:mrgreen:

At the fine old age of 30 I thought it was about time that I gave this biking malarky and go and I have to say it was quite good fun. I was a little put off on Saturday as it didnt stop raining allday but thems the brakes !

So now that Ive done my CBT I cant decide whether to get a 125 and potter around on that for a few weeks before doing some lessons or whether to go DAS ?

I must confess that I am not the most confident rider atm. Although I am quite safe, there are occassions (mainly dual carriage ways) where I felt more than a bit vulnerable. I am thinking that I need to get my confidence up a bit more before I even think about going on a bigger bike.

Any advice ?

Personally I would book in your Direct Access lessons. That way you can then pick which ever bike you feel comfortable on and be on your way

125 would be good for the first year to get the insurance sorted then jump to anything you like after that

Do you think its worth getting a 125 to potter around on whilst doing my lessons ? Or do you think that if I were to do a couple of lessons a week (DAS), that would be enough to pass the test ?

I am unsure whether Ill get the confidence quickly enough if I am only riding when out on lessons ?

Depends where you go. A 125 you couldnt do a direct access on anyway, use their 500+ bikes for that Although you have a CBT so a 125 with 33cc or less you will be alright to potter about on until you have the full licence.

Some places will let you do 2 - 3 hour lessons at a time and you should get to grips with the bigger bikes in no time

Forgot to add, if you get yourself a decent enough 125 for pennies you can also learn your way around a bike by servicing the 125 yourself

I think I am falling to the get a 125 for running around and do DAS lessons on their bikes.

...now to go and spend a shedload of money on gear and a crappy bike

Good sensible choice. far too many idiots going and doing direct access and getting R1s then killing themselves.

125 - theres only one choice - DT125R - derestricts easily as well.

Forget aprilias, and ESPECIALLY forget the honda NSR(S stands for seize)125 - how that thing has a honda badge is anyones guess.

Quote from: MarkForget aprilias, and ESPECIALLY forget the honda NSR(S stands for seize)125 - how that thing has a honda badge is anyones guess.

I had one, ran like a dream.  Fast As Hell.  They engine was great (though i did spend an age tweaking it), however the notchy gearchange caught me out in the end.  They have a habit of 2nd locking you out.  

They are quick yes, but woefully unreliable.

One of the bike mags did a test on one where they rode it the length of england to see how many times it would sieze.

...how many times did it sieze?!

Jaimz

Quote from: MarkGood sensible choice. far too many idiots going and doing direct access and getting R1s then killing themselves.

125 - theres only one choice - DT125R - derestricts easily as well.

Forget aprilias, and ESPECIALLY forget the honda NSR(S stands for seize)125 - how that thing has a honda badge is anyones guess.

thats the perfect bike!!, I had the 50cc Yamaha DT when I was 16.

Quote from: Jaimz...how many times did it sieze?!

Jaimz

I cant remember - must dig the copy out, I do remember it siezed within the first 60 miles though. One siezed on my brother once between where he used to work and home (15 mi) and on a friend of mine on the way to the NW200 (60 mi)

Im thinking of getting a Honda XR125L

My local dealer (linked) is doing an offer that includes some basic initial equipment which will help reduce the cost a little to start with.

Itll be grand for learning on - but be aware that 4-stroke 125s are a LOT - and for a lot read a LOTTTTTTTTTT slower than 2 stroke 125s.

Theyre also more reliable than 2 strokes. And they are easier on fuel.

Im still battling with the £3k is a lot of money when you have a perfectly good car sat outside rusting away

But then its not as much fun
Im now certain that I would only use a bike for running around town, theres no way Id take to the motorways on any bike ! So Ive just got to decide whether that £3k would be better spent as part of the deposit on a house or whether the fun of riding should win out

Id go for a low milage second hand DT125R in that case, £1500 or less should do it for a minter