Suitability of a 125cc for my commute - and hello!

[Kazman]

Hi all, first post here. I have done lots of searches regarding the question I am about to ask, but thought I would try and get a bit more confirmation on it:

Have not done my CBT yet (long time car driver and cyclist). Getting dangerously close to being officially old, so thought I should take the plunge in to the biking world sooner rather than later (something I have been wanting to do for years tbh but always scared myself out of it).

I would like to get a 125cc after completing my CBT and use that for a year (well a summer at least). I may choose to take my test sooner rather than later, but I am under no illusions that it might take me some time to become competent (having only sat on a bike once or twice before!)

I would be using the bike for a 6 mile commute each way (when the weather is good). My concern is that my route has to include a fairly steep climb that has a duration of about 3/4 of a mile. Its also national speed limit single carriageway. The rest of the route is all lovely and rural 30/40 limits with next to no traffic (lucky me).

I am very concerned that I am going to forever have cars tailgating me as I ring a 125 to death trying to get to the top without holding everyone up... but am I just underestimating its ability to "climb"

I would estimate the gradient is about 6-7% average (its not enough to warrant a sign anyway). I'm about 12 stone and I was looking at a YBR 125.

How much of a challenge would this situation pose? Would I be able to get a decent head of speed up? It's not a super busy road, but I know how self aware I will get! Am I just worrying too much about nothing?

Also, are there any 125's that are more suited to this task? The only one I can think of is a Varradero, but they are massively more expensive for their age and i'm not sure if it would really make a massive difference anyway (couple of mph perhaps?)

Look forward to peoples feedback on this, as its the only thing clouding my decision making at the moment.

Thanks in advance

[esullivan]

I'm about that weight (76KG) and used to go up a similarly steep, similarly long hill (maybe 1/2-3/4 mile) with my 125 without any trouble. You'll be fine.

In fact, after I passed my test, I used to take my (petite) wife on the back up this same hill. I could easily maintain the speed limit.
____________________
Current: '14 VFR800X Test passed 31/10/12.
Previous: '12 NC700S, '11 CBF 125, '04 SH 125.

[Kazman]

That's very reassuring - thanks. What 125 was it sorry? A bog standard 4 stroke I am hoping!

Oh and apologies, my timed out topic seems to have posted now so I have made the ultimate noob error and got two identical threads running....

[map]

FWIW the other thread (with more replies) is on this clicky link.

Suggest people post in that and let this lie.

HTH
____________________
...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?