New Rider Looking to Buy new Retro Scrambler or possibly a cruiser

[Matt88]

Hi everyone, hope you've had a good Christmas

 

I'm looking at doing my CBT in the new year and buying my first bike as a hobby and also for commuting (2 miles to work and back) / UK holiday journeys, i'm 33, 6ft tall and have car no claims of 9 years etc. although I can't have anything with a handlebar width of over 800mm due to access to storage. Would love to take the plunge as I've had mates who've said its helped with their wellbeing and its really fun.

 

I was looking at the range of Steve Mcqueen style retro 125cc scramblers that brands like AJS, Herald, WK, Bulitt, Mutt, Brixton and Mash do, was also considering a Keeway Cruiser, however there's lots of stories about faults and servicing costs within the first 2 years of ownership (with servicing having to be done through the dealership to keep the warranty). Other issues pointed out on youtube reviews were poor visibility on rear view mirrors (AJS). I also read another review about a Herald Classic 125 needing lots of parts replacing in the first 2 years. I can't seem to find any bikes in this style from the big brands like Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha or Kawasaki in a 125cc that could potentially be of better quality. I do servicing on my car and have replaced suspension / brake parts on it but not sure if I'd be confident stripping down and overhauling a whole motorbike.

 

I was also considering a vintage 125 such as a BSA Bantam if it were easy to repair / maintain.

 

The new Bike reviews I was looking into are for the following models

 

• AJS Cadwell 125
• AJS Tempest Roadster / Scrambler 125
• Herald 125 / Herald Cafe Racer 125
• Bullit Buroc 125
• Mutt Mongrel 125
• WK Classic Scrambler 125
• Lexmoto Tempest 125
• Brixton Sunray 125
• Mash British Seven 125
• Keeway Cruiser 125

 

I was just wondering what your advice would be any advice would be appreciated.

 

Many Thanks in advance 

 

Happy Christmas

 

Matt

[rennie]

Hello and Welcome 

[bonio]

Not many on here would advise you to buy a cheap 125 from a Chinese manufacturer. I had a Chinese scoot once it was made of cheese and soft metal, and was built to last about a year and then die. That said, I've heard people say that Mutt score above average on quality and perhaps WK do, too.

 

The best thing you could do, if budget allows, is get yourself something like a second-hand Honda Shadow 125. I'd suggest a VanVan 125 too, as it has a cool retro vibe, but it's low seat and low power means it's probably not a good choice for a 6' tall bloke. But the Honda will give you a big quality hike over the bikes in your list, and you'll be grateful for it whenever you get your spanners out and find the bolt comes out unstripped, and the nut turns without the heads rounding off.

 

 

[Guest]

Fantic caballero 125cc looks sweet. As for the 2 mile commute, depending on the roads I'd walk it or cycle it. You'd be half way there by the time you've geared up and unlocked.

[fastbob]

I wouldn't touch any of those bikes with a barge pole . At least have a bit of class .

Edited December 28, 2021 by fastbob

[MikeHorton]

4 hours ago, Matt88 said:

Hi everyone, hope you've had a good Christmas

 

I'm looking at doing my CBT in the new year and buying my first bike as a hobby and also for commuting (2 miles to work and back) / UK holiday journeys, i'm 33, 6ft tall and have car no claims of 9 years etc. although I can't have anything with a handlebar width of over 800mm due to access to storage. Would love to take the plunge as I've had mates who've said its helped with their wellbeing and its really fun.

 

I was looking at the range of Steve Mcqueen style retro 125cc scramblers that brands like AJS, Herald, WK, Bulitt, Mutt, Brixton and Mash do, was also considering a Keeway Cruiser, however there's lots of stories about faults and servicing costs within the first 2 years of ownership (with servicing having to be done through the dealership to keep the warranty). Other issues pointed out on youtube reviews were poor visibility on rear view mirrors (AJS). I also read another review about a Herald Classic 125 needing lots of parts replacing in the first 2 years. I can't seem to find any bikes in this style from the big brands like Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha or Kawasaki in a 125cc that could potentially be of better quality. I do servicing on my car and have replaced suspension / brake parts on it but not sure if I'd be confident stripping down and overhauling a whole motorbike.

 

I was also considering a vintage 125 such as a BSA Bantam if it were easy to repair / maintain.

 

The new Bike reviews I was looking into are for the following models

 

• AJS Cadwell 125
• AJS Tempest Roadster / Scrambler 125
• Herald 125 / Herald Cafe Racer 125
• Bullit Buroc 125
• Mutt Mongrel 125
• WK Classic Scrambler 125
• Lexmoto Tempest 125
• Brixton Sunray 125
• Mash British Seven 125
• Keeway Cruiser 125

 

I was just wondering what your advice would be any advice would be appreciated.

 

Many Thanks in advance 

 

Happy Christmas

 

Matt

If you want to go down the Chinese based route chose your brand carefully. I live close to the mutt factory but I think they are a bit overpriced sure they have changed some bits for custom made bits but the loom and the tyres are still cheap. At least with ajs those models have been round for a few years and parts are available if you are doing your own servicing. If the vintage route check for parts and be handy enough to make repairs. I don't think brixton 125s have a UK supplier anymore. 

[dynax]

As mentioned previously chinese bikes are NOT all the same. I have had my Xena nearly 3 years now and for the last 12 months or so has been my only transport. More recently though since working she has been out in all weathers, left out in all weathers uncovered at work. Although for the first couple of years I was meticulous with my cleaning and polishing, this has become almost non existent this last year, and only the worst of any rain was just wiped off with a cloth. I have not yet got around to applying any protection like ACF50, but barring the odd bit of surface blemish on the chrome she is in outstanding condition, she has no rusting parts whatsoever and the bits that are showing will soon clean up with some polish.

 

Chinese bikes have come a long way over the last few years, and the quality has vastly improved, the only thing I would advise is regular cleaning and maintenance and don't abuse it.

I do all my own servicing and repairs, and apart from a few mechanical problems but nothing serious she has never let me down, she starts on the button and runs like a swiss watch.

[Matt88]

Hi everyone

 

Thanks a lot for the advice I really appreciate it, I've been having a look online and really like the look and positive reviews the Suzuki Van Van 125 has, so I'm edging towards one of those, are there any serious problems that they're prone to? Is it best to buy from a dealer or a private seller?

 

Many Thanks for all your help as always

 

Matt

[Guest]

Private is usually cheaper,  dealer will give you a warranty. If you can, go with someone who knows what to look at. I've always bought private. Look for ads with lots of pics, history and info. Maybe try an owners club forum if there is one, they really know and love that particular and they will often be well looked after.

[Blackholesun]

Avoid them all and get a second hand ybr or CBR

[bonio]

If you go for a VanVan, do yourself a favour and sit on one before parting with your cash, get your foot up on the pegs and make sure you're comfortable.

People love their VanVans and most have been cherished and well looked after. Don't settle for one that looks as if it's seen a lot of life; wait for a clean one to come up. It's worth travelling to get hold of one in good nick. As Sir Goat says, take someone along with you if you can.

[bonio]

No particular problems with them as I know of (and I had mine five years)

[DisappointedMashowner]

Do not Buy Mash they are simply beyond poor, my daughter bought the 2021 seventy 125 from new, has had new exhaust, 2 new petrol tanks, new start solenoid, new rear brake calliper, new throttle body and new injectors, rear shocks and the rear shock mount broke due to poor quality welding and continues to break the parts are very poor and have next to no quality control so once replace will break outside of warrantee. These bikes are dangerous but if you want to put young riders off especially your daughter from riding is a good bike to have as she has total committed to a car now.