Newbie - first bike!

[dabigginger]

Hello everyone! I've been looking to get a bike for years, and I might actually get one in the spring next year (I'll be 23 then). Currently, I have a 110cc Pit bike I use to go green laning with a couple of mates, but I want to get a bike on the road!

I'm a bit unsure as to what to go for right now, though. Obviouslly, I'm restricted to a 125 - I'll have to take my CBT as well, first. 3 options I was considering was an Aprilia RS 125, Honda CBR 125 or a Honda NSR 125.

The RS and NSR are 2-stroke engines, aren't they? One of my mates who's quite into his bikes was a bit worried that I'd blow up a 2-stroke, but I do like the sound of the extra poke that comes with the 2-strokes. Basically, I want something that looks nice, is reliable, and has a decent amount of poke in it. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks! Edit: I'm looking at spending around £1000-1500 if anyone has any other suggestions!

[Rookie]

There's no need to stick to 125cc, you can do your practical and theory test after your CBT and get whatever you want! Expect test costs to come in anywhere between £350 and £700, depending on whether you're taking the 33bhp or the DAS test. CBTs are around £90.

The 2 stroke bikes you mention are pretty fast, eat expensive 2 stroke oil, and are ultimately pretty unreliable. But they're a bit of fun.

Quick bit of advice - prices at the moment are pretty low as we're coming out of season. In spring, they'll have rocketed as we enter the season.

[KTM Gordo]

Err... how are you going green laning if you haven't got a licence? Byways are roads like any other, and you need to have a driving licence, tax, MoT and insurance.

But anyway, I think your best option is getting a utilitarian 125cc 'bike like a CG125 or SR125 and then doing your test as soon as you feel able (and can afford it). After that you can ride a full-sized albiet restricted to 33bhp. Suzuki SV650s seem popular for this.

Getting a faired 'bike when you're inexperienced isn't the best idea as you're very likely to drop it (I don't know anyone who hasn't done it at least once) and all that plastic is expensive to replace. Insurance tends to be more expensive for that reason too.

HTH
____________________
Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.

KTM 990 Adventure | KTM EXC 250 Racing | Land Rover Freelander SE Td4

[G]

If you like green laning, I'd definitely look at a trail style bike.

Providing you do the (not too bad at all) maintenance; a 2 stroke should be fine and makes more sense as you can reach sensible road speeds.

Trail bikes worth looking at, amounst others:
DT125, KMX125, CRM125, Aprilia MX125?

[The_Long_Distance_Runner]

[G]

A lot of 4 strokes will only manage a maximum of 65 mph or so and will be struggling. They also accelerate fairly slowly. Apparently the CBR125 may hit around a 'real' 75mph. However, the 2 stroke off road bikes when derestricted should probably hit about 80 with better acceleration. While the two stroke road bikes (ie NSR, RS etc) should just about hit 100 when derestricted - which means cruising at 70 on a dual carrigeway is a much more sensible option - rather than having your bike at peak revs to just match the road speed of slower vehicles out there.

[dabigginger]

Sorry I haven't had a chance to look on here the past couple of days. I've been a little busy!

[KTM Gordo]