Car or Motorbike

redbull5

Hi Guys, im 18

I own a car and work full time.

Im debating buying a small 125cc motorbike and using that quite a bit. Ive always fancied one and think now could be the time.

My insurance is crazy for my car as its a 1600cc petrol and its drinking fuel at the moment.

Im not sure how much motorbike insurance is but i would think it is cheaper than car and i have heard bikes do quite a bit of mpg.

Only thing is i have nowhere to store the bike but have a big driveway so could arrange something.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.! thanks

was thinking about getting something like this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Yamaha-YZF-r125-yzfr125-yzf125r-rs125-rs-125-yzfr125-/260778441634?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item3cb79b3ba2#ht_1099wt_1139

SailorSam

I had a Yamaha 125 when i was 16, if you don't mind the rain and snow i'd always pick a bike before a car for fun driving and you can save a lot of money. Even in City centres there seem to be free parking for bikes.

pogofish

Yes - a small bike can be immense fun make a huge saving on your weekly running costs. I used a Honda CG125 for years and even kept it on for a long time after I finally got myself a larger machine - 100+ mpg, dead cheap road tax and insurance and its mechanical simplicity means you can easily service it yourself in a couple of hours. Because of this, they do tend to be pricy second hand and I don't advise getting one of the Chinese copies - their cycle parts seem awfly poor quality to me. Stick to one or other of the main names and get good protective gear.

Another thing is storage/security. Small bikes are a magnet for thieves, so get a good lock/chain and find something to secure it to when you park and if you are parking in a drive think about installing a ground anchor and covering it. Thieves can be very determined.

Also, it is well worth investing in a decent training course. Even if you have the basic riding skills, they will do a lot for hazzard perception etc and some will get you a further discount on your insurance. Or just assume that every other road user is a brain-out wan*er, hell-bent on doing you harm.

Billy-no-Money

Quite a common theme this one!!

My personal views:
Don't get the YZF, it'll cost more in insurance, a lot more, for a bike with no more performance but lots of expensive-to-repair plastic. Budget £1500 and look for something like a Yamaha YBR125 or Honda CG125 / CBF125.

Put the money you save on insurance and purchase towards training for a full licence (how old are you? [EDIT: You're 18 - sorry, didn't spot]). At 18 you won't be able to get a full 'big bike' licence immediately, but will be restricted for two years - with extra insurance costs there's not much financial incentive to get a full licence but doing so means a) you'll be better-trained and b) you'll stick with biking.


Re security - yes, fit a ground anchor, get a decent chain and cover the bike. A 'standard' 125 is less attractive to thieves than a sporty-looking one, and less nickable than a scooter simply because the average scrote can't work the gears. Also, a 125 is very light and can easily be wheeled through a side gate.

SailorSam

[QUOTE=pogofish;43526

Also, it is well worth investing in a decent training course. Even if you have the basic riding skills, [/QUOTE]

I think that's a good idea. It's nearly 40yrs since i rode a bike and despite having a full licence i don't think i'd feel safe back on the road without a refresher course.

redbull5

Thanks All for the replies.

Just did a quick insurance check for the yahama 125, was over £1500 so that will be out of the question. Im just going to do my cbt and take things from there i think. no point in rushing anything and making the wrong decision.

Any1 know who much a cbt costs?;

SailorSam

Look for training in your own area but this may give you a clue as to what to expect.


Prices

redbull5

Guys, new thread - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3224800

please help in choosing me a new bike.

Thanks