Which bike ?? Any advice welcome

[Gmk47]

Hello all

im new here, my CBT is booked and I’m very excited  

however, I did my CBT 20 years ago and was planning to take my big bike test, falling pregnant put pay to that, so 20 years later I’m doing it all over again, ive decided that as I haven’t been on a bike in 20 years I’d like to do a year on a 125 before progressing, I struggled before as I’m only 5ft 1 with a 29” inside leg, so I’d like any suggestions on what 125 to go for, something I can touch the floor on and that isn’t too slow, I had a cagiva planet last time ( lowered) 

thank you in advance  

[Bender]

Welcome gmk  

 

Let's face it a 125 ain't quick, it is however faster than walking and easier than peddling. 

 

What floats your boat? Cruiser, sport? 

[Gerontious]

Do your CBT and only then consider the next step. I would always advise against the 125 for a year route. Think about the direct access course as a full license will open up a whole swathe of choices. You could still go for a 125, but without L plates or move up a notch or two. There are plenty of 250/300cc bikes that would suit your stature and give you much more options as your experience grows.

[KiwiBob]

54 minutes ago, Gerontious said:

Do your CBT and only then consider the next step. I would always advise against the 125 for a year route. Think about the direct access course as a full license will open up a whole swathe of choices. You could still go for a 125, but without L plates or move up a notch or two. There are plenty of 250/300cc bikes that would suit your stature and give you much more options as your experience grows.

Going DAS at the moment is not so easy .. Depending on where you are some test centres are fully booked all the way to October!

[Gerontious]

40 minutes ago, KiwiBob said:

Going DAS at the moment is not so easy .. Depending on where you are some test centres are fully booked all the way to October!

Yes. Here they’re fully booked, for the most part by schools who, anticipating a backlog of learners have block booked. And are now roping in new riders to do the course with the test dates already arranged. Best thing is to call the local schools and see if they have tests spots ready to fill.

[Bender]

Schools have always block booked, due to the backlog it's no wonder it's harder. 

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

In terms of the original question, a lower 125 that is easy to ride and will inspire confidence, I'd take a look at the Suzuki VanVan. Quirky looks but you either love them or hate them. 

 

They are pretty much sorted as factory spec but one mod worth doing is to drop a tooth on the front cog. They are over geared. The swap puts the engine revs at a more comfortable point and enables you to hold top gear on open roads. It will hit the rev limit (10k) at about 68mph. But can hold at a steady 65 in top rather than power fading.

[James in Brum]

The thing I wish I had known was don’t buy Chinese. 
I loved my new Chinese lexmoto 125 and didn’t have any serious issues over the 18 months I owned it and 6000 miles however I lost 75% of the value. For that reason alone I would not buy a Chinese bike at the moment. 

[potatobroxd]

I had a used cb125f after my cbt and thing runs like a dream. Kept 80% of its value when reselling it as well (i bought it used)

If seat height is a primary concern id have a look at the msx 125 however!

[dynax]

There is the Honda Super Cub which is partial step through was looking at getting one myself this one is the new 2022 model.