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Hello All & Help Needed

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PeteyB
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 12 May 2016
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PostPosted: 11:54 - 12 May 2016    Post subject: Hello All & Help Needed Reply with quote
Hi All, First off to introduce myself. Names Pete, 29 years old and I am a Front End Developer located in the Cotswolds.

I am currently looking to do my CBT in the next month or so and would lovesome advice on what 125cc to get.

I am a big guy (6'5" and 20 stone) and I am currently having trouble finding Geared 125cc that would fit me. I will be buying the bike new through Finance (My wallet has been devoured by a Wedding and House) and would be looking to use the bike to travel to work which is about 9 miles away.

I have recently been gifted a Harley Davidson Softail Deuce 2001 by my Fiance's farther. After attaining my CBT I will be looking to do theory and direct access to ride this bike for my 30th birthday. As I am financing a 125cc I plan to use the 125cc for work and then have my Harley as a after work and weekend cruiser.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Any good finance offers would also be appreciated if you see them.

Thanks to anyone in advanced Very Happy
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DrSnoosnoo
World Chat Champion



Joined: 28 Mar 2012
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PostPosted: 12:03 - 12 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
You want a "real size" 125. You want to buy a Honda Varadero 125.

They don't make these new anymore so find a good example of a used one.

Good luck with the tests Thumbs Up
____________________
I'm Sam; Northern, Ginger, Lover
Did have: '95 ZZR600 '83 CG125 '97 ZZR1100 '15 Hypermotard 821 SP Do Have: '10 ZX10R
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PeteyB
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 12 May 2016
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PostPosted: 12:17 - 12 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
DrSnoosnoo wrote:
You want a "real size" 125. You want to buy a Honda Varadero 125.

They don't make these new anymore so find a good example of a used one.

Good luck with the tests Thumbs Up


Thanks DrSnoosnoo. Do you know of any real size 125cc that are new? I have looked at the Yamaha MT125 which was quite a big bike.

My Other option is getting a low apr loan I guess for a second hand bike.
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Aceslock
Spanner Monkey



Joined: 12 Dec 2014
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PostPosted: 12:38 - 12 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hi Pete,

My mate had a MT125 when he started learning, they are indeed quite big.

I also saw a 20 stoner riding one on Sunday, out with his mates who were on 'big' bikes (R6, Bandit 1200, Triumph Daytona) so this could be a good option if buying new.......

Good luck with whatever you decide to get Thumbs Up
____________________
Previous Bike: Skyjet SJ27
Sold: Yamaha YZF 600 R Thundercat. Sold: ZX636R
Current bike: R1 14B (Beast)
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DrSnoosnoo
World Chat Champion



Joined: 28 Mar 2012
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PostPosted: 12:49 - 12 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
PeteyB wrote:
Thanks DrSnoosnoo. Do you know of any real size 125cc that are new? I have looked at the Yamaha MT125 which was quite a big bike.

My Other option is getting a low apr loan I guess for a second hand bike.


Honestly, I don't, it's not something I follow too closely but evidently the MT125 might be a larger size. I say "Real Size" because bikes like the Yamaha YBR are rather short, I'm 6ft2, so don't suit taller riders, IMO. Also, IMO, if I were to buy a 125, I'd want to buy one with the most power I could use on a CBT, the full 15 bhp! (or thereabouts).

The Yamaha YZF-R125 has this power but is a cramped riding position.

I'd say, as would many others, don't buy new unless you intend on keeping it for 4+ years or you'll just eat the depreciation for the next owner.

I've just had a quick peruse on eBay for Varaderos and their price reflects their perceived performance. They can be used on motorways without slowing to a crawl on hills, they have a fairing to keep you dry, and they're nice and tall, probably good for someone of your stature.

Ultimately, though, you'll buy whatever tickles your fancy the most and that's fine. Thumbs Up
____________________
I'm Sam; Northern, Ginger, Lover
Did have: '95 ZZR600 '83 CG125 '97 ZZR1100 '15 Hypermotard 821 SP Do Have: '10 ZX10R
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Snowdonia Rider
World Chat Champion



Joined: 17 Oct 2014
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PostPosted: 13:02 - 12 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
The Yamaha WR125R is a tall bike, 92cm seat height I think but it's a narrow skinnyish bike. 125's and big in the same sentence is a rare thing Thumbs Up
____________________
I want your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle.
Suzuki GP125 Suzuki GSX600F Suzuki SV650S KTM EXC250F SkyTeam Bongo 125
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SnowdoniaRider
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PeteyB
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 12 May 2016
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PostPosted: 13:19 - 12 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
DrSnoosnoo wrote:

Honestly, I don't, it's not something I follow too closely but evidently the MT125 might be a larger size. I say "Real Size" because bikes like the Yamaha YBR are rather short, I'm 6ft2, so don't suit taller riders, IMO. Also, IMO, if I were to buy a 125, I'd want to buy one with the most power I could use on a CBT, the full 15 bhp! (or thereabouts).

The Yamaha YZF-R125 has this power but is a cramped riding position.

I'd say, as would many others, don't buy new unless you intend on keeping it for 4+ years or you'll just eat the depreciation for the next owner.

I've just had a quick peruse on eBay for Varaderos and their price reflects their perceived performance. They can be used on motorways without slowing to a crawl on hills, they have a fairing to keep you dry, and they're nice and tall, probably good for someone of your stature.

Ultimately, though, you'll buy whatever tickles your fancy the most and that's fine. Thumbs Up


Thanks for the advice DrSnoosnoo. I believe the MT125 is also a 15bhp model. Its just choosing which bike to get old or new. I do plan to have it for a fair few years for the sake of getting to work.
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PeteyB
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 12 May 2016
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PostPosted: 13:21 - 12 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
under_rated wrote:
The Yamaha WR125R is a tall bike, 92cm seat height I think but it's a narrow skinnyish bike. 125's and big in the same sentence is a rare thing Thumbs Up


I know. The guy in the Yamaha shop said the same. He said you need a big bike 125 which is heavier than a normal 125. So basically if you big and heavy you need a heavy bike so you go even slower. Laughing
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Rogerborg
nimbA



Joined: 26 Oct 2010
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PostPosted: 13:31 - 12 May 2016    Post subject: Re: Hello All & Help Needed Reply with quote
In your position, I'd strongly advocate doing your tests ASAP then getting on something 250cc, or buying a used Varadero 125.

Finance on a new bike is an expensive way to ride one. You'll be expected to get fully comprehensive insurance, and will also be getting it dealer serviced to maintain the warranty.

Deposit, insurance, a few monthly payments and a service and you're looking at having sunk the total cost of a cheap used bike, with nothing but more liabilities to show for it.

You've got all your gear and security to pay for as well, so it's not like there are no up-front costs.

OK, that aside.

The WR125R does sound like a reasonable bet, but it's £4200 OTR. Ouch.

Another biggish candidate might be the Derbi Terra / Terra Adventure, which comes in at about £2800 - £3000 + OTR. However, parts and warranty may be problematical.

Really though? For your purposes, just as something to commute on, cheap to rent and run, with no intention of doing your tests for a year or so?

I'd see if you fit on a Honda PCX125. You'll pick up roadcraft, and gears won't take that long to master when you do your Big Boy Bike training later.

Not what you want to hear, I know, but I honestly can't think of a new geared 125 that makes as much sense.
____________________
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
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Polarbear
Super Spammer



Joined: 24 Feb 2007
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PostPosted: 13:40 - 12 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
Used Varadero and a loan or 0% credit card from a dealer.

It is the only 125 I have felt remotly safe on and I've ridden a few of the horrible things when my son and daughter were learning.

The Varadero was built when Honda still built good quality small bikes and if you look after it, you won't lose huge amounts.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bikes/motorcycles/honda/xl125-varadero/2011-honda-xl125-125cc-bridgend-bfpa-201604213183638?logcode=p
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Saraya
Spanner Monkey



Joined: 11 May 2016
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PostPosted: 14:19 - 13 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hi Pete,
I know absolutely nothing about makes of bikes, but my son is 6ft 2 and sat on many bikes trying to find one that felt right for his long legs. He felt like he needed to sit on the pillion seat to ride a few of them. He eventually got a Hyosung GT125. It seems a really big bike compared to my YBR. Wait for one of the pros on here to comment on the Hyosung though, as I really do know nothing about bikes. So for all I know, I’ve just suggested the biking world equivalent of a 3 legged horse! Very Happy
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rhys99
Scooby Slapper



Joined: 23 Feb 2015
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PostPosted: 15:48 - 13 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
WR's are silly money. I'd vote for the Derbi terra 125 or Varadero. My bike has the same engine as the Derbi with some minor differences and FI, will just about have enough poke to shift you about however it will be painfully slow.
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Snowdonia Rider
World Chat Champion



Joined: 17 Oct 2014
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PostPosted: 18:09 - 13 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
You could just go complete the opposite and get a Grom...
____________________
I want your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle.
Suzuki GP125 Suzuki GSX600F Suzuki SV650S KTM EXC250F SkyTeam Bongo 125
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SnowdoniaRider
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Rogerborg
nimbA



Joined: 26 Oct 2010
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PostPosted: 19:04 - 13 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
Saraya wrote:
Hyosung GT125.

Big bikes with a decent engine. However, there are few of them around, they're likely to have been neglected, they have weak spots (electrics, exhaust, swinging arm) and you'll be buying salvage parts or direct from Korea, if you can still find any.

If you can find the one decent example still around that needs nothing done to it, fair enough.

OP wants to buy rent new though. If I were to make that mistake, I'd be thinking the Derbi or if I were cheaping out, I might have a look at the Lexmoto Adrenaline. I'd probably regret either, but suffering builds character.
____________________
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
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P.
Red Rocket



Joined: 14 Feb 2008
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PostPosted: 19:06 - 13 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
1800 quid varadero 125. Fuel injected. None of this carb business. It'll run fine through your ownership and feels miles bigger. I'd have another in a heart beat.
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Nobby the Bastard
Harley Gaydar



Joined: 16 Aug 2013
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PostPosted: 19:15 - 13 May 2016    Post subject: Re: Hello All & Help Needed Reply with quote
PeteyB wrote:


I have recently been gifted a Harley Davidson Softail Deuce 2001 by my Fiance's father.


I take it you are taking advantage of the fact that same-sex marriage has recently become legal?
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050
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Snowdonia Rider
World Chat Champion



Joined: 17 Oct 2014
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PostPosted: 09:06 - 14 May 2016    Post subject: Re: Hello All & Help Needed Reply with quote
Nobby the Bastard wrote:


I take it you are taking advantage of the fact that same-sex marriage has recently become legal?


Are you referring to Fiancè and Fiancee? I only discovered the difference with that whilst buying a Valentines card last year. The nice lady at the till pointed out my mistake lol.
____________________
I want your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle.
Suzuki GP125 Suzuki GSX600F Suzuki SV650S KTM EXC250F SkyTeam Bongo 125
My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SnowdoniaRider
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Nobby the Bastard
Harley Gaydar



Joined: 16 Aug 2013
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PostPosted: 09:38 - 14 May 2016    Post subject: Re: Hello All & Help Needed Reply with quote
under_rated wrote:
Nobby the Bastard wrote:


I take it you are taking advantage of the fact that same-sex marriage has recently become legal?


Are you referring to Fiancè and Fiancee? I only discovered the difference with that whilst buying a Valentines card last year. The nice lady at the till pointed out my mistake lol.


NO, it's because he has a Hardley...
____________________
trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050
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M.C
Super Spammer



Joined: 29 Sep 2015
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PostPosted: 18:41 - 14 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
PeteyB wrote:
I believe the MT125 is also a 15bhp model. Its just choosing which bike to get old or new. I do plan to have it for a fair few years for the sake of getting to work.

I believe its the same engine as the R125, which might not be a good thing (recent discussions on engine life were interesting) Laughing Still felt slow to me but that's 125's for you, what I wasn't expecting was how forward the riding position was, compared to the rest of the MT range.

Derbi Terra's a good shout, I knew someone who had one and he was a big lad, had no issues with it. I think it has the same engine as the RS4 (so is bang on the 15bhp limit).

Varadero's were expensive when they were new, and the used prices seem to reflect this. They're also heavier than most other 125's, which IMO removes the only good thing about tiddlers (the lack of weight).

I wouldn't buy new, you may plan to have it a few years, but you might be bored of it after a few months and be lusting after something bigger.
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darkhorizon
Scooby Slapper



Joined: 16 Jun 2012
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PostPosted: 10:49 - 15 May 2016    Post subject: Re: Hello All & Help Needed Reply with quote
PeteyB wrote:
I am a Front End Developer located in the Cotswolds.


Does that means you run a breast enlargement clinic in the Shires?
____________________
2009 CBF600 - London hack - stolen then recovered - still going!
2006 CG125 - Was SORN'd, now back on road - sold Nov '16
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talkToTheHat
World Chat Champion



Joined: 21 Feb 2012
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PostPosted: 23:14 - 15 May 2016    Post subject: Reply with quote
USED Suzuki GZ125 marauder. Don't touch one with a megaphone exhaust, you want the later (2004+) models as they make 2bhp more and have shorter gearing. I rode one at 16 stone. The maximum vehicle weight should be adequate but it will be piss slow. Buy for no more than 1k, sell when you are done learning. You're gonna want to be ridding a bigger bike.

Bandits are popular with big guys as they are quite spacious btw.
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