I'm looking to buy my first bike, hence a 125cc and there are so many to choose from so I'd really like some advice! I'll mainly be using it in town and for the occassional long distance trip, but would also like something I can take off-road along forest tracks/paths. I'm 5' 4 so can't get anything like the big Yamahas, I'd like a stable, confortable 4-stroke bike, but also one I can have a bit of fun on too when I get more confident! Any ideas?
2006-07-20 22:33:28 · 12 answers · asked by scuba66 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
This is only my particular taste, you may not like it but I think the Suzuki Van Van 125 looks cool, really retro and really popular in Japan too.
Also Husqvana make some really nice Super Motard 125 with plenty of torque. But it depends what style you like really.
2006-07-21 01:17:24 · answer #1 · answered by Random Sam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people swear by 4-strokes; most others just swear at them.
If you've passed your test, dont be scared to jump to a 250cc; its not that different.
I suppose it depends what you like. for town use you cannot beat an upright trail style bike (DT, RM, CR); great turning circle; easy riding position; way more fun than the lay-over-tank jobs and around the town you get far better visability; looking over the cars in front.
Also gives the option for some off-road fun (which is my thing) at the weekends.
Save yourself a fortune and DONT buy new. Go to a few local dealers or via the bike trader (out in the shops today) and get yourself something 1-2 years old. With the money you save o that you can buy all your kit.
*Good helmet (flip full face's are handy)
*Good boots (leave room for thick winter socks)
*Good gloves (dear god your fingers feel it in the winter)
*All weather jaket (leather looks cool, but think of the weather)
*Comfy high waisted trousers, with waterproof pull-ons (just in case).
Whatever you buy, do be careful; its not your driving you have to worry about - its every other F***er on the road.
JJ.
2006-07-21 05:49:03 · answer #2 · answered by just_jen2006 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Shame you want to go off-road as one of the best 125cc bikes you can get is a Arpila 125 road -race type.. they do over 100mph and keep there money well when the time comes to sell it.
Dirt bikes seam to get a lot of abuse , so the re-sale value is not so good.
Check out www.motorcyclenews.co.uk
for some good info on all bikes
All the best , & ride safe.
2006-07-21 05:41:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honda makes a good motorcycle. Kawasaki does too. Stay away from Suzuki their warranty isn't worth the paper it's on.
My brother and I bought 2 new bikes for a summer vacation. His 1200 Bandit leaked gas and ruined the motor before it got 2000 miles. We asked Suzuki to replace the motor so we could go on vacation.
It took 2 months to get a rep, then he said it’s to expensive and would cost $3000. After 4 months and the vacation gone they got the motor rebuilt at a their cost of $3700. The dealer wanted to replace the motor but Suzuki Rep squashed that.
The gas stained cases and burnt exhaust pipes were not replaced. The bike got nicked and scratched all over from being apart for 6 months. The rep rode it and looked at it, then said it’ good as new. It ran like crap and looked worse.
We called Japan, and even wrote the US CEO all for nothing. We spent $15,000 for the bikes to get ripped off by Suzuki. We spent our vacation hassling with Suzuki, and not one person there gave a damn!
Beware Suzuki’s warranty is not worth the paper it’s on! Buy one of their lemons, get shafted, we did!
I’m a 30 yr garage vet and I know when a rep and a manufacturer have ripped off a customer. This one stinks to high heaven! RUN from buying any Suzuki!
2006-07-21 06:24:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honda XL 125 Varadero. Expensive to buy but has a big bike feel and has some off road capabilties, don't go mad though. This bike is a smooth v-twin and very comfortable to ride.
2006-07-21 17:19:19 · answer #5 · answered by ????? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've just got my son one of the Chinese imports sold on eBay for under £600, great value and a great little bike, very like a Honda CG in the motor, with nice high bars and a "Harley" look alike tank...
2006-07-24 15:24:36 · answer #6 · answered by engineer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was taught how to ride on a honda cg125. it is an okay learner bike but i would recommend a honda cb 125 superdream. it runs like a dream, cheap to run and is a well balanced bike as i am only 5'5. also an eletric start.
2006-07-22 18:50:32 · answer #7 · answered by mrsaxl1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have a look at the Gas Gas Pampera. It is not a 125 but fits into your needs. Here is a link
http://www.gasgas.com/Pages/2003's/Pampera/pro-280-main-specs.html
2006-07-21 08:18:59 · answer #8 · answered by fuzzy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My ex had a KTM and it shifted very well for a 125 it wasnt a big bike in fact it was quite elegant and 'slender' so this could be a good one for you
2006-07-21 05:59:50 · answer #9 · answered by ghm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
honda wave 125s
2006-07-21 07:27:06 · answer #10 · answered by san_pellegrino 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋