Getting started on a 125cc bike ?

Q: I've never ridden a motorbike or moped or anything ever before and have little knowledge of the whole training and licensing,tax procedures im 16 at the moment and plan on getting a 125cc bike when im 17 next month just for day to day use around the city and to get me to collage


now I just wanted to know how I should start and what I should do first ? and what I need to get to be able to drive a 125cc bike and what sortof bike i should be looking to get new or used for a budget around £2500 ?
(2012-01-29 08:36:12)

A: I'm currently 16 as well, and have been riding a 50cc moped for the last year. I've bought my big bike and am about to take my full bike test next month!

If you only want a 125 at the minute, all you need to do test-wise is pass your CBT (compulsory basic training) which costs around £100 including bike hire, protection, fuel, and everything else. If you pass that (and you will, I passed mine alongside a guy who'd never ridden a bicycle before, let alone a bike) then you can ride your 125 with L plates, without taking any more tests.

Regarding insurance, you'd probably be best going with third party fire and theft. Use "thebikeinsurer" website to find the best quote you can.

Third party fire and theft means that anyone or anything you hit will be covered, but you also get the protection of your bike being stolen or damaged by fire. If you want to be able to claim if you fall off going round a bend and damage your bike, you'll have to pay for "comprehensive" insurance which will cover you if you damage your bike yourself. However, it does cost a lot more, and will probably be in the region of £700 to £1300 a year, depending on what bike you get. The most basic (and cheapest) insurance is third party only, which will only protect other peoples property if you damage it. If someone hits you and it is completely their fault, any damage to your bike will be paid for, regardless of what insurance type you have (this is rarely the case as not many people actually admit when they are at fault).

You should apply for your provisional lisence around now, so that it arrives in time for you to take your CBT. Go onto the DVLA website and fill out their form. It costs £50, but will also entitle you to drive a car with L plates if you have someone who has passed their test in the passenger seat.

To tax your bike, you will need to go to a post office, or do it online. You will need proof of insurance and your MOT certificate. The V5 document (contains all the vital information about the bike and its owners) may also be asked for. It cost me £15 for the whole year to tax my 50cc.

I personally would never buy a new bike at a young age. Chances are it will get scratched or damaged it your first year of riding. If you are careful, you should be alright. There are plently of advertisements out there for used bikes, just take your time and find a good deal for a reputable make. It took me 2 months to find my scooter, and I've made a profit out of it, even with me using it all year. It took me even longer to find my big bike. Make sure it has a MOT, V5 document, full service history and no deep rust anywhere. Tax is not essential. Any surface rust can be easily taken off and then treated to prevent it happening again.

There are lots of good bikes in the 125 range. I'm going to have to hire one to take my full bike test on. Looking for a CBF, a CG or a YBR. The "sporty" 125 bikes are useless in my opinion. All looks and no real power, and the noise they make is horrible.

Honda CG125
Honda CBF125
Honda CBR125
Honda XL125V Varadero
Honda VT125
Yamaha YBR125
Yamaha YZF-125R
Suzuki RV125
Aprilia RS125

For £2500 you should be able to get a pretty decent bike. Spend a lot of time looking around, and get a friend (who knows a lot about bikes) to tell you whether it is a good bike or not. Just remember you also need to insure it, tax it, and pay for fuel and maintenance. You should also look into getting some decent protective gear, can you imagine falling off at 50mph in a t-shirt and shorts?

Good luck getting on the road!

EDIT: Stick with big motorcycle brands (honda, suzuki, yamaha), or you will never be able to repair or sell it without hassle