New to the forum and new(ish) to biking. Now Passed my mod2

[Scott-83]

Good evening all,

I am currently looking to buy a 125cc bike. I used to own a Gilera H@K 50cc when I was 19 (26 now) so not a total bike virgin and I want to get a bike for commuting.

I have cast a pretty wide net when it comes to bikes, only ruling out small wheeled scooters and some 'sports bikes', but I have only been looking for about 2 weeks so not found the right bike yet.

I found the site whilst searching the reputation of hyosung bikes (going to look at one tomorrow). I have considered bikes like the yamaha ybr, trials style bikes, super moto types etc but as mentioned, not found the right bike for me yet.

I intend to get a 125cc bike, take my cbt, use that to commute, if I get on ok with all of that, I want to take lessons (on hired bike) next summer and then hopefully my test later next year. After that, maybe a bigger bike.

With this in mind, I'm not looking to get a brand new bike (depreciation can be crazy in my opinion) and a decent second hand bike seems to be the way forward for me.

Are there any hidden gems? Something that'll be reliable enough (I would call myself a reasonable diy car mechanic so hopefully can deal with most aspects of bike maintenence/repair) and won't cost he earth?

Sorry for the long opening post, but all advice will be much appreciated.

[Dr. DaveJPS]

CG125, search for it on here and you'll find numerous posts praising it for it's cheapness, reliability and ease of maintenance.
____________________
"intelligent inattention is preferable to unintelligent tinkering"
www.davejps.com

[27cows]

I'd go for the YBR125 myself. The CG125 has only fuel economy to commend it. They're dog slow, extremely uninspiring and less reliable than people would have you believe. Fine if you only want strictly A to B...not so fine if you want a bit of fun.

The GS125 is also a very nice bike, but they're becoming quite scarce now at reasonable prices.

[Scott-83]

Thanks for the welcome.

The Yama YBR has been a front runner for me, but there doesn't seem to be a lot for sale near me. If I already had my CBT then picking up a bike wouldn't be an issue, however I can only borrow a van for a short time.

There's a local(ish) place selling AJS ECO bikes (look like the YBR and have the same engine), but I can't find enough about them to know if the rest of the components are up to the job. (**EDIT** Just searched the site for "AJS" and will now avoid the make. Was a little suspicious when the bloke kept saying "we have never had any come back with engine issues", the rest of the components weren't mentioned)

I have found one shop (pretty much on my doorstep) that has a used YBR and sells new YBR's (with free TPFT insurance on the new one), but there's not a lot to compare the price of the used one with.

https://www.mo-tech-bikes.co.uk/acatalog/Motorcycles.html

[waffles]

I went to my local Yam dealer just before Christmas, they had a massive delivery of bikes in because the list price of new ones goes up in the new year along with the VAT increase. So if you were thinking of getting a brand new YBR, they will become more expensive very soon. That may have an impact on the price of second hand ones?

I like the YBR although I have never ridden one, just sat on it in the shop. I did my CBT on a CG and didnt like it at all. I have toyed recently with buying a Honda CBR 125R second hand. You need to go out and sit on as many as possible because what works for one person wont work for someone else.

Hi and welcome!

[Scott-83]

I have emailed the shop to see if they are open tomorrow but doubt it as they weren't open today.

I am not finding a lot of 125cc bikes for sale to be honest. There seemed more when I looked about 4months ago. I assume it's the time of the year that's the issue.

I will probably just have to be patient. I have a car to use so I can afford to wait.

I saw about 4 Yamaha DT 125's within 30miles of me when I last looked, now, the closest one I can find is about 60miles away.

So far, I have been looking on..........

Auto (bike) trader
Ebay
Gumtree
Ad-trader website

Does anyone have any suggestions of another place/site to try?

[Dr. DaveJPS]

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=188074
____________________
"intelligent inattention is preferable to unintelligent tinkering"
www.davejps.com

[waffles]

Have you tried free ads? Or Loot?

I know what you mean about the DT's though, I wanted a cheapy one of those to do up as a little project and rag off road. A few months back there were loads, now I can only find one that isnt road legal and I think might be nicked.

[Scott-83]

Thanks again for the replies, will check out the sites in the link that I haven't looked at yet (sorry for not spotting that sooner, it's exactly what I needed but I overlooked it).

I have tried pistonheads also but found it far less usefull for Bikes than it is for cars.

[f1fan111]

i found my cg125 on notice board at bike shop also keep eye out for ads in shops as may find something there


I have a 96 honda cg and it has been problem free for me only needed a new battery for it also a light for the speedo.

Rode a YBR125 on my second CBT and found it nice to ride but is newer and cost more than my cg. I would reckonmend sitting on bikes first as size can be a problem.

[chris-red]

Do you want fun or reliability? CG's and the like are great and usually trouble free but slow and boring as hell. Something 2 stroke like and NSR or DT wouldn;t be as reliable but will be alot more fun.
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[Scott-83]

Looking for more relaibility at the moment. Although I am not afraid of getting my hands dirty and I should be ok with most aspects of bike maintenence and repair, I don't want to be stranded miles from home (I suppose that's what breakdown cover is for though).

As I am finding it hard to find a second hand bike, I though i'd see about a new YBR. I have found a deal (Bike OTR, helmet gloves etc and free insurance) that seems decent enough, but it'll mean I keep the bike for a little longer than originally intended.

The 'free insurance' may no longer be available (will be post code dependant but should be ok), so that will probably throw that idea out of the window, but I can only keep looking.

The search continues............

[Scott-83]

Free insurance for the offer was only up until Christmas Eve on the new YBR, so the new bike is not really the best overall option.

Found a 2007 plate YBR though, got to ring tomorrow to say I definately want it

The CBT will be booked through the seller and I am buying my gear from there so the overall deal is good.

I have got the insurance ready (not confirming it until I know I am buying the bike as knowing my luck the bike will have been sold tonight )

[Kal]

[Scott-83]

Just bought a 2007 plate YBR. Got to get my CBT booked and then i'm off

[shadowbiker]

honda xr125

[27cows]

[Alexio]

[neil.]

Another shout for the YBR, although you'd not go wrong with it or the CG. They are relatively new on the market (2005ish), but have really caught on. It's actually becoming a bit of a legend in a very short time. Yes it's 4 stroke, yes it's not that quick, but it'll get you through your test and munches miles easily.

Reliability wise, I can only speak for mine and it's been very good - racked up 22'000 miles on it now and still going strong. Parts have been easy to come by, whilst not as cheap as CG bits, but still cheap enough. Also, service intervals are less frequent than a CG, as far as I know, and working on the bike has been quite easy, especially that the Haynes and Yamaha service manuals are readily available.

You'll be fine with either bike though, so good luck with whatever you go with.

Edit: I see you got a YBR, good man!
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CBT February 2008 | A2 June 2008 | Yamaha YBR125 (written off) | Honda CBF125 (current)

[Scott-83]

[Scott-83]

This snow is becoming an inconvenience for me.....

I obviously wouldn't be out on it in the snow (my limited experience and the adverse weather conditions are not a good mix), but I just want the snow to go so I can get the bike home.

I own the bike, I have paid for my insurance, I have nearly all my 'gear' (just need to collect my boots from the shop), my CBT is paid for but due to the snow, I can't attend the CBT.

It's frustrating, but better to wait for it to be safer on the road before I get out there I suppose.

[Tango675]

[Scott-83]

[slyrob]

hi, i'm in a similar position although this is my first bike and i'm 29! i've decided to go against all the cg and sensible advice and bought a 2002 NSR 125 although it is likely i will keep this as a bike for town after passing my test. Rather typically after buying a bike that hasn't been ridden for some time i now realise i will have to spend a couple of hundred to get it roadworthy i'm also in a similar position with gear, but next on the list is a reasonable pair of boots, any suggestions?

[Kal]