Duke 125 experiences
Discussion
So after passing my CBT at the age of 37 I’m still undecided as to whether to do straight to DAS. I only want a bike so I don’t have to use my diesel V40 for short journeys where the thing doesn’t get warm. To go to friends and probably just for a ride out to clear my head. I have absolutely no intention to drive like a dick on it, 50 during the CBT scared the crap out of me! I genuinely a think a decent 125 will be great for at least a year or so to learn the craft, and will be quick enough on the roads I will be using, which are 50mph A roads. The occasional NSL country road. No need to use dual carriageways.
So I’m looking at modern bikes at the 15hp limit. If I get an older CBF125 or similar I just don’t think I’d ride it. I’d look like a Deliveroo driver and it wouldn’t excite me. I think the MT125 isn’t quite my thing. I was ready to put my money down on a CB125R but the dealer let me down so I have a sour taste in my mouth with Honda, and i can’t find a better one for the price.
So that leaves the Duke125 which I do like. £3250 will get me into a 2018 (so the fancy dash) with 5000 miles. I do like the looks and reviews suggest they are a hoot to ride. But the internet also suggests engine issues are not rare. I have another thread regarding passing my CBT and a poster noted his Duke also went bang. I can see why a 125 would be more prone to issues as they will be sat at 9k all day, and most likely from cold!
So what experiences do you have? positive? negative? piston eating spark plug?
Duke discussion only please. Not whether I should go straight to DAS or not.
So I’m looking at modern bikes at the 15hp limit. If I get an older CBF125 or similar I just don’t think I’d ride it. I’d look like a Deliveroo driver and it wouldn’t excite me. I think the MT125 isn’t quite my thing. I was ready to put my money down on a CB125R but the dealer let me down so I have a sour taste in my mouth with Honda, and i can’t find a better one for the price.
So that leaves the Duke125 which I do like. £3250 will get me into a 2018 (so the fancy dash) with 5000 miles. I do like the looks and reviews suggest they are a hoot to ride. But the internet also suggests engine issues are not rare. I have another thread regarding passing my CBT and a poster noted his Duke also went bang. I can see why a 125 would be more prone to issues as they will be sat at 9k all day, and most likely from cold!
So what experiences do you have? positive? negative? piston eating spark plug?
Duke discussion only please. Not whether I should go straight to DAS or not.
You would find it hard to lose much money on one like this after haggling: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/20210807...
Not sure why so few miles though. So first service to pay for
Not sure why so few miles though. So first service to pay for
Ok to clear up the Deliveroo comment. I just do not think I could get excited about riding a CBF/YBR style bike. So I probably wouldn’t ride it.
A Duke, Husky Svart or CB125R (as linked above) I find are good looking machines. Modern, decent brakes, suspension and handling. And we know the Honda will be reliable!
And I do think that I need some time and experience riding a bike. Something I have only done on the road for two hours during the CBT.
So please back on topic. No DAS talk.
A Duke, Husky Svart or CB125R (as linked above) I find are good looking machines. Modern, decent brakes, suspension and handling. And we know the Honda will be reliable!
And I do think that I need some time and experience riding a bike. Something I have only done on the road for two hours during the CBT.
So please back on topic. No DAS talk.
Edited by PT1984 on Thursday 14th October 20:03
I don't really understand writing off the MT125, I think I'd rather prioritise reliability over looks when compared to the Duke. I had a MT and was very happy with it. I'd definitely get a 15bhp 125 you want as much power as possible, the earlier CB125Rs were 13 bhp which meant I discounted them. The aprilia tuono 125 and suzuki GSX-S125 are other options which don't seem to get much attention.
Spent a year on a duke 125,then did my das.
Like you,l wanted something that looked good and made me want to ride it.
Bought it at just over 15 months and moved it on a year later after no issues.
BUT,a few intermittent faults had started to appear and the owners forums were awash with various horror stories (plus manufacturers warranty can be ‘sketchy’.
Personally,if I was to do it again,I’d avoid and get a s/h Honda varadero 125.
Looks like a proper bike,bulletproof and won’t lose any money.
Like you,l wanted something that looked good and made me want to ride it.
Bought it at just over 15 months and moved it on a year later after no issues.
BUT,a few intermittent faults had started to appear and the owners forums were awash with various horror stories (plus manufacturers warranty can be ‘sketchy’.
Personally,if I was to do it again,I’d avoid and get a s/h Honda varadero 125.
Looks like a proper bike,bulletproof and won’t lose any money.
Bought a new duke 125 in July this year and done around 1200 miles. Exactly same position as you, wanted some experience prior to mod 1.
Love it, really easy to ride, bluetooth etc nice to haves. Looks good in my opinion (I went grey with black wheels and orange accents) and does the job. Sits at 70 on Dual Carriageways although does take some getting there.
Its quite a tall and proper sized bike compared to some of the others I tried, and being 6'3 it worked out being the one I fit best on.
All round I'm happy with the buy, but will be doing mod 1 next spring.
Love it, really easy to ride, bluetooth etc nice to haves. Looks good in my opinion (I went grey with black wheels and orange accents) and does the job. Sits at 70 on Dual Carriageways although does take some getting there.
Its quite a tall and proper sized bike compared to some of the others I tried, and being 6'3 it worked out being the one I fit best on.
All round I'm happy with the buy, but will be doing mod 1 next spring.
Edited by PistonRings on Thursday 14th October 21:56
Patric Star and PistonRings. Thanks for the feedback. What were the small issues which started to creep in?
I have emailed the AT advert for the CB125R. No reply yet but I think they are my first choice.
GreaseNipple. There’s something I just can’t put my finger on with the MT. I know reliability will not be a problem. But that’s why I’m leaning towards the Honda. I know the 2021 CB125R has the new 15hp engine, and also the fancy forks. I can see me placing an order….
I have emailed the AT advert for the CB125R. No reply yet but I think they are my first choice.
GreaseNipple. There’s something I just can’t put my finger on with the MT. I know reliability will not be a problem. But that’s why I’m leaning towards the Honda. I know the 2021 CB125R has the new 15hp engine, and also the fancy forks. I can see me placing an order….
Biker 1 said:
I know a couple of lads with Duke 125s. They are constantly thrashed, but appear to be mechanically OK; however, be very careful in bad weather - salty winter roads will corrode them big time!!
Think that's true of a lot of Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff