ever traded back to a 125?
Discussion
I had an MSX125 Grom for 3 years and it did the job and I quite enjoyed it's pocket dimensions and it was handy to park away from prying eyes, at the back of the house.
However, the truth is, since buying a 650 2 years ago, is that the lights are usually utter crap on a 125 so not good in winter, it's not quite fast enough to beat cars away and stay ahead and the chain wore out inside 4000 miles. It was quite an expensive disposable commuter though lost 1300 quid over nearly 3 years (plus a rear axle, tyre and new adjusters).
I bought the SV650S because it was the end of the line brand new (pre-reg) £4600 and a 125 really wasn't that much less and the Suzuki has undoubtedly depreciated less and is far less stressed than a buzzing 125.
So, overall, I conclude that the 650 is probably overkill for my 10 mile each way commute (but insurance was actually cheaper than the 125), it must do about 80 to the gallon vs the 125's 130 (but components on the 125 are less durable) so the main issue is the road tax (78 vs 16).
150-400cc is £37 road tax which is a middle figure. I would not want to go back to a 125 but could make do with 250-300cc provided it had decent headlights. Fast enough that you're not willing it on, like a 125.
Scooters seem huge when I sit on them but I suppose that is the storage so maybe worse for filtering.
However, the truth is, since buying a 650 2 years ago, is that the lights are usually utter crap on a 125 so not good in winter, it's not quite fast enough to beat cars away and stay ahead and the chain wore out inside 4000 miles. It was quite an expensive disposable commuter though lost 1300 quid over nearly 3 years (plus a rear axle, tyre and new adjusters).
I bought the SV650S because it was the end of the line brand new (pre-reg) £4600 and a 125 really wasn't that much less and the Suzuki has undoubtedly depreciated less and is far less stressed than a buzzing 125.
So, overall, I conclude that the 650 is probably overkill for my 10 mile each way commute (but insurance was actually cheaper than the 125), it must do about 80 to the gallon vs the 125's 130 (but components on the 125 are less durable) so the main issue is the road tax (78 vs 16).
150-400cc is £37 road tax which is a middle figure. I would not want to go back to a 125 but could make do with 250-300cc provided it had decent headlights. Fast enough that you're not willing it on, like a 125.
Scooters seem huge when I sit on them but I suppose that is the storage so maybe worse for filtering.
I last rode a 125 about 3 years after passing my test and I thought it was broken it was that slow.
If I were you I’d get a 250 scooter over a 125 as you’ll get a much better one for the same money as a 125 and it will be a bit faster. The 250 XMAX I had was great to mess around on and I even managed to get 96mph out of it. 70-75 with 2 people wasn’t really an issue whereas a 125 will struggle.
If I were you I’d get a 250 scooter over a 125 as you’ll get a much better one for the same money as a 125 and it will be a bit faster. The 250 XMAX I had was great to mess around on and I even managed to get 96mph out of it. 70-75 with 2 people wasn’t really an issue whereas a 125 will struggle.
As the weather has turned I've swapped to riding a YBR125 as a winter bike. First day of using it today since spring, and it felt horrid and broken. Changing back is something I quickly get used to though.
For a short commute, a 125 wont be much cheaper than a bigger bike. I find cost in tyres, insurance etc fairly similar. Plus 125s can be a bit skittish in the wet and the headlights tend to be s
te.
For a short commute, a 125 wont be much cheaper than a bigger bike. I find cost in tyres, insurance etc fairly similar. Plus 125s can be a bit skittish in the wet and the headlights tend to be s
te.I wouldn't want to go back to a 125cc. I rode my brother in law's Varadero 125cc and at first I thought the throttle was broken as I was twisting it and nothing was happening.
I've aired my views before on 125cc bikes, I think they're more dangerous than bigger bikes. You're just as vulnerable as a bigger bike but don't have the road presence, power, brakes or handling to look after yourself. You're much more at the mercy of other road users, and I don't like that.
I've aired my views before on 125cc bikes, I think they're more dangerous than bigger bikes. You're just as vulnerable as a bigger bike but don't have the road presence, power, brakes or handling to look after yourself. You're much more at the mercy of other road users, and I don't like that.
I think it depends on the commute.
I've had big bikes for 30 years now, but 6 years ago I bought a 125 scooter for the 6 mile commute. It's all 30 and 40 limits, with a fair bit of queuing cars to get past. Its quite happy to keep up with traffic when it is moving. Just done a few sums and it's saved £2500 in fuel alone in the car, but it also saves about 40 minutes a day queuing. Costs £17 VED, £100 insurance, £3/week fuel.
A 125 is fine for this type of journey and I really don't need anything bigger (Whisper so other half doesnt hear: I do quite fancy a Burgman 400 though! Heart says yes, head says no).
I've had big bikes for 30 years now, but 6 years ago I bought a 125 scooter for the 6 mile commute. It's all 30 and 40 limits, with a fair bit of queuing cars to get past. Its quite happy to keep up with traffic when it is moving. Just done a few sums and it's saved £2500 in fuel alone in the car, but it also saves about 40 minutes a day queuing. Costs £17 VED, £100 insurance, £3/week fuel.
A 125 is fine for this type of journey and I really don't need anything bigger (Whisper so other half doesnt hear: I do quite fancy a Burgman 400 though! Heart says yes, head says no).
I had a couple of DT125s (LC2 & R) as 2nd bikes over the years and were good fun, ok enough pace, better on the road than some enduro bikes (6 speed box, good headlight, better seat etc), plus you can do some light off roading.
A KMX200 was better.
As suggested above, why specifically a 125, would the budget go to a CRF250L - they get good reviews here and I guess finding an unabused 125 two stroke for sensible money would be hard now.
Personally wouldn't go for a 125 roadster/sports bike or a scooter but always feel a 125/200/250 trail bike is fun given the performance available.
A KMX200 was better.
As suggested above, why specifically a 125, would the budget go to a CRF250L - they get good reviews here and I guess finding an unabused 125 two stroke for sensible money would be hard now.
Personally wouldn't go for a 125 roadster/sports bike or a scooter but always feel a 125/200/250 trail bike is fun given the performance available.
Funny how perceptions change.
My old Ts 125 ER felt like the dogs danglies after I had the baffle removed and applied stickers 30 years ago.
I had to ride my wifes YBR125 a couple of miles last week. I felt invisible and vulnerable (and bloody stupid in my Rossi lid).
I get seen on my Fireblade and my anti social exhaust lets everyone know I'm there.
My old Ts 125 ER felt like the dogs danglies after I had the baffle removed and applied stickers 30 years ago.
I had to ride my wifes YBR125 a couple of miles last week. I felt invisible and vulnerable (and bloody stupid in my Rossi lid).
I get seen on my Fireblade and my anti social exhaust lets everyone know I'm there.
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