125cc motorbikes

[LLB]

If you are prepared to take your test then you can take you choice of what you want and will not be limited by the 2 year rule or CC.

I've ridden a Varadero 1000 (guy I work with has one) and it is lardy to ride and very top heavy. If the 125 version is top heavy, then i'd steer clear of it and go for something with a more conventional riding position.

Over 20 miles, I'd rather go for something bigger than a CG125 as you will struggle to match the speed of the traffic and will spend much of your time being overtaken, maybe a 400 or 500 commuter like the ER-5 as mentioned, or even an SV650 which is a lovely newbie bike with good handling, respectable brakes, good economy, comfortable as well, but not enough performance to scare you.

 

[Chr!s]

CG125 will be perfect for you, they hold value because they run and run.

I still want to pick one up and paint it army olive green and use it to commute on *devil*

I ride a kawasaki ER6-N.

 

[Ivan Ardon]

The CG 125 is a fine bike, but at 6' 3" you'll look like a frog sat on a matchbox. If you've the money to burn, then the 125 Vara is a nice bike, but you'll not find it cheaper to run than a small car especially when you look at depreciation costs.

If you're trying to do this cheaply and want s full size bike, then you'll have to go a long way to beat an MZ ETZ 125.

 

[cheadle hulme]

I remember the MZ from years ago - its not the same bike is it? I remember Jawa too, they were absolutely awful.

 

[LLB]

CG125 will be perfect for you, they hold value because they run and run.

I still want to pick one up and paint it army olive green and use it to commute on *devil*

I ride a kawasaki ER6-N.

He could go for one of these if he wants something sporty but not fully faired.

It is a nice looking bike

 

[Ivan Ardon]

I remember the MZ from years ago - its not the same bike is it? I remember Jawa too, they were absolutely awful.

Jawa? Good god they were awful (an ex-125 and 250 owner speaks). The MZ TS125 isn't up to regular commuting, being a refugee fron the sixties, but the ETZ is far better - 12V electrics, good lights, big disk brake up front. It handles like a trials bike, light and flickable and the upright riding position is good in traffic.

The best one in the country wouldn't set you back over £400.

 

[yello]

I've got to agree with M Ardon... at 6'3" a cg125 will be diddy beyond belief. The misses had one for CBT and whilst it was bullet proof and a hoot to ride, I felt it was on the little side for me and I'm only 5'7"!! I'd also say that an MZ is a good call too. Not the most glamorousof machines, nor as reliable as a CG... BUT phenomenally basic - they can be maintained/fixed by just about anyone with anything you have to hand. Amazingly tolerant! I knew someone who raced one and you just don't want to know how they patched it up sometimes!

But, in all honesty, my first thought was 20 mile is not TOO far to commute by bike! Certainly not beyond the realms of realistic possibility. Think about it.

 

[cheadle hulme]

But, in all honesty, my first thought was 20 mile is not TOO far to commute by bike! Certainly not beyond the realms of realistic possibility. Think about it.

20 miles each way. Its a new job so I'll be working long hours whilst I pick things up. I plan on cycling as often as possible, Fridays mainly, with a few more days once the nicer weather arrives.

I've ruled out the CG and its ilk as too small. Going to look at a Hartford 125 tomorrow. Same engine as the CG I believe. Air cooled anyway so relatively easy to fix.

 

[yello]

I know you said each way! Still not too far. People do it, believe me!

 

[BentMikey]

My commute is 22 miles each way. I'm not fit enough to do it five days in a row given that my job is also very physical. Luckily I get Fridays and Mondays off, else I wouldn't survive.

 

[Crackle]

Going to look at a Hartford 125 tomorrow. Same engine as the CG I believe. Air cooled anyway so relatively easy to fix.

Just make sure when you sit on it the suspension doesn't sink so far your knees come up to your ears

A 20 mile commute would be special occasions only for me, certainly not a regular commute and certainly not in a new job.

 

[jay clock]

As a an ex-biker I can see the appeal of the Varadero or something which looks like a real bike. But it isn't. You will be like a 17 yr old in 1.0 Saxo with tinted windows and spoilers. In fact worse, you will be like a 17 yr old in 1.0 Saxo with tinted windows, spoilers, and an engine detuned to 300cc.

Go for the scooter. That X max looks good but THREE GRAND. At the opposite end I saw this http://www.scooter.co.uk/125cc-city-scooter-p-48.html?colour=2 - somewhere in between there must be something ok. ALL the restricted 125s have puny power, and sound like bees, so save your cash, get a cheap one

 

[LLB]

As a an ex-biker I can see the appeal of the Varadero or something which looks like a real bike. But it isn't. You will be like a 17 yr old in 1.0 Saxo with tinted windows and spoilers. In fact worse, you will be like a 17 yr old in 1.0 Saxo with tinted windows, spoilers, and an engine detuned to 300cc.

Go for the scooter. That X max looks good but THREE GRAND. At the opposite end I saw this http://www.scooter.co.uk/125cc-city-scooter-p-48.html?colour=2 - somewhere in between there must be something ok. ALL the restricted 125s have puny power, and sound like bees, so save your cash, get a cheap one

If he used to ride an LC 125, then riding a geared bike isn't an issue, and a twist and go as a primary commuter over 20 miles each day is soon going to bore him shitless. Heck a CG125 derivative is going to do that also.

I say get something bigger with a bit more leg room, and don't buy a new Chinese bike. The build quality is pants, and spares will be very difficult to obtain.

 

[MarkF]

I have two motorbikes but always use my Vespa to commute. The other suggestions are sensible, particularly the CG125 but they are boring, dreary beyond grey. I would buy a steel bodied, geared Vespa, P or PX range.

They are iconic, they are very cheap to run, you'll get fantastic mpg, spares are plentiful and and cost peanuts compared to motorbikes (& twist & go's) and you have good (ish) weather protection. Better, you will have fun, it'll outlive any modern scooters (where are the '80's & '90's plastic fantastic scooters now?) and you will suffer zero depreciation, you win every way.

I used to commute on a Vespa to skipton, 20+ miles each way, it was a 200 but a 125 would have no problem, very quick off the line even though the top speed will only be 55 ish.

BTW mine is 1963 Sprint and rides like it left the factory yesterday.

 

[beancounter]

Stop farting about with scooters and 125's man.

This is what you need. Lots out there.

bc