JayMutt

Thanks for the recommendations. I've booked with Rideto at Wembley. Their website is brilliant. Very professional and once you book a course the website brings up helpful information for beginners on Motorcycle controls and the Highway Code. 

54 minutes ago, KiwiBob said:

YBR 125? ... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/294529564544?hash=item4493547f80:g:1jsAAOSwulZheEbo

 

Just noticed it was a Cat C so may need to ask a few more questions.

 

This would be within my price range for when I look towards getting my first bike. Auto trader definitely has more options though. 

If you're unsure of how to fix something on your bike, what's the best thing to do? It will take time for me to understand bike parts/the mechanics of a motorcycle so if something does need to be changed, am I better of bringing the bike to the dealer where I bought it from for them to help? Or to a mechanic where they can help and possibly show me?

2 minutes ago, Bender said:

Fortnine has some good vids if your bored

 

Mc rider

 

I've been watching MCrider videos this evening. You can clearly tell how much the guy loves motorcycling. I could listen to him all day long. 

10 minutes ago, Bender said:

Lots of reviews and helpful vids by mcn too

Yeah, their website is excellent. Full of very useful information. 

I've booked an introduction to Motorcycling course at Wembley in February. Really looking forward to it. 

1 hour ago, Bender said:

Have you looked on mcn? 

 

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bikes-for-sale/yamaha/ybr125/

 

Cheers. Well worth a look. 

Take this advertisement for example...https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125090501528?hash=item1d1ff99398:g:cUIAAOSw4tJhp4-x

What stood out is the detailed list of new parts added (poor marks for spelling though). From the pictures the bike does look in good condition (obviously you would give it really good thorough check in person). The price also seems fair (unless guys who know their stuff think otherwise). The seller has stated that the buyer would need to arrange an MOT. Is this a cause for concern? Would you rather buy a bike that has recently had an MOT? Would the seller have to provide paperwork on the bike's history? How would a newbie buyer know that the bike is legally fit to ride on the road? 

46 minutes ago, bonio said:

Dunno, but I wouldn't be surprised if its harder to get hold of any secondhand Japanese 125 now than it was a couple of years back. Covid has interrupted supply chains of new bikes, meaning greater demand for secondhand ones. 

I see more options if you buy from a private seller. But if you're a newbie to Motorcycling and see a bike you like but don't want to be conned and waste your money, what are you meant to do? Bring someone with you who knows their stuff about bikes? Other concerns I would have buying from a private seller are making sure that MOT and warranty are legit. 

6 minutes ago, skyrider said:

nothing wrong with the cg 125

That would be my number 1 choice as it will likely be cheaper than a Honda CBF125 and Yamaha YBR125, but I don't think there are many options for the CG125? I've been on auto trader and the options look limited. 

My plan is to buy an older used Japanese Honda or Yamaha from a reputable dealer based in West London. I want to build up my confidence on a 125 before even thinking about moving up to a bigger one.

I love the look of the 2014 Yamaha YBR125 Custom bike and 2011 Honda CBF125 Naked bike. I've read it's best to go to the actual dealer and talk it over with them and sit on the bike to get a feel for it.

First things first though, I'll get my taster + CBT booked. Don't want to get ahead of myself. 

By mini I actually mean scale model bikes for collectable purposes.

Been listening to a lot of Foreigner lately. I'm a bigger fan of Lou Gramm than Kelly Hansen, but Hansen does have a good voice, don't get me wrong. 

Does anyone have any good links where I can buy mini Motorcycles that are detailed to perfection?

I've emailed Passmasters regarding their taster session at the Sudbury Hill location. Waiting to find out if they run the taster session on weekends. 

Are the CG125's hard to come by? Been on Auto Trader (just to have a look) and only seen six available across the country. 

Thanks for all the feedback guys! A couple of other things that worry me are my eyesight (I wear glasses so reading a number plate from 20 metres away sounds a little worrying). But my prescription is up to date so I should be ok. I'll practice this from tomorrow. Another thing is my glasses steaming up whilst I'm wearing a helmet. Am I allowed to ride with the visor up? I would say that's a likely no because of safety.

Hi everyone. I'm 38. Currently have covid so I've been self isolating. It has been a nightmare. I love motorcycles and am currently trying to convince myself to go ahead and book my CBT. Am I too old to get started? I am quite the nervous type so the thought of going on the course does scare me a little, even more so getting on the road and riding. I've been watching plenty of YouTube videos on learners getting into riding for the first time and choosing their first bikes. I'm all for learning as much as possible about the controls of a motorcycle and how to ride them the correct way. Can anyone recommend a good place to do my CBT? Or preferably, a course designed to teach you the basics and a 1-on-1 lesson(s) before doing a CBT? I am based in Hounslow, West London (down the road from Twickenham Rugby stadium).