Soon, I'll be getting a motorcycle. However, even as a learner, I would like to have an idea of which companies always rate high on motorcycles.

I need help looking for motorcycle ratings, such as which manufacturers are always at the top, who combines the best speed, with features and handling and stuff.

I have checked out Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki, I know there's more, but I do not know who's the leader!

Here's what my needs are:

- It must NOT be a cruiser!
- It must NOT be a moped/scooter!
- It must not be an offroad motorbike!
- It must not exceed 125CC or 25kW (33 bhp)
- Price is no barrier

All I want to know is which companies fit the above requirements, which one produces the most models a year, and which is the best (I know there may be more than one, but please give your own best within the requirements above.

I know it's just a beginner motorcycle, but I've always bought products from the leading companies, even if it's my first! I won't buy until I'm happy with the company chosen!

Don't know much abot motorcycle, but i like honda. 8)

but remember Ballistics is a game .... don't bring that to streets
:knife:

Simson....
that rockz *G*


no, i like GasGas....but that are motocross cycles
but never buy Yamaha....thats a Duron :-D

Was thinking of a Ballistics hoverbike, but it's very rare. I might get the Aprilia RS125 Tuono.

I also posted this same question at Futuremark, and the Aprilia is bombarding every post!

First of all, as a learner on UK roads, you will be restricted to 125cc and 15bhp (NOT 33) while learning, unless accompanied by a DAS-qualified instructor. Depending on which test you take you will then be restricted to a 33bhp motorcycle (no capacity limit) for two years after the date of your test pass, before your licence automatically updates to allow you to ride any power of machine...

If you are not over 21 then a 125cc machine would be the logical choice, and a model capable of being derestricted from 15bhp to your max 33 after you've passed the test the best way forward. You can have a `full power` 125 which is capable of taking you where you want to go at reasonable speeds. Best of the bunch are Aprilia (RS125) and the new Honda CBR125. The difference is that the Aprilia is a 2-stroke and needs careful looking after, the Honda is a 4-stroke and is more reliable if looked after less well. Both are capable of giving you a rewarding riding experience - or killing you if you don't learn what you're doing first.

However, a 125 is a terrible choice if you are over 21, as the depreciation and absence of a market for 125's amongst the learner-legal brigade means that unless you are buying to keep, you will soon get tired of the 125 and then find it has no residual value. Take training with a local school, use their machines, get a full test pass and then you can have ANY motorcycle you like - if you take the test on a low powered or small capacity machine or are of an age you will be restricted to the 33bhp for 2 years, but you will still be able to buy any machine you like, as restrictor kits are available. After 2 years remove the restrictor kit and you have a full power machine with no further expense or trouble of selling one and buying another.
The other option - reading between the lines of your comments I think is the way you are planning to go - is to take CBT (Compuslory Basic Training) then ride on a 125cc machine. The learner limit for those machines is 15, not 33bhp, you MUST display L-plates and you may not use motorways or resticted roads, nor carry a passenger. Frankly, a waste of time.

As you are in the dangerous position of knowing a little, I strongly suggest you talk things over with a local bike training company and get them to confirm what your best options are - both legally and financially. This is hardly the place for the best advice about motorcycles.

Thanks for your advice I'll take it into consideration.

I am under 21, and the 125CC Aprilia RS125 does appeal to me. I only want to keep it until I'm 21, when I'll buy a new one altogether. I like your idea of buying a 33bhp bike, then restricting it.

Then the RS125 will be your best bet. Easy to de-restrict, fast enough and a superb looker. Look for a decent official Aprilia dealer.

If you are offered the RS125SP version, say no. It's a race homologation special with a tuned engine that is VERY likely to go `phut` on you unless you always do two warm up laps before gong to work in the morning, costs twice as much to maintain and is no faster on the road. There are very few left in showroooms as it was only sold in the UK for a year or two to allow it to compete in production races and the spec sheet might be enticing with lightweight wheels, better suspension, race tyres and whatnot, but it WILL hand-grenade on you.

The `standard` RS125 is a much better bet as a road bike, and frankly quicker than you'll be in the first year of riding, but it is important it is restricted by a dealer that knows what they're doing - or else another hand-grenade will result. Use the highest quality semi-synthetic oil after running-in. NOT fully synthetic. And keep an eye on oil consumption as it does use quite a bit (perfectly normal, no worries). You will not find the right sort of oil at 01.30am at the local Texaco garage. Not ever!

And finally, a piece of advice. Don't let anyone under the age of 30 tell you anything about tuning these machines. They may have heard that you can pull a wire, fit a loud exhaust, swap the brake discs for wavy specials and "...it'll go over the ton, easy."

They're sh*tting you, or deluding themselves. Ask them to show you the dyno runs and the radar gun readings, or tell them to go back to pushing the Sainsbury trolleys. Better to spend the money on learning to ride it properly as, once you know what you are doing, there is NOTHING, (and I mean NOTHING: not R1's, not GSXR's, not 999's, not Ferrari's, not even Michael Jackson in a playground when the law arrive) that will go round corners faster. Wet or dry.

I sh*t you not.

You have given me the most advice than anyone on this and the futuremark forum thread! 8)

I've made the Aprilia RS125 my final chosen bike as a starter! Much thanks for your advice!

Aprilia RS 125 is a good choice. I've owned this bike and I was very pleased with it. But be sure to de-restrict it, cause it runs ALOT better that way. Restricted it has almost no power at all, at low rpm.. -> You have to use the clutch all too much.. Oh yeah, and remember to use the right oil, the RS requires a fully synthetic oil, so check the markings. Have fun with it

The only downsides I've found have been the forward brake (dont know if that's what you call it) and the a bit too loose forward shock absorbers (same applies here :oops: ). But those can easily be replaced with better, more effective ones..