Big name Japanese or cheap Chinese for learner? Vintage/Mod?

[Grumpy Joe]

Hi everybody, I'm taking my CBT next week and would like a bit of advice on choice of 125cc bike to purchase afterwards.

I'm a total novice when it comes to bikes so as you can imagine I don't want to buy something that is rubbish and stops half way through a journey. I've been watching ebay and gumtree for a decent bike and I wanted to know whether people thought a big name make such as Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha or Kawasaki would be better for my needs rather than a cheaper Chinese make like Sinnis or TMEC? I've read mixed things about Chinese bikes, mostly bad but some good.

I'm wanting to use the bike to get to and from work (approx 200 miles a week) and possibly off road at the weekend and like everybody else I don't want to spend that much, ideally under £1000. But this is the thing, I've seen some early 80's Honda's (between £500-£900) and they appear ok but what are they going to be like for repairs? Am I going to have to pay through the nose for a vintage part that is hard to find or will most garages have a replacement part readily available and not at a vintage price?

Also if it's an 80's or 90's bike by a big name is it going to be a lot more to insure?

Additionally, I will be storing the bike outside off the street and I don't want to pay £2K for a modern Yamaha for it to get nicked if a cheaper Chinese bike would do what I need and then were to be nicked. Any advice is welcome, thank you in advance.

[swampy]

Repost this in 'New Bikers' or General Bike Chat' mate, will get a much better response...
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[Grumpy Joe]

Thanks, I thought it was a bit quiet on the responses ha! I've re-posted as you suggested, many thanks.