125 or 400??

Barnsey · Derestricted Danger Joined: 21 Jun 2005 Karma :

I've got my CBT but dont know weather to go for a 125 and pass my test on that or to pass my test first and get a restrcited 400? What do you sugest? I'm looking at the aprilia rs125 and the honda rvf400!
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Keith · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Karma :

It depends really. I had an RS125 myself and it was a fantastic bike, very fun indeed, but having the 125 only made me put the test off for even longer.

It depends how much you're looking to spend on both the bike and your test. A decent RS will cost anything up and above from £1300, yet an RVF will be a fair bit more expensive than that. Then if you're looking to do a few hours worth of training, it'll cost around £300 with a private firm. Then on top of that you'll have the insurance, which will vary according to certain factors.

Personally, if I was in your position, I'd go straight for the 400 if I could afford it. Get the test over and done with and get myself on something nice and powerful. Whether its restricted or not, it wont make the slightest difference to your insurance.
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Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Personally I would say go for the 125. The RVF is a fairly quick bike, and going from wobbling round a car park doing a CBT to riding a sports 400 in 3 days or so does not sound like a good idea.

All the best

Keith
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Barnsey · Derestricted Danger Joined: 21 Jun 2005 Karma :

thought it over and asked a few more people and am going to go with the 125, going to ride it on L plates for a year to get road experience, then do me test on it and then change my bike, tht way insurance will hopefully be cheaper for my 2nd bike and also can then save money on lessons as i will have been riding for a year!
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craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

That's what I did, and glad I did as well.

Started with a CBT and a CM125 Twin, passed my test on it when I felt confident enough and then got a '78 400/4 (for my restricted licence) - which really taught me how to ride properly. The early experience on the 125 was invaluable for basic machine control, road awareness, etc. Plus I hadn't been extorted on insurance cost (£350 bike = around £300TPFT), so I was in a good financial position when I felt I was ready to upgrade.

Good luck.

xlizx · Scooby Slapper Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Karma :

Saw an RVF last night at a bike meet, and it was TINY! Looks like a good short person's bike for me! Smile

Anyone know how much they go for?
Perdonally I'd get a 400 because you'll outgrow the 125 after a few months when you've got more confident, and want something a little more...