New to bikes, help appereciated

[Adam.I]

Hi people. I'm all new to this. Anyway, reason for my post:

A few months ago I started thinking about getting a bike (seens as though all my mates had passed their driving test an I have to walk every where!), then, over the past month or so,
I have been taking this in to serious consideration. I have been learning a lot about bikes and the way they work (no where near enough I bet). I have got the oppurtunity to buy an Aprilia RS 125cc for around £1200, with 7,000 miles. Is this a good deal? Also, would there be any point in buying this bike seens as though I don't even have a provisional (which i'll be getting soon). Although some may say 'no point', I'd like to hear your views. I know if I had a bike, it would definately spur me onto passing my test. There is several bikes in this sort of mileage, price range etc.

All posts welcome,

Thanks, Darryl[/i][/b]

[Sparks!]

£1200 doesn't sound bad if it's in good condition. It's not "too" much for a first bike either really, you should make almost your money back when you sell it, if it's still in good nick.

By all means buy a bike now, but firstly get your provisional licence application sent off ASAP and do your CBT, also sort out some bike gear etc.. leathers, boots, gloves, helmet etc.., (and waterproofs if you plan on riding it all weathers)

Just get your CBT booked as soon as your able so that the bike isn't sat there waiting for ages

Good luck
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Current Toys: 06 Yamaha WR250F | Nissan 350Z GT | Tech 4 Homes

[tgabber]

Others might disagree, but I wouldn't recommend an RS125 as a first bike.

Sports two-strokes take a fair bit of understanding and maintenance to look after and ride properly, I know I had one, but I wouldn't have liked to learn on it. Reckon you'd be much better off with something straightforward like a Honda CG125. Then once you know what you're doing go for the RS.

Whether the RS you're looking at for 1200 quid is good value or not depends entirely on how it's been looked after. If it's not been treated well it will just end up being a money pit.
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"It's all about dislocating expectation"
Kawasaki KMX125 -> Aprilia RS125 -> Kawasaki ZZR600

[Adam.I]

Thanks for such a prompt reply yams. For my first bike I will something up to £2000. I wont be selling my first vehicle (I'm sure I'm not the only one?) so I'm not to bothered about that aspect of it. Once I get my provisional, and booked at a CBT course, what would happen for first few weeks? Would I start to bring my own bike eventually? Is it a legal requirement to wear leathers, boots and gloves? I'm pretty sure it is for a helmet. Won't want to ride it in rain, not until I get experience. Is it bad for the bike riding it in rain?

[Adam.I]

Thanks for the reply tgabber. How much should I expect to pay for a Honda CG125? At first I didn't mind what bike I had, I just wanted one, but now I just love the look of most Aprilia bikes. Also, will I be able to ride up to a 250cc once I pass, then two years later, any size? I'm 18.

[Sacarius]

A CBT is just a days training, you can do it on one of the trainers bikes. It will consist of a theory session and an on the road session. After the day if the instructor considers you safe to learn you will be awarded your CBT. You can then ride your bike (11kw, 125cc) on the roads with L plates on, you are not allowed to carry pillion passengers or allowed to ride on motorways.
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The way your heart sounds makes all the difference. It's what decides if you'll endure the pain that we all feel. The way your heart beats makes all the difference in learning to live. Spread before you is your soul. So forever hold the dreams within our hearts. Through nature's inflexible grace I'm learning to live.

[tgabber]

[Adam.I]

Oh right I see. So lets say I had my provisional. I went to the CBT center, they'd test me on one of there bikes followed by a theory, pass that and same day I can ride my own bike bearing in mine that I have never ridden a motorbike in my life? Also, could i get ANY bike, as long as it is restricted to 33BHP for 2 years? I wouldn't be carrying pillion passengers anyway so that's alright. Didn't know your not allowed to ride on motorways. after two years you can? I don't like the look of Honda CG125's I'd much rather learn on on an Aprilia RS or Cagiva Mito. Finally, is it a legal requirement to wear leathers, boots and gloves? I'm pretty sure it is for a helmet. Is it bad for the bike riding it in rain?

[tgabber]

The only legal clothing requirement is for the helmet. Rain doesn't harm the bike as such but it sure effects your riding as grip on the road is much reduced.

You'll find a lot more useful info if you look in the 'New Bikers' section of this forum rather than 'General Chat'
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"It's all about dislocating expectation"
Kawasaki KMX125 -> Aprilia RS125 -> Kawasaki ZZR600

[Adam.I]

Sorry to seem a bit of an ass tgabber, but could you answer my questions. I'm going to look at New Bikers too though.

[mr.z]

There is no legal requirement for leathers but if you turn up to a cbt in shorts and a t-shirt then your instructor will not be at all impressed! (and a sensible instructor would no way take you on the road) jeans and a decent jackett at a minimum

Budget at least £300/400 for leathers/boots/gloves. they are not as cool as a spiffy looking italian bike but if you have an accident (and hate to say it on a cbt your quite high risk factor) it makes the difference between potentially horrific injurys or a few bruises...

I'd also very much reccomend you a cg125, nothing you can get as 125cc will knock your head off performance wise but these are cheep, easy to maintain and and easy to live with (just try and get one with an electric start >01 i think).

2 strokes have their plus points (looks better but they can only legaly be slightly more powerfull, but would get you to 60/70) but the maintainace is far more involved and as a result will cost you allot more, if money is no object and its not your primary transport have a 2stroke, if you want cheep and easy to get going on a 4stroke will suit you better.

haveing recently been there and done that i'd reccomend you try and do your test asap, 125s are uterly pants in comparrison to what you can get for the same price, i payed the same for my 50bhp bike as i did for my cg (11bhp), insureance is the same too.

You could have a 400cc for the same you'd buy a sporty 2stroke, it will look better, sound better (argueably ) be more comfortable, cheeper to run and maintain.

The test is a horrible thing to do, but its about to get worse, so dont hang about!
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