The relative merits of 125 vs 250 for newbie

[Rorschach]

Yes, I know that a 250 has double the engine capacity, and more cylinders etc, but I was more wondering what the differences are between say a CBR125 and CBR250? Is there that much difference in speed, fuel consumption and acceleration?

The reason I ask is that I'm just starting out learning, and cant afford/get finance (I'm on a temporary visa) for a relatively expensive 250cc bike as they do seem to hold their value quite well, but there's a 2007 CBR125 with 32xxx on the clock for $1550, and just needs a new rear tyre.

Also, if I am interested, will something like that be suitable for a 5'11" 100kg male, or just bottom out the suspension at the merest hint of a pothole?

Any opinions would be greatly received!

[Rich]

Weighing 100kg will kill what little performance the 125 has...

Get a 250...

[96]

im 65kg, and the little 125's are far from livley.

they are cheap, but for a reason, keep the eyes out for a cheaper 250.

[Rorschach]

Damn being a fatty
Looks like I'm saving for a 250 then.

[XXX3]

The ONLY advantage any of the current model 125s have over a 250 is the reduced purchase cost. There is a negligible difference in tyre wear and fuel consumption.

Imo it also comes down to 125s just being unsuitable for our driving conditions - from what I've seen/read/heard, the top speed is about 120kmph bouncing off the limiter, so you'd be thrashing the crap out of the thing just to keep up on the freeway.

[g0zer]

Nigel has hit the nail on the head with the not suitable for our driving conditions. The aacceleration is just so appalling I wouldn't consider a 125 four stroke for anything other than commuting on 70kmh or slower roads basically a scooter with gears.

[broon62]

Keep an eye out, you might be able to pick up a 250 for around the $2k mark.

[McGoo]

I'm a 6'0 100kg guy, and I have ridden a CBR125. Briefly. It was good because it was a bike, it was bad because the acceleration was woeful. Running costs are cheap, but it is so slow that after half an hour I was bored. A 250 isn't massively better, but it is worth the extra cost.

[Aufitt]

Should be able to get a Whoflung Nekkid for about 3 grand in the for sale section.

[agrid]

Get a 250.

[Herbie]

Get an rgv250...problem solvered

[Gippo]

The ONLY advantage any of the current model 125s have over a 250 is the reduced purchase cost. There is a negligible difference in tyre wear and fuel consumption.

Imo it also comes down to 125s just being unsuitable for our driving conditions - from what I've seen/read/heard, the top speed is about 120kmph bouncing off the limiter, so you'd be thrashing the crap out of the thing just to keep up on the freeway.

I'm 90kg and only manage about $1.30 tops outta my 250 Hyo. No amount of road or laying on the tank will push it past $1.40. So must say that $1.20 out of the 125 if you're 60kg would probably feel the same.

[Herbie]

I was 135kg when I had my hyo and got $1.55 out of it...strange that there is such a difference...was urs nekkid??? Mine was gt250r - had efi too - maybe the difference lies there

[Gippo]

I was 135kg when I had my hyo and got $1.55 out of it...strange that there is such a difference...was urs nekkid??? Mine was gt250r - had efi too - maybe the difference lies there

Yep Naked and twin carbs. Makes sense the R will get a little more, with aerodynamics and EFI.

[Rorschach]

Get an rgv250...problem solvered

Looks nice, bit pricey though
Maybe I'll need to save.

[SOLID]

I bought a CBR125 as my first bike as I was at uni and it was all I could afford. It was ok for the first week or so of learning but after that it is just frustrating. Im only 70kgs and the performance was just not safe. On the fwy you have no power to accelerate out of a bad situation and if someone wants to be a dick you are stuck with them to get acquainted. In the wet it would constantly aqua plain because of the small tire and light weight. I waited for a cheap 250 and sold it ASAP = much better.

It was however a great going to the shops/city bike - if you made it there alive .

[pesty74]

well you can also try looking at a aprilia or a cagiva both are 2 strokes 125 they are quicker than the 250 4 strokes and light and alot of fun

[SOLID]

well you can also try looking at a aprilia or a cagiva both are 2 strokes 125 they are quicker than the 250 4 strokes and light and alot of fun

Not much cheap about them. Great fun though.

[Aufitt]

well you can also try looking at a aprilia or a cagiva both are 2 strokes 125 they are quicker than the 250 4 strokes and light and alot of fun

Quicker.. really? the OP is 100kg.

[Loud]

Quicker.. really? the OP is 100kg.

Moot point, the OP is looking at the cheaper end of the R-E market - not somewhere you shop for a 2-stroke unless you have a healthy bank balance and plenty of time up your sleeve.

Get a naked bike, it'll save $$ on your insurance premiums. Put the hypothetical future savings towards a 250.