John Connor. It is time. But what 125cc?
Discussion
I am 37. My father rides and my FIL rides. They only have positive things to say. Both do long trips into France etc.
I have mulled it over and finally have decided it’s time. For the time being I just want to ride 125cc. Reason being I may not get into it, don’t want to spend a fortune, and I feel it’s better to really learn the basics before opening the possibility to a bigger bike. I also think a motorcycle will be of benefit over after the 2030 car ICE ban as bikes don’t seem to be effected.
Now I have like memory etched into my mind of John Conner blasting round LA on his XR. And I have been looking at KLX125, XR125 and WR125. I’m 6ft1 so assume this is a good thing. I do like in Derbyshire (Belper) and there are a few dirt tracks I can go down, but I think it’s just the style of bike I like. It will be 99% used just to go to the shops and friends, general commuting, and learning the craft. We have two cars.
But I can’t help thinking than a KTM Duke would be the better long term bet? Maybe easier to ride on the road, where I do realise it will spend nearly all its time.
Any thought would be really helpful. Looking up to 3.5k and would prefer not to take a bath if I need to shift it.
I have mulled it over and finally have decided it’s time. For the time being I just want to ride 125cc. Reason being I may not get into it, don’t want to spend a fortune, and I feel it’s better to really learn the basics before opening the possibility to a bigger bike. I also think a motorcycle will be of benefit over after the 2030 car ICE ban as bikes don’t seem to be effected.
Now I have like memory etched into my mind of John Conner blasting round LA on his XR. And I have been looking at KLX125, XR125 and WR125. I’m 6ft1 so assume this is a good thing. I do like in Derbyshire (Belper) and there are a few dirt tracks I can go down, but I think it’s just the style of bike I like. It will be 99% used just to go to the shops and friends, general commuting, and learning the craft. We have two cars.
But I can’t help thinking than a KTM Duke would be the better long term bet? Maybe easier to ride on the road, where I do realise it will spend nearly all its time.
Any thought would be really helpful. Looking up to 3.5k and would prefer not to take a bath if I need to shift it.
Buy the cheapest bike in good condition you can find, sounds like you'll be going onto DAS soon!
8 weeks ago I was in same boat... Dad has ridden since the 70s, I was brought up around bikes but never bothered riding after I past my driving test 20 years ago. Bought alittle 125cc as work parking was getting too difficult for my car... I'll just use it to commute, I'll save money blah blah blah... No intention at all of going onto DAS.
I'm now doing DAS training for the past 4 weeks and flying along. Having ridden an MT07 for a good few hours now, no regrets at all, completely different animal to a 125 and about 50 times more fun.
I went for a Varadero 125 that cosmetically isn't the best but is mechanically perfect. Good to use to practise on in my own time, saving money/time on lessons and still use for commuting on.
8 weeks ago I was in same boat... Dad has ridden since the 70s, I was brought up around bikes but never bothered riding after I past my driving test 20 years ago. Bought alittle 125cc as work parking was getting too difficult for my car... I'll just use it to commute, I'll save money blah blah blah... No intention at all of going onto DAS.
I'm now doing DAS training for the past 4 weeks and flying along. Having ridden an MT07 for a good few hours now, no regrets at all, completely different animal to a 125 and about 50 times more fun.
I went for a Varadero 125 that cosmetically isn't the best but is mechanically perfect. Good to use to practise on in my own time, saving money/time on lessons and still use for commuting on.
I got an MT125, it has adult sized dimensions which makes it more comfortable, goes well for what it is. As others have said, anything over 50mph really highlights the limitations and you'll want more power, L plates bring out the worst in drivers too. Do the cbt and get a lesson on a full power 600/650 and see how you feel. I feel considerably safer on the training school sv650.
wuckfitracing said:
Ride a KTM Duke 125 down the A38, you will soon tire of it (too slow). Your budget is in the Duke 390 territory. Use the training bikes 125s for the CBt then move on to do the DAS.
This is it. I actually live in Ridgeway, Ambergate. The bike won’t touch the A38, only the A6 to Duffield which is a 50 max anyway for a few mile stretches. The furthest it will likely go is to Costco for a hot dog! We have a V40 D4 for my work duties and a new Mini Cooper S for my wife. This will literally be commuting and me trying to relive my youth when I should have learnt to ride.
I'm 6ft and a bit thick, I've a duke 125 and it's generally fine but going over 60MPH is very weather dependent 
I'm going for my DAS at the end of this month as I've got tired of the lack of power but it's been great. Whilst it's a small bike I fit absolutely fine and it's miles comfier than my friends Yamaha YZF-R125 that I've had a shot of a few times.
If you're in the position to get through your DAS quickly, I'd do that and even go for a Duke 390 or similar. Not too crazy but plenty oomph for most scenarios. The biggest limitation I have with mine really is the lack of power, you're continuously going up and down the gears just to keep it going on faster roads/hills which is fun for a while but it really does get tiring.
I'm going for my DAS at the end of this month as I've got tired of the lack of power but it's been great. Whilst it's a small bike I fit absolutely fine and it's miles comfier than my friends Yamaha YZF-R125 that I've had a shot of a few times.
If you're in the position to get through your DAS quickly, I'd do that and even go for a Duke 390 or similar. Not too crazy but plenty oomph for most scenarios. The biggest limitation I have with mine really is the lack of power, you're continuously going up and down the gears just to keep it going on faster roads/hills which is fun for a while but it really does get tiring.
For a taller rider the Varadero is a good choice as it's adult sized and as a twin is a bit torquier than some 125's.
On the other hand, as above it's highly likely you'll want something a bit bigger pretty quickly so cheapest option might be a good bet. A CG or YBR might not be the most exciting bike, but they'll be as reliable a brick and hold thier value really well.
Prices of 125's tend to be a bit crazy and you'll often find you can get a much quicker 600 for less money than a 125.
Personally I'd always advise someone to do the CBT first to decide if it's for them, and if they enjoy it do the test and buy a decent sized one. If you really only intend to commute then the A2 license gets you on to a bike that can keep up with traffic, but a full licence won't cost much more if you're old enough.
On the other hand, as above it's highly likely you'll want something a bit bigger pretty quickly so cheapest option might be a good bet. A CG or YBR might not be the most exciting bike, but they'll be as reliable a brick and hold thier value really well.
Prices of 125's tend to be a bit crazy and you'll often find you can get a much quicker 600 for less money than a 125.
Personally I'd always advise someone to do the CBT first to decide if it's for them, and if they enjoy it do the test and buy a decent sized one. If you really only intend to commute then the A2 license gets you on to a bike that can keep up with traffic, but a full licence won't cost much more if you're old enough.
PT1984 said:
Caddyshack said:
Aprilia mx125 is big, comfy and can be de-restricted to 30hp.
That sounds just the ticket. But there are none for sale!Here is mine. The rotax 257 engine also fits, 250 cc and 50 hp at the wheel.
I spoke to the instructor today. He quite rightly pointed out to do the CBT first. Decide if you like it. They will then assess your competently for DAS and charge a day rate rather than a set course. Peop look e who get it normally pass quicker.
His reckoning is for the price of a decent 125, you can DAS and get into a Fazer, Bandit, or something like a ER6N for the same money. I probably prefer his thinking.
His reckoning is for the price of a decent 125, you can DAS and get into a Fazer, Bandit, or something like a ER6N for the same money. I probably prefer his thinking.
PT1984 said:
Caddyshack said:
Aprilia mx125 is big, comfy and can be de-restricted to 30hp.
That sounds just the ticket. But there are none for sale!Here is mine. The rotax 257 engine also fits, 250 cc and 50 hp at the wheel.
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