First 125

[Delco]

Hey, so basically Im looking to buy my first 125 bike and I also would love to have sports looking bike as commuter ones dont really look apealing to me and 125 scooters with those small wheels dont sound too safe.

So, I came across this bike which is about my spending limit.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2014-SKYJET-SJ125-24-WHITE-125cc-SPORTS-MOTORBIKE-LEARNER-LEGAL-/251250631830

Question: whats up with? Its just looks too good to be true. Brand new sports 125 bike for 1k pounds. Well, +DLV registration+plates+insurance+something so that will prolly be another 300 pounds but still.
And seller seems to have a good reputation.

Or that is expected price for that kind of bike?

[DiscoBiscuit]

It's Chinese (I think) so it's not to the standards of Japanese bikes. That price doesn't look too unordinary for a Chinese bike. They're built to a budget and the price reflects that. However there are some people such as Rogerborg on here that have Chinese bikes and they don't look too unreliable if you keep on top of maintenance. Personally though, I'd buy a second hand Jap bike. Have you considered a NSR125? They are 2 stroke so less reliable than a 4 stroke, but you'll have far more fun and reach speeds of around 90-100mph. Then there's the competition such as an Aprillia RS125 or a Cagiva Mito 125, both of these are quicker and probably have better handling, but are known to be slightly less reliable. It depends what you want it for, reliability (4 stroke) or speed/fun/gash (2 stroke).

[c_dug]

I'd second the NSR suggestion over the Chinese bike.

It was only a couple of years ago that the Chinese bikes were completely berated for being utterly useless, and arguably the reputation is getting better, however I wouldn't put my own money on one.

Also, if you look at the bike as an investment, your £1000 on the Chinese bike is likely to be worth half of that in a year or two. Your Japanese equivalent, if looked after, shouldn't loose much at all once it has reached the £1000 mark, especially the two strokes which are if anything going up in price for a well looked after model.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[MC]

[Rogerborg]

I got my HN125-8 from Learner Legal and it was indeed surprisingly decent. They're nice enough chaps, and do try and support the bikes, but they're a small outfit on tight margins, so don't expect miracles if you get a real lemon.

That Skyjet is essentially CG125-copy running gear with CBR-a-like plastics on top. There's a depressing number of them to be found as "spares or repair".

Do the sums. £949 + £85 delivery + £55 first registration + £17 tax + £10 plates = £1116.

Then bear in mind that to register it, you'll need to insure it on the VIN, which limits your choices and pushes up the cost, possible significantly. Then you're left waiting around for up to two weeks for the DVLA to issue a number.

Nope, wouldn't do that again. If you really intend to go that way, the Lexmoto XTR S 125 will set you back £1270 OTR. The extra money gets you local dealer support and possibly higher resale.

But once you're into that money - why not just buy a real CBR125? It's a nice enough bike, with examples to suit most budgets, and it will hold its value much better.
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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

[guile]

Don't spend money on a 'stylish' 125. Just get a YBR/CBF (I know they look shit) for a few months and do your tests. You will regret spending money on style over substance.

[TallPaul_S]

[BillTheBiker]

I don't wish to argue with any of the experienced members of this forum, but I went and bought myself a lightly used Honda SH125 bike with 2.5k miles on the clock. It is a simple twist and go scooter, with large wheels.

I am 6ft 4 and find it comfy. It's cheap to fill and has been ultra reliable. Good little bike.

The disadvantage is, however, it is not a geared bike, hence when you come to doing the DAS and will be training on something bigger, you would have found a geared 125cc bike more beneficial from that perspective.

It's down to:

1. Your budget
2. Purpose / distance of commute
3. Your height
4. Do you see yourself moving up from a CBT

Hope that helps

[G30]

YBR or CG. They hold their value. I made £150 profit on my YBR but it did have a new rear tyre and side stand fitted but they cost me like £90.
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KTM RC390 -- Kawa ER6f -- Yam YZF R125 -- Yam YBR 125

[Clutchy]

Get a Honda cbr or nsr
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Malaguti F12 Phantom-Dead, Suzuki AY50- Dead, NRG power DD LQ, CBR125.
*33 BHP restriction up on 10/12/14* Current bikes/car: SV 650 S/ MKIV GOLF
Guide to pass your test with no lessons!

[Stamadum]

I had a cbr125 as my first bike and it was perfect for me. great beginner bike