I did my CBT on a CG125
but I ride an XR125. It's basically a light trail bike with the engine from the CG, and I can't recommend it enough as a first 'proper' bike (especially if, like myself, you're of a tall persuasion and riding something like a CG125 makes you look like part of a circus). The engine is bullet proof, which the CG was always rated for - it's not the fastest 125 out there (by any stretch of the imagination) but it'll go all day long every day with minimal maintenance and still get 100mpg consistently.
(sumoguy I don't need Culture, I need Explosives, Fri 14 Nov 2008, 12:22, 1 reply)

I've worried about that...
I'm 6'4" and have never rode a motorbike before so I'm worried about looking ridiculous on a 125.

The SR125, XV125 Virago, Gilera Cougar 125 and a similar Suzuki model have all caught my eye due to styling, positive reviews etc, but still none the wiser as to whether a taller person would be alright riding them, any advice?

EDIT: Thanks, the CG125 looks alright, still got no idea where to go looking for one. I'd prefer to go to a dealer, but don't know of any reliable ones in the Manchester area.
(gin'll fix it, Fri 14 Nov 2008, 13:27, closed)

If you're tall
then the XR125 is apparently a good choice.

I really wanted to get a Honda Varadero, which is like a grown up bike with a 125cc engine, but I'm really not tall, so had to go for something smaller.

If you find one, even on ebay, go for it, they're supposedly quite hard to get hold of as people love them. If it wasn't for my stumpy legs I'd be one of them.

EDIT: Said mate, owner of hair dryer and SR125 is about 6'4", and had quite the belly on him, when he was riding the SR, and he didn't look out of place on it.
( Moey, Fri 14 Nov 2008, 13:58, closed)