bike choice, insurance and second hand advice

[Fred3606]

Hi all,
Done my CBT, now looking for a bike. Probably be looking on the second hand market due to price. Would like a bike that is fairly fast (for a 125) because I will travel on swift A-roads daily and would like to be fine on dual carriageways. Looks are not a concern. I don't want to pay much over £1500 and would like to keep down insurance.
I have been looking at the Honda Varadero 125.
Has anyone got any knowledge on insurance on this bike or others like it? Any other advice/comments would be appreciated,
Thanks
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[kgm]

Performance is pretty similar among the 125 range unless you look at 2 strokes (still limited to 15bhp mind, and more maintenance is required) or higher powered 4 stroke examples like the WR, RS4 or YZF-R. I don't think you'd get one within your budget though.

The vara is a big bike size wise for a 125 and feels more like a big bike but, due to it's extra weight, it isn't really all that much quicker than some of the lower powered examples despite it's extra power. Any offroad style bikes will likely be more expensive to insure as they are more attractive to thieves.

CG125 is pretty solid and easily within your budget, likewise the YBR125. Both will do the A road but won't be all that much fun and will struggle if all the traffic is doing much over 60. CBR125 looks a bit better but won't perform any better and there's more bits to break when you inevitably drop it, insurance will reflect that. Vara will likely be the best out of them all.

What age are you? If you're old enough to go for an A or A2 license I'd go with a cheap 125 and upgrade as soon as you can. It's well worth if it your commute requires regular riding on roads above 50mph. I say that as someone who uses a CG125 daily, including on A roads. Great bike for what it is but the bigger bike makes it far more pleasant on the faster roads.

[Polarbear]

The Varadero is the only 125 I have ridden that I felt anything other than abject terror riding. It's a physically big bike, a twin and will pull the high sixties.

I hate little bikes. I hated it when my daughter had a moped and then a 125. I truly believe the restrictions set on the mopeds & 125 class are more dangerous than not having the restriction but I was brought up on 60mph Gileras and 250cc learner strokers so that is just me having my anti government rant

If you are intent on a 125 the Varadero is the best of of the ones I have ridden. (and no, I haven't ridden a YZF, I wouldn't fit )
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[kgm]

See I really quite enjoy small bikes. Despite having the bigger ones I still ride my CG regularly over my short commute and about town. I find it more fun than the bigger bikes in that circumstance because I feel like I'm blasting about rather than just tootling along. You can hussle a little CG along when you know how to ride it. The bigger bike is easier though, and safer provided you have good throttle control.

I agree though that the 15bhp is too low. I think a limit of maybe 20-25bhp would be more appropriate as it just gives that bit more oomph to get out of trouble if necessary without adding so much power as to put people in dangerous situations.

[kgm]

[Rogerborg]

Are you determined not to do your training and tests and get access to a much wider selection of bikes?

As noted, having just a little more go than a 125 can offer makes all the difference between holding up and keeping up.

You'll particularly notice this on steep hills, where a 125 will struggle to maintain a real 40. Add Loser plates to that, and you're inviting rage overtakes.

If you really must go with a 125, I'd agree with the Varadero.
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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

[Fred3606]

Thanks for replies.
I'm 17 so my options are fairly shut off. From what I can see and slightly confirmed by you guys, the varadero would be my best bet. The only issue is their rarity and distance.
Budget isn't a huge issue though I don't want to pay a huge amount. Would the general opinion be that it is better to pay more for a later injected version? How will this be for insurance aswell as its value? Also, how risky is it to buy from a private seller?
Cheers
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[Azoth]

Swift A-roads and dual carriageways? Speaking from experience from my days on a 125, you're not going to enjoy that journey on any 125. A couple of weeks into this, and you'll want a car. As mentioned, hills really are no joking matter on a 125. Any sort of incline will knock the wind out of your sails - typically a slight hill will result in an immediate 10-15mph wiped off your speed, with no acceleration at all. That can be scary when you have a Range Rover or BMW man tailgating you. Car drivers will have contempt for you, and you will have contempt for them. If you're doing that journey daily, you will get worn out, meaning your nerves will be fried and you'll be exhausted. It isn't just about speed. When you get up to speed on that dual carriageway, you'll really feel it. Just holding it in a straight line will take concentration. Potholes and ridges in the road, on those little tyres, will take concentration. You'll be at the limit of your braking power, going flat out. The sweet spot of a 125 bike, for fun and handling, is 30-40mph. A blast around town, flinging it around corners in town, filtering traffic in town, etc. Dual carriageways? It depends which ones. On fast A-roads, drivers may attempt unsafe overtakes, and will definitely be way too close behind you, cut you up, etc.
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Safety in numbers

[Wonko The Sane]

I had a varadero and used it for a mix of A road and dual carriageway commuting and then motorway commuting.

I liked it except for headwinds, pouring rain and being on some of England's hilliest motorways so I got a bigger bike.

If I needed to go back to a smaller bike, I'd get another.

the twin and being at the 15bhp limit helps get it up to pace a little quicker than some of the other bikes in class, just keep an eye in your mirrors and keep left when not overtaking.
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[Fred3606]

Dual carriageways are not so much a regular issue, I just wanted something comfortable at 60/65. 'wonko the sane', what is the varadero like up hills and what was the insurance like on it?
Cheers
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[Rogerborg]

[Fred3606]

Thanks rogerborg, extremely helpful
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[Nexus Icon]

Check the Derbi Terra too. Physically big, full 15bhp and should come in around that budget. I ran one for a year and only needed an HT cap in that time.
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Greetings from Shitsville!

[Dimerz]

[Rogerborg]