Starter Bike Yamaha RD 125

[Tyral]

Hi. I'm new to the forums.

I'm going to do my CBT within the next few weeks and I want to get a suitable/reliable bike for daily commutes to work, which is only a mile away.
I've been looking on ebay, where I've found a Yamaha RD 125, in good condition, recently maintained and I was wondering whether this is a good choice for a starter bike.

PS, I have very little bike knowhow on bike mechanics, but I'm hoping to learn as I go along.

Thanks.

[iCraig]

Hmmm, well RD125's are about 20 years old now and about as reliable as a Lada with no engine.


A better bike would be something like a Honda NSR125 or a 4 Stroke 125.

[mr jamez]

Something like a CG125 has to be the ultimate slow little learner commuter, thing? the NSR needs maintenace, they seem a little fussy and might be a bit of a pain in traffic being a 2 stroke and all. Mind you a CG can't be much fun either

[Sacarius]

I believe Tyral would want something more sporty, to progress a bit and be acceptable on a dual carriage way, as well as look like a tart.
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[sv_cath]

I learnt on an RD125LC and loved it to bits!
Having said that, they're getting on a bit now so may be a bit unreliable, but just do like I did and learn the intricacies of a two-stroke engine by having to take the thing apart to work on / rebuild it every so often!

[Frost]

[badlydamaged]

If its the one with the recent rebore on ebay, I cant see much reason for it to gice trouble if the jobs good. It's true that old small strokers aren't always the most reliable bikes, but this is oftern because of the abuse they take, and the poor bodges learners use to keep them on the road. If this one is sorted properly is then you will no doubt get many miles of enjoyable service, its really worth checking the bike out before bidding however. A 4 Stroke will need less attention in the long run, could prove more reliable but no where near as much fun, riding a good small wild stroker is a whole heap more enjoyable! I cant see why that 1987 bike would be any more unreliable than an equivilant NS125, but its definatly worth getting someone in the know to go up with you and check the bike out before bididing, but this goes with any bikes brought of ebay.

This is the one I was looking at, if its the other which (is in need of restoration) then I wouldn't bother with it for what you want it for. This one looks pretty good though: https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=9809&item=2482455562&rd=1

Hope you find an ideal bike, RD or not and enjoy yourself!
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[Kickstart]

Hi

A standard RD should be fairly reliable, but they went out of production in the late 1980s (~1988).

Trouble is that the chances of an RD being standard after all this time are very limited, and 15~20 years of ownership by learners is hardly going to give them an easy time.

However they are nice enough little bikes. Derestricted they will do 87mph (but indicate rather more).

All the best

Keith
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[Tyral]

Thanks for the info. Greatly appreciated.
I think i'll give it while longer before I make my choice, so I don't rush into things and buy the wrong/bad bike.
I'll try and check out some local dealers near by, and read more into bikes, so I know what i'm getting myself into