Returning to Bikes after 20ish years

Lone RIder · Derestricted Danger Joined: 10 Aug 2016 Karma :

When i say bikes i mean more 125s. I'd only be using it to commute 8 miles a day/ 5 days a week so i see a 125 would be suitable plus i don't have a full bike license nor intend on getting it as i know i'd be stupid.

My first 125 was a Derbi Senda 2010 that i actually swapped on here for a car when I wanted to start driving.

I've mainly been looking at KTM Dukes seen a few videos but they're struggling to get to 60 i know 125s arent' for speed but the Senda would comfortably get to 65 (looked like 70) and even beat my mates Honda CBR 125 on a straight road that's with no modifications to mine either.

What else is out there not a huge fan of Honda/Yami but wont through them out the mix just yet. Prefer the Naked/Super moto Body so please dont recommend a lie over the tank style.

These 'lesser' known brands are they safe to go with (excluding lexmoto/kymco) i know what they are like. What would you recommend.

Prefer to buy used if it's got service/mot history to back it up as it's only a commuter.

Evil Hans · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Nov 2015 Karma :

jeffyjeff · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 May 2020 Karma :

KTM bikes are known for performance. They are also known for questionable reliability. KTM filed for bankruptcy in December 2024, and was bailed out by Indian Manufacturer Bajaj last May. As a result, parts may not be readily available when you need them. Personally, I would avoid KTM at this time. If I wanted the KTM so that I could beat my mate on his CBR125, I would probably look elsewhere. Aprilia comes to mind. Although to be fair, Aprilia is not widely admired for their timely parts availability, either. Neutral

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History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of men - BOC

Lone RIder · Derestricted Danger Joined: 10 Aug 2016 Karma :

Lone RIder · Derestricted Danger Joined: 10 Aug 2016 Karma :

A100man · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 Aug 2013 Karma :

Mash, Mutt, Herald, Bullit, AJS even..

All Chinese with a smattering of European input. Have low expectations for fit, finish and durability and you won't be too disappointed

PS also spare parts confusion.
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Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

Mutt are dead or at least partially dead so personally, I wouldn't go for one of those.

Ayrton · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Sep 2010 Karma :

If your that worried about top speed then get a full license and buy something around 300cc. I had to commute on a 125 for a while and it's absolutely horrid above 60mph anyway.

Wouldn't touch another Chinese bike personally. Girlfriend had a AJS once and I was fixing something on it every month.