My first bike! CB125R

My first bike! CB125R

Author
Discussion

TurboHatchback

Original Poster:

4,199 posts

160 months

Sunday 3rd December 2023
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I passed my CBT on Monday, then when straight to the shop and put a deposit down on this CB125R, which was delivered yesterday.



I immediately took it out for a few miles round the local lanes, with it being freezing temperature and getting dark it was interesting but I didn't die. Having done a taster session on manual bike then a CBT on a scooter I'm very much still learning to ride, so I doubt I'll be going too far until I'm more comfortable with it.

It feels plenty fast enough for my incompetent self and looks pretty smart for a 125cc, I look forward to actually going places on it soon.

javavodka

14 posts

53 months

Sunday 3rd December 2023
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Nice bike, I chopped my CB300R in for a new hornet 750 a few months ago, I miss the light weight and fun factor of the 300r such an underrated bike, kinda regret getting rid of it.

podman

8,928 posts

247 months

Sunday 3rd December 2023
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Congrats, thats a fantastic first bike when I look back on what I started on.

Have a great time learning your roadcraft on it.

HybridTheory

475 posts

39 months

Sunday 3rd December 2023
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Looks smart

ZetecTDCI

132 posts

50 months

Sunday 3rd December 2023
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Nice one. I’m a fan of small bikes and this one looks great

Rene Souffle

3,524 posts

220 months

Sunday 3rd December 2023
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Enjoy! Those are fantastic looking bikes.

If you’re riding it around at this time of year, make sure you stay on top of chain maintenance and anti corrosion treatments.

Those fixings and fitting across the frame, suspension and brakes won’t last long if left untreated.

Either a silicone spray grease or ACF50 are the best things I’ve ever used. Muc-off now do a HCB-1 protection spray which is supposed to be pretty good and you can see where it’s applied properly with a UV light too.


Mr Tidy

24,348 posts

134 months

Sunday 3rd December 2023
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Congratulations. thumbup

I hope you get some decent weather to enjoy it.

Kuwahara

1,034 posts

25 months

Sunday 3rd December 2023
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Great bike and top marks for going out at this time of year, you’ll probably grow a bit tired of the lack of power but doesn’t mean you can’t have a lot of fun on that…beer

Bobupndown

2,147 posts

50 months

Sunday 3rd December 2023
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December is not the most fun time of year for motorcycling.

mikeiow

6,249 posts

137 months

Sunday 3rd December 2023
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That does look great for a first bike!

After writing off my Mobylette, then enjoying an MZ50, I got a Suzuki GP125 (this was back in the early 80s). Most fun bike I had: could pull wheelies in several beers (shh!), just a whole lot of fun.

Many years….nay, decades, since I’ve been on a bike, sadly, but my only advice is to take it VERY easy this time of year: greasy and icy roads are not a good recipe for fun….had my share of falling off.
Once just pulling out after a car had let me out….only to hit a hidden ice patch under the dusting of snow. Still recall his wide eyed expression as the young student laid his bike down in front of him hehe

Enjoy biggrin

Steve_H80

376 posts

29 months

Monday 4th December 2023
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Congratulations on the CBT and the new bike, what lovely little thing.
Now just be carful out there, both you with the ice and the bike with the road salt.

TurboHatchback

Original Poster:

4,199 posts

160 months

Monday 4th December 2023
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Thanks all. I'm intending to get some XCP rust prevention stuff and go over the bike with it. I'm also acutely aware of the conditions, especially as I commute by E-bike most days. I was like Bambi on ice on my first ride given the conditions, looks like there are some days this week that should be dry(ish) and heading towards 10 degrees so I hope to get out again then.

Waynester

6,418 posts

257 months

Monday 4th December 2023
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TurboHatchback said:
I passed my CBT on Monday, then when straight to the shop and put a deposit down on this CB125R, which was delivered yesterday.



I immediately took it out for a few miles round the local lanes, with it being freezing temperature and getting dark it was interesting but I didn't die. Having done a taster session on manual bike then a CBT on a scooter I'm very much still learning to ride, so I doubt I'll be going too far until I'm more comfortable with it.

It feels plenty fast enough for my incompetent self and looks pretty smart for a 125cc, I look forward to actually going places on it soon.
Congrats on the new purchase and first bike.. Just take it steady, especially at this time of the year.

I remember my first ever ride on my 125 (Honda NS125F), which will be 34 years ago this coming Saturday! I was waiting to turn 17.. on the day of my birthday I was up at 7am, straight to the PO for road tax, and bosh..I was mobile! Brilliant days and memories.

Apologies for the memory flashback.. Enjoy your bike!


carinaman

22,071 posts

179 months

Monday 4th December 2023
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TurboHatchback said:
Thanks all. I'm intending to get some XCP rust prevention stuff and go over the bike with it. I'm also acutely aware of the conditions, especially as I commute by E-bike most days. I was like Bambi on ice on my first ride given the conditions, looks like there are some days this week that should be dry(ish) and heading towards 10 degrees so I hope to get out again then.
I like that grey shade on them. They're a smart looking bike.

I've used XCP it's like aerosol Waxoyl. I've yet to try ACF-50. A former colleague with two motorcycles used to brush on ACF-50 on bolt heads as he thought that was more effective than losing it or it being applied where it wasn't needed when spraying the aerosol.

Thanks to the PHer that mentioned the Muc Off rust restrainer, wasn't aware of that.

RazerSauber

2,548 posts

67 months

Monday 4th December 2023
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Congrats. Robust little bikes but can still suffer with corrosion as you seem to be aware. Make sure you're cleaning off salty water before you're applying rust treatments! A good wash before rust treatment is key and keep on top of it. I've had a good experience with XCP rust blocker, too. It reviews well online. My favourite review of XCP products is "XCP is the bo***cks" by Bad Obsession Motorsport.

Bob_Defly

4,074 posts

238 months

Monday 4th December 2023
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Congrats, great choice!

As everyone else has said, be very careful at this time of year, you have very little grip compared to the Summer, especially on OEM tyres. Happy riding!

FurballS2000

1,056 posts

172 months

Monday 4th December 2023
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Cracking little bikes, I had a 2021 in blue for about 14 months and then moved on to the 650 version back in March this year.
They do feel fast enough at first but the big bike bug will kick in at some point! Enjoy it thumbup

911newbie

600 posts

267 months

Tuesday 5th December 2023
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I tried one of these and an MT125. Bought the MT125.
Both are great fun. You've made a good decision.

In the end all the 125s get frustrating, and you'll be acheing to pass your big boys' test.
I remember the absolute joy in hearing 'I'm glad to say that you have passed'....

But they are all fun. Put a few bends together nicely on the 125 and it feels great.
I'd be happy to jump on a 125 and spank it's arse for a day.

Enjoy it and stay safe.

Bakazan

115 posts

144 months

Wednesday 6th December 2023
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The first time I took my RXS100 out to "see what it could do" I ended up on hospital for a month followed by weeks in a back brace. So please be careful even when the weather improves.

Having said that I was using a Duke 125 a couple of years ago and enjoyed riding a lighter, lower powered bike after riding a ~100hp sports bike for many years.

If you're doing any dual carriageway riding, drafting white vans past slower traffic works a treat.

Birky_41

4,371 posts

191 months

Wednesday 6th December 2023
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Glad to see someone else on 2 wheels now too

Get decent bike kit, ride loads and enjoy. Will open your eyes to a whole new world