New biker advise needed

[Gulliver]

Being a carman myself, my toy tends to stay garaged for weeks on end and gets out for track days or week ends only.

The thing is after spending a two year zipping around in a 50cc scooter (Yes, I know, don't laugh....) I am getting a taste for 2 wheels and want to get into it.

I am going to get a full licence, but in the meantime, , I want to upgrade to a 125 bike until getting something more serious, and getting more comfortable before going for something with real power (I have a 125cc licence).

Any recommandation from experienced biker for a good all rounder as a 125cc to learn and use in an urban environment ?

Thanks lads.

>>> Edited by Gulliver on Monday 24th January 17:28

[Davel]

I'd hire one from the school if you can.

Pass your test and then buy a bigger bike.

Otherwise you'll probably buy a 125, pass, get bored and lose money when you trade up.

Either way, get your test a.s.a.p ready for the spring

Enjoy!

[rsvmilly]

Get yourself a cheap Honda CG125 <makes the sign of the holy pushrods>.

Yours for around £300. Run it for a few months. Learn about a manual bike and if it's still in one piece then sell it for what you paid for it.

[sierranut]

I had a KMX 200 for about 4 years and it was the best fun. Even in winter it came into its own. I understand that they did a 125 version. would be alot less power but still should be a laugh.

[bennyboysvuk]

I agree totally with Davel. If you can book your test for as early spring as you see fit, then you can ride their 500s during your training and save for a much pokier bike for after you've passed.

[andy4200]

Yep, Do the Direct Access and get a bigger bike.
I did mine last July, bought a 600 in November and now got a 1050 ordered for Spring. I don't honestly think I could have been happy on a 125 for any great length of time.
But I do feel happy that I can control my right hand!! Years of practice, not necessarily bike related!!!
On the other hand, if you are the type of person who likes to keep it pinned all the time then get a 125 for self preservation.

[Gulliver]

andy4200 said:

On the other hand, if you are the type of person who likes to keep it pinned all the time then get a 125 for self preservation.

Self preservation sounds good.

Thanks for all the replies guys.

[tycho]

Another vote for Direct Access.

I did this and bought a GPz500 when I passed. This was good for 6 months when I was initially getting used to biking (you should never stop learning)and then changed to a Speed Triple which I've had for 18 months.

Having a "smaller" 500cc bike taught me lots and I'm glad I did it this way as a 125c bike would have me frustrated after about 2 months and wanting more.

[rsvmilly]

andy4200 said:

Yep, Do the Direct Access and get a bigger bike. I did mine last July, bought a 600 in November and now got a 1050 ordered for Spring. I don't honestly think I could have been happy on a 125 for any great length of time. But I do feel happy that I can control my right hand!! Years of practice, not necessarily bike related!!! On the other hand, if you are the type of person who likes to keep it pinned all the time then get a 125 for self preservation.

125 is plenty fast enough to hurt yourself - Joey Dunlop killed himself on a 125.

[Davel]

50 cc is fast enough to kill yourself.

Did CBT on school 125 cc then DA using school 500cc for two lessons.

Bought s/h BMW F650GS and did rest of lessons and test on that, then onto a Moto Guzzi California EV, now Multistrada and on Friday BMW R1200GS!

Its not just the engine size that counts and it's mostly as dangerous as you choose to ride, whatever you buy.

It is though important to have that extra power when you need it, if only to get you out of trouble.

[rsvmilly]

Davel said:

50 cc is fast enough to kill yourself. Did CBT on school 125 cc then DA using school 500cc for two lessons. Bought s/h BMW F650GS and did rest of lessons and test on that, then onto a Moto Guzzi California EV, now Multistrada and on Friday BMW R1200GS! Its not just the engine size that counts and it's mostly as dangerous as you choose to ride, whatever you buy. It is though important to have that extra power when you need it, if only to get you out of trouble.

My first bike was 1000cc

You can't say this bike is safe because its only 125cc. I prefer the stability and road presence of larger bikes - cars are far less likely to try to intimidate you. I'd recommend a 600 as soon as you can.

But as a good way to gain experience you can't beat running an old cheap bike. Makes you appreciate your race-rep all the more.

[Davel]

Totally agree, engine size alone does not mean it will be ferocious but it will be more stable than a 125 etc.

[jvaughan]

My Africa Twin is Huuuuge. its 750cc, but only puts out about 70bhp (a lot less than most 600CC sports Bikes).
I went straight from a 125, then my Direct Access to the AT.

But... its huge, its got enough power to get out of trouble. It can be seen, it has a presence on the road.

My advice .. shop around, get a bike that suites you.. use common sense.

[kirkythepunk]

I passed with direct access and bought a Truimph speed triple as my first bike,but yamaha DT125R are a safe bet if you wan't to have abit of fun with a CBT

[jvaughan]

I agree... but these days, the DT125 is the bike of choice for thieves. if you get one, lock it securely, even sleep with it if you can.

Insurance also reflects that... my Africa Twin was only £50 more to insure than my DT125 !!.. Crazy

[mrmaggit]

Don't get a faired bike as a first, because you WILL drop it, and the plastics WILL be expensive.