Help! I'm new to all this.
Discussion
OK, so I moved to London, sold my car and embarked on a hate hate affair with the tube. Now, one year on I just can't face another summer of sweating on the sardine express and want to get myself a bike of the motorised variety.
I've been advised that I should really get some experience on a geared 125 rather than just jump straight onto a 600 or something. I was originally just thinking of a 125 scooter but apparently they don't really set you up for the move up to a bigger bike.
I'm almost 30, have been driving for years and consider myself pretty defensive in my style. I have absolutely no experience on a bike whatsoever.
I was looking at the Cagiva Planet as a first bike but have heard some worrying things about reliability, and the fact that it's a 2 stroke. Given that this will be an everyday machine and stored outdoors overnight, this may not be the best option. I like the styling and don't fancy a sports bike, especially not a 125 sports as in my view they are just trying to be something they're not....not my style!
I really like the KTM Duke (600cc) and would be quite happy with something of that style in 125 guise. Not after an offroader but I think it's 'Supermoto' that I'm after (offroader looks with road tyres?).
Basically can anyone give me some pointers as to 125's that might suit me, or whether I should just take the plunge and go straight onto a bigger bike and ride very sensibly?
Also, am I correct in thinking that to ride a de-restricted 125 I will need to do my DAS rather than just the CBT?
Finally, whilst it will primarily be a commuter for a 7 mile journey to work, I would in an ideal world like to do the odd longer trip of 80 miles or so. Am I living in the real world if I expect to do this 'comfortably' on a 125?
Any help on any of the any points above would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Dan
I've been advised that I should really get some experience on a geared 125 rather than just jump straight onto a 600 or something. I was originally just thinking of a 125 scooter but apparently they don't really set you up for the move up to a bigger bike.
I'm almost 30, have been driving for years and consider myself pretty defensive in my style. I have absolutely no experience on a bike whatsoever.
I was looking at the Cagiva Planet as a first bike but have heard some worrying things about reliability, and the fact that it's a 2 stroke. Given that this will be an everyday machine and stored outdoors overnight, this may not be the best option. I like the styling and don't fancy a sports bike, especially not a 125 sports as in my view they are just trying to be something they're not....not my style!
I really like the KTM Duke (600cc) and would be quite happy with something of that style in 125 guise. Not after an offroader but I think it's 'Supermoto' that I'm after (offroader looks with road tyres?).
Basically can anyone give me some pointers as to 125's that might suit me, or whether I should just take the plunge and go straight onto a bigger bike and ride very sensibly?
Also, am I correct in thinking that to ride a de-restricted 125 I will need to do my DAS rather than just the CBT?
Finally, whilst it will primarily be a commuter for a 7 mile journey to work, I would in an ideal world like to do the odd longer trip of 80 miles or so. Am I living in the real world if I expect to do this 'comfortably' on a 125?
Any help on any of the any points above would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Dan
From your OP, Id genuinely recomend a scooter. Why sit astride something , crouched over a hot engine and exhaust for 7 miles each way? Scooter are best for London commutes if youre unlikely to hti the open road on weekends. And theyre cheap, and you can carry stuff in them. Else you will have to have a backpack - again, not solving your summer temperature conundrum.
Go do your DAS and get a proper bike!
I would suggest a Suzuki sv650 or sv650s would be an ideal commuter bike. The S faired model being more suitable for longer journeys at motorway speeds.
I ran a first model sv650s for 6months in 2000 covering 3000 miles and it really is a top commuter bike.
I only sold it cos I sold my ZX6R and SV650S and moved up to an Aprilia Falco.
I would suggest a Suzuki sv650 or sv650s would be an ideal commuter bike. The S faired model being more suitable for longer journeys at motorway speeds.
I ran a first model sv650s for 6months in 2000 covering 3000 miles and it really is a top commuter bike.
I only sold it cos I sold my ZX6R and SV650S and moved up to an Aprilia Falco.
danstable said:
Does the part fairing as found on the 'S' model actually make life much easier at motorway speeds....or is it more for looks?
It does make things a bit nicer at cruising speeds. Again another vote here for do your DAS and get a proper bike, i bought a 1988 FJ1200 for commuting on, top bike for the job and cost 500 quid - plus 100% bullet proof even with 60,000 miles on the clock
Danstable, I'm having the same dilemma. I've been in London for a while, but really want the ability to bypass all those peole waiting endlessly to get around on public transport.
I originally also wanted a restricted 125, but have come to the conclusion (after advice from sevaral bikers), that I should simply do the DAS straight away after the CBT, and get a bigger bike (I've decided on an SV650S)
I'm going to do the DAS in the next month when I have time, and then buy a second hand one for around 1500-2000. (How does that sound?)
If I zip around on a scooter without a licence, I think I'd eventually want the experience of a bigger bike and would have to take a test. In that case, I'd rather take a test now, than after next year with these ridiculous new test regulations.
It depends what you want really. I always wanted a bike when I was younger and this has re-sparked my interest. Then again, if I just wanted something as a means to commutr, I'd choose the most cost- and time-effective method, (which would probably be a cheap scooter).
Ben
I originally also wanted a restricted 125, but have come to the conclusion (after advice from sevaral bikers), that I should simply do the DAS straight away after the CBT, and get a bigger bike (I've decided on an SV650S)
I'm going to do the DAS in the next month when I have time, and then buy a second hand one for around 1500-2000. (How does that sound?)
If I zip around on a scooter without a licence, I think I'd eventually want the experience of a bigger bike and would have to take a test. In that case, I'd rather take a test now, than after next year with these ridiculous new test regulations.
It depends what you want really. I always wanted a bike when I was younger and this has re-sparked my interest. Then again, if I just wanted something as a means to commutr, I'd choose the most cost- and time-effective method, (which would probably be a cheap scooter).
Ben
danstable said:
Does the part fairing as found on the 'S' model actually make life much easier at motorway speeds....or is it more for looks?
That part fairing works better than the fairings on the majority of sports bikes. Having owned both myself, for town work the naked version would be a much better bet. The faired version has clip on type bars, and whilst they are not as low as say a sports bike, there is quite a reach to them and it puts a lot of weight on the wrists. Real ball ache at slow speeds.
The wife has an S model and bars on my R1 are much closer.
Danstable,
Sensible head says get a CG125 now, rattle through your CBT and take a restricted test ASAP then chop the CG in for something like a CBF250 or a restricted CB500/GS500 etc. This will let you do your commuting really cheaply and get you on the road without L plates for minimum of cost. If you don't mind a more sedate pace, the larger bikes will easily handle your longer journeys and after a couple of years you automatically get the restriction taken off your licence.
But considering I now commute on a one litre Fazer, who the hell am I to give sensible advice? Do the DAS if you want, don't buy a scooter as they obviously don't float your boat. Get a proper bike, but bear in mind that most of the 600's are not all that economical; I regularly achieved 45mpg from my 600 Fazer, rarely bettered it and frequently got worse. Things like Hornet 600's will be similar, the SV650 might be a tad better, not much though. A litre bike isn't much different.
Remember whatever you do you want to make sure you have passed a test before October 2008.
Sensible head says get a CG125 now, rattle through your CBT and take a restricted test ASAP then chop the CG in for something like a CBF250 or a restricted CB500/GS500 etc. This will let you do your commuting really cheaply and get you on the road without L plates for minimum of cost. If you don't mind a more sedate pace, the larger bikes will easily handle your longer journeys and after a couple of years you automatically get the restriction taken off your licence.
But considering I now commute on a one litre Fazer, who the hell am I to give sensible advice? Do the DAS if you want, don't buy a scooter as they obviously don't float your boat. Get a proper bike, but bear in mind that most of the 600's are not all that economical; I regularly achieved 45mpg from my 600 Fazer, rarely bettered it and frequently got worse. Things like Hornet 600's will be similar, the SV650 might be a tad better, not much though. A litre bike isn't much different.
Remember whatever you do you want to make sure you have passed a test before October 2008.
Blimey, so many useful replies!
Dontlift, I think going straight onto a 1200 is a bit too much for me....but it seems to have worked well for you. I like the idea of an older bike though as I'm bound to drop it!
Ben, thanks for that, you've sort of reafirmed my thouhts. I think I'd be a bit frustrated by the limitations of a smaller bike, i.e. not being able to do the odd longer journey to see family. Do you know where you're doing your DAS and how much you'll be coughing up?
Tankslappa, interesting comments. I wonder if there is a part fairing for the naked version that can be fitted relatively quickly for the odd longer blast that I might do? Don't fancy aching knackers on a daily basis but like the idea of some protection at motorway speeds. Also like the idea of a more upright position around town.
Hiccy, you've spotted that I'm aiming to do this on a budget! Like your plan but it does mean more chopping and changing of bikes (more hassle), and I'll still be on a restricted bike which seems like a bit of a waste of a 500. Scooters are OK, especially the Aprilia Mojito 125 and there are some nice finance deals which mean I'll be paying the same each month as I do on the tube. The MPG issues you mention aren't too much of a concern as I won't be doing mega miles and I know I have to get everything done by Oct 08....thanks.
Cheers everyone, I'm slowly getting there!
Dontlift, I think going straight onto a 1200 is a bit too much for me....but it seems to have worked well for you. I like the idea of an older bike though as I'm bound to drop it!
Ben, thanks for that, you've sort of reafirmed my thouhts. I think I'd be a bit frustrated by the limitations of a smaller bike, i.e. not being able to do the odd longer journey to see family. Do you know where you're doing your DAS and how much you'll be coughing up?
Tankslappa, interesting comments. I wonder if there is a part fairing for the naked version that can be fitted relatively quickly for the odd longer blast that I might do? Don't fancy aching knackers on a daily basis but like the idea of some protection at motorway speeds. Also like the idea of a more upright position around town.
Hiccy, you've spotted that I'm aiming to do this on a budget! Like your plan but it does mean more chopping and changing of bikes (more hassle), and I'll still be on a restricted bike which seems like a bit of a waste of a 500. Scooters are OK, especially the Aprilia Mojito 125 and there are some nice finance deals which mean I'll be paying the same each month as I do on the tube. The MPG issues you mention aren't too much of a concern as I won't be doing mega miles and I know I have to get everything done by Oct 08....thanks.
Cheers everyone, I'm slowly getting there!
danstable said:
Blimey, so many useful replies!
!
!
heres another one..... GO FOR THE KTM!!!
i think they'r sexy as fcuk! and if i had the money for a second...no make it third bike (after the new 1098 while im dreaming) id go for one for the sheer fun it would be. acceleration on those things must be phenomenal!!
anyway welcome to the world of biking mate, hope you enjoy it as much as i already do after only 3 months...well, 15 years if you count all those bikes i rode in my imagination!!! lol
Hehe....I agree completely, I think it looks and sounds stunning and would be perfect for my commute. However I'm led to believe that it aint so good on longer runs due to vibes and the upright riding position. If my wallet extended to two bikes the KTM would definately be one of them, unfortunately it can only be one and I don't think it can be that one.
I think you need to decide whether you want to do this to get into bikes or to have an easier commute.
If it's the latter then a scooter would be a far more practical option - they're cheap to buy & insure, easy to ride, have plenty of storage space on board (don't underestimate the faff around that carrying your everyday stuff/stowing your bike gear entails) & are just as quick in town as anything else. They do have extremely high rates of theft though.
If you want to get into bikes a scooter will never fullfill your needs.
Why not get both? A cheap useable secondhand scoot won't cost much, and you won't have to worry about damaging your pride & joy commuting to & parking in town. Do your CBT, buy a s/h 125 scoot (no need for anything bigger in the traffic - in fact the "superscooters" probably lose out in traffic as they lose a scooters prime advantage, size), do the rest of the DAS & than choose a bike at your leisure.
If it's the latter then a scooter would be a far more practical option - they're cheap to buy & insure, easy to ride, have plenty of storage space on board (don't underestimate the faff around that carrying your everyday stuff/stowing your bike gear entails) & are just as quick in town as anything else. They do have extremely high rates of theft though.
If you want to get into bikes a scooter will never fullfill your needs.
Why not get both? A cheap useable secondhand scoot won't cost much, and you won't have to worry about damaging your pride & joy commuting to & parking in town. Do your CBT, buy a s/h 125 scoot (no need for anything bigger in the traffic - in fact the "superscooters" probably lose out in traffic as they lose a scooters prime advantage, size), do the rest of the DAS & than choose a bike at your leisure.
I´d recommend a Yamaha DT125, brilliant learner bike, its on knobbly tyres but I´m sure you can get them with road wheels and tyres too, wish I still had mine for town. a good forum for new bikers is www.bikechatforums.com, www.visordown.com is a lot less forgiving but fun all the same 
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