Unexperienced Biker: 125cc ride after CBT or DAS and going for Ninja 400?

[AlienBzkts]

Hello everyone,

 

Considering the expertize I can see in this Forum, I was looking for some advice and second opinions.
Context: I'm 37, I drive cars since 2006, but I have no experience driving in England (I'm Italian), no experience at all in riding a bike (drove a e-bike in Seattle a couple of months ago, and drove in circles on a Honda CB125R for a Honda free days)

 

I'm actually debating on the following options:
A) Get the CBT (booked for next Saturday), buy a 125cc (looking at a Ninja 125)

or

B) After the CBT, book for the DAS training, and eventually go for a Ninja 400 (which is my final objective)

 

If you were in me, what would you do? I read that going with a 125cc means you'll get "tired" very easily and some people are saying the 400 is a better starter bike than a 125.

 

Probably some stupid questions here, but I'm interested in your thoughts.
Thank you all!

[Fish]

Welcome to the nuthouse.....

 

Option C, full course, which includes CBT on the first day then followed by the DAS course. These are either 3 or 5 days, with no previous experience I'd recommend the 5 day. Sometime on day 4 you'd be taking the first test, and the last day would be the second (final test). This would enbale you to go and get something bigger.

 

I wouldn't say that beign on a 125 for a year is a bad thing, as I learnt a lot from it.

 

No stupid questions there.

[billy sugger]

Yep, as @Fish says. 

[bonio]

If you can afford it, do DAS. Bigger bikes are easier to ride on the road than 125s. And you will enjoy it more. 

 

[bonio]

I'd also say to get yourself a copy of the Highway Code and read it through. It's truly dull, but it will get you up to speed on what all the signs means and how to your expected to drive through various situations. And you will need to know it to pass the theory test.

[AlienBzkts]

Thank you everyone, I can see that regardless of the final choice, the DAS seems to be very much suggested! 
I wasn't expecting the fact bigger bikes are easier to ride on the road than a 125s, potentially because in my unexperienced mind bigger bikes = you'll drop them super easily because you have no idea how to balance them and they're faster

 

4 minutes ago, bonio said:

I'd also say to get yourself a copy of the Highway Code and read it through. It's truly dull, but it will get you up to speed on what all the signs means and how to your expected to drive through various situations. And you will need to know it to pass the theory test.

And yes, I was reading the Highway code, doing some test also trying to understand what's my knowledge status etc. Thanks!

Edited August 21, 2022 by AlienBzkts

[JustinW]

I live rurally, so after my CBT I had a 125cc for about a year and thoroughly enjoyed exploring back roads. Sort of roads you wouldn't want to go any faster on no matter what size the bike.

If all I had was fast main roads the 125 would have been frustrating probably. After a year I did the lessons and got full license. Sold the 125 for what I paid and got something bigger. 

So no black white answer really.

 

[learningtofly]

9 hours ago, bonio said:

If you can afford it, do DAS. Bigger bikes are easier to ride on the road than 125s. And you will enjoy it more. 

 

Agreed. Also, try a few bikes before you settle on one; for example, something like a Street Triple in either 675 or 765 guise may be right up your street. Fast when you want it to be, but also a great all-rounder.

Edited August 21, 2022 by learningtofly

[AlienBzkts]

Thank you all for your lovely suggestions, appreciated!

 

[Stu]

as @Fish says 

 

as for bike I would look at insurance quotes before you decide that! With you being from outside the UK you may find quotes pretty high! 

[onesea]

My advice

Day 1  CBT, 

Day 2 buy 125cc  

Day 3 start lessons for and book Mod1  

On unlimited size bike not restricted - even though your present goal is smaller biker

Day x pass Mod 1

Day x + 1 start lessons for and book Mod 2

Pass Mod 2 

 

When ready Buy big bike sell 125 

 

It will take a few months this way but in all the time your gaining experience, a well chosen 125cc will loose little money.  They are also cheaper when you drop it buy forgetting to put the side stand down or slipping on gravel.

 

[daveinlim]

3 hours ago, Stu said:

as @Fish says 

 

as for bike I would look at insurance quotes before you decide that! With you being from outside the UK you may find quotes pretty high! 

 

Definitely do this, especially for the ninja. I looked at them a while ago and they were extremely expensive to insure. The 650 was actually cheaper to cover. 

 

 

Also from what onesea said. I had a 125 for nearly 3 years and sold it for the same price I bought it. Get a good condition used Japanese 125 and learn the basics and once you keep it in one piece you'll easily sell it for no loss or maybe a little less than you bought it for.