View Full Version : Female Orger's please
missjhb
26-09-12, 02:47 PM
Hello ladies (and gent's who think this conversation will be interesting)
I am looking at doing my CBT and getting a small 125 bike. Unfortunately my lack of knowledge of bikes is proving difficult in deciding which one to choose. I.E. Honda etc... (by the way only one I sat on so far)
I just want to know really which one is easiest to handle as a new rider but still sporty looking and a reasonable amount that is expected to spend on one.
Any advice is much appreciated, even from the gentlemen of the org if you have helpful advice
(Think this may be posted in the wrong place, so please move if required)
Thank you all :)
What's your budget?
I have never ridden a 125 apart from the CG 125 I did my CBT on so can't offer much help, apart from it was horrible.
missjhb
26-09-12, 03:15 PM
About £2-3K
don't really want a bigger bike as I don't think I will be able to handle it or hold it up for that matter
I have seen some nice 125's but I do not have the knowledge to pick a good one
Yamaha R125
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JUFGXQS88aY/T4qp4QlmCnI/AAAAAAAANs4/TasF5u_VIGs/s1600/2011-yamaha-R+125-+spesifikasi.jpg
H*onda CBR125
http://www.omnimoto.it/mwpImages/photogallery/2011/4416/photos650/honda-cbr125-2012_3.jpg
MCN (spit) thread about 125's.
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/First-rides-tests/2009/April/jan2409-top-10-coolest-125-bikes/
Personally, I went from being 16 and having a Aprillia RS50 to passing my 'restricted' test and getting a SV650S. So I cant comment on any specific bike, just giving you some options to look at.
yorkie_chris
26-09-12, 03:18 PM
The easiest ones to handle are the ones that aren't sporty looking...
CG, YBR, etc. are great. Find a decent one for a grand no problem. £500 if you look.
CBRs and that are harder to ride, the riding position doesn't lend itself as well to the maneuvers and stuff required for the test due to lower bars and such.
They also have loads of stupid tupperware on them that costs a fortune to replace if you drop it.
You and Si met Maria at my place didn't you? She isn't a big girl and she manages fine on a 650. There are lots of shorter options in proper bikes too!
Stay away from 2 strokes (aprilia RS, TZR, NSR etc.), they are not for girls, they blow up every 3 minutes and have all been knackered by spotty 17 year old idiots. However they are bloody good fun if you are not scared of ragging it.
Biker Biggles
26-09-12, 03:26 PM
Spend some of the money on doing your test.The tuition and experience will be well worth it,as will the wider choice of bike once you have a licence.What you learn to pass the test will also help to keep you alive and upright on the roads.
yorkie_chris
26-09-12, 03:27 PM
On the other hand experience on a 125 is useful when you got bigger bike and lets you make sure you want to carry on with it.
125s hardly lose money unless you're stupid and buy a new one. Only real loss of money is in insurance that won't be much.
missjhb
26-09-12, 03:29 PM
They also have loads of stupid tupperware on them that costs a fortune to replace if you drop it.
You and Si met Maria at my place didn't you? She isn't a big girl and she manages fine on a 650. There are lots of shorter options in proper bikes too!
No I didn't go with as I was working, I thought that you were there because that is what he told me. He said you advised buying the Honda
I will have look at the different types. Getting the CBT needs to be done though I think.
missjhb
26-09-12, 03:31 PM
Spend some of the money on doing your test.The tuition and experience will be well worth it,as will the wider choice of bike once you have a licence.What you learn to pass the test will also help to keep you alive and upright on the roads.
How easy is it to do the entire test?
missjhb
26-09-12, 03:32 PM
Yamaha R125
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JUFGXQS88aY/T4qp4QlmCnI/AAAAAAAANs4/TasF5u_VIGs/s1600/2011-yamaha-R+125-+spesifikasi.jpg
H*onda CBR125
http://www.omnimoto.it/mwpImages/photogallery/2011/4416/photos650/honda-cbr125-2012_3.jpg
MCN (spit) thread about 125's.
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/First-rides-tests/2009/April/jan2409-top-10-coolest-125-bikes/
Personally, I went from being 16 and having a Aprillia RS50 to passing my 'restricted' test and getting a SV650S. So I cant comment on any specific bike, just giving you some options to look at.
I like the pretty blue one
yorkie_chris
26-09-12, 03:35 PM
No I didn't go with as I was working, I thought that you were there because that is what he told me. He said you advised buying the Honda
I will have look at the different types. Getting the CBT needs to be done though I think.
A CG not a CBR.
The CBR engine is ok but buy a good bike not a pretty bike.
The CG is easier to ride than the CBR and more comfy. Nothing in it engine power wise.
When you have ridden the CBR because it's pretty twice and decided to sell it at a big loss of money because you've got a sore *rse, sore wrists and keep falling over at junctions don't cry to me :P
On other hand ask Maria how much fun her YBR was to own. By the way we sold that at next to no loss after ragging the living b*llocks out of it for a year and crashing it repeatedly. :-D
When I did my direct access I did the first day on a CG 125, then the second day (and the test) on a Suzuki GS500
I found the 500 much easier to ride, the extra weight made it more planted and I didn't feel as vulnerable, I then passed my test and bought a SV 650 and found that even easier to ride, after a year I bought a Fireblade and that was the easiest to ride out of the lot (providing you didn't open the throttle too wide)
What I am trying to say is that a smaller lower powered bike isn't necessarily easier to ride.
missjhb
26-09-12, 03:40 PM
A CG not a CBR.
The CBR engine is ok but buy a good bike not a pretty bike.
The CG is easier to ride than the CBR and more comfy. Nothing in it engine power wise.
When you have ridden the CBR because it's pretty twice and decided to sell it at a big loss of money because you've got a sore *rse, sore wrists and keep falling over at junctions don't cry to me :P
On other hand ask Maria how much fun her YBR was to own. By the way we sold that at next to no loss after ragging the living b*llocks out of it for a year and crashing it repeatedly. :-D
Lol erm sounds safe! think I should get someting sensible because I get "confident" should I say and end up flipping bikes haha...MX bikes that is
missjhb
26-09-12, 03:41 PM
(providing you didn't open the throttle too wide)
.
Ha we may have an issue there!
I am quite excited to get it all sorted now!
Biker Biggles
26-09-12, 03:44 PM
How easy is it to do the entire test?
I dont know these days,but its worth it
missyburd
26-09-12, 03:52 PM
About £2-3K
don't really want a bigger bike as I don't think I will be able to handle it or hold it up for that matter
Don't be scared of picking up larger bikes, hell, I weigh what, 8.5 stone and I've dropped my 650 umpteen times but can still pick it up, tis all about technique. But then of course hopefully you're on about picking it up off the stand not the floor I hope, try and avoid that :smt040
Hasn't Si let you sit on his Kwak? Have a feel for a bigger bike or come over here and have a sit on my SV.
You and Si met Maria at my place didn't you? She isn't a big girl and she manages fine on a 650. There are lots of shorter options in proper bikes too!
(Sorry, he has a crap memory and has managed to materialise you visiting, I know you weren't with Si haha)
Spend some of the money on doing your test.The tuition and experience will be well worth it,as will the wider choice of bike once you have a licence.What you learn to pass the test will also help to keep you alive and upright on the roads.
+1, with your budget you could sort yourself a decent 125 and get your test done plus some pretty pink leathers too if you're lucky. I wouldn't blow it all on a new 125, I know it's your first and everything but you're bound to drop it and damage it at first and then suddenly you're gutted at breaking it and even more gutted at having to fork out fixing it :-P
On other hand ask Maria how much fun her YBR was to own. By the way we sold that at next to no loss after ragging the living b*llocks out of it for a year and crashing it repeatedly. :-D
It was crashed 4 times in the first 3 months of me learning to ride on crappy surfaces lol. Nothing to do with an unsafe bike, no such thing really, it's generally the rider who makes a bike unsafe ;)
I rode my YBR125 for a year and loved it to bits, was very sorry to let it go but made it easier knowing we weren't selling it at a loss. Parts were cheap and easy to replace, it was hugely forgiving and fantastic on fuel. I still had the 125 after passing my big test, going back on it after zooming about on a 500 was huge fun, you rally realise exactly how nippy the 125s are after being on a larger bike!
I like the fact that this thread hasn't had any females reply considering the thread title.
yorkie_chris
26-09-12, 03:53 PM
I like the fact that this thread hasn't had any females reply considering the thread title.
Cracking timing there...
missyburd
26-09-12, 03:55 PM
How easy is it to do the entire test?
It's like any test, a pain in the ar5e jumping through all the hoops but worth it in the end.
If you're lucky you should be able to get it done in couple of weeks (and it should be quiet this time of year now summer's coming to an end/ended :rolleyes:). Your Mod 1 will need practice in the car park with the instructor and then you'll be taken out on the road for the practice for Mod 2 part of the test. It can be quickly done but depends on when you can get lesson slots for.
I can recommend Leeds School of Motorcycling by the way, they got me through it :takeabow:
fizzwheel
26-09-12, 04:03 PM
Moved to bike talk
missjhb
26-09-12, 05:02 PM
It's like any test, a pain in the ar5e jumping through all the hoops but worth it in the end.
If you're lucky you should be able to get it done in couple of weeks (and it should be quiet this time of year now summer's coming to an end/ended :rolleyes:). Your Mod 1 will need practice in the car park with the instructor and then you'll be taken out on the road for the practice for Mod 2 part of the test. It can be quickly done but depends on when you can get lesson slots for.
I can recommend Leeds School of Motorcycling by the way, they got me through it :takeabow:
We had a summer?! When?! I will have a look at them to see what I can do about getting it done. Loads I want to do but not enough money or time
Specialone
26-09-12, 05:33 PM
My mate learnt last year on a suzuki dr125, very easy to ride and he got back all his money when he sold it too.
The spotty 18 who commutes the same route as me has a yam .
Its used more than mine . He has had it getting on 2 years and apart from service stuff and a off its only had a battery.( it was a diy phone charger dodge )but they got a new one on WT.
Its quite big though.
Brother in law has a YB for his commute of 8 miles .never any trouble
Keep away from 2 stroke ones
pay the cash and do your test then get a kawasaki ninja 250 or the new 300 http://www.kawasaki.co.uk/Ninja250R they are tiny and light even i can get on one as standard.
widepants
26-09-12, 08:34 PM
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/63854_1502472854835_590605_n.jpg
This is parked in my shed now , and they are ideal
missjhb
26-09-12, 08:38 PM
pay the cash and do your test then get a kawasaki ninja 250 or the new 300 http://www.kawasaki.co.uk/Ninja250R they are tiny and light even i can get on one as standard.
I do like the ninjas
missjhb
26-09-12, 08:39 PM
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/63854_1502472854835_590605_n.jpg
This is parked in my shed now , and they are ideal
That's similar to the bike I first tried out I think. They seem easy enough to ride
widepants
26-09-12, 08:44 PM
They last pretty well to be honest . The one above is approx 22 yrs old , and goes well.
missjhb
26-09-12, 08:47 PM
Perhaps I steal that one off you
-Ralph-
26-09-12, 08:49 PM
Solid, stable, low centre of gravity, low seat height, big grippy tyres, turns on a sixpence, easy to do test maneuvres on, and fun!
http://www.moto-infos.com/image_cache/623x414/7cb86b01f470bd73d6ce38cd188ab25c/Suzuki-Vanvan-K3-guide.jpg
pay the cash and do your test then get a kawasaki ninja 250 or the new 300 http://www.kawasaki.co.uk/Ninja250R they are tiny and light even i can get on one as standard.
This is what you should aim for.
My other half had the GPX 250 when she past back in 1997.
Its got quite a bit of go.The new ones even better
Speedy Claire
26-09-12, 09:01 PM
Hiya hun, best of luck with your CBT.
I`m a short **** (5` 4") and I can`t reach the floor on some of these new 125`s!!!! On the CBR125 and the R125 my feet are nowhere near the floor. You`ll need to have a sit on loads of bikes until you find one that suits you. The riding position will also play a huge part on your choice and also the length of your arms can determine your comfort ie. short arms and drop bars = neck, back and shoulder pain.
I`ve read a few of the replies and I think in all honesty i`d be tempted to use some of the money to do your test as someone else has suggested. Then get yourself an SV.... they are light, easy to ride, great fun, cheap to buy and I found that with the comfort kit conversion there is no back/neck/shoulder pain and they are so easy to ride at low speed. Not sure about these new test regs but they can be restricted easily enough.
In fact my old 2004 SV will very soon be up for sale after some tarting up and new headlights etc. It` already been lowered, has the comfort kit and I think the guy who`ll be selling it will be keeping it lowered and will restrict it if needs be. Something like that for about £1,400/£1,500 would probs do you hun and at that price if you drop it a couple of times it`s no biggie.
Best of luck with your search.
missjhb
26-09-12, 09:10 PM
This is what you should aim for.
My other half had the GPX 250 when she past back in 1997.
Its got quite a bit of go.The new ones even better
I guess it's just having the confidence as well to get on it. I remember getting my car licence and was so nervous driving a newish car yet in a older one you'd think I'd been driving for years
Hiya hun, best of luck with your CBT.
I`m a short **** (5` 4") and I can`t reach the floor on some of these new 125`s!!!! On the CBR125 and the R125 my feet are nowhere near the floor. You`ll need to have a sit on loads of bikes until you find one that suits you. The riding position will also play a huge part on your choice and also the length of your arms can determine your comfort ie. short arms and drop bars = neck, back and shoulder pain.
I`ve read a few of the replies and I think in all honesty i`d be tempted to use some of the money to do your test as someone else has suggested. Then get yourself an SV.... they are light, easy to ride, great fun, cheap to buy and I found that with the comfort kit conversion there is no back/neck/shoulder pain and they are so easy to ride at low speed. Not sure about these new test regs but they can be restricted easily enough.
In fact my old 2004 SV will very soon be up for sale after some tarting up and new headlights etc. It` already been lowered, has the comfort kit and I think the guy who`ll be selling it will be keeping it lowered and will restrict it if needs be. Something like that for about £1,400/£1,500 would probs do you hun and at that price if you drop it a couple of times it`s no biggie.
Best of luck with your search.
Lol well I'm 5ft5 so not far off. But as you said I'll need to sit on loads. Any recommendations for a bike dealer with a good variety in the Yorkshire area?
Solid, stable, low centre of gravity, low seat height, big grippy tyres, turns on a sixpence, easy to do test maneuvres on, and fun!
http://www.moto-infos.com/image_cache/623x414/7cb86b01f470bd73d6ce38cd188ab25c/Suzuki-Vanvan-K3-guide.jpg
Can you test ride these after you've got your CBT? Or will they just let you sit on them and turn it on?
Speedy Claire
26-09-12, 09:19 PM
Am afraid I don`t know any dealers in that area but Dizzy Blonde or Maria/Chris will know. Also I`m not sure on the test ride thing either.... I would imagine you can tho as there`s loads of people out there who pass CBT and then buy a 125. Surely they don`t all buy without test riding?
widepants
26-09-12, 09:40 PM
sorry for the de rail , but is that your new gsxr Clair?
widepants
26-09-12, 09:41 PM
Oh and you can have the cg if you want it , just a bit of a trip Im afraid
Speedy Claire
26-09-12, 09:44 PM
sorry for the de rail , but is that your new gsxr Clair?
Hi hun.... yep it is :smt026
For some reason I can`t upload the pic onto facebook so will take some more. Pic doesn`t really do it justice.... is so clean and tidy :D
What is that yellow 125? looks like insane fun
Joe Marcon
27-09-12, 12:29 AM
It's like any test, a pain in the ar5e jumping through all the hoops but worth it in the end.
If you're lucky you should be able to get it done in couple of weeks (and it should be quiet this time of year now summer's coming to an end/ended :rolleyes:). Your Mod 1 will need practice in the car park with the instructor and then you'll be taken out on the road for the practice for Mod 2 part of the test. It can be quickly done but depends on when you can get lesson slots for.
I can recommend Leeds School of Motorcycling by the way, they got me through it :takeabow:
Id recomend FMT in castleford . I passed first time with them . There brill and in same village as you :D Get your lessons and theory sorted as theres longer test lists now as new laws coming in. So everyones trying to pass
Joe Marcon
27-09-12, 12:31 AM
Id say go to autoramas in wakefield area , they have 3 shops suzuki , yamaha , kawasaki , plenty of bikes to sit on and find the right one
What is that yellow 125? looks like insane fun
It's a Suzuki RV125 Van Van. Cracking little 125, Yamaha used to make a similar bike called a TW125. I had one, the Suzuki however is supposed to be better built than the Yamaha.
When I did my direct access I did the first day on a CG 125, then the second day (and the test) on a Suzuki GS500
I found the 500 much easier to ride, the extra weight made it more planted and I didn't feel as vulnerable, I then passed my test and bought a SV 650 and found that even easier to ride, after a year I bought a Fireblade and that was the easiest to ride out of the lot (providing you didn't open the throttle too wide)
What I am trying to say is that a smaller lower powered bike isn't necessarily easier to ride.
BUT, go back to the 125 now, and it will be the easiest riding you have ever done! Its all about confidence. The CG having less stability isn't an issue with a bit of confidence and a top end of 60mph!
BUT, go back to the 125 now, and it will be the easiest riding you have ever done! Its all about confidence. The CG having less stability isn't an issue with a bit of confidence and a top end of 60mph!
Maybe, although I am still not sure being pushed into the gutter by everyone cutting you up trying to overtake you will boost your confidence.
Littlepeahead
27-09-12, 07:10 AM
Do your full test. You won't regret it. I found the 500 far easier than than the 125 to handle. I'm only little but managed really tricky roads in Thailand on an ER6 which was very easy to handle. I've found that being short the more upright riding position of the ER6 and my F650gs are confidence inspiring compared to the sportier riding position.
I love the KTM 125. Proper little hooligan bike. If I was going to buy something to go to the train station on that'd be perfect. But expensive.
missyburd
27-09-12, 07:17 AM
Get your lessons and theory sorted as theres longer test lists now as new laws coming in. So everyones trying to pass
Fair point well made, you're much better getting the test done sooner rather than later.
Maybe, although I am still not sure being pushed into the gutter by everyone cutting you up trying to overtake you will boost your confidence.
Once you've passed and whipped your L plates off? Doesn't happen anywhere near as much if at all, most folk on the road can't tell a 125 bike from a big one so give you as much room as if you were on a bigger bike lol. I found this anyway. And if you get pushed into the gutter then you're not riding defensively enough :-P
Do your full test. You won't regret it. I found the 500 far easier than than the 125 to handle. I'm only little but managed really tricky roads in Thailand on an ER6 which was very easy to handle. I've found that being short the more upright riding position of the ER6 and my F650gs are confidence inspiring compared to the sportier riding position.
I love the KTM 125. Proper little hooligan bike. If I was going to buy something to go to the train station on that'd be perfect. But expensive.
More leglength than hight LPH .getting your feet down makes all the difference.
Important low speed junction etc.
-Ralph-
27-09-12, 08:00 AM
Perhaps not relevant to the OP being a featherlight female, but I'll post it since we're talking 125cc commuter bike stability and heavier people may read the thread. I am 16 stone and I find a 125cc commuter such as a CG or a YBR extremely unstable, such is the ratio of bike weight to rider weight and what that does to the centre of gravity.
missyburd
27-09-12, 08:07 AM
More leglength than hight LPH .getting your feet down makes all the difference.
Important low speed junction etc.
Indeed. Dizzyblonde and I are the same height but I have a longer torso than she, hence shorter legs and therefore am slightly too short for the SV whereas she can get both feet flat on the floor on hers. Bike's still perfectly manageable though!
Littlepeahead
27-09-12, 08:09 AM
But Mart I've got a 31 inch inside leg. But a short body. Can't reach the bars on your bike!
But Mart I've got a 31 inch inside leg. But a short body. Can't reach the bars on your bike!
Well tis true reach wise (plus the clutch is too heavy )
But any inclined slope or going backwards is a bit dicy for me.
Hek I couldn't get it on Jonathan s drive at the spring bbq .
So if your starting out feet on floor is important.
One of the girls dropped her Thunder cat and it put her off allot.
ChrisCurvyS
27-09-12, 01:49 PM
Maybe, although I am still not sure being pushed into the gutter by everyone cutting you up trying to overtake you will boost your confidence.
Will second that. I do wonder if forcing young people to ride 125s for years under the new EU licensing regs is a deliberate ploy to put them off bikes for life.
Outside of urban areas, I think the speed differential between 125s and modern traffic makes them quite dangerous TBH - proper bikes are a completely different experience.
widepants
27-09-12, 01:55 PM
I have a 125 that will sit at 60 all day unless I'm going up a humungus hill . To be honest , Ive only ever had a problem on the M5 , but then again what numpty goes on there with a 125.
That aside , you can get the occasional **** that tries to tear past at stupid speeds , but you can get that on whatever you're riding
ChrisCurvyS
27-09-12, 02:06 PM
Suppose it doesn't help that, like Ralph, I weigh twice what bike designers think riders are going to weigh so my little GN125 struggled to hit 60 downhill with a tailwind!
Even so, what about overtaking? And using power to get out of trouble? Plenty of times I've used the throttle to avoid cars in situations where braking would have been dangerous, like when they suddenly pull into your lane as you're passing and you're nearer the front of the car than the back.
Also think that drivers are much more likely to pull out on you/drive up your backside as soon as they see the L-plate.
Pionion
27-09-12, 03:49 PM
I owned a 09 Yamaha Ybr for 11 months, never had any problems with it, handling on it was great, i did my Mod 1 & 2 on it for my "Restricted Licence" it did all the manoeuvres with ease :) And after 11 months even though it was relatively new i got my money back when i sold it :)
-Ralph-
27-09-12, 04:52 PM
To be honest, Ive only ever had a problem on the M5 , but then again what numpty goes on there with a 125.
:winner:
you can get the occasional **** that tries to tear past at stupid speeds , but you can get that on whatever you're riding
I get that on my 150bhp Daytona 955i, when doing ROSPA observed rides at the speed limit. Usually BMW's.
vBulletin® , Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.