Cheapy bike CG125 front brake question...
Discussion
I've just done my CBT, I intend to do my DAS in a couple of months time when I have some more freetime in the day.
I'd like a 125 cheapy, simply to practise riding a geared bike and to master the slow control etc. Making use of a car park at the light evenings.
After all I've read I don't want a Chinese bike so ideally it will be Japanese, be near to my home and be less than £500.
The Honda CG125 seems to be the only thing I can find to fit the bill and there are a few near me for sale. My one reservation is the front brake. It appears to be a drum brake. The Suzuki I did the CBT on had a front disk and drum rear. It stopped well at the front but the rear brake sounded awful when applied in the wet, very graunchy.
Question is.. how good is a front drum brake at pulling the bike up?
I'd like a 125 cheapy, simply to practise riding a geared bike and to master the slow control etc. Making use of a car park at the light evenings.
After all I've read I don't want a Chinese bike so ideally it will be Japanese, be near to my home and be less than £500.
The Honda CG125 seems to be the only thing I can find to fit the bill and there are a few near me for sale. My one reservation is the front brake. It appears to be a drum brake. The Suzuki I did the CBT on had a front disk and drum rear. It stopped well at the front but the rear brake sounded awful when applied in the wet, very graunchy.
Question is.. how good is a front drum brake at pulling the bike up?
It's a common condition of training school bikes; the rear brake gets abused constantly on CBT so gets worn out and full of dust quickly.
Pain in the bot to clear out, so it just gets left 'til next time the wheel's out (tyre change).
With your own bike, you will spend more time on the open road than trundling round a car park, so your brake should wear normally.
Regarding the bike itself, try and get a newer one with the disc front brake; it does make a difference in stopping distances and will get you more used to "proper" brakes for when you are through your test and buy a bigger bike.
Pain in the bot to clear out, so it just gets left 'til next time the wheel's out (tyre change).
With your own bike, you will spend more time on the open road than trundling round a car park, so your brake should wear normally.
Regarding the bike itself, try and get a newer one with the disc front brake; it does make a difference in stopping distances and will get you more used to "proper" brakes for when you are through your test and buy a bigger bike.
Drum brakes are appalling at the best of times. When they get wet they're even worse.
I know you said you didn't want a Chinese bike, but considering you can get one of these or these brand new OTR for under £700, IMO you'd be nuts to consider anything else.
I know, or know of a number of people with these cheapy bikes now, and never heard a word against them (from the owners that is).
I know you said you didn't want a Chinese bike, but considering you can get one of these or these brand new OTR for under £700, IMO you'd be nuts to consider anything else.
I know, or know of a number of people with these cheapy bikes now, and never heard a word against them (from the owners that is).
My CG125 had a front drum brake - no problems at all, as long you had a bit of strength in your grip. In some ways, it might possibly be reassuring for a learner for it to be very difficult to inadvertently lock up the front wheel? Certainly no probs stopping, although it did teach you to maintain a safe distance from the car in front!
Hyperion said:
Drum brakes are appalling at the best of times. When they get wet they're even worse.
I know you said you didn't want a Chinese bike, but considering you can get one of these or these brand new OTR for under £700, IMO you'd be nuts to consider anything else.
I know, or know of a number of people with these cheapy bikes now, and never heard a word against them (from the owners that is).
I looked into it. They look great value and I suppose for what I want it for it would do the job. Everything I read though says avoid at all costs. Even a brand new Chinese bike will be less reliable than a 10 year Honda (apparently). Although I am tempted. I only need it for 2-3 months.I know you said you didn't want a Chinese bike, but considering you can get one of these or these brand new OTR for under £700, IMO you'd be nuts to consider anything else.
I know, or know of a number of people with these cheapy bikes now, and never heard a word against them (from the owners that is).
Spotted this Honda CB125 TD-C which kind of appeals as a first bike cheapy.
R4PID said:
Spotted this Honda CB125 TD-C which kind of appeals as a first bike cheapy.
That looks really nice! Only 3 owners, as well. A CG125 up to 2000 or so should only cost you £500ish, though, so don't bid too high.go have a look before bidding ! do not bid without inspecting anything on ebay ,from experience digital
photo's make things look much nicer than they are in reality. the seat is shot so will need recovering
and does appear to have been looked after as shock has been replaced which is not a cheap item.
photo's make things look much nicer than they are in reality. the seat is shot so will need recovering
and does appear to have been looked after as shock has been replaced which is not a cheap item.
bimsb6 said:
go have a look before bidding ! do not bid without inspecting anything on ebay ,from experience digital
photo's make things look much nicer than they are in reality. the seat is shot so will need recovering
and does appear to have been looked after as shock has been replaced which is not a cheap item.
True, enough. I always say never buy off eBay unseen. But all the recent work looks genuiune, 12 months T&T. Seat cover is £23. I only want a cheapy, I'm keeping my eye on it..photo's make things look much nicer than they are in reality. the seat is shot so will need recovering
and does appear to have been looked after as shock has been replaced which is not a cheap item.
It's funny, people used to s
g Daelim bikes off, (and probably still do) but the Koreans all ride them, covered in dirt, dry chains, airboxes full of paint spray, and I've never ever seen anyone pushing one along the side of the road because it's broken.
I've never ridden a Chinese hondacopy, and I've never ben to China, but I can imagine the situation's just the same. Good enough for the locals, good enough for you, no?
g Daelim bikes off, (and probably still do) but the Koreans all ride them, covered in dirt, dry chains, airboxes full of paint spray, and I've never ever seen anyone pushing one along the side of the road because it's broken.I've never ridden a Chinese hondacopy, and I've never ben to China, but I can imagine the situation's just the same. Good enough for the locals, good enough for you, no?
philelmer said:
It's funny, people used to sg Daelim bikes off, (and probably still do) but the Koreans all ride them, covered in dirt, dry chains, airboxes full of paint spray, and I've never ever seen anyone pushing one along the side of the road because it's broken.
I've never ridden a Chinese hondacopy, and I've never ben to China, but I can imagine the situation's just the same. Good enough for the locals, good enough for you, no?
the arabs ride camels but i have no desire to own one .g Daelim bikes off, (and probably still do) but the Koreans all ride them, covered in dirt, dry chains, airboxes full of paint spray, and I've never ever seen anyone pushing one along the side of the road because it's broken.I've never ridden a Chinese hondacopy, and I've never ben to China, but I can imagine the situation's just the same. Good enough for the locals, good enough for you, no?
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff