Discussion
Hi All,
Thought I'd do a post to introduce myself.
New here, though I must confess to being a forum lurker for a few months now.
So basically I've finally got a bit of cash to start what I've always wanted to do - ride bikes. Been into bikes for years but never had the cash or the time to put into it.
I'm 27 y.o and I've decided to start on a 125. I know at my age I can go up to a bigger bike via DAS but to be honest I'd much rather start slow and build up over a period of time. Getting on a big bike straight away just doesn't appeal to me right now.
I've got a couple of questions anyway just things that I can't seem to find answers to:
- I'm in a muddle over what bike (I know, "what bike" threads are annoying but...)please note my commute is 5 miles per day (there and back)
so this will be my new hobby and for short rides out after work and at weekends.
So, I'm torn between:
Yamaha YBR 125 2nd Hand / New (The Safe Option)
Kawasaki D-Tracker 125 New (looks like so much fun - bit a bit chavvy?)
Yamaha R125 (something doesn't quite appeal but it's the "smarter" choice)
Honda CG125 (safe, but boring)
Anyway, I thought I'd come say hello. CBT booked for August and I've got loads of gear to buy so any advice on gear will be much appreciated. As for security, I'm going with ground anchors and an almax chain at home (terrace house in rough area).
Cheers guys,
Andy
Thought I'd do a post to introduce myself.
New here, though I must confess to being a forum lurker for a few months now.
So basically I've finally got a bit of cash to start what I've always wanted to do - ride bikes. Been into bikes for years but never had the cash or the time to put into it.
I'm 27 y.o and I've decided to start on a 125. I know at my age I can go up to a bigger bike via DAS but to be honest I'd much rather start slow and build up over a period of time. Getting on a big bike straight away just doesn't appeal to me right now.
I've got a couple of questions anyway just things that I can't seem to find answers to:
- I'm in a muddle over what bike (I know, "what bike" threads are annoying but...)please note my commute is 5 miles per day (there and back)
so this will be my new hobby and for short rides out after work and at weekends.So, I'm torn between:
Yamaha YBR 125 2nd Hand / New (The Safe Option)
Kawasaki D-Tracker 125 New (looks like so much fun - bit a bit chavvy?)
Yamaha R125 (something doesn't quite appeal but it's the "smarter" choice)
Honda CG125 (safe, but boring)
Anyway, I thought I'd come say hello. CBT booked for August and I've got loads of gear to buy so any advice on gear will be much appreciated. As for security, I'm going with ground anchors and an almax chain at home (terrace house in rough area).
Cheers guys,
Andy
If it were I (and it was a few years ago), I'd learn to ride a bigger bike and pass my test on the bigger bike and have the freedom to move up/down at will rather than having to wait.
Also, they teach you to ride the bigger bikes, then the 125s are a piece of piss.
For my mod 1 practice, I found it easy on the 500 (IIRC) and then the instructor gave me a 125 to have a bash on. So much easier!
Also, having ridden a 125 for a year, I don't feel it's a safe, practical proposition really and because of that did less miles.
Also, they teach you to ride the bigger bikes, then the 125s are a piece of piss.
For my mod 1 practice, I found it easy on the 500 (IIRC) and then the instructor gave me a 125 to have a bash on. So much easier!
Also, having ridden a 125 for a year, I don't feel it's a safe, practical proposition really and because of that did less miles.
I would recommend the 125 route as you suggest. I did this for 6 months before doing the DAC and getting something bigger.
I cut my teeth on a YBR 125. Great learner and all round short commute bike. Mine is now up for sale but i am a bit reluctant to let it go - very handy to have for short trips into town etc.
I cut my teeth on a YBR 125. Great learner and all round short commute bike. Mine is now up for sale but i am a bit reluctant to let it go - very handy to have for short trips into town etc.
I rode a CBR125 for a year before I got my license and immediately moved up to an ER6.
I understand the desire just to get a smaller bike at first, but I'd recommend some big bike time, even just for the experience. Learning on a bigger bike and getting the DAS license is prob worthwhile as it gives you a lot of options. You don't have to go and buy a big bike, lots of great A2 bikes available for good prices.
My little CBR was great fun, and was the right bike for me at the time, but I was glad when I was able to move up.
I understand the desire just to get a smaller bike at first, but I'd recommend some big bike time, even just for the experience. Learning on a bigger bike and getting the DAS license is prob worthwhile as it gives you a lot of options. You don't have to go and buy a big bike, lots of great A2 bikes available for good prices.
My little CBR was great fun, and was the right bike for me at the time, but I was glad when I was able to move up.
secondscout said:
Thanks for the reply, the YBR is the best of the bunch (and the cheapest as my dealer has a few for £1500. Means I'll have around 800 for gear.
I'm up Wirral way mate
Also look at the YBR custom. A much nicer looking bike IMHO if that's the route you're going to go down and seem to hold their values a little betterI'm up Wirral way mate
Evening man, welcome to the fold!
The 125 route is a good one and I found it stood new in good stead. I had a CBR125R for a year before taking my test and then for a year afterwards.
It's a cracking bike and lost very little over the 2 years I owned it.
Nothing teaches you how to hold momentum through corners like time served on a 125!
Enjoy!
Tom
The 125 route is a good one and I found it stood new in good stead. I had a CBR125R for a year before taking my test and then for a year afterwards.
It's a cracking bike and lost very little over the 2 years I owned it.
Nothing teaches you how to hold momentum through corners like time served on a 125!
Enjoy!
Tom
From my very very limited experience.
Im in the process of doing DAS did my CBT on a 125 and if im honest id buy a bigger bike. I think a 125 would be ok to go a few miles to work on but defo not to have fun with. Ok it was a sit up and beg type bike so obv not going to be the fastest thing but it would struggle to pull the skin off a rice pudding tbh.
Im in the process of doing DAS did my CBT on a 125 and if im honest id buy a bigger bike. I think a 125 would be ok to go a few miles to work on but defo not to have fun with. Ok it was a sit up and beg type bike so obv not going to be the fastest thing but it would struggle to pull the skin off a rice pudding tbh.
I did the 125 thing to work while awaiting my DAS, I think it lasted two weeks & by then I wanted a bit more power on main roads. But then I was doing 15miles each way, not 2.5.
In your place I'd wait till you've done your CBT before deciding, as even on that your likely to have a 125 pinned & realise how slow they often are. If you do go the 125 route then buy 2nd hand, you'll loose sod all when you sell it on that way.
In your place I'd wait till you've done your CBT before deciding, as even on that your likely to have a 125 pinned & realise how slow they often are. If you do go the 125 route then buy 2nd hand, you'll loose sod all when you sell it on that way.
Small world. 27 here and I went to school on the Wirral.
If you want a bigger bike, then you'd be mad not to do it sooner rather than later mate. I can think of no reason to go for a 125 if your long term goal is a bigger engine. I'm not just on about performance when I say they're better in almost every way.
Do your CBT and have a ride of one like Hooli says. You can make an informed decision then.
If you want a bigger bike, then you'd be mad not to do it sooner rather than later mate. I can think of no reason to go for a 125 if your long term goal is a bigger engine. I'm not just on about performance when I say they're better in almost every way.
Do your CBT and have a ride of one like Hooli says. You can make an informed decision then.
now this is just my view, but i would do the 125 for a while, so you get used to actually riding a bike around with all the controls and getting used to how a bike handles, as doing a CBT then straight to your lessons and test can be a bit daunting.
i did a CBT and rode around on my NSR 125 (derestricted, cheeky i know) for a year and a half then did my DAS then carried on with the NSR till i could afford a proper bike, but as that was effectively the power of a 250 4 stroke, it wasnt too sad, but it was illegal and if i were to have crashed it badly and not able to ride it away, i would have been out of pocket and probably lost my licence, so I wouldnt recommend going that route.
I actually loved riding around on my 2 stroke 125, it was only 130 kilo with a full tank, so tipped into corners REALLY fast, and got off the line really quick as well. (nothing like a gxsr (600? or 1000? not sure) I tried to race off the line but quicker than most cars on the road, was good on fuel and really quite fun when the powerband kicked in. I once rode 250 miles in a day starting with a full tank, and only had to fill up on the last third of the journey, and i was pushing it 10/10ths on country roads most of the way, so small bikes are pretty good on fuel, even the 2 stroke variety. you can get a 2 stroke restricted to stay legal, but nearly all of them are derestricted by now, but simple to limit the power on them if you know what you are doing.
so, all in all, I dont think I would have passed my DAS without riding a 125 around for a while.
i did a CBT and rode around on my NSR 125 (derestricted, cheeky i know) for a year and a half then did my DAS then carried on with the NSR till i could afford a proper bike, but as that was effectively the power of a 250 4 stroke, it wasnt too sad, but it was illegal and if i were to have crashed it badly and not able to ride it away, i would have been out of pocket and probably lost my licence, so I wouldnt recommend going that route.
I actually loved riding around on my 2 stroke 125, it was only 130 kilo with a full tank, so tipped into corners REALLY fast, and got off the line really quick as well. (nothing like a gxsr (600? or 1000? not sure) I tried to race off the line but quicker than most cars on the road, was good on fuel and really quite fun when the powerband kicked in. I once rode 250 miles in a day starting with a full tank, and only had to fill up on the last third of the journey, and i was pushing it 10/10ths on country roads most of the way, so small bikes are pretty good on fuel, even the 2 stroke variety. you can get a 2 stroke restricted to stay legal, but nearly all of them are derestricted by now, but simple to limit the power on them if you know what you are doing.
so, all in all, I dont think I would have passed my DAS without riding a 125 around for a while.
Slink said:
now this is just my view, but i would do the 125 for a while, so you get used to actually riding a bike around with all the controls and getting used to how a bike handles, as doing a CBT then straight to your lessons and test can be a bit daunting.
i did a CBT and rode around on my NSR 125 (derestricted, cheeky i know) for a year and a half then did my DAS then carried on with the NSR till i could afford a proper bike, but as that was effectively the power of a 250 4 stroke, it wasnt too sad, but it was illegal and if i were to have crashed it badly and not able to ride it away, i would have been out of pocket and probably lost my licence, so I wouldnt recommend going that route.
I actually loved riding around on my 2 stroke 125, it was only 130 kilo with a full tank, so tipped into corners REALLY fast, and got off the line really quick as well. (nothing like a gxsr (600? or 1000? not sure) I tried to race off the line but quicker than most cars on the road, was good on fuel and really quite fun when the powerband kicked in. I once rode 250 miles in a day starting with a full tank, and only had to fill up on the last third of the journey, and i was pushing it 10/10ths on country roads most of the way, so small bikes are pretty good on fuel, even the 2 stroke variety. you can get a 2 stroke restricted to stay legal, but nearly all of them are derestricted by now, but simple to limit the power on them if you know what you are doing.
so, all in all, I dont think I would have passed my DAS without riding a 125 around for a while.
Yep agreed! I had my TDR 125 for 4 years and I had been on bikes since I was young so was well used to them before then.Never underestimate A 125 they can teach you alot.i did a CBT and rode around on my NSR 125 (derestricted, cheeky i know) for a year and a half then did my DAS then carried on with the NSR till i could afford a proper bike, but as that was effectively the power of a 250 4 stroke, it wasnt too sad, but it was illegal and if i were to have crashed it badly and not able to ride it away, i would have been out of pocket and probably lost my licence, so I wouldnt recommend going that route.
I actually loved riding around on my 2 stroke 125, it was only 130 kilo with a full tank, so tipped into corners REALLY fast, and got off the line really quick as well. (nothing like a gxsr (600? or 1000? not sure) I tried to race off the line but quicker than most cars on the road, was good on fuel and really quite fun when the powerband kicked in. I once rode 250 miles in a day starting with a full tank, and only had to fill up on the last third of the journey, and i was pushing it 10/10ths on country roads most of the way, so small bikes are pretty good on fuel, even the 2 stroke variety. you can get a 2 stroke restricted to stay legal, but nearly all of them are derestricted by now, but simple to limit the power on them if you know what you are doing.
so, all in all, I dont think I would have passed my DAS without riding a 125 around for a while.
Thanks for all the replies guys!
I have done a cbt before but it was two years ago, I was on a derbi cross city which for a short arse like me was way too tall, however the engine had plenty of punch.
I think the thing for me is, I'm a right captain slow. Its more about comfort and looks for me at the moment as I want the bike to be fun and to do some scenic riding to the various beaches and cafes not too far from here.
My plan is to 125 it for 6-12 months while taking lessons. My local dealer has offered discount on rider training and gear if I spend over 1500 which sounds perfect for me.
Thanks for the warm welcome, I do like the ybr custom which would be a good choice n terms of holding cash value, after that I'd love a 500 but right now it feels a bit further up the road.
In terms of gear, I know helmets you should try on but is there anything you would buy online? E. G. Gloves I only ask because eBay is full of bargains RST gloves etc.... Oh and while on that subject, is it a bit daft wearing leathers on a 125? I don't want to look a right end and a magnet for every chav in his 1 litre mums corsa special lol.
I have done a cbt before but it was two years ago, I was on a derbi cross city which for a short arse like me was way too tall, however the engine had plenty of punch.
I think the thing for me is, I'm a right captain slow. Its more about comfort and looks for me at the moment as I want the bike to be fun and to do some scenic riding to the various beaches and cafes not too far from here.
My plan is to 125 it for 6-12 months while taking lessons. My local dealer has offered discount on rider training and gear if I spend over 1500 which sounds perfect for me.
Thanks for the warm welcome, I do like the ybr custom which would be a good choice n terms of holding cash value, after that I'd love a 500 but right now it feels a bit further up the road.
In terms of gear, I know helmets you should try on but is there anything you would buy online? E. G. Gloves I only ask because eBay is full of bargains RST gloves etc.... Oh and while on that subject, is it a bit daft wearing leathers on a 125? I don't want to look a right end and a magnet for every chav in his 1 litre mums corsa special lol.
Prof Prolapse said:
If you want a bigger bike, then you'd be mad not to do it sooner rather than later mate. I can think of no reason to go for a 125 if your long term goal is a bigger engine. I'm not just on about performance when I say they're better in almost every way.
Do your CBT and have a ride of one like Hooli says. You can make an informed decision then.
I completely agree with this. Personally I found a bigger bike much easier to ride, coming from a 125 doing my CBT to a 500 whilst doing MOD 1 & 2. Generally I found the bike more confidence inspiring due to the better brakes and overtakes could be done more safely due to the extra power. Hope the CBT goes well! Do your CBT and have a ride of one like Hooli says. You can make an informed decision then.
t on a 125 if your wearing a one piece race suit, but you'll look a bigger dick if the worst happens & your on the floor digging bits of road out of your legs because you where wearing cheap jeans.I agree with the 125 bikes feeling somewhat unstable after riding a 500. It just feels more secure. You'll see what we mean when you do your CBT. Go to a school where on the same day they will let you try a 500 on their proving ground as it were. It was like night and day in all honesty!
Good luck and keep us posted
Good luck and keep us posted
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