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Bike to learn on?? Bike to learn on??
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 9 Jun 2008
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Bike to learn on??
Hi Guys,

I have done a few overland trips by Land Rover but have recently been inspired to have a go on a motorbike.

As is the case with all good ideas there are a few hurdles:

1. I have never ridden a motorbike :-)

I am looking at local training schools to do my CBT and a bit of further training.

2. I dont own a motorbike (kind of obvious if you take into account point 1)

I have spoken to a few people who have some rather nice bikes and quite liked the look of a 600 XT i have spotted recently on my travels. Obviously I will need something a little smaller at first but the plan is to progress up to something that size as soon as I am able to.

So any recomendations on a good 125 that would be similar to ride as a bigger enduro/overland bike?

I am assuming that I am 6'3" and 16 stone might be a deciding factor.

Thanks a lot.

Jon
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Old 9 Jun 2008
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Hi Jon

At roughly the same time as I was deciding to ride to Cape Town, I was also in your position re. not owning/having ridden (for more than 10 minutes) a bike. So I bought a Honda NX125 on eBay. I'm also 6'3'' (but a mere flyweight at 15 stone) and there's no way round looking a bit of a twat on a 125 for fellows of our stature, but it does encourage you to pass your test as quick as possible and get a proper size bike.

The Honda was great - it's vaguely tall-ish like a mini Transalp or Dominator (actually it's called a TransCity). Good luck...
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Old 9 Jun 2008
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John

Do a DAS course, NOW! before its too late to do it easily. This will take about 5 days cost around 600 quid and is a great laugh. You will then be able to get any bike you like. A 600 single would be a great first bike, especially for someone your size, they are easy to control and don't have too much power. My first bike was a 750 BIG trailie, the first few weeks were hard and the first time I hit proper dirt on it I thought I was going to throw up, but after that it was fine. You learn to swim much faster in the deep end!
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Old 9 Jun 2008
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Thanks for the replies guys.

Simon,

I am just looking at the Honda NX125 now. Looks good.

Henry,

I have been looking at DAS courses. I take it from your post that there are chnages in the pipeline?

Jon
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  #5  
Old 9 Jun 2008
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DAS is a very good idea, but unless you have rather a lot of cash you still won't be able to hop on an XT600. The In-Sewer-Ants will see to that. Doing DAS does however get you on a 250 or 350 that will be more capable than a 125 and give a smaller step to the 600 when you've got a few years in.

The changes coming up are I think going to prevent the true direct access route in that you'll be restricted for a couple of years regardless of age.

Take care looking at small trail bikes. The number stolen or abused will be scary. Any doubts about providence and you can afford to walk away, there are plenty about.

Andy
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Old 9 Jun 2008
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The insurance on my 750, immediately after getting my license, was less than on my car (4 years no claims). Think it was about 600 quid. Now I have some experience and no claims it isn't much better, apart from on my 250 which is 60 quid a year!!

The changes will make it harder to access a test centre and various other things so even if you go for an ickle bike get the full license now. You learn much faster on an intensive course - when I got my car license I was a poor driver with bad habits. I reckon that the training I received is why I haven't had any accidents and have had so much fun (my instructor taught me how to counter steer and back the bike into a corner!! what a legend).

What is your training + bike budget? I was in the same situation (i.e. learnt to ride and got a bike just to go overlanding) and got a low mileage 750 Elefant which was AWESOME, total dream bike, insurance, license and riding gear for about 3200 GBP.
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Old 12 Jun 2008
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I would say before you go too far with trying to get into biking i would say do a few lessons first and see how it all goes or even take a pillion ride on the back of a friends bike. This will give you the idea of wheather you like biking. Im not trying to put you off its just ive seen/heard of people who have went out bought everything but ended up not liking biking.

If your going the 125 way i would say the Honda varadero 125. Its more expensive than the other bikes that being its only down fall but this can be got back when you sell it as they hold there price very well.

Its physically bigger than all the other 125's so is mistaken normally for a 600. Because its bigger its more comfortable for bigger riders. Its still got the pace of a 125 and has enough go for learners and even after youve learned (if only for a while).

If your wondering why i like this bike so much its cause its the 125 i never got, my brother got one and my friend still has one and both of them are 6ft2 and wiegh around 15st.

Search for it on google there is plenty of information about it, mostly all being great reviews/write ups
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Old 12 Jun 2008
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Have a look at THIS thread, I've been thinking the same as you, but I'm not planning on moving up from a 125.

Because of that I'm thinking of buying either new or nearly new, and have been very impressed by the Derbi Terra and Terra Adventure. Thing is I stll can't decide which one.

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