I have been posting NEWBIE posts left right and centre, and everyone has been so helpful I was hoping that all of you could help out with this one.
Im having a bit of struggle as I am looking into buying my first bike (with my baby bonus), and was really sold on the CBR125 , but to save some pennies and get other gear, am also very tempted with the DNA125 .
Reviews for both are pretty good all over the net, but want LONDONBIKERS OPINIONS!
Also to be completely honest with you all…not looking to spend over £1200 for a CBR125…or am I gonna be completely disappointed with my baby bonus.
Big up to you all and when I get it ill see you all at a meet.
if you intend to get a bigger bike, forget teh DNA, its an automatic, better off getting a geared bike, like teh CBR or CG, CG’s dont look much but tehy are great learner bikes, they handle wel for what they are and the newer ones have decent brakes too.
or consider a second hand XT125 x, my mate has one, great little 125, not particualy fast but its reliable and handles and stops brilliantly and has proper fat supermoto style wheels. i nipped to the shops on it the oher night, returned 30 minutes later with a big grin on my face:D it was like riding a mountain bike after being on my SV for ages.
The CBR125 has gears and a manual clutch which would be more useful if you think you’ll progress to a larger bike at sometime. I think the DNA is a twist-and-go (semi-automatic)…?
The Honda is a 4-stroke and the Gilera is a 2-stroke, so I would expect the DNA to have a bit more ‘zip’. But the Honda should be more reliable.
I do like the look for the CBR125, a lot…realise the tyres are skinny but like the style.
After what you guys said about the GILERA…ITS A NO GO!!!
I reckon I will move onto a bigger bike. Im 27 and was considering doing the DAS straight away. But I think its safer for me to have a year or two using a smaller little bike around london until I get my footing. Am I being naive or is that the right way to think?? All I hear off people is get a bigger bike as soon as you can as you will feel a lot more stable etc.
Also…is £1200 for a CBR not do-able?? Am I pushing my luck a bit??
im 27 too mate, i done my DAS last july, ihave an SV now, i’ve had some close calls but i have managed to stay upright:w00t: i do have experince of ridng 125’s for a long time plus off road experience.
if your level headed and confdent then theres no reason why you cant get a fair size bike after DAS, i realy wanted a GSX-R 600, but i didnt trust myself, so i got an SV, and that is plenty fast enough for now:D
but in saying that you cant beat experience on motorbike, so riding round on a 125 for 6 months-a year is a good idea, still will be vunerable, just without teh power of a bigger bike, so again its down to confidence and abilty, if you can pass DAS well enough and you have good instructors, get there opinion on the matter based on what they think ofyour riding:)
A year on a smaller bike would be a great idea, especially if you have the patience. You’ll get invaluable road experience and bike handling skills.
And, yes, you’ll get a good CBR for £1,200 and now (winter) is a good time to buy. Avoid too high mileage and don’t buy the first bike you see. Good luck.
I think ill stick with using a 125 under my CBT for a little while and then move onto to my DAS once I get a feel for it more.
GSX 600…DAMN STRAIGHT!!! Was looking at the new one today and sent it too my mates…they were not impressed and managed to cc my bird into the email also…slap round the wrist or loving for me this weekend I think!!hahahaha
Thanks again all…if you see some newbie on a CBR125 wobbling a bit and a bit nervous…give me a pat on the back…even if it does send me to the floor…haha
I bow before the wisdom of the Chunk-meister… but :DNot everyone falls off when learning. Just thought it might helpful to say that some riders do manage to get through their CBT, DAS and test without dropping a bike. It is possible and you sound like a careful chap, so don’t be too pessimistic.However, don’t buy a new one - Chunks is right there. Save your money for after your test!
Not to be pessimistic myself, but I had a close friend loose a leg in a bike accident, and I am not planning on hitting the streets hard until I really get the knack of it.
Im assuming that Mr Monkey loves his knee down on Oxford St during rush hour…hahahaha.
Was planning on 125 for a year MINIMUM, then do my DAS in my second year, and take it from there.
Nobody plans on binning their bike but its a sad fact of biking life and as a novice, common sense would suggest you are more likely to incur the odd spill than an experienced rider.
You plan on keeping your 125 for a year but I will bet a months mortgage you will be frustrated by it’s lack of performance and handling within the first 6;)
go straight for the 600, i did, i would of been too frustrated by the lack of power, just take it easy and dont be foolish until u really get to know the bike, i only past in june & im still learning on mine, taking it on track soon
You’ll get invaluable road experience and bike handling skills.
