Advice needed - 125cc bikes

As much as it irks me I'm going to say DAS too.

Personally I don't think DAS is a great idea, on the road on a big bike a few days after swinging your leg over a bike for the first time, etc, etc.

But you sound quite sensible and won't go out and buy a fireblade just because the law allows you to, it doesn't sound like you need the law to be restricting the capacity you ride either. You intend to buy something small anyway so whats the point of riding on a provisional license and having to display an L plate? The other traffic pays no attention to them and your riding unsupervised, with or without.

A CG125 will make country roads and dual carriageways really hard work, forget about motorways thats suicide on a 125, it's a city commuting machine really, and you will sell within 4-6 months when you pass your test. If you do DAS and get the test out of the way, you could buy a CB250 that will be just as easy to ride, but more usable and you're more likely to keep it for your first year. And it will have just enough poke to keep up with Mr RubberDuckOfDeath if you want to go out for a Sunday bimble and make you a bit safer if you want to hop on the motorway for any reason.

The only reason I rode a 125's is 'cos I was turning 17 and moving up from the 50cc that I rode for the last year. DAS didn't exist then. If there had been a quicker route would I have taken it? Of course I would!

I think experience on a 125 is a great thing, and makes you a better rider. I would be happy to see all young people having to do a year on two wheels before being allowed near a car (there would be a lot less, "sorry mate I didn't see you's"), but for an over 21 who has the option of DAS, a year on a 250 will give you just the same experience, with none of the frustration of wringing a 125's neck the whole time.

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

Personally I don't think DAS is a great idea, on the road on a big bike a few days after swinging your leg over a bike for the first time, etc, etc.
But you sound quite sensible and won't go out and buy a fireblade just because the law allows you to, it doesn't sound like you need the law to be restricting the capacity you ride either. You intend to buy something small anyway so whats the point of riding on a provisional license and having to display an L plate? The other traffic pays no attention to them and your riding unsupervised, with or without.

I think I’ll be perfectly happy with my CG125 for this year and next summer, when I have quite a few months of road experience, I can think about getting something bigger. I want to do DAS to know I’ve passed and done it, but like you say I am sensible not to go crazy and jump onto a more powerful bike before I feel ready.

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

A CG125 will make country roads and dual carriageways really hard work, it's a city commuting machine really, and you will sell within 4-6 months when you pass your test. If you do DAS and get the test out of the way, you could buy a CB250 that will be just as easy to ride, but more usable and you're more likely to keep it for your first year. And it will have just enough poke to keep up with Mr RubberDuckOfDeath if you want to go out for a Sunday bimble.

Learning to ride a bike is something I’ve always wanted to do, and it’s something I hope I’ll always enjoy doing all my life, so I’m in no rush to jump onto the fastest bike I can just because I have a pass certificate and some cash to get a bike. I like the look of CBR400 so I may advance to one in a couple of years but I’m not going to push myself until I feel the need to. Lee and I eventually want to go on bike holidays together and hopefully by then I’ll be happy with something bigger, but for now it’s all about learning and getting use to the dangers of the road on a bike! Liking the look of those CB250’s though They look good fun!

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

I think experience on a 125 is a great thing, and makes you a better rider. I would be happy to see all young people having to do a year on two wheels before being allowed near a car (there would be a lot less, "sorry mate I didn't see you's"), but for an over 21 who has the option of DAS, a year on a 250 will give you just the same experience, with none of the frustration of wringing a 125's neck the whole time.

Cheers for your advice Ralph

Oh and forgot to say, i'd love an SV...and i WILL have one when i'm experienced enough to handle one!

:: Be patient Cat, be patient! ::

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by missrubberduckofdeath

:: Be patient Cat, be patient! ::

Nah! go for it!

Originally Posted by Luckypants

Nah! go for it!

OK!!

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by Luckypants

Nah! go for it!

+1

I HATE riding small bikes.

You have no real "road presence" and if it hits the fan you pretty much are a spectator due to less good brakes and no acceleration.

I did my Theory Test on the Saturday, 2 days of CBT on the Sunday and Tuesday, then my DAS starting the following Saturday.

Then after 2 failed tests and 4 weeks time (3 of those on 125's) I got on my SV.

The SV just feels more balanced due to more weight etc and has enough power to get you out of trouble - sure that power can get you into trouble - but you control the bike not it control you.

Now I have my Z750, which is 25% heavier than the SV and it feels even more planted again.

Basically if you are over 21, do what you want to do, not what you think others think you should do.

[Stu]

And all the air of mystery has gone. Where's the rubber mask?

Originally Posted by missrubberduckofdeath

Cheers for your advice Ralph

You're welcome

Do whatever's right for you of course, but here's a pic of one of them there CB250's just in case your interested...

Get a 'Busa.

Originally Posted by SoulKiss

+1

I HATE riding small bikes.

You have no real "road presence" and if it hits the fan you pretty much are a spectator due to less good brakes and no acceleration.

I did my Theory Test on the Saturday, 2 days of CBT on the Sunday and Tuesday, then my DAS starting the following Saturday.

Then after 2 failed tests and 4 weeks time (3 of those on 125's) I got on my SV.

The SV just feels more balanced due to more weight etc and has enough power to get you out of trouble - sure that power can get you into trouble - but you control the bike not it control you.

Now I have my Z750, which is 25% heavier than the SV and it feels even more planted again.

Basically if you are over 21, do what you want to do, not what you think others think you should do.

I'm 23 ( ) so yeah i know what you're saying. I've got a 2 hour training lesson one on one with a female instuctor (haha no jokes please! ) on March 31st and the my CBT April 5th. I'll see how I get on. Then i'll book my DAS and get it done. If i feel confident then i'd like to get a nice bike, but i'd hate to drop it or do something silly because i'll be so new to the whole thing.

I cannot explain my excitement though, i really am SO desperate to get on the bike and learn now!! Come one March 31st!!!!