written by that man over there on 11/02/2011
I bought a 2002 Yamaha sr125 for £550 to pass my CBT on. The reason I bought it was that it was the same type of bike the riding school used, and I figured that if it was good enough for a riding school, it would be able to stand up to a first time rider doing 30 miles a day, every day.
Good points
Astonishing fuel economy. I average 106mpg, but I'm a boring rider - I rarely go faster than 40mph, and the ride itself is one open long road with a few roundabouts.
Reliability & build quality. Apart from the exhaust which has a tendency to rust as soon as you look at it, the bike demands very little maintenance, over the obvious oil changes, and regular checks.
The bike has a comforable riding position, and although standard, the controls are all easy to use and reach. (Actually, the choke is quite awkward to use.)
I'd hardly call it a custom bike, but I have fitted Oxford Hot Grips, a PDOiler and a 32l top box to mine - all of which combine to make it a great little bike that has never complained about being out in the depths of winter (and thanks to the hot grips - neither have I,)
Bad points:
It's hardly a performance bike. Mine will struggle to get to 60mph, and neutral will occasionally play hide & seek, disappearing from it's usual haunt between 1st & 2nd comipletely.
The instrument binnacle is fairly sparse: Speedo, turn indicators, high-beam & neutral - and that's your lot.
I originally bought this bike to pass my CBT, then sell it when I progressed to the A1 licence, but I've never got round to it. This bike is fine for my needs, and I'm quite happy with it.