Are 125s actually fun?

[Disastrous]

Just reading the other thread suggesting that a 125 will be more fun than an Integra and instead of derailing that, thought I'd start another.

Are they really?

My only experience on one was doing my CBT/DAS (where we used a Yam YBR125 (I think?) and my thoughts are as follows:

Massively slow (couldn't get above 55 on mine, chin on tank)
Horrendous on anything but ribbon smooth roads (tyres following lines and ridges all over the place)
Terrifying lack of braking
Absurdly tiny (I'm over 6ft and felt ludicrous on it)
Actually difficult to ride smoothly/well

I remember the relief when we moved up to the 600s and I felt like I was on a bike designed for an adult. Suddenly I could U-turn much easier, hold a line and not worry about the bike squirming around under me.

I can see the point of a 125 for learning or perhaps getting to work in New Delhi but surely not a a serious proposition for a fully grown man I the roads?

[Disastrous]

xstian said:

Tim85 said:

xstian said:

What is it with people on this forum? "If it isn't at least a 600 its boring" Of course a 125 can be fun, especially if you get a 2T. TZR125, RS125, Cagiva Mito, are all ace bikes. You have to keep momentum into corners, which has a massive input into learning to ride properly. The people who jump straight onto large bikes after passing there test, could learn a thing or two by spending a week riding a light, underpowered bike.

Whilst I don't doubt those 125s CAN be fun on very specific roads but have you ever been on proper rides out with people on 125s. It's just painful waiting all the time. On any given ride out I've been on it always consists of slowly twisty roads, big sweepers and then the getting to and from said roads.
Not everyone on here bumbles around on their 600s or thousands.

The majority of 125s are commuter tools or stop gap bikes. I don't live in a city. There's no way I'd ever get a 125.

That's not really a valid argument. Your bike is much faster of course there are problems keeping up, but I don't remember that ever being part of the question. I also wouldn't buy a 125 again, they are mainly built for people who can only ride with a CBT. But the question was, are they fun? I'm saying I think they can be, in the same way that anything with good handling can be fun. If people can't understand why a good handling bike can be fun, why are they riding for a hobby.

In fairness, I pretty much asked "what's the point of them, except for learners?" and you've quite angrily said "Rubbish! They're great! Though I wouldn't buy one as they're just for learners."

[Disastrous]

GreatPretender said:

Disastrous said:

Just reading the other thread suggesting that a 125 will be more fun than an Integra and instead of derailing that, thought I'd start another.

Are they really?

My only experience on one was doing my CBT/DAS (where we used a Yam YBR125 (I think?) and my thoughts are as follows:

Massively slow (couldn't get above 55 on mine, chin on tank)
Horrendous on anything but ribbon smooth roads (tyres following lines and ridges all over the place)
Terrifying lack of braking
Absurdly tiny (I'm over 6ft and felt ludicrous on it)
Actually difficult to ride smoothly/well

I remember the relief when we moved up to the 600s and I felt like I was on a bike designed for an adult. Suddenly I could U-turn much easier, hold a line and not worry about the bike squirming around under me.

I can see the point of a 125 for learning or perhaps getting to work in New Delhi but surely not a a serious proposition for a fully grown man I the roads?

I hear you bro.

I tried to force myself onto a 125 after I did my CBT, but try as I might, I just couldn't part with actual money for a Vespa shaped fag-chariot or bear to be seen on a bike that wanted to be an R1 but ultimately couldn't pull the skin of a rice pud. It's just not right. In the end I decided that a 125 should look like a 125cc motorbike, but then I'd inevitably be expected to deliver piza on it.

You just can't win!

There was only one option: man the fk up and do the DAS. There's simply no alternative without looking a total dick.

This, massively.

I remember doing my CBT and my excitement was palpable. I was suddenly Brando, McQueen, Rossi, Rainey, Sheene and I was out there on the streets, astride a fking cool motorcycle revving it and riding it, all on my own.

We stopped at some traffic lights outside a hair salon and imagined the girls inside, gazing out at me, a lone-wolf backstreet hero out a Springsteen song.

And then I saw my reflection in the shop window. In my hi-viz fking waistcoat squeezed over my ski jacket, astride a tiny stter like some sort of fluorescent gorilla atop a tricycle.

We got back to the centre and before the side stand was down, my wallet was out booking my DAS.

fking hell.

[Disastrous]

LuS1fer said:

GreatPretender said:

Disastrous said:

This, massively.

I remember doing my CBT and my excitement was palpable. I was suddenly Brando, McQueen, Rossi, Rainey, Sheene and I was out there on the streets, astride a fking cool motorcycle revving it and riding it, all on my own.

We stopped at some traffic lights outside a hair salon and imagined the girls inside, gazing out at me, a lone-wolf backstreet hero out a Springsteen song.

And then I saw my reflection in the shop window. In my hi-viz fking waistcoat squeezed over my ski jacket, astride a tiny stter like some sort of fluorescent gorilla atop a tricycle.

We got back to the centre and before the side stand was down, my wallet was out booking my DAS.

fking hell.

I hope you bought some decent riding gear to go with the bigger bike.

No chance. That was a proper vintage Nevica with dayglo panelling AND a Recco avalanche reflector. I don't see Dainese and AStars pushing that sort of technology and until it happens, you won't see me in them.

I mean, great, an airbag that goes off if I crash but let me ask you this, mr Dainese: what happens if I'm in an avalanche? Eh? His silence says it all...


I don't wear the hi-vis waistcoat any more though, because it clashed with the Nevica.

[Disastrous]

Quite right, catso.

It should be atg Att. (I've had to use lower case to put the stress on the A for ALL the time)

I simply would not consider getting on anything in less than full leathers, sea survival suit and an avalanche pack.

Even then, I'm riding roughshod over the risks of chemical or biological warfare as I can't find an NBC suit big enough.