to it, then head on and do my Direct Access. am i right there?

First question being - im average height, around 5'10 and i've heard height can factor into bike problems, so what sort of bike should i aim for to start with, im not too keen on bad looking bikes so looking good is kinda high on the list here if its possible?
if not no worries, it wont be for too long.

2nd question - How easy are 125's to sell on afterwards, and how much would i expect to lose reselling it? (hard question to answer as i believe bike makes/models ect factor into this, but if you can give an average or something it would help)

Final question - After passing a Direct Access course and wanting to move into the "cooler" style of bike, (for example i've seen and read a bit about CBR600's after DAS?)
What sort of bike would be suitable for that.

Maybe im looking too far ahead aiming for a bigger bike when im not even riding yet, but its my aim and i may aswell ask the questions now.
Any light shed on these subjects would be great.

Thanks.

[adama]

I think your too young to do DAS at the moment, i cant even remember what age you have to be..but im sure its over 20 years of age.

Best thing to do mate, get your CBT done and buy yourself a cheap 125, then do your theory..CG125 will do the job bike wise, there are some nice sport replicas out there but for your first bike i dont think they are worth the money tbh.

I had a yamaha XT125 for my first bike..loved it to bits (i lost about 400 quid when selling it after 11 months), really depends what style you want though.

After awhile, id say do your A2 (restricted license) which is what i did, then you can get any bike you want..as long as its restricted to 34bhp for 2 years, which to be honest..is fine, i have a suzuki GSXR 600 and it goes like the clappers for a restricted bike.

Main thing you want mate is to stay safe, dont fall into the trap of rushing through your biking experience just to jump on a crotch rocket and end up coming off due to lack of riding ability and experience. Your 19 (im 23) we have all the time in the world mate to learn the ways..no need to rush upto a 600/750/1000 asap is there .

My 2 pennies anyway, hope it was read worthy.
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Vlogging - www.youtube.com/caprio85

CBT Passed - 24/04/08 - Theory Passed 18/07/08 - Practical Passed 2/04/09

[Mr.Ormes]

you need to be 21 for your DAS, and if i was you, i would do your CBT and ride around on a yamaha DT or XT, as they hold there value will, or if your a sportbike fan, go for a RS125, all 3 bikes will do 70+ so safe speeds, aswell as looking good, the RS's are good for 110 mph if you get one that has been tweeked. then whilst riding on that i would do my throey test, and A2 (restricted to 33bhp for 2 years) and buy a RS 250 or something like a DRZ400 and have it restricted, 33bhp is still more than enough to yank your arms off if you think about the average modern crosser 125 is around 15-25 BHP...
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DT 125 1995
Thumpstar 120
Suzuki ZR 50

[bacon]

[wizzzard]

Firstly welcome to BCF and well done on choosing the most fun way of getting form A to B that there is (via c, d, e and f in most cases )

1. I'm 5'9" with a 29" inside leg and the only problem iv ever had on a bike is on my friends off-roader but then thats just an obscenely big bike.
Sit on a few and see how you feel the CBT itself will give you a reasonable idea of what you find comfy in seat height.


2. Sod resale values 125's hold their price fantasticly well, even better if you buy second hand to start with you could even be up on the deal.
DO NOT BUY CHINESE BIKES they will rust within seconds and you'll have to pay someone to take them off your hands ( speaking from experience ).
Last point on this is choose a bike you like not what will give you the best return when you sell it on a bike should be about passion and fun not figures balancing up


3. Again get a bike that you want not one that people tell you is best. I went straight onto a 750 after doing the DAS and havent managed to wrap it round a tree yet. Just use self control with your right wrist and you can manage any bike.


Keep looking ahead its only when we have something to aim for that we drive ourselves to achieve that goal
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And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?
Zeitgeist / Addendum / Moving forward

[Mr.Ormes]

[Twentythousan...]

Thanks for all the fantastic replies, you've all been really helpfull.

I did infact mean Restricted access , the 17+ one, but got in a confusion thinking Das was the 17+ and Ras was 21, sorry for the confusion there.

I've been browsing around for a nice 125 starter, and people seem to say to stay with the big ones, being yamaha/honda/kawasaki/aprilia ect.
But i've seen a few cheap bikes like the Sachs xtc 125 and also the Hyosung GT 125R.

Are these any good?
Or useless like the crap chinese builds i've read about.

Thanks again!

[wizzzard]

I cant speak from experiance but the only person i know who had a hyosung spoke very highly of it.

I would narrow it down to a couple of bikes that you really like the look of and go find some to sit on.
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And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?
Zeitgeist / Addendum / Moving forward

[adama]

Aprilia - majority of them have piss poor electrics
Kawasaki -
Honda - (reliable as an old mule)
Yamaha -
Suzuki -
Hyosung - Good after 2005 plates, my friend recently bought a GT125R..he hasnt picked it up yet but next week ill give u some more info, it looks alright though.

Personaly id stick with kawasaki/honda/yamaha/suzuki.
____________________
Vlogging - www.youtube.com/caprio85

CBT Passed - 24/04/08 - Theory Passed 18/07/08 - Practical Passed 2/04/09

[The Disapproving Brit]

Unless you're prepared to do your research, yeah, best to avoid chinese bikes. As said, Hyosung are building themselves a fairly healthy reputation now, but their earlier ones were made for cheapness.

In fairness, my Kymco is a cracking little bike, but then Kymco are a pretty large company with a history of making scoots and quads, so they're not turning their hand from making microwaves and childrens toys.
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Current Bikes: 1983 Honda VF400FD / 2003 Honda VT750 Shadow
Bike Test Passed 18/03/09, Car Test Passed 14/05/13

[Twentythousan...]

Thanks for all the tips and advice, appreciate it.
I've booked my CBT today for this saturday, hopefully ill pass that and move on from there!