Should I get Honda CBF 125 for first bike??

[Aaroncourt26]

Hey everyone i haven't done nothing like this before so I'm just gonna get to the point.

I'm 17 and I have my driving test in a months time, I have been thinking about getting a bike license for a couple years now but I really dislike peds as they are automatic and the awful sound they make. So now I am 17 I can ride a 125 and I have been looking around for a couple months and think I have decided on a Honda CBF 125 (not sure what year yet) and I'm going to take my CBT as soon as I've taken my driving test.

Any advice or information you can give me about this bike that I need to know or any other bike (Has to be manual as I'm fussy )

[Rogerborg]

Erratic quality control. Some (not all) of them rust early and comprehensively. Some of them rusted from new. They have fuel pump problems, but they're likely to have been replaced by now. They have a habit of burning through their oil between their 2,500 mile oil change intervals (far too long, IMO) and seizing.

I'm not saying they're all dogs, just that you shouldn't rely on Honda's reputation, or their dealers.

Pick a good example, treat it to ACF-50 (anti corrosion spray or liquid), and keep on top of any rust the instant it appears. Check the oil regularly, and change it more frequently than advised - it's only a litre.

If you're thinking of getting a new or newish one, be aware that they're about to be replaced by the cheaper CB125F. There's a review of that here, which talks about the differences between the two bikes:

https://www.visordown.com/learners/first-ride-honda-cb125f-review/26545.html

Traditionally, when a new model comes out, the old model gets sold off cheaply. Keep an eye out for bargains.
____________________
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

[Alpineandy]

There's loads of posts on here asking a similar question.
Most older riders say buy as cheap as you can and save for the day you can get a 'proper' bike.
The newer ones will suggest the latest fashion 125.....

Bottom line, without knowing your budget and whether you are prepared to work on the bike yourself, it ain't easy to recommend anything. Do you prefer 'sports' style, motard, cruiser, classic etc etc etc?
____________________
The above comment isn't necessarily the truth and anyone that says it is, is only correct if it's the truth or they're bigger than me.

[Aaroncourt26]

Thank you for the advice Rogerborg I didn't know much about the CB125F.

Alpineandy, I am prepared to work on the bike as I work on family's cars doing the servicing ect, and I do prefer the 'sport' look on bikes

I wanna pay around £1000 for my first bike and I'm willing to buy another within a year as I will be getting a full time job soon as I finish college in 2 months

[RedPanda]

I've been riding one since September. I rode most days in winter and the only (exterior) sign of slight rust/brown-ness is on one of the exhaust seams (for lack of a better term) below the engine. I caked it in ACF in December and topped it up in February.

As a beginner bike it is fine. It’s fast enough off lights, can manage NSL rodes, and you can cruise through town in third or fourth. The brakes are good, you can get a bit of a lean angle, and personally I think it looks a lot better than the YBR from Yamaha. Its only limitations are the usual 125 ones and the notorious rust problem.

Anyway (at risk of going Teflon), with your budget I’d say maybe look out for an old CG125. They’re apparently hard as nails, only a little slower than a CBF, and although they may not look cool, they’re still way better than mopeds. Plus you want a new bike in a year anyway.
____________________
CBF125 (2013) -> CBR600F (2001) -> 'Ninja' 300 (2014)

[Aaroncourt26]

Thank you for the response Redpanda, il go have a look at CG125,

How much did you pay for your CBF?

[RedPanda]

[Aaroncourt26]

When researching bikes and prices I browse https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bikes-for-sale/ ]

Il take a look now thank you!,

Dam I wish I was couple years older I don't like little bikes I just wanna be on the big bikes but obviously gotta work your way up that's why I love the look of the CBF it's the biggest I could get at my age

[Rogerborg]

If you like the sportsbike look, you might be able to find an older CBR125 in your budget. The older ones are tiny though.
____________________
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

[Aaroncourt26]

[Rogerborg]

Have a look on eBay. CBR125, Advanced, completed listings, up to £1000.

I see a 2006 with 11,000 miles for £750, needing an MOT. Bit risky, you're better off buying one with a fresh (private seller) MOT. But find a chum who knows about bikes (actually knows) and something like that could be a good deal.

If you're prepared to put some work into a Cat C / D damaged one, you can go much newer - I see a 2012 15,000 miler that went for £970.

Thing is, everyone wants cheap, low mileage 125s, which is why there aren't that many around. With your budget, you're better buying a good example of whatever bike comes up first rather than holding out for a particular model, missing out on good bikes and perhaps settling for a lemon.

CBT first, buy your gear, get your cash in hand and then pounce on local bikes the instant they appear on eBay or Gumtree.
____________________
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

[Aaroncourt26]

Thank you for that advice Rogerborg, I wasn't sure what order to do CBT and get gear I really appreciate your time thank you

[Rogerborg]

If you're sure that you're going to stick with biking then it would make sense to get your own well fitting gear before the CBT. After all, it's when you're most likely to make a mistake.

There's always plenty of good condition used stuff coming up cheaply on eBay or Gumtree that won't break the bank.

Helmets, I'd always buy new. Cost doesn't guarantee safety though, and fit is most important. You'll be surprised how many cheap lids get 5* ratings and some of the top brands that don't:

https://sharp.direct.gov.uk/
____________________
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

[Pigeon]

[Teflon-Mike]

Life is long and full of shit; so don't go looking for any extra shit to deal with, just deal with the shit you gotta deal with here and now.

You say you are doing car tests soon.... that's enough be worrying about for now.

But, I take it that having signed up to do driving tests, you have realised that typically £5K teen driver insurance premiums mean you wont be getting your own car in a hurry, hence looking at bikes... so, Oh-kay... heads up for WHEN you might be ready to chase this oe;

First step is CBT Compulsory Basic Training.. 'T' s for TRAINING not test; a competent qualified rider it makes you not! Does teach you a fair bit, though; but still. THAT's the first step biking wise; And you don't have to have a bike to do CBT, but you do need CBT to ride a bike!

And some folk, not many, but some, don't get further than CBT; they cant get the hang of riding a bike, or once on the road, just dont like it, so dont want to go any further. You could be one of them; so don't buy a bike till you have given it a go and got that cert in your pocket, so you can do something with it, if you DO get one.

THEN... 'kit'... more to riding a bike than just riding a bike! CBT can give you a lot to think about and a lot of good advice; but, just to get you started...

Before you buy a BIKE.... buy a BIKE-LOCK!

A 'good' chain, long enough to go round the frame, for preference, and something hard and unyielding, like a lamp-post, where you expect to normally keep the bike over night. (You can buy 'ground anchors' if you don't have anything convenient already) Or your chances of having your nice shiny new bike very long aren't high.

After that, you'll want a crash-hat, which could be one of the least expensive items on the list; gloves, boots, and at the very least water-proofs if no more dedicated riding wear like trousers & jacket.

Next, you need to check out insurance; It's still likely to be expensive, and there are a few 'nigglies' in there for teen-angers; one of which is if you intend to use the thing to go to and from school / college / job.. the normal private vehicle cover of 'Social, Domestic & Pleasure' doesn't cover it; and you need to opt in for "+ Commuting", and that little chceck-box can add 30% to what you might get out of a comparison site; Next up, at 17, you aren't old enough to take the offered 'monthly plan' for a premium; its not buying insurance moth by month, its buying a 12 moth policy on a credit agreement you aren't old enough to have; SO, you either have t pay the full premium price upfront (which could dent your bike buying budget a far bit) or hope to get some-one over 18 to countersign or stand guarantor on the monthly credit plan.

Now, with CBT in your pocket; an effoff lock and chain in your back garden; basic riding apparel in your wardrobe, and an idea of how much you need to set asside to get insurance.... you MIGHT, start fretting about bikes.

Long way to go to be in that position yet.... and yup, good to be a bit clued up.. B-U-T.. when you get to this point, what the web says about different bikes mean absolutely shit, if there are none to be bought! You can only buy bikes that are actually for sale; and making up less than 1% of road transport, there aren't anywhere near as many for sale as many suppose, AND you have to get to them, with money, to buy one... and before some other fella does!

There's another niggle for you to ponder on; how far and wide are you prepared to look for a bike? And then when you find one that looks promising, how you going to get to it, see it, and maybe do a deal on it? And get it home.... back to top and needing that CBT in your pocket before you can ride it...

BUT at THAT point; when you actually have a bike you COULD buy, in-front of you, money in your mitt to do a deal on it..

First chances are it wont be a CBF125; second, chances are even if it IS a CBF125, the 'known' problems with that model mean bugger all to the UNKNOWN problems the one you are looking at may have!

CONDTION IS ALL

Get clued up on basic maintenance; what things an owner should do to keep a bike in good condition.. a lot of it will be taught on your CBT.. so when you do CBT, listen! Make notes if you have to; but do THOSE regular safety and pre-ride checks on whatever bike you are looking to buy! If you want, play a it dumb; tell the seller you remember them from your CBT but would appreciate it if HE could show you how to do them on THIS bike.... see what he does! If he doesn't know where the oil filler is... GOOD chance he's ever checked the oil! for example.

Weigh up the 'value' of potential bikes an INDIVIDUAL basis, from what you can touch or see in the metal and rubber in front of you, NOT the specs in the sales brochure, or the reports in the mags, or peoples comments on the web... could all be interesting stuff... BUT, not really all that important.. and if you have learned all there may be to know about CBF125's... but are looking at a YBR125 or a Lexmoto 'cos thats all you can find for sale.... not particularly helpful!

So back to top... get your car tests done and dusted... THEN if you want to do any research, go look for schools to do your CBT with in your area....

How much? Does it include bike Hire? Do they provide lunch? How you going to get there? How you going to get back? How much will it cost if you don't 'complete' the course in a day.... and have to go back for 'further training'... you are paying for a Days TRAINING on a CBT course NOT a certificate..... you only get that, when you get up to the required standard, and not ALL students do, and not all i one day.

THIS is the 'useful' stuff for you to deal with here and now... not gleaning opinions on a model of bike, no-one might have for sale, if and when you get so far as to be ready to buy one.

Like I said at the beginning; Life is long and full of shit; so don't go looking for any extra shit to deal with, just deal with the shit you gotta deal with here and now. - so god luck with the car-tests!
____________________
My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

[Northern Monkey]

[Rogerborg]

Did... did Mike actually read and (in part) respond to the OP's specific question?

I heard the End Days were a'comin'. Is this it?
____________________
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

[daifuco]

The CBF is far from perfect but it does the job well. I like little things like the small fairing that fits a L sticker nicely.
The injector also makes the bike to sound a bit "serious" at low revs.

I would rather have a well kept CG but really, if you find a decent CBF go for it.

Oh an important point. Some CBF came with poor tyres with very bad grip on wet weather. Mine has continental, which I guess are okish.

[Aaroncourt26]

thank you for the adive everyone haven't got much time to thank everyone individually.

I'm sure I wanna stick with bikes it's just convincing my parents but it's my money so I suppose they can't really stop me they just won't be happy with my choice.

What about in winter I live in UK and the weather isn't exactly brilliant but would I be able to ride in the pooring rain if I need to get somewhere or isn't it the safest, because my other option was get a car the a bike in couple years when I have more money is that a better choice? Or could I use a bike all year round

[RedPanda]

Where are you from? I have a very different winter in Kent to those flat cap wearing, whippet walkers oop norff.

Tell your parents about how much cheaper fuel is for 125s, and better for the environment. My CBF does around 100 miles to the gallon, I top up every 150-200 miles and it never costs more than £8.
____________________
CBF125 (2013) -> CBR600F (2001) -> 'Ninja' 300 (2014)

[Aaroncourt26]

[RedPanda]

[Aaroncourt26]

Yeah most insurance I have been looking at are about 1.5K and that's for like a 1.2 or 1.0 litre but I wouldn't really need shopping or that yet I would only be getting to work or my partners house who has a car, I was looking on get insured on that once I pass but it's coming to over 2K for both of us so she has a car if we need it

[Rogerborg]

[Minty]