Deciding what bike to get

[Zee_666]

I have 2 options for my new 50cc bike when I turn 16
The first one is aprilia rs4 50 2 stroke which goes 60mph but the sounds awful for sports looking bike plus this one has 900 miles on it and it will cost me 3k to buy and the other option is a brand new yamasaki ym50-re 2020 that is a Chinese brand bike that will cost me 1.8k only but the looks of it are amazing its a 4 stroke 50cc the sound of the bike is amazing but it only goes 45mph top speed im also a beginner to riding so this will be my first bike
I NEED HELP CHOOSING WHICH ONE TO GET IM A NOOBIE
people say Chinese bikes are awful and they are not reliable is that true?
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Zee

[Evil Hans]

Are those really the only two options?

Have you checked the insurance situation on the Yamasaki? I've heard that, given its limited import numbers, a lot of insurers don't list them. That was a while ago, the situation may have changed now.
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Triumph Sprint ST 1050. And it's Red.

[ThunderGuts]

Well, technically anything capable of over 28mph is illegal at the age of 16; that's all sub-50cc class should be able to do. Anything capable of more than this "out of the box" you won't be able to insure, unless there's some way of restricting it (no idea how this works on a moped though or if it's even permissible).

Chinese bikes are generally better than they used to be; buy new and you'll suffer big depreciation, which is a big factor at your age because within 12 months you'll be looking at 125s and beyond.

A sporty-looking low capacity bike will have every scrote within 10 miles trying to pinch it; they're so light they can be easily wheeled away and even a 12 year old could probably ride it. If you can store it securely, both home and away, then probably less of an issue.

My opinion; if you're desperate to get on two wheels before you're 17, get a cheap old 50cc scooter and live with the fact it's a bit naff for a year, learn what you can on it then progress to a 125 at 17.
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TG.

[arry]

If you're planning on riding illegally just buy a NinjaBlade and have done with it.

[c_dug]

None of the above

There is a low mileage (5000km) used Yamasaki on autotrader - it has had a new head gasket, new carb, new rear shock, and new battery.

Not a chance would I be throwing £2k at a money pit like that.

Second hand Derbi Senda seems a better choice than both of your suggestions.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[ThunderGuts]

If I were in your shoes and desperate to get a 50cc, I'd look at a used Speedfight 3. But no 50cc is going to set the world on fire and a fit cyclist will out-accelerate you from traffic lights; just ensure your expectations are matching up to reality.
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TG.

[Ayrton]

I'd really recommend just getting some bog standard looking moped for cheap and then when your 17 spend the money on a decent 125 instead. You really dont want to be stuck on a 50cc when your 17 and able to get a bike that goes twice as fast as any legal 50cc will.

I wouldn't be spending 2k on any chinese bike either, the depreciation on it will be huge.