CBR125R or 250 for newcomer?

NeoCBR · 08-14-2007, 9:37 PM

G'day fellow Aussies. I'm a newcomer to bikes but i've been doing my homework. Forgive me if I'm not a fireblade owner ( yet!

) I'm stuck between buying a new CBR125RR or a second-hand CBR250, and would love your opinions.

The pros for CBR125R is that it's new, only $4000, I'll know the history, it has warrenty, has the incredibly SEXY 2007 look, and i can get comprehensive insurance for it (good since I'm on my L's). The big con is it's obviously underpowered at 125cc, and i could lose a couple of thousand on resale.

The procs for the CBR250 is its more powerful, doesn't matter so much if i drop it coz its already old, and resale value will hold better. Cons are while it's still a handsome bike I personally dont find the older design as sexy as the CBR125R. Comprehensive Insurance isnt available. Price is about the same, as is third party insurance costs.

Hopefully you can see i've been doing my homework. So if you were in my situation, what would you get? Is the 125cc so gutless i'll hate it? Thanks in advance for your opinions

.OrgOwner · 08-14-2007, 9:40 PM

Hi and welcome to the forum - If you think your going to get sick of no power then chances are it's going to happen! Go with a 250

CBR929RE · 08-14-2007, 9:44 PM

been to the track with a guy that has a 125. I shoulda rode it cause everyone that did came back looking like this

even if it only topped 70mph

NeoCBR · 08-14-2007, 9:57 PM

Thanks for the fast replies!

I personally am not worried about getting a speed-demon bike - not yet anyhow. I want something practical while i'm stuck as a learner/p-plater. If less power means I'm less likely to get myself into trouble (ie. accident) then that's a plus. But at the same time, i dont want a bike that feels like i'm driving a hyundai excel.

I'm just concerned that a 125cc will be slow to accelerate to normal road speeds.

keep the opinions/thoughts coming.... thanx!

slickwill · 08-14-2007, 9:59 PM

Is it a 2 stroke or 4? Forgive my unknowingness. A 2 stroke 125 would be a blast.

hotnanas · 08-14-2007, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickwill

Is it a 2 stroke or 4? Forgive my unknowingness. A 2 stroke 125 would be a blast.

hells ya...i'm currently in the search for a 125 or 250 2stroke....like tz125 or tz250 or the likes...time to step up from the 50

anyhow, the smaller bikes bring big smiles on my face around the tracks...

i'd recomend either as long as you don't feel underpowered with the surrounding traffic...

Maholli · 08-14-2007, 10:04 PM

I would say go with the 250.. Once u get used to riding bike u probally wont be satisfied with the 125.. Just my

..

loadedthorn · 08-14-2007, 11:22 PM

I know you're just talking about those two CBR's, but I would earnestly recommend a Kawasaki Ninja 500R (or EX500 depending on what year). I see 2005's that sell for around $3000 with really low miles because people get them as first bikes. As long as you don't trash it, it will retain a bit of retail value, and you can almost bet on a sale to an upcoming rider.

The smallest bike I've ridden in traffic was a 250, and honestly, having that little power scared me going around the big rigs.

Anyone who says they're done learning how to ride is a jackass, because we're all constantly learning, but I think you'll outgrow a 250 or 125 too quickly. If you're stuck on one of those two though, go with the 250.

NeoCBR · 08-14-2007, 11:43 PM

Some good feedback. The CBR125R is a 4-stroke. Because i'm a n00b when it comes to bikes i'm not sure what threshold is too slow (is a 125cc "slow" like hyundai excel, or "slow" like a little civic ... that's the kind of comparison i'm after)

I'd consider buying the ninja based on the name alone...

friend: "nice bike. what is it?"
me: "Its a NINJA"
friend turns and runs.

...but for now i want to decide on a honda (my prefered choice) before checking out anything else. Its been hard enough deciding on which honda to get.

giza · 08-15-2007, 4:52 AM

NeoCBR,I got the cbr250 for my first road bike and it was a very balanced bike for the road,lay it into corners and it would always want to stand up straight,very good balanced bike for a first,i always loved riding it until i could ride it flat out with no concerns other than it wasnt fast enough(mind you this was only in a straight line).If you buy second hand at least you wont be to traumatised if you drop her(i did).
Never riden a cbr 125,but i think my lawn mower could give it a run for its money.If you have no bike experiance at all and money isnt an issue go the 125,but if your heads on the right way,and your not a show pony the 250 will be an excellent choice.
Best of luck in your decision

Dr DRFT · 08-15-2007, 8:43 AM

I had a Baby blade (cbr250) for my first bike too and even though they arent anythink like my 06 blade....

They are very good for what they are...

I wouldnt get the 125...I would get the 250.. because its for u to learn on..not keep and the most important thing is it will keep resale value alot better...demand is high for them with learners....

Good reliable bike to learn on and in the twisties they are a heap of fun....

slickwill · 08-15-2007, 10:30 AM

A 125 four stroke would be like hyndai excel slow to put it in terms of how you asked the question. The 250 would probably be the way to go. If we were talking 2 strokes I'd ask you to send me one. I really want a Honda RS250. Same horsepower as an F4i but over 100 pounds lighter. I'm buying one as a trackbike someday.

hotnanas · 08-15-2007, 3:18 PM

i want a 250 4-stroke for the track too...thinking about endurance racing a ninja 250...those things aren't as slow as people make them out to be!

loadedthorn · 08-15-2007, 3:51 PM

When you ride them wide-the-crap-open they'll go. Like 13-14k on the tach. I thought the thing was either going to take off into the air or explode between my legs for all the noise it was making.

Still fun though!

dicknose · 08-15-2007, 8:17 PM

How big are you?
The small bikes often are designed for small people - if you are 100+kg then you can be a bit big for the smaller bikes (and their suspensions)
If you are tall then you might also want to look at a bigger bike to give yourself some room.

The extra power of the 250 will be nice (without being scary)
And why cant you get the cbr250 insured?
Have you looked at some of the other sporty 250s - eg zzr, gpx, across. You should be able to pick one of those up cheaply and enjoy it while you have license restrictions then move on to something else.

NeoCBR · 08-15-2007, 9:25 PM

i just want to say thanx to everyone for your opinions and advice. You've eliminated my doubts and I've come to the conclusion a 250 is the way to go.

I'm over 6ft tall and 70kg but i think the 125 (as sexy as they look) would ultimately be a disappointment.

Again thanks for your help!

sb1000rr · 08-16-2007, 6:24 AM

hey neo, i just bought a cbr125r for my missus and she loves it, but yes they are underpowered and do about 120 odd flat out, ok if your just gonna ride around town, but struggle a bit on the highway and a bit slow for my liking overtaking. if your not happy with the dated looks of the cbr250 tyga performance in the uk do a rc211v replica body kit for the baby blade which looks sweet, and really updates the looks, my mate just bought one and the fit and finnish is pretty good, check it out........

giza · 08-17-2007, 5:54 AM

I was down the bike shop today,buying a pair of new gloves and i saw in the flesh the new 125,this is a bike for the ultimate newbie,if you weigh over 60kg then dont even consider,i would think honda wouldve made a more appealing bike than this,ive seen scooters that have better appeal than this,your conclusion is correct way to go,the cbr250.
Send some pics of the bike you get,i thought my one was the ducks guts when i had one.

NeoCBR · 10-09-2007, 5:22 AM

Just a follow up for future readers... i bought myself a CBR250RR a few weeks ago; the more i ride it, the more I am falling in love it.

For anyone considering a 125cc vs a 250cc, get the 250. It's a no-brainer. I see the wisdom in all your opinions now -- there are moments when even a 250 feels slightly slow. I'd hate to imagine riding with even less power, especially in traffic.

THANKS GUYS!!!