Replica bikes any good?

[chieftain]

Passed my CBT in Dec and searching around for a good value 125 to practice on for a while and get some experience. I see there are lots of replicas for sale, are they any good or is it best to stick with well known brands?

[xjailbird]

dont bother with a 125 mate do a direct access and jump straight on a 4/600 if ur under 5'10" and weigh less than 13 stone i strongly reccommend a CBR400 (baby blade) lovely bikes and by fukc was mine fun!! Got me a five in the clink mind you! make shit getaway bikes!!!!

[JackHolroyde]

xjailbird said:

dont bother with a 125 mate do a direct access and jump straight on a 4/600 if ur under 5'10" and weigh less than 13 stone i strongly reccommend a CBR400 (baby blade) lovely bikes and by fukc was mine fun!! Got me a five in the clink mind you! make shit getaway bikes!!!!

what a strange individual...
Hello, and welcome.
What are you after? Sports, cruisers?

The replicas are generally a heap of shite.
However, 6 months on a jinlun taught me how to fix bikes pretty damn fast...

I'd stay clear, get yourself either a second hand CBR125 (never goes wrong) or a 2 stroke, like a Cagiva Mito (prepare to drool. and go heinously fast for a 125!).

[chieftain]

Hi there,

Just planning on plodding around on something (not too sporty) and getting my confidence up a bit before doing my test and getting a faster bike. Not sure I could handle them either (5ft 3).

A friend is trying to talk me into a replica but can imagine it falling apart before my eyes!

[JackHolroyde]

The chinese replicas aint good.
I had a Hyosung (Korean) but it wasnt a rep. Best bike i've ever owned.

Whats your budget?

[chieftain]

Around £1500, but trying not to spend too much as I'm sure it won't be long til I want a bigger bike!

[JackHolroyde]

2nd hand 4 stroke 125cc

Depending on your style, you might try

honda cbr125 - sports bike, but tiny and with a reliable motor
honda cg125 - normal 125 that pretty much all replicas are based on
suzuki en125 - similar to the CG
yamaha dt125 - trail type bike
honda varadero - big trailie, adventure bike. looks great.

google image search them and see what you think. most of them should fit into 1500 quid 2nd or 3rd hand

[chieftain]

Thanks for the info, quite fancy the Honda CG as it seems to be very reliable in the things I have read, and then hopefully easy to sell on?

I don't suppose anyone has a clue where to get short trousers? The only ones I have found are miles too long! Have found rest of the kit so just need a bike and I'm on the road, can't wait!

[Carl-H]

JackHolroyde said:

yamaha dt125 - trail type bike

DT's are 2 stroke although the XR125 isn't

[dirkgently]

Honda CG 125 had one as a spare, good bike; bullet proof regretted selling it but needed the space

[Tripps]

Have been thinking the same, have seen a CBR125 copy new for £1200 - I figure at that price if it just survives a year it could be worth it...

[chieftain]

I have found a CG125 at the local Honda dealer, and got them down to £1550, which I think seems quite reasonable. It's only 3 months old with 1,000 miles. Going to have a look when it comes in on Monday, fingers crossed!

Thanks for the help!

[chieftain]

I have another questions if you don't mind??

I am really struggling to get short ladies leather trousers and have asked everywhere, so you are my last resort! I need about 29-30 inch leg but not bothered about style etc. just don't want to be riding without protection!!

Thanks!

[Hooli]

Hein Gerrick? they seem to stock a lot of stuff. but im an average height bloke so i guess everyone stocks for me. tried ebay? always seems to be a lot of bike gear on there, i got 2 piece leathers (almost new) for £80 - shop price £210.

[Tripps]

Hooli said:

Hein Gerrick? they seem to stock a lot of stuff.

I'd reckon so, visited one for the first time today an they had an amazing range (accidentally bought me a jacket ready for the CBT including childrens (pink leathers for my six year old should I have a moment of madness) and an extensive collection of ladies leathers, waterproofs and boots - well worth a look I'd say.

[chieftain]

I bought me bike!

I went for a CG125 and rode it the few miles back last night, bit scary and glad someone was following me, but it has to be the best feeling ever.

Still all excited, might just have one more look in the garage to check on it

Thanks for all the advice, Honda dealership also thinks they can order in short leather trousers so celebrations all round!

[JackHolroyde]

Well done - welcome to the party.
Try www.click2buybikegear.com for the leathers - decent kit at seriously decent prices!

[dowahdiddyman]

Before you pay silly dealer prices for trousers go onto the J and S website. I`ve only got short(ish) legs and got some no problem and cheap too. It`s all good quality stuff aswell.

[crofty1984]

Good for you! Welcome to the fold (I've just got back in too) Good choice on the CG, from what I hear they're bombproof and unless you ride everywhere in 1st, it's difficult to get less than 80/90MPG.

[podman]

Congrats on the bike purchase...wait till you get out in some fine weather..be a GSXR next!

As for clothing

http://www.girlsbike2.com/

may help