what 125cc shall i get?

[cbutler703]

well im doing my cbt soon and plan to take my test a few weeks after i get my bike. i need a bike that i can travel down to devon on from reading and im gunna be honest im not the skinniest bloke around so needs to be reliable. maximum spend of £1500 obviously dont mind if second hand?

[Rogerborg]

Ask Paddy to sell you his Varadero 125. </thread>
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Az]

Don't get a chinese bike because u can buy one brand new within your budget - the chances are it'll be a heap of shit and you won't get much for it when you re-sell it.
A varadero 125 should be good for doing long trips, it's also a reliable bike.

[Spireite]

[P.]

Varadero is a good call.

Mine however, is possibly going to a new home

[dydey90]

If you're doing your test in a few weeks, why a 125? Or is it the A1 category you'll be doing?
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This post is probably not serious and shouldn't be taken literally.
Past: CBR125,ER6f NINJA 650, ZZR600 Current: VFR750

[SirMacca89]

As said previous Honda varadero 125 is a brilliant bike for a bigger build. Anything else would look very small to your frame. Solid reliable engines, look and feel of a bigger engined bike. Can't go wrong

[ninja_butler]

I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss Chinese bikes, 5 years ago they were all crap, 3 years ago most of them were crap, but now.. well most of them are still crap but there are a couple of manufacturers who have gained some respectability. New Japanese bike for £2500 or new Chinese bike for £1500? I'd be tempted.

[Rogerborg]

A new £1500 Chinese bike will cost you £500 the moment you turn the key. Also, they're all, without any exception that I can think of, 10-11bhp commuters. The Varadero makes nearly 50% more power. OP wants it for long trips, not urban bimbling.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[_Iain_]

Make your decision based around what you want, not what's practical, safe, economical, learner freindly or otherwise. Then choose the bike that sorta fits nicely in with that lot. Example - if i wanted to do lots of miles & loved the look of a supersports bike i'd pick a CBR125, as it's reliable - not an RS125 that'll break down every day

If you're totally unsure on what to go for then a used CG/YBR - insurance is cheap, fuels cheap, very reliable, tyres also cheap (if doing lots of miles then cheap tyres is good as they'll square out quickly) Budget on adding a +1 or +2 tooth front sprocket to get it cruising at more sensible revs (about £5)

Varadero's a cracking bike. Very comfy, pulls well...but for the price of a used one I dont think I could stomach it. Also far easier to sell a £600-700 commuter with less losses after racking up uber mileages.

Tl;dr - get what you want to get!
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Please be aware that the above post may be full of complete nonsense.
Riding: '07 KTM Duke II, Baotian BT49QT-20 Driving: '88 Volvo 340