New 125

Working class heroes

Hi there.

I’m going through the process of getting on to the two wheelers. Complete novice, learner permit on the way.

I’ve decided to go for a new bike straight off.

Can someone recommend a good, new 125cc bike please. Something practical. For reference I like the look of the Suzuki GN 125 but don’t think they are in production anymore.

Thanks

Bluefoam

Is 125cc still a category? If A2 you could go for a 350 or 400... There'd be lots of good options

blade1

I know a lad kinda starting out( he had a scooter years ago) that has bought one of these Royal Enfield Meteor 350.

He's delighted with it anyway

Trigger Happy

I am on a Meteor 350 too and got to say I love it. Most of my riding is urban and then on the mountain roads for pleasure. Its a light bike and very maneuverable. And is very well built and steady and well balanced. Easy to ride.

Its ok for motorway riding but seems to have a limiter that prevents going faster than 125kph. I would not be spending more than an hour on the motorway though as a non-faired bike it is hard work at speed.

As a learner going for a 125 seems the safe bet at first. But the reality is that after a few weeks of learning on it you will be wanting something bigger. So if you must then perhaps start off with a cheapo second hand 125 and then sell it on after a few months. But I would suggest going with a bigger bike from the outset. Challenge yourself. You will be much happier in the medium term!

Go visit a dealer and sit on a few bikes. Some will seem too small, some will seem too big. But some will feel just right.

Henry Ford III

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118854824#Comment_118854824

125kph is it's top speed.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118854686#Comment_118854686

Thats lovely. Id buy that myself!

Working class heroes

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118854824#Comment_118854824

As a learner(on a learner permit) I thought the max i can go for is 125cc?

goblin59

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118854847#Comment_118854847

A friend of mine is struggling to find a bike she likes and trying to persuade her to give up on the second hand market and get one of these on a monthly payment scheme.

You pay slightly more over the space of a year, but if she paid half up front, which is 3/4 of her budget and then the rest over the 12 months at €259 a month then she'd have a brand new bike with a shop warranty.

She only pays about €150 more as well than if she had the full €6000 up front.

I'm getting these values off of the Royal Enfield irish page btw and then using Humm's website (Was Flexifi)

But to me this is the better option as it means for has the other 1/4 of her budget to put towards something else (like fuel) and a shop warranty is easily worth €150, same with having a brand new bike you know won't have hidden issues from a previous owner gunning it with low oil

Trigger Happy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118854846#Comment_118854846

Yes, but its not red-lining at that speed so it looks like it is electronically speed-limited in some way.

Trigger Happy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118854919#Comment_118854919

35kW is the limit for over 18s learners on an A2 learner permit. That is about 47 Horsepower.

If you go for an A1 its 125cc or 11kw/15 HP.

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel_and_recreation/motoring_1/driver_licensing/learner_driving_permits_for_cars_and_work_vehicles.html#l46024

goblin59

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118854919#Comment_118854919

depends on your age.

if your 24 or older you can do a Direct entry module to Cat A bikes

ism.ie/driving-school/motorbike-lessons/#categories

Working class heroes

Thanks for all the info folks.

I'm 47, theory test passed and learner permit en route.

Would i be right in saying that I can book an IBT for an A2 license? I could then work away on bike similar to Enfield above.

Sorry for the stupid questions..........

teediddlyeye

At 47 you can go straight for an A license and get whatever bike you like!

Provided you can insure it of course!

Working class heroes

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118855062#Comment_118855062

But what can I get whilst im on a learner permit? Is it decided by which IBT i book?

Thanks

Henry Ford III

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118854951#Comment_118854951

It's the lack or horsepower and torque that limits it.

teediddlyeye

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118855075#Comment_118855075

The bike is only limited by the catagory of permit you have, not the fact thats it a learner permit.

I started on a 600 bandit with a learner permit at 28, mate of mine started on a cbr600rr! Took a good few insurance phone calls for that one!

Bluefoam

I'm 45, did my IBT in September, just got myself a 750cc, the difference in cost wasn't enough to make me go for a cheaper option... I'm happy with my decision... if you select the right bike, it's not intimidating. I'm no speed demon (in fact for the moment I'm like an old granny rider) and I'm not after pure power, but this bike is good and strong and gives me confidence... Very glad I didn't go for something smaller.

I plan to keep this bike for the long term. The idea of going up through the cc's doesn't appeal to me.

blade1

If the op could give a bit more detail. Age,size ,type of riding bike is wanted for etc.

They mentioned gn125.

The meteor would be a step up from that anyway.

And not too much for a novice.

Working class heroes

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118855164#Comment_118855164

Hi blade,

I'm 47, 6ft tall and I'm looking for something mainly for just tipping around and good for the odd long weekend spin.

I did my theory test for Motorcycles/Mopeds and have applied for and am awaiting on delivery of the learner permit.

It's at this stage where I'm still confused. Is there different categories of actual learner permits. I just booked the appoint at my local center, showed them my paper work which they processed. They told me my learner permit will arrive in 5-10 working days. I don't recall mention of a "category" of permit so is this determined by my age etc and issued automatically.

Or does the type of IBT booked determine the category of permit I hold?

Thanks again.....

blade1

Forget about a 125 so 👍

Bluefoam

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118855214#Comment_118855214

Do the IBT on a Cat A bike... You have options to go for smaller capacity, but they will limit you in the future... Just do the full A Category, then it's up to you what size bike you are comfortable on. But you do need to do the test on a bike that suits the category you select... There lower categories are no easier to pass and take just as much work as the full A, so just bypass them...

AM Mopeds and light quadricycles. 16 years

A1 Motorcycles with an engine capacity not exceeding 125 cc, with a power rating not exceeding 11 kW and with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg. Motor tricycles with a power rating not exceeding 15 kW. 16 years

A2 Motorcycles with a power rating not exceeding 35 kW, with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg and not derived from a vehicle of more than double its power. 18 years

A Motorcycles and motor tricycles. 24 years or 20 with progressive access (motorbikes)

Working class heroes

Eureka!!!!!!!

Thanks lads.....

goblin59

I got a 800cc BMW as my first bike at 30 after my IBT, insurance was still far cheaper than my car and I get more use out of the bike by alot.

Btw engine capacity doesn't always dictate the actual power output, at 800cc my BMW is still only 53kw, compared to other 800cc bikes which will have a higher output.

But I do have a **** tonne of torque without needing to rev hard

If you were going 125cc you could go with a K-Light. They're cheap and cheerful for brand new bikes:

https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/keeway-k-light-125-cbs/15215395

But as others have said, you'd likely outgrow it. I've a 250cc (Benelli bn251) and although I only have it a couple of months, I can see why some people (especially if you commute on it) would outgrow it by now. For me, personally, it's perfect (I just doddle about around the town and such, and rarely even see a lengthy N road).

I think the issue with some of these bikes is that they are perhaps physically small? I think you said you're 6ft. Maybe you'd need a bigger bike (perhaps an adventure style one like the Benelli TR500X (https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/new-benelli-trk-502x/30605015).

(I'm not saying go for that specific bike, but just something along those lines might be more comfortable? I'm just using that as an example as I was at a Benelli dealers and they're really the only bikes I've had a proper look at in person). I think there's a Suzuki Vstrom which is similar, but presumably megabucks.

MSVforever

You are better off going for the A license and get a 600cc naked bike to start with. Especially with being 6ft tall you will be very uncomfortable on a small cc bike. I would suggest a Bandit 650 (2007 onwards with fuel injection), Fazer 6 or 8, XJ6, CBF600 or a Hornet 600 etc

They are all reliable good bikes with decent power to get you out of trouble.

Working class heroes

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118860765#Comment_118860765

Something like this?

https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/2011-suzuki-gsf-650-bandit-s-finance-available/30711336

Or this?

https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/2012-yamaha-fz1-n/29822581

or this maybe......

https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/2013-honda-cb600-hornet-sold/30612638

MSVforever

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861142#Comment_118861142

Yes. The Bandit 650 or Hornet 600 are both great starter bikes and will keep you happy for a long time.

The FZ1 is also nice but could be a bit intimidating with the 1000cc engine and insurance might be an issue as well.

Bluefoam

I just imported a 2019 Moto Guzzi V7 in pristine condition form Germany for just over 7k (all in)... Not saying my bike choice is best for you, but for the price it seems like a bargain against whats available second hand here...

Working class heroes

The Royal Enfield posted above is the string favourite st the moment.

I’m going to visit a few dealers this weekend to check out other options. I’ll let yis know how I get on.

Thanks everyone for the inputs.

galwaytt

At your age you can get whatever you like, so that's exactly what I'd do : get something you LIKE. Forget power, bhp, torque. Buy what takes your fancy, does what you want, and is good to learn on, and which fits you well (none of us re 16 anymore !) .

I think a nice A2 bike, of which there are many, are ideal.

Once you have that and you've passed your test, you can move up to an A at your ease (if ever), just by doing a Mod 5 training session: no more test(s) needed. A2 has the advantage of a lot of nice bikes that the horsepower crowd look past: CB500F/X to name just one, but NC700/750 are another. Several Enfields if you like traditional looks and seem fair value. Loads of BMW's too.

The world is literally your oyster on this one. Enjoy it: it'll be a hoot.

TheWonderLlama

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118855062#Comment_118855062

This I did not know. I checked my licence there and it appears I have the A multipass. Result!

Away with me to the bike shop!

Recommend me something for a 50-ish 6'3" bogger with a bit of a beer gut for hooring around the country on, like.

(might do a few lessons beforehand tho')

blade1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118862258#Comment_118862258

Won't win any beauty contests but you could do a lot worse than one of these.

Sorry I sold my one.

https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/yamaha-tdm900-2004-megabikes-dublin/29513925

Betsy Og

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118862258#Comment_118862258

I've a VStrom 650, "all the bike you'll ever need"....of course you'll "want" more but..... cheap(ish), bulletproof (it seems, on the go a long time and great rep), suitable for t'bigger lad, fairly upright position for comfort, viewing over ditches and what not. If you'd any yearning for light offroad you could get there without much expense or hassle (bogger farm roads, bog roads it can handle without modification and with road tyres). Plenty grunt to get you to motorway speeds & well beyond, snappy overtaking on 2 lane roads. Learner friendly in the sense that its very linear power delivery, i.e. you wont happen upon the "powerband" where it takes off abruptly and scares they bejaysus out of you. All depends on whether you like the look of it, that "adventure/upright" style. It is not the sexiest thing ever born but for hooring around the country on, you couldn't go wrong.

TheWonderLlama

Both of those look the dog's danglies. I like the uprigth stance as it allows me to see what fuckery is unfolding up ahead.

Not remotely interested in the lie on the tank, hedge-seeking missiles.

Now, how to break it to the missus that i've found the perfect outlet for my third mid-life crisis and how does she feel about being a biker's b**ch.

i may or may not be back.

teediddlyeye

https://www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/yamaha-tracer-900/30782152

IMO there's a lot to be said for the yamaha mt07/09 (I'd probably have one myself if I wasn't such a HD fanboy! Although I may get one yet!)

I did my IBT and test on an mt07 found it very light and easy to handle, also with 700cc you may never grow out of it either. The traver version would be ideal if you fancy longer motorway spins.

galwaytt

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118862258#Comment_118862258

Double check that that's not an A with a qualifying code beside it e.g. 79.03.

If there is, its not an A motorcycle licence, its a Trike licence.....

TheWonderLlama

Haha, you're right. Boy that could have been embarrassing.

So I have to go through the whole thing, CBT, A1 licence, test, CBT, A2 licence and test?

robbie_63

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118864648#Comment_118864648

You need to

Apply for Learner Permit for Category A - No need to go for the lower categories

Once you have that you need to do your IBT Training, usually 2 days (1 in a compound, 1 on the road)

Once that's done you are issued with an IBT cert which means you can legally ride on the roads for 2 years, during which time you should be applying for your test

TheWonderLlama

cheers. That makes a bit more sense. I don't have to restrict the bike in any way while i am a learner or Novice?

robbie_63

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118865515#Comment_118865515

No the Full Category A Permit allows you anything,

Honestly at your age you should be well able for a Cat A bike, doesn't have to be a rocketship but you won't get bored as easily as you would on something small.

At least once you have done your IBT you will know if you really want a bike

Hotblack Desiato

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118861387#Comment_118861387

Which classes did you apply for on your learner permit? As you're over 24 you're allowed to apply for all of them and ride any bike you like unrestricted once you have done the appropriate IBT. If you need to get a class added to your LP then you'll have to contact NDLS, costs something like €15 iirc. Worth doing though, even if you don't want a full A bike right now.

horse7

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058239285/new-125

For a first off learner bike I would buy second hand, it's going to fall at some stage.

Pawwed Rig

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118854919#Comment_118854919

That is the way it was in the 1990s. It is based on power output now.

Working class heroes

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118867762#Comment_118867762

Thanks. Not sure what I applied for tbh, they never mentioned it at the NDLC.

I’ll see what they send me and upgrade if needs be.

Hotblack Desiato

That is the way it was in the 1990s. It is based on power output now.

Only if you're aged under 24, at 24 or over anyone can apply for a class A learner permit with no power or cc restriction.

Murt10

https://www.hondaireland.ie/product/super-cub-c125/

Not the most popular bike ever built in the world for no reason. Simple to ride, legendary reliability, incredibly fuel efficient.

I enquired about a 2nd hand one in a honda dealership last year and the salesman told me he couldn't get them for love or money, and that he would be waiting a few months for new ones to come in from Honda, and that these would all be sold before he took delivery.

There's an old saying when buying motors of all kind - The day you buy is the day you sell. - If you were to buy one of these, the salesmen will take your arm off if you want to trade it in for something else down the road as they know they can offload it in a heartbeat, whereas most other bikes will be hharder for them to shift, so they'll be ess anxious to do business

Hotblack Desiato

Supply, demand, and collectors will do that. It says nothing about the merits of the machine itself.

Working class heroes

Went to look at the Meteor 350 today.

Really nice bike, nearly pulled the trigger there and then but decided to hold off for a few days to check out other options.

Working class heroes

Getting the Meteor in the Limerick store.

Coming in €200 cheaper than bikeworld.

€5995 for the higher spec bike as opposed to €6200 from bikeworld.

Can I ask where everyone gets their gear from. Not looking for anything high end just something basic to get me going, thanks.

blade1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118884987#Comment_118884987

I think it was Limerick that the yellow meteor I posted earlier was bought too.

Had they any gear at that shop and would they do a deal on it for you?

I assume most shops will have something to cater for your budget but if you don't have much experience buying gear make sure the shop assistant aides you properly.

for gear https://www.xlmoto.ie/ looks like they have decent stuff for decent prices. although make sure you have a good tape measure for checking sizes before you order.