Learners, new riders, CBTs and 125s - an info thread
Discussion
Ok, it was proposed a few weeks back that a new 125 thread was made to give the three (on average over a week) newbie threads a default go to thread for what 125s, reviews, remembering the good old days of two strokes, in short anything related to the bikes/scooters themselves. (There is a sticky thread already about the test)
Having finally got round to it, please try to keep it on topic.
When writing a review, could you list model year of the bike to make it easier for me to put in order.
Thanks.
CBT
Compulsory Basic Training - it is not a test. (Although, if you are totally rubbish, the instructor will tell you - the instructor doesn't want the thought of someone he/she trained wrapping themselves around a tree)
In essence, there are 5 bits, A, B, C, D, and E.
A First the eyesight test then a safety talk about protective gear, Helmets and how they work, high vis gear, and a little bit on leathers vs textiles.
B Learning the controls of the bike, like how to start it, what pre ride and weekly checks to do, how to use it, what all the things on the clocks do and are for, what all the buttons and levers on the handlebars do, etc.
C Learning to ride - figures of eights, U turns, how to do junctions, controlled stops, emergency stops, how to use the clutch, gear changing (They'll go over how to do this even if you're using a twist and go) rear observations, and pulling away from a stop.
D An important talk on the highway code, observations, road conditions, hazard perception, riding on different surfaces and weather conditions, other people and you, vunerability, and road position.
E Riding on the roads, with a U-turn, emergency stop, and looking to see that you are safe and comfortable on the road. 2 hrs minimum. (By law)
After all this, you'll either be given a certificate to say you can ride to the minimum standard or better, or be told they would like to have another days training, or be told your useless and should stick to the metal boxes with wheels. (other materials to make cars are available)
More information here:
http://www.begin-motorcycling.co.uk/cbt.htm
Extra Info that may well be useful
List of Helmet standards.
ACU (Auto-Cycle Union) Gold or Silver badge
AS/NZS 1698:2006 (Australia and New Zealand)
BSI (British Standards Institute) 6658
CSA CAN3-D230-M85 (Canada. they no longer certify motorcycle helmets)
DOT FMVSS 218 (USA)[19]
GOST R 41.22-2001 (ÃÎÑÒ Ð 41.22-2001) (Russia) (based on ECE 22.05)
NBR 7471 (Brazil)
IS 4151 (India)
JIS T 8133:2000 (Japan)
Snell M 2005 "2005 Helmet Standard For Use in Motorcycling"
SNI (Indonesia)
SHARP (UK) - Star Rating
CRASH (Australia) - Star Rating
ECE Regulation 22 (Europe) (2001)[20]
TCVN 5756:2001 (test and certify by QUATEST 3) (Vietnam)
For UK use, the Helmet must comform to BS 6658, and UNECE 22.05. (And/or equivalents) Most also have ACU stickers, which are a higher standard. (Used for race use helmets)
Also, a list of DSA approved motorcycles and scooters, and what catagory of licence they'll get. (They'll all become A1 in January)
http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_...
Wikipedia on 2 stroke engines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-stroke_engine
Wikipedia on 4 stroke engines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-stroke_engine
Test and Licence changes
The old system is do a 3 bit test (theory, Mod 1, Mod 2) on a 125cc geared motorcycle (or twist and go scooter if you only want to ride autos) and once this is done, then you are given a restricted to 33 bhp licence, which after two years, becomes a full licence, allowing you to have whatever you like.
If you are over 21, then you could have done DAS (Direct Access Scheme) which is basically the same thing, only on a bigger bike (More than 47 bhp) and at the end, you are allowed to ride whatever you like, no 2 year wait.
That was how it used to be.
However, now, the system has changed to a three tier licence - At 17, 125cc 14.6 bhp (Same as CBT only not a learner anymore, meaning you may use motorways. The safety of doing so is up for debate...)
After two years, at 19 (The DSA plan to allow accelerated access, but the regulations itself don't really allow this) after another set of tests, you are then allowed to ride up to 47 bhp machines.
Finally, at 21, or two years after the 47 bhp test, whichever came second, you have another test, this time to allow you whatever you like.
DAS remains the same, but with the minimum age rising to 24.
Now, onto the 125s...
In order of appearance in thread:
Having finally got round to it, please try to keep it on topic.
When writing a review, could you list model year of the bike to make it easier for me to put in order.
Thanks.
CBT
Compulsory Basic Training - it is not a test. (Although, if you are totally rubbish, the instructor will tell you - the instructor doesn't want the thought of someone he/she trained wrapping themselves around a tree)
In essence, there are 5 bits, A, B, C, D, and E.
A First the eyesight test then a safety talk about protective gear, Helmets and how they work, high vis gear, and a little bit on leathers vs textiles.
B Learning the controls of the bike, like how to start it, what pre ride and weekly checks to do, how to use it, what all the things on the clocks do and are for, what all the buttons and levers on the handlebars do, etc.
C Learning to ride - figures of eights, U turns, how to do junctions, controlled stops, emergency stops, how to use the clutch, gear changing (They'll go over how to do this even if you're using a twist and go) rear observations, and pulling away from a stop.
D An important talk on the highway code, observations, road conditions, hazard perception, riding on different surfaces and weather conditions, other people and you, vunerability, and road position.
E Riding on the roads, with a U-turn, emergency stop, and looking to see that you are safe and comfortable on the road. 2 hrs minimum. (By law)
After all this, you'll either be given a certificate to say you can ride to the minimum standard or better, or be told they would like to have another days training, or be told your useless and should stick to the metal boxes with wheels. (other materials to make cars are available)
More information here:
http://www.begin-motorcycling.co.uk/cbt.htm
Extra Info that may well be useful
List of Helmet standards.
ACU (Auto-Cycle Union) Gold or Silver badge
AS/NZS 1698:2006 (Australia and New Zealand)
BSI (British Standards Institute) 6658
CSA CAN3-D230-M85 (Canada. they no longer certify motorcycle helmets)
DOT FMVSS 218 (USA)[19]
GOST R 41.22-2001 (ÃÎÑÒ Ð 41.22-2001) (Russia) (based on ECE 22.05)
NBR 7471 (Brazil)
IS 4151 (India)
JIS T 8133:2000 (Japan)
Snell M 2005 "2005 Helmet Standard For Use in Motorcycling"
SNI (Indonesia)
SHARP (UK) - Star Rating
CRASH (Australia) - Star Rating
ECE Regulation 22 (Europe) (2001)[20]
TCVN 5756:2001 (test and certify by QUATEST 3) (Vietnam)
For UK use, the Helmet must comform to BS 6658, and UNECE 22.05. (And/or equivalents) Most also have ACU stickers, which are a higher standard. (Used for race use helmets)
Also, a list of DSA approved motorcycles and scooters, and what catagory of licence they'll get. (They'll all become A1 in January)
http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_...
Wikipedia on 2 stroke engines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-stroke_engine
Wikipedia on 4 stroke engines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-stroke_engine
Test and Licence changes
The old system is do a 3 bit test (theory, Mod 1, Mod 2) on a 125cc geared motorcycle (or twist and go scooter if you only want to ride autos) and once this is done, then you are given a restricted to 33 bhp licence, which after two years, becomes a full licence, allowing you to have whatever you like.
If you are over 21, then you could have done DAS (Direct Access Scheme) which is basically the same thing, only on a bigger bike (More than 47 bhp) and at the end, you are allowed to ride whatever you like, no 2 year wait.
That was how it used to be.
However, now, the system has changed to a three tier licence - At 17, 125cc 14.6 bhp (Same as CBT only not a learner anymore, meaning you may use motorways. The safety of doing so is up for debate...)
After two years, at 19 (The DSA plan to allow accelerated access, but the regulations itself don't really allow this) after another set of tests, you are then allowed to ride up to 47 bhp machines.
Finally, at 21, or two years after the 47 bhp test, whichever came second, you have another test, this time to allow you whatever you like.
DAS remains the same, but with the minimum age rising to 24.
Now, onto the 125s...
In order of appearance in thread:
| Bike | page number | Reviewer/poster | Type of ride/useage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha DT 125R 1998 | Page 1 | Chocolate Teapot | owner |
| Honda CBR 125R 2004 | Page 1 | CBR JGWRR | owner |
| Aprilia RS 125R 2003 | Page 1 | CBR JGWRR | owner |
| Yamaha YZF-R125 2010 | Page 1 | Farrant | owner |
| Yamaha YZF-R125 2011 | Page 1 | CBR JGWRR | test ride, main dealer |
| Sachs XTC 125 2004 | Page 1 | AceOfHearts | owner |
| Aprilia RS 125R **** | Page 2 | AceOfHearts | owner |
| Honda CBF 125 2011 | Page 2 | CBR JGWRR | test ride, main dealer |
| Honda CG 125 1995 | Page 2 | CBR JGWRR | CBT memories |
| Honda CBF 125 **** | Page 3 | Kenno78 | owner |
| Peugeot Tweet 125 **** | Page 3 | Vonuber | owner |
Edited by CBR JGWRR on Monday 23 July 12:16
Edited by CBR JGWRR on Thursday 7th February 13:58
Yamaha DT125R
My recommendation for a cheap, reliable & practical learner 125cc is the Yamaha DT125R.
I owned a 1998 model which I picked up for £600, I went on to sell this with an additional 5k on the clock for £1000! The older models hold their value very well and also are an extremely attractive bike to a learner so will sell easily.
I am 6ft 5" and built like a rugby player so I wanted a big bike that I wouldn't look daft on, most people recommended the Varedero and I tried one of these out. I decided on the DT because I didn't like the feel or look of the Varedero and the prices of used DT's were much more attractive. I also liked the fact that the DT125 is very easy to work on so I didn't feel nervous to carry out regular maintenance / repairs myself!
Overall I found it to be an extremely cheap to run, reliable bike that I still miss today! I went from this to a CBR600F and found this nowhere near the fun of my old DT so I've just sold this and bought another trail bike, the Suzuki DRZ400.
Also, one thing I was a bit nervous of when I bought it as I had no clue was that it is a 2-stroke and requires 2-stroke oil to mix with the fuel, I was a bit worried about this in that I didn't have a clue if it was hard to do, expensive or annoying? 2-stroke mixing on the DT is a breeze, there is a container to the right of the tank that you fill with the oil and it mixes the amount it needs by itself. It lasts ages and isn't expensive.
Speed wise it will cruise at 60, reach 70 at a push and accelerate faster than an average car.
I am no expert on motorbikes but if anyone wants to know anything about the DT then just ask and I will try and help.
Thanks
My recommendation for a cheap, reliable & practical learner 125cc is the Yamaha DT125R.
I owned a 1998 model which I picked up for £600, I went on to sell this with an additional 5k on the clock for £1000! The older models hold their value very well and also are an extremely attractive bike to a learner so will sell easily.
I am 6ft 5" and built like a rugby player so I wanted a big bike that I wouldn't look daft on, most people recommended the Varedero and I tried one of these out. I decided on the DT because I didn't like the feel or look of the Varedero and the prices of used DT's were much more attractive. I also liked the fact that the DT125 is very easy to work on so I didn't feel nervous to carry out regular maintenance / repairs myself!
Overall I found it to be an extremely cheap to run, reliable bike that I still miss today! I went from this to a CBR600F and found this nowhere near the fun of my old DT so I've just sold this and bought another trail bike, the Suzuki DRZ400.
Also, one thing I was a bit nervous of when I bought it as I had no clue was that it is a 2-stroke and requires 2-stroke oil to mix with the fuel, I was a bit worried about this in that I didn't have a clue if it was hard to do, expensive or annoying? 2-stroke mixing on the DT is a breeze, there is a container to the right of the tank that you fill with the oil and it mixes the amount it needs by itself. It lasts ages and isn't expensive.
Speed wise it will cruise at 60, reach 70 at a push and accelerate faster than an average car.
I am no expert on motorbikes but if anyone wants to know anything about the DT then just ask and I will try and help.
Thanks
Edited by Chocolate Teapot on Saturday 14th July 10:26
The second review so far...
Honda CBR 125R 2004 model
It's a baby motorcycle, looks like a CBR 600 that got lost in a washing machine, and shrunk. Back in 2004, it cost a little bit over 2 grand, and for that 2k, you got a 124cc single overhead camshaft, carb fed, 11000 rpm redline, single cylinder engine, which (supposedly) gave you a massive 12 bhp, for just under 100 bhp per litre, and nearly 100 bhp per tonne without the rider. You also got a steel frame, a six speed gearbox, a full fairing, and some very small tyres.
Still slow though, mine tops out at 76 mph (speedometer) on redline on the flat, in full racing tuck, after a flying mile...
Handles ok, good enough for kneedown heroics on decent tyres. It has it's own race series in Canada...
It's best feature is the fact it can do up to 150 mpg in real world conditions. The safety of doing this is up for debate, as it means either 40 30/in 6th everywhere, or 70 in 6th on wide open throttle, and full racing tuck, or at least it is on my one, which I think has had it's front sproket fiddled with by one of it's four previous owners.
It does 98 mpg in normal city riding, refill to refill, which means I fill it up once a month.
It's 0-30 is excellent.
It's 0-40 is ok.
It's 0-60 is 11 or so seconds...
Anything beyond that is entirely dependant on wind conditions and change in elevation.
In summary, slow but I love it.
Honda CBR 125R 2004 model
It's a baby motorcycle, looks like a CBR 600 that got lost in a washing machine, and shrunk. Back in 2004, it cost a little bit over 2 grand, and for that 2k, you got a 124cc single overhead camshaft, carb fed, 11000 rpm redline, single cylinder engine, which (supposedly) gave you a massive 12 bhp, for just under 100 bhp per litre, and nearly 100 bhp per tonne without the rider. You also got a steel frame, a six speed gearbox, a full fairing, and some very small tyres.
Still slow though, mine tops out at 76 mph (speedometer) on redline on the flat, in full racing tuck, after a flying mile...
Handles ok, good enough for kneedown heroics on decent tyres. It has it's own race series in Canada...
It's best feature is the fact it can do up to 150 mpg in real world conditions. The safety of doing this is up for debate, as it means either 40 30/in 6th everywhere, or 70 in 6th on wide open throttle, and full racing tuck, or at least it is on my one, which I think has had it's front sproket fiddled with by one of it's four previous owners.
It does 98 mpg in normal city riding, refill to refill, which means I fill it up once a month.
It's 0-30 is excellent.
It's 0-40 is ok.
It's 0-60 is 11 or so seconds...
Anything beyond that is entirely dependant on wind conditions and change in elevation.
In summary, slow but I love it.
Chocolate Teapot said:
auto1 said:
Can You drive a 125 in Europe on a CBT ?
No, only full driving entitlements are recognized when in Europe.Petrolhead95 said:
Has anyone ridden an Aprilia RS125? I'm looking into buying one and I'd like some reviews/comments.
Mine's currently undergoing some maintenance work at the moment. It was the next review I was going to do actually...
The vast majority of the second hand market will have been owned by 17 year olds who skimp on quality oil, and maintenance work in general (My one had it's gearbox go because the previous owner didn't use the clutch when changing gear, up and down. It's engine has also siezed at least once, and is on it's third engine rebuild now)
If you can, buy new - while the old one looks better, and was more powerful (Emissions regs reduced the power for newer ones) a new one will have more peace of mind, but, if you can find one, then you are looking at 4k and a little bit RRP.
The RS started in life as a mid 90's machine, as a machine to race in 125GP events, where whatever else you can say about them, they have been very successful. (Rossi, Simocelli, Stoner and more started on RS 125s) Indeed, if you are 13 to 19, there is a RS 125 superteen racing series you can enter.
Of course, a road version was made, and then the problems start, because of the target market.
It isn't a bike I could recommend as a first bike, largely because it is an expensive bike to run, and very quick. (They do 90 fresh out the factory, and derestricted do in excess of 100 mph, and 0 to 60 in 6/7 seconds)
You should budget with a rebuild in mind and they need to be run on high quality, fully synthetic 2t oil. Even if all this is done, it may still try to spit you off.
The riding position is also not very learner friendly, being far more of a racer than the baby CBR for example (I can actually sit upright on the baby CBR) and the foot pegs are much higher up as well.
The mirrors are fairly useless on my bike as well, and can be horrifingly expensive to insure, largely because A) thieves like to nick them, B) 17 year olds are no where near as capable as the bike beneath them...
As a quick comparison, the CBR cost 260 quid to insure to ride in Lincolnshire, and 770 to insure in coventry. The Aprilia however, would cost 350 quid for Lincolnshire, and almost an order of magnitude higher in coventry...
Right that's the bad points done, so onto the good stuff.
First there is the speed aspect. The Aprilia is sat upright normally, not even full throttle, where the CBR rider is flat to the tank, wide open throttle, going as fast as the little bike will go.
And then, at the end of the straight, the less able CBR loses the Aprilia in the corners, despite being better on the brakes, it's tiny tyres let it down. (The Indian Rubber Company tyres fitted as standard are carp) The Aprilia inspires more confidence, and hence speed, feeling more stable and more manoeverable at the same time.
It's ability to maintain speed through the bends is far in excess of what you may expect of a learner legal machine - a well ridden one would be able to keep up with a sports 600 on the right road.
They also sound amazing, never ceasing to bring a smile to my face, and the smell is the best in the known universe, worth the expense on that basis alone...
The stats
Mpg - 18 on track, where it's fairly good in the novice group.
- 40/70 on road.
- 100 if you try the absolute best you can do to get the most out of a gallon.
To be honest, the best way is to just accept it's not very fuel effcient, and just enjoy the ride.
0-30 Same as the CBR, as people don't particularly like it of you rev it to 8k and let out the clutch with a tiny wheelie and a cloud of blue smoke, but you gain it back when the CBR changes into 2nd at 25 mph...
0-60 Far faster than the CBR, with 2 whole gear changes less. (The CBR needs 5 to get to 60...) 7 seconds de restricted, 9 when restricted.
In woman terms, she's like the really hot lady that everyone wants - she'll take all your money but leave you breathless and amazed every time you ride her. The one you want while on say a holiday.
The CBR is the plain, studious, not particularly beautiful lady that isn't necessarily the first choice, but you have fond memories of. The one you would marry, and have for rest of life.
Like this: (from the dealing with the mental thread)
The ideal is to have both, and unlike women, you can actually have both...
I couldn't ask for a better response, thank you. As far as looks go, I only like the Aprilia, especially the older ones.
Obviously, as I'm 17 I just want the fastest bike which is the RS125 and I've got my eyes set on one. The insurance is less than I thought it would be and well within my budget but are they really as unreliable as everyone says?
Lastly, do you have any experience with the Yamaha R125?
Obviously, as I'm 17 I just want the fastest bike which is the RS125 and I've got my eyes set on one. The insurance is less than I thought it would be and well within my budget but are they really as unreliable as everyone says?
Lastly, do you have any experience with the Yamaha R125?
I have an R125. I can't recomend it highly enough, although the only other experience I have is of a YBR125. Speed-wise, it hits the limiter at 84mph, although I'm quite small, if you're quite big it might struggle 75+. Acceleration is roughly that of a 'normal' car. It will beat traffic to 40-50 but after that isn't so quick.
Costs; I get about 200-250 miles of a full tank, which costs about £17 to fill, and it cost me £3k for a 7,000 miler on a 10-plate. Services are every 4000 miles though.
To ride, I can't really compare it to anything else, as I've not ridden much else lol. But I like the way it rides.
HTH
Edit to add, I'm not actually sure on 0-60, but 0-30 is about 3 secs, and 0-50 is about 9.
Costs; I get about 200-250 miles of a full tank, which costs about £17 to fill, and it cost me £3k for a 7,000 miler on a 10-plate. Services are every 4000 miles though.
To ride, I can't really compare it to anything else, as I've not ridden much else lol. But I like the way it rides.
HTH
Edit to add, I'm not actually sure on 0-60, but 0-30 is about 3 secs, and 0-50 is about 9.
Edited by Farrant on Saturday 14th July 16:27
Petrolhead95 said:
I couldn't ask for a better response, thank you. As far as looks go, I only like the Aprilia, especially the older ones.
Obviously, as I'm 17 I just want the fastest bike which is the RS125 and I've got my eyes set on one. The insurance is less than I thought it would be and well within my budget but are they really as unreliable as everyone says?
Lastly, do you have any experience with the Yamaha R125?
Reliability - it really is a lottery. Some are fine, others are as bad as they say. Mine has been fundamentally ok all the time I've owned it, but mine has been looked after (aside from the gearbox issue, the last owner took care of it)Obviously, as I'm 17 I just want the fastest bike which is the RS125 and I've got my eyes set on one. The insurance is less than I thought it would be and well within my budget but are they really as unreliable as everyone says?
Lastly, do you have any experience with the Yamaha R125?
Make sure it is throughly warmed up first before use - 5 minutes just letting it warm up before riding it.
I must say, I thought you were older than 17...
I've had a brief test ride on a YZF-R 125, about an hour or so.
In which time I learnt it was faster, and useably faster than the CBR, and at normal speed more fuel effcient.
It is the same size as the YZF-R6, which is always useful.
Obviously, I didn't test the limits of it's handling, since it belonged to someone else, so, but it felt as capable, maybe a bit more, as the CBR, and not as good as the Aprilia.
If I could only have 1 125, the YZF would be it.
Thanks for the responses guys.
I was set on getting an Aprilia but I'm giving it second thoughts now. I weigh 12 stone so I know the top speed will be less for me than most people, but I'm not completely bothered about that, anything is faster than a ped! I might have to go and visit my local Yamaha dealer about the R125, it is really growing on me.
I'm doing my licence at the moment (A2 licence) and if I read it correctly, it said that I can ride anything that is under 33 BHP, does that include 250cc's?
Sorry for bombarding you with questions
P.S CBR, why did you think I was more than 17?
I was set on getting an Aprilia but I'm giving it second thoughts now. I weigh 12 stone so I know the top speed will be less for me than most people, but I'm not completely bothered about that, anything is faster than a ped! I might have to go and visit my local Yamaha dealer about the R125, it is really growing on me.
I'm doing my licence at the moment (A2 licence) and if I read it correctly, it said that I can ride anything that is under 33 BHP, does that include 250cc's?
Sorry for bombarding you with questions
P.S CBR, why did you think I was more than 17?
Petrolhead95 said:
Thanks for the responses guys.
I was set on getting an Aprilia but I'm giving it second thoughts now. I weigh 12 stone so I know the top speed will be less for me than most people, but I'm not completely bothered about that, anything is faster than a ped! I might have to go and visit my local Yamaha dealer about the R125, it is really growing on me.
I'm doing my licence at the moment (A2 licence) and if I read it correctly, it said that I can ride anything that is under 33 BHP, does that include 250cc's?
Sorry for bombarding you with questions
P.S CBR, why did you think I was more than 17?
<checks profile>I was set on getting an Aprilia but I'm giving it second thoughts now. I weigh 12 stone so I know the top speed will be less for me than most people, but I'm not completely bothered about that, anything is faster than a ped! I might have to go and visit my local Yamaha dealer about the R125, it is really growing on me.
I'm doing my licence at the moment (A2 licence) and if I read it correctly, it said that I can ride anything that is under 33 BHP, does that include 250cc's?
Sorry for bombarding you with questions
P.S CBR, why did you think I was more than 17?
Doing test on the Piaggio?
If so, then it's a bad idea - Unlike CBT, if you do the test on a twist and go auto, then you are limited to autos. And if it's a 50, at best you can get an A1 licence, which is take L-plates off.
Top speed will still be higher on the Aprilia, and 12 stone is sort of the same as me, so it'll be alright.
As to A2 licence, it is anything under 33 bhp, be it a derestricted 125, a newer 250, (most of the older sports 250s are well over 33 bhp) even a 1000cc superbike if you have the money for insurance and restrictor kit...
Also there is a power to weight ratio restriction, of 0.16 kW/kg, which most people forget. (Why the new 250s have 26 bhp, and not 33bhp)
You sound older from your posts. More mature.
CBR JGWRR said:
<checks profile>
Doing test on the Piaggio?
If so, then it's a bad idea - Unlike CBT, if you do the test on a twist and go auto, then you are limited to autos. And if it's a 50, at best you can get an A1 licence, which is take L-plates off.
Top speed will still be higher on the Aprilia, and 12 stone is sort of the same as me, so it'll be alright.
As to A2 licence, it is anything under 33 bhp, be it a derestricted 125, a newer 250, (most of the older sports 250s are well over 33 bhp) even a 1000cc superbike if you have the money for insurance and restrictor kit...
Also there is a power to weight ratio restriction, of 0.16 kW/kg, which most people forget. (Why the new 250s have 26 bhp, and not 33bhp)
You sound older from your posts. More mature.
Nope, I'm doing my test on one of their manual bikes. I was looking at getting a 600cc and getting a restrictor kit, but the cheapest insurance quotes for them were around £1,300 which is a bit pricey for me.Doing test on the Piaggio?
If so, then it's a bad idea - Unlike CBT, if you do the test on a twist and go auto, then you are limited to autos. And if it's a 50, at best you can get an A1 licence, which is take L-plates off.
Top speed will still be higher on the Aprilia, and 12 stone is sort of the same as me, so it'll be alright.
As to A2 licence, it is anything under 33 bhp, be it a derestricted 125, a newer 250, (most of the older sports 250s are well over 33 bhp) even a 1000cc superbike if you have the money for insurance and restrictor kit...
Also there is a power to weight ratio restriction, of 0.16 kW/kg, which most people forget. (Why the new 250s have 26 bhp, and not 33bhp)
You sound older from your posts. More mature.
They let me sit on the Kawasaki Ninja 250 at the dealer and I really liked it but I think I'll stick to a 125.
I'm going to look into the Yamaha R125, thanks for the advice!
Petrolhead95 said:
Thanks for the responses guys.
I was set on getting an Aprilia but I'm giving it second thoughts now. I weigh 12 stone so I know the top speed will be less for me than most people, but I'm not completely bothered about that, anything is faster than a ped! I might have to go and visit my local Yamaha dealer about the R125, it is really growing on me.
I'm doing my licence at the moment (A2 licence) and if I read it correctly, it said that I can ride anything that is under 33 BHP, does that include 250cc's?
Sorry for bombarding you with questions
P.S CBR, why did you think I was more than 17?
I THINK you can, but is likely to be restricted. Theoretically, couldn't you get a 700cc if it was somehow restricted to under 33bhp?I was set on getting an Aprilia but I'm giving it second thoughts now. I weigh 12 stone so I know the top speed will be less for me than most people, but I'm not completely bothered about that, anything is faster than a ped! I might have to go and visit my local Yamaha dealer about the R125, it is really growing on me.
I'm doing my licence at the moment (A2 licence) and if I read it correctly, it said that I can ride anything that is under 33 BHP, does that include 250cc's?
Sorry for bombarding you with questions
P.S CBR, why did you think I was more than 17?
ETA: missed half of the thead
all answered above.Edited by PH lurker on Saturday 14th July 18:34
Petrolhead95 said:
Nope, I'm doing my test on one of their manual bikes. I was looking at getting a 600cc and getting a restrictor kit, but the cheapest insurance quotes for them were around £1,300 which is a bit pricey for me.
They let me sit on the Kawasaki Ninja 250 at the dealer and I really liked it but I think I'll stick to a 125.
I'm going to look into the Yamaha R125, thanks for the advice!
Alright.They let me sit on the Kawasaki Ninja 250 at the dealer and I really liked it but I think I'll stick to a 125.
I'm going to look into the Yamaha R125, thanks for the advice!
They are both good bikes.
ETA - The Yamaha is still fairly new, so prices will be 1400 onwards normally, for a 2008 bike, up to 4.2k for a new one.
PH lurker said:
I THINK you can, but is likely to be restricted. Theoretically, couldn't you get a 700cc if it was somehow restricted to under 33bhp?
ETA: missed half of the thead all answered above.
The restriction usually is an O ring in the Exhaust/Inlet, or via the throttle.ETA: missed half of the thead
all answered above.Edited by PH lurker on Saturday 14th July 18:34
The first sort is the best, since you can do that yourself. (Just keep a Dyno read out as proof it's restricted - it's more proof than the certificate you get with a kit.)
Note - From next year, when the rules change to a three tier licence, the restriction is limited to bikes which have 94 bhp or less, to 47 bhp.
Edited by CBR JGWRR on Saturday 14th July 19:26
Sachs XTC 2004
I had the XTC for just over a year and absolutely loved it. Used to go well (with power being right on the 15bhp limit) and topped out at around 75mph, although it would go higher if you buried the revs right in the red as it did'nt have a limiter
Build quality was not the best, but nothing broke in the time i had it.
At the time i loved the underseat exhaust and trellis frame, and the fact it was 4t i thought it sounded better at the time (although now i love the sound of 2t). I paid £1500 for mine in mint condition, it used to do 300 miles to a tank and to me felt like a proper bike. Suzuki engine was perfectly reliable.
TBH i still look out for cheap ones every so often to take over commuting duties
If anybody has any questions about them please feel free to ask. I know they get slated (unfairly in my opinion) on the 125 forums but as a reliable, cheap to run learner bike that still looks good i think its a winner
I had the XTC for just over a year and absolutely loved it. Used to go well (with power being right on the 15bhp limit) and topped out at around 75mph, although it would go higher if you buried the revs right in the red as it did'nt have a limiter
Build quality was not the best, but nothing broke in the time i had it.At the time i loved the underseat exhaust and trellis frame, and the fact it was 4t i thought it sounded better at the time (although now i love the sound of 2t). I paid £1500 for mine in mint condition, it used to do 300 miles to a tank and to me felt like a proper bike. Suzuki engine was perfectly reliable.
TBH i still look out for cheap ones every so often to take over commuting duties
If anybody has any questions about them please feel free to ask. I know they get slated (unfairly in my opinion) on the 125 forums but as a reliable, cheap to run learner bike that still looks good i think its a winner
Edited by AceOfHearts on Saturday 14th July 19:34
Edited by AceOfHearts on Saturday 14th July 19:51
CBR JGWRR said:
ETA - The Yamaha is still fairly new, so prices will be 1400 onwards normally, for a 2008 bike, up to 4.2k for a new one.
That's the only thing putting me off, I was hoping to get the bike for around £1,000. But then again, if I get an Aprilia and it goes tits up, I could end up spending a lot more, what a dilema. I've got some thinking to do.Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff