Chineese 125s, opinions please
 

I am looking out for a cheap 125 for my daughter to play about on. She most definately does not want a twist & go. I am trying to perrsuade her to do her DAS but she is scared a 500 is too big/heavy.

Her only experience of bikes is the little SR125 she did her CBT on last year.

I have been looking at flea bay and you seem to be able to pick up cheap imports for a lot less than a second hand known make.

As her ownership of such a thing would be for as long as it takes her to pass her test, I see little point in paying over the odds for a 125.

Has anyone any experience of these Chineese 125s or am I better just trying to get hold of a honda/yamaha/suzuki 125.

I have a neighbours lad selling a desrestricted Aprilla 125. would this be suitable for a learner, restriction back in place of course.

Sorry for asking what may be silly questions but the last 125 I owned was a BSA Bantam 30 years ago. Now thas an idea

Re: Chineese 125s, opinions please
 

Hi Tim

I dont know about the chinese stuff. However IMHO this

Probably isnt a brilliant idea. They're ace. However 1st gear is tall and they need a proper caning to get them to make their power. They need to be run on decent i.e expensive synthetic two stroke oil and need plenty of TLC. They are also prone ot seizing. My brothers seized on him and highsided him off the bike doing a solid 80mph and they are expensive to get parts for if they break down. However if its a good one they certainly seem to hold their 2nd hand value so you wouldnt loose much money when she's ready to sell it on to get a bigger bike. I know learners that have had RS' and got on fine with them though so maybe get her to sit on it and see what she thinks ?

I think that theres a 125 forum that you can go on. I reckon a PM to JakeRS or Saint Matt, might point you in the right direction as IIRC either of them was into that kind of thing. I'm not sure though.

I think something dull and boring like a Honda CG125 might be worth looking at they are certainly cheap and robust enough.

If you have a bit more money to spend then what about a CBR125 they look like a proper bike and also have the advantage that they seem to hold their price well so again when time to sell comes you wont loose much I wouldnt have thought on your original purchase.

HTH

chinese ones should be ok, mcn did a column on them a while back

if you aint arsed about it you can keep it after she's done and we can have a play :twisted:

why doesn't she do a 125 DAS like i did and ride a big bike (sv) restricted for two years?

PS. how old is she? ... are you gonna bring her to st annes and knott end? :lol:

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Wouldn't risk a Chinese to be honest, not sure what the parts/warranty back up would be like, also steer clear of the Aprillia too, most have ended up on their sides out side of local McDonalds! or school yard.

A CBR, DT or XT (should probably do the trick), they will no doubt have better chassis n'brakes too!, the trialies have a height advantage also (would be a doddle for the test). :wink:

I can't believe they still make the DT125, I had one as a teenager, they're great (and can be derestricted after the test if needed too :? )

Guy on Londonbikers.com got one for his Mrs, seems it's fine, about £900 OTR I think... There's a company on Ebay that sells them.

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Guy I know has one, rusted to ****, on a 55 plate. Chain came off the sprockets the other day too, and it was well adjusted and lubed as it should be. I would steer clear and get a cg or similar if it's going to be used regularly.

i think the RS would be fine mate bit sporty .....and yet handles great for a 125

didnt Richie have a chinese 125 delivered in the box?

nope that would be me :lol: :lol: :lol: and it was 200cc

i would stck with a decent modle from here, if she keeps the bike for a year then sels it the 2nd hand value of the english bikes meen you will be paying more for them but gettig more once sold again.
try finding a 2nd hand chineese bike. it will of fell apart and there will be harld any 2nd hand value to it.
you may only lose £300 if you buy a 2nd hand english bike but if you buy a £800 chineese bike you will lose a lot more.