So, what am I saying: the desire to buy a motorcycle usually comes when there is the least money in your pocket for it. Looking through the latest offers, you become stronger in the idea that “a motorcycle is always expensive, but a good motorcycle is even more expensive,” you believe the statements that “a normal bike doesn’t cost less than a million,” and you put off the purchase “for later.” And so, the beginning of the motorcycle season comes, when everyone around you is on two wheels, and you are standing on the sidewalk and desperately holding a “poker face”, because once again you “can’t afford” a normal motorcycle. It's a shame? Yes! But it’s even more offensive to find out that somewhere at this very moment good motorcycles costing less than 150,000 rubles are waiting for their buyer!
What can you afford for 150 thousand
Let me clarify right away: you can only get a normal bike at such a tempting price if you follow additional recommendations. Before we take a closer look at the what-where-when, I’ll say a few words about mileage. This topic has already been discussed in detail in the article “Is high mileage really that bad for a motorcycle” - read it, if in doubt, then we’ll discuss it in the comments. Briefly, I can justify it this way: motorcycles with a mileage of 40 thousand km are very difficult to sell because most people perceive the kilometers traveled differently - for a car and for two wheels. At the same time, the same people calmly buy a used car for 100K, not considering it a hopeless waste of money. I’ll tell you a secret: most good motorcycles, just like cars, have a service life exceeding 200 and 300 thousand, and a ridiculous 60–70 thousand km - with good service, this is not even a third of it!
What are you getting
Alas, miracles don’t happen and you won’t be offered a new motorcycle so cheaply (well, maybe a children’s Chinese moped, but now we’re talking about more serious things). For this price, it would be a used, but not requiring capital investment, 15-20 year old bike. Slightly worn, possibly previously repaired (suspension and exterior), possibly with light or medium tuning. Motorcycles that are damaged or show signs of wear and tear usually sell for much less, so they do not fall into this category. Although in general, any small defects or changes will play into your hands during the auction.
Where to look for a good bike
Experience shows that for a properly serviced, not “killed” motorcycle that has no problems with docks, you most often have to go to the regions. In Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities, a bike “psychologically” cannot cost less than a certain amount, even if it is “junk,” but as soon as you move away from the center, the prices become reasonable.
When to take a motorcycle
In the off-season. Prices fall especially pleasantly in November-December, when many novice motorcyclists are faced with the question of storing a two-wheeler. Some are trying to save money by not renting a box or spending money on conservation, others are naively planning to save up over the winter, and in the spring get something larger or from a different class. In any case, you need to buy a bike at the best price at the end of the season. Yes, the downside is that it is unlikely that you will be able to drive it under your own power (depending on the weather), but the benefits will still be higher than the costs of transportation.
Touring enduro
Perhaps, it is in this class that small-capacity motorcycles are the weakest represented. Tourenduros are created for long-distance travel, which automatically assumes good load-carrying capacity and fairly high power. Japanese and European companies never dared to actively experiment in this direction, and the only representative of a small-capacity touring enduro can be called the Honda XL125L Varadero, which was at one time sold on the European market. But the model was not popular, and soon its production was curtailed. Even Chinese companies do not risk producing bikes of this class with small-capacity engines, fearing that they will not be in demand. With some stretch, we can only include the Stels 400GS and 400GT, which are also not currently in production.
Good resource motorcycles costing less than RUR 150,000
This is my personal “rating”, not associated with any “top 10” (or top recommendations of trading platforms), in which popular “Japanese” are the leaders among the contenders. Seriously, if you need a good motorcycle from the “maximum rides – minimum money for repairs” category, choose one of the representatives of the “Big Four”: Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki. They make it possible to implement the same principle: “to be, not to appear” - they are quite legendary, powerful enough, capable of giving several more years (even decades) of pleasant operation.
Yamaha YBR 125
And the rating opens, of course, with everyone’s favorite “Yobrik” (Jobrik or Yubrik - as you like). A very hardy, easy to control, sneaky “horse” for the city, which, however, will not be embarrassed by wet primers. Yes, it’s a 125, yes, it only has 10 “horses” and a carburetor, but it has the same service life as a “four hundred”, spare parts are cheap, the seating position is comfortable, the wind protection works surprisingly well, and the controls are “easy” even for schoolboy. Many motorcyclists started with the YBR, later switching to more serious road bikes, but if you now offer them a chance to ride it, I’m sure that hardly anyone will refuse to be behind the wheel of a Zhuzhik again!
For 166 thousand you can take it in a state of “not sitting still”, and with mileage you can save almost half of this amount. Here, for example, is a well-maintained, well-maintained option with a mileage of less than 15 thousand km.
Enduro, motards and cross
If you want to buy a small-capacity motorcycle, then look towards off-road vehicles. Many experienced motorcyclists continue to ride 125-250 cc without changing to more powerful models, and they are not at all bored. It's just that lighter bikes allow more than their heavier counterparts, and 200-250 cc. see more than enough to squeeze out the adrenaline to the fullest. Very popular models are the Japanese Honda XR250, Suzuki DR 250, Yamaha TT-R 250 and Kawasaki KLX 250, and there are countless Chinese enduros of the same class on the market.
Honda CB400
Now they will call me a snob and ask: why is “SiBiha” not in first place?! My answer is this: this bike from the last century eats a lot. Ideally suited for the city, the classic is equipped with a very durable water engine, which is capable of “walking and walking.” Thanks to the Hyper Vtec system, it can hit “hundreds” in 4.5 seconds, provoking a pleasant reckless “annealing” in a straight line, but at speeds over 120 km/h its 4 carburetors eat up almost twice as much fuel! Instead of a modest 4.5 liters, it starts to consume 7–8! Otherwise, it’s a great street car with a comfortable seating position and grippy (double-disc front) brakes that can adequately slow it down from estimated speeds of under 200 km/h. The frame is rigid, duplex, the seat is straight, the seat height is only 78 cm, comfortable for most drivers of average height, especially girls. In terms of reliability, it’s almost a standard (this is Honda!), requiring a minimum of inexpensive consumables.
Here, for example, is an option with a mileage of less than 50 thousand for almost 20 years. It can be seen that it was used carefully, most likely by one owner. The motorcycle is well-maintained, without signs of falls, no frankly unnecessary tuning, there is a bonus in the form of a navigator mount.
Yamaha FZ6 2008
Not yet “sport”, no longer “classic”. The derated engine from the R6 ring, equipped with an injector, accelerates 187 kg of dry mass to 10 tons of revolutions very smoothly and predictably, so the “Phaser” can even be taken as a first serious motorcycle. This “six hundred” is a very good option for a metropolis like Moscow. Firstly, it makes it possible to seat a girlfriend (or friend) of almost any size as the “second number”, without losing dynamics and stability. In comparison, the “four hundred” cars “die” noticeably, and some of them strive to “become an asshole” if the passenger feels like stretching their legs or waving a hand at someone. Secondly, a naked is a naked: not an ounce of excess plastic, which tends to chip, causing unnecessary repair costs, a dense, balanced layout, a straight, comfortable fit, comfortable even for drivers above average height.
A remarkable option, slightly past the “psychological mark” of 50 thousand mileage, but quite vigorous and combative.
Kawasaki Ninja 500 2007
Despite the fact that production of the model was discontinued back in 2009, this sport tourist is significantly unified with the more popular models: KLE500, ER 5 and EN500 (Vulcan), so it is not difficult to find spare parts for it. The remarkable thing about this “Cava” is that the motorcycle is very narrow, maneuverable, light, like a YBR, durable, like a 750, and absorbs less fuel than 400 cc models. A small “minus” is the rather archaic appearance of the fairing, but a huge “plus” is that it copes with its duties perfectly. Part of the body kit, like the trunk, by the way, can be supplied from larger models. You can easily travel with two people on this Ninja, plus load 50 kilograms of luggage - 60 “horses” accelerate it to a cruising speed of 120–130 km/h. If you want to go it alone, downhill, with a tailwind, you can drive 200 km/h.
If you have a little maintenance skills, you can operate this copy, which has not yet completed 50 thousand, without problems for several more years.
Varieties and best models
When choosing a 125cc motorcycle, the first thing you need to consider is what it is needed for. It also matters which roads you will primarily be driving on. Of course, you need to study the technical characteristics of the models, at least the basic ones.
Road workers
Popular models of road motorcycles include:
- Yamaha YBR 125. A classic from the world famous Japanese brand, affectionately called Yubrick by Russian motorcyclists. Most likely, this budget option will be the first to come to the mind of an experienced biker when asked to recommend something for a beginner. The model is used for teaching by many schools. The reliability of the motorcycle has successfully stood the test of time. It is undemanding when it comes to the quality of oil and gasoline. The design is extremely simple, but all components are of very high quality, so breakdowns are an extremely rare occurrence. Maximum speed is 110 kilometers per hour. Sporty design. The only drawback is that a driver weighing 100 kilograms or more looks as if he was sitting on a toy bike.
- Honda CB 125. In terms of technical characteristics, this Japanese motorcycle is practically no different from the previous model. But the design is more modern, it looks more solid. The speed limit is 120 kilometers per hour.
- Suzuki Van-Van 125. Produced since 1970, known among Russian motorcyclists as Van Vanych. This lightweight motorcycle is immediately recognizable by its original retro design. This model is often purchased for nostalgic reasons by those who in their youth mastered the Soviet Izh and Java. However, despite the funny appearance, this motorcycle, as is traditional for all Japanese models, is very reliable. High ground clearance, high-quality suspension, and a wide rear wheel allow you to move it even off asphalt. But there is no crankcase protection, so jumping on curbs is not recommended. The motorcycle can accelerate to 110 kilometers per hour.
- KTM 125 Duke. Produced by a famous brand that produces sports motorcycles, which is immediately noticeable by its aggressive design. Compared to other options, this motorcycle has more power - 15 horsepower. The small size of the model is very suitable for overcoming city traffic jams, but for long journeys this is not an option - the landing is not very comfortable. Only AI-95 gasoline is required.
- Honda PCX 125. Produced since 2009. The design is very thoughtful, ergonomic, the fit is comfortable, and maneuverability is excellent. The presence of very high-quality wind protection is especially appreciated by motorcyclists from Thailand, China, and other Asian countries where the rainy season regularly occurs. In Russia, the model is not particularly popular - the high cost is a hindrance.
Road motorcycles are the most versatile models. Motorcyclists value them for their simplicity of design, reliability, and ease of use.
Yamaha YBR 125
Suzuki Van-Van 125
Honda CB 125
KTM 125 Duke
Honda PCX 125
Cross
Among the motocross motorcycles in demand in Russia, the following stand out:
- Honda XR 125 (official name XR 125 L). It has been produced for quite a long time, but motorcyclists still find some advantages in it - simplicity of design, high reliability, excellent cross-country ability, convenience, fuel efficiency, affordable cost. Only the height of the saddle is not very high, you need to measure your own height with this.
- Honda Grom (aka MSX 125). A rather unusual vehicle in its class, it combines the functions of a motocross motorcycle and a motard. Suitable for driving on asphalt, off-road, overcoming obstacles (curbs, stairs). The model is very compact, economical and reliable, the frame is durable. Not everyone likes the design with the engine covered only by decorative plastic body parts, but this is a matter of taste.
- KTM 125 SX. A cross-country motorcycle in the full sense of the word. It does not have mirrors or lighting equipment, so it cannot be driven on regular roads. But in off-road conditions, this powerful model drives very successfully, overcomes blockages of stones and logs.
Cross-country motorcycles will survive off-road driving without much damage. The lightness of the models is combined with increased frame strength. They are equipped with special tires and a very high-quality suspension.
Honda XR 125
Honda Grom
KTM 125 SX
Sports
Sports motorcycles include:
- Honda CBR 125 R. Produced since 2004, it has been restyled several times, so the design varies greatly depending on the year of manufacture. It is still valued for its power, maneuverability, and the ability to accelerate to 140 kilometers per hour. The only disadvantages noted are the relatively large weight (from 127 kilograms) and fuel consumption.
- Yamaha YZF-R125. Appeared in 2008, the appearance changed significantly in 2014. It accelerates only to 130 kilometers per hour, but consumes noticeably less gasoline than the previous model. Most of the design solutions are inherited from motorcycles produced by the same brand earlier, which ensures reliability and high build quality. The weight of the motorcycle is 140 kilograms.
- Aprilia RS 125. Stands out for its power (33 horsepower) and maximum speed (175 kilometers per hour). A two-stroke engine is responsible for this. In addition to the opportunity to feel like a real racer, they note the stylish design, high quality brakes, precision control, good balance, durability, and high build quality. The disadvantages are high gasoline consumption (only AI-95) and the specific sound of a running engine, which many associate with a lawn mower.
125cc sports motorcycles more or less copy the design of models intended for road racing. Most often, a plastic fairing is installed on such motorcycles.
As a rule, the first motorcycle purchased for yourself or a grown-up child is one of the models with a 125 cc engine. Their significant advantage is that you can start driving at the age of 16. Other undoubted advantages are ease of control, good maneuverability, and affordable cost. Therefore, even many famous brands, famous for their sports or fashion motorcycles, produce several such models.
Honda CBR 125R
Yamaha YZF-R125
Aprilia RS 125
Suzuki Bandit GSF 1200 1998
And here – fans of Suza will greet me with incomprehension – why was the so popular “Bandit” sent almost to the “tail” of the list? I try to evaluate by many criteria, and the “friendliness” of a technology in relation to a beginner is not the least of them. Precisely because “two hundred liters” cannot be called user-friendly - it occupies an honorable, fourth place. The bike is very charismatic, “angry”, torquey, despite the significant derating of the engine (originally belonging to the sports “Jixer”), producing almost 100 “horses” and accelerating 211 kg of weight to 240 km/h. A passenger on a “beast” that reaches 100 km/h in almost 3 seconds must be ridden with caution. This “Bandit” is definitely not a humane choice as a first motorcycle, but it can give “wings” to an experienced rider in the traffic. If you find a version with the index S (sport-tourist) - in the next ten years you will be able to “wind up” another 30 “thousands”.
One of the very rare examples, falling into the price range due to the need for repairs.
Suzuki Bandit GSF 400
The younger “brother”, undeservedly left in the shadow of the liter “Bandit”, on the contrary, is a very good choice for a beginner. The classic, initially produced only for the domestic market, turned out to be so popular that it not only made its way to the West and East, but was produced for another 20 years almost unchanged, in parallel with improved models. The dynamic in-line 4-cylinder water-cooled carburetor engine produces a stable 59 hp. With. As in the case of the “SiBiha”, the bike is predictable (even sluggish) in the first gears and demonstrates an impressive “pickup” at speeds above 10 thousand. When equipped, the weight of the motorcycle exceeds 180 kg, but this does not affect handling and the bike steers well in the stream. Allows the carriage of a passenger, even without much loss of dynamics. Consumes a little more than 5 liters per hundred, accelerates to 170–180 km/h. A small “minus” is the lack of front suspension adjustments and very soft rear shock absorbers. Thanks to the ease of maintenance and the abundance of spare parts on the market (both new and contract), the model can live for another 20 years without any particular difficulties.
Here is a perfectly preserved example, despite its thirty years of age, with some competent tuning, and timely serviced.
Second place: Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 2022
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 2021
Do you agree that this is an interesting motorcycle - even just the fact that it is being compared has attracted your attention? It is very interesting to see if he can surpass his base, which is Duke.
No, I couldn't.
Svartpilen, and even Vitpilen, are very beautiful motorcycles, unusual in many ways. Everyone loves their ergonomics, the tank is so narrow you can literally hang over the front wheel, but unfortunately it only holds 9.5 liters. And probably, the power reserve will be more serious if you don’t ride like you’re scalded, but the Svartpilen is a motorcycle that you simply can’t imagine riding in any other way.
The 401 Black Arrow is based on the same 373cc single-cylinder engine as the 390 Duke. However, unlike the older 701 model, the 401 Svart is about $400 CHEAPER than its red brother, which is generally incomprehensible, but nice, considering the standard goodies like a quickshifter, adjustable suspension and spoked wheels, which, unfortunately, require a chamber rubber. The tires on it are standard scrambler ones - in a large block, which sends quite noticeable vibrations from the asphalt, and does not hold very reliably in corners, or, at least, feels on the verge of demolition. But this is hardly that important: the Svartpilen is a universal motorcycle, designed for a wide variety of roads, from city asphalt to suburban dirt roads. Mainly, of course, for the city, given the small tank, and tube tires on the primer are bad manners, unless you are a tough endurist, for whom changing the rear tire is like checking the oil level.
WP's adjustable components put the Svartpilen first in suspension and a hair below first in handling.
Opinion: Neo-retro-futuristic scrambler is cool. Not surprisingly, the 390 Duke in Swedish uniform follows closely behind its red base, but the Svartpilen feels a little different on the move. A wide, old-school motard handlebar (with a strange brace screwed to the welded-in ears) and a flat, narrow seat sit the rider literally ABOVE the front wheel - in a typical motard position, thanks to which there is enough space for even the largest guys. Stock tires invite you to go where wolves are afraid to sleep, and although this is far from a real adventure, it just begs to be driven onto the dirt (and perhaps even to lie down on occasion). As with any city scrambler on checkerboards, everything will be fine if you don’t rush anywhere - its off-road capabilities are limited by the suspension and the size of the bumps. A nice little detail is the nice protection on the muffler resonator. The small tank isn't too much of a problem in the city, but the seat isn't the best either, and the sides of the plastic underneath cut into your legs, forcing you to splay your knees. The brakes have a fairly strong initial bite, but also provide good braking force. Unlike the 390 Duke, the Svartpilen doesn't have a Supermoto mode for ABS, but it also doesn't have traction control. In general, the motorcycle is good, and in some ways even better than the Duke.
Opinion: Husky is a robber! You sit high, like on an endurik, and your leg just naturally extends into the turn. It steers great. The brakes are grippy. Its main disadvantage is its TINY tank. As soon as your butt gets used to it, the reserve lights up at about 150 kilometers. Yes, you won’t get much distance on it - the size of the tank will take care of that, you’ll have to often taxi to a gas station, warm up and fill up. Well, you’ll quickly remember where the coffee is better. The adjustable suspension is great, as is the bi-directional quickshifter. Svartpilen is a non-standard and cool motorcycle that looks completely unique from others - cool, aggressive and attractive.
Opinion: Don't judge strictly, but Svartpilen should have won - simply because the style and design make it stand out from the crowd. But the tiny tank, stylish but cluttered dashboard and flat seat just kept it from coming out on top. The only motorcycle with adjustable suspension and a quickshifter, 400 dollars cheaper than the KTM Duke - how did it even manage to lose?! How COULD he lose?!
Opinion: A very cool motorcycle in visual terms. The tank is sleek and stylish, with distinctive features that highlight its purpose, and the KTM engine gives it wild, primal power. Throttle response is immediate and light, and the transmission operates extremely neatly and precisely. The footpegs are low, the saddle is long, and the narrow handlebars are conveniently positioned for any height. Everything is conducive to a long and active ride. So don’t deny yourself anything during those thirty minutes that the ridiculously small tank lasts. The money saved on the purchase of a KTM 390 is just enough for a “road assistance” policy with the “bring me some gasoline” option. Somewhere on a serpentine road not far from a gas station, it’s a great toy, despite the checkered tires, which work better on slippery ground rather than on good asphalt. On the highway, the motorcycle whirls and jumps along the lane, even in ruts that are not really visible to the eye. The tidy is practically invisible in direct light - however, this does not matter. You don't need equipment to have fun. If there was a choice between this and KTM, Black Arrow would be held in high esteem. The main thing to remember is that this is not a beginner's motorcycle.
Pros of Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 2021
- Catchy look
- Based on 390 Duke
- The best suspension and quickshifter
Cons of Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 2021
- Tank less than 10 liters
- Tube tires
- Not the best tires for asphalt
Honda PC800 1994
Very comfortable, soft, 800 cc tourer with a powerful, durable 2-cylinder V-twin. The engine (a relative of the power unit for the Africa Twin) produces only 57 hp. s., but at 6.5 thousand revolutions. His pull from the “bottom” is simply “locomotive”! At the same time, the gear ratios in the 5-speed gearbox are selected so that in both the third and fourth, the bike accelerates above “hundreds” equally easily. The main “weapon” of a motorcycle is comfort. Excellent wind protection, complete shelter from rain and splashes, soft “sofas”, an informative, rich dashboard, options for heating the steering wheel and seats. There are large integrated luggage cases, as well as the ability to install a central one, with a backrest for the passenger. All this “goodness” in no way interferes with steering – thanks to the low center of gravity, the motorcycle is very stable at low speeds. Even despite the significant weight of the device, when operating it in the city, the driver will not get tired, and, thanks to the passive safety of the design and the abundance of body kit, he will be better protected from possible accidents. As a motorcycle for a novice driver - for the same reasons - the PC800 (Pacific Coast) will fully justify itself, especially since it “eats” regular 92 gasoline (5-6 liters per hundred) and is equipped with an almost “eternal” cardan drive , which does not require special service. One “minus” - only 14 thousand “Pacifics” were produced and it is very difficult to find one like it.
If you add literally another 15 thousand to the estimated 150, you will get an awesome vintage tourer, no less popular in its age than the legendary Golda.
Fourth place: Yamaha MT-03 2022
Yamaha MT-03 2021
The second largest motorcycle (321 cubic meters) and the second from the bottom, for about the same reasons as the BMW. The Yamaha inline-two is 7 horsepower behind the most powerful, the Kawasaki Z400, which produces 43 horsepower if you don't mind revving it to 11,000 rpm. But as for torque, this “master of traction” (MT is Master of Torque) produces only a little more Newton meters (27.2 versus 26.7) than the BMW, and then at 9100 rpm.
And again, this motor itself would not be bad, but compared to the other three (BMW does not count) it is clearly behind. The MT is impressive as a solo sport tourer, its suspension is softer and its ergonomics are very pleasing, but it falls short in competitive testing.
Opinion: The Yamaha MT-03 is slow but graceful. Well, as sleek as a 321cc motorcycle can be. The frail frame and medium-sized suspension work quite tolerably at low speeds, but clearly do not carry them on bad roads. The shock absorber breaks quite easily when you hit a bump at speed. The seat is deep, the seating position is quite compact, if not cramped, the steering wheel is narrow, and the muzzle looks like a transformer with those squinting eyes - although young people will probably like it.
Opinion: As good as the MT-09 and MT-07 are, the Yamaha MT-03 is no good. It's somewhere between Kawasaki and BMW in the overall standings, that is, it's not particularly good, but it's not bad at all.
Opinion: The Yamaha MT-03 is a good little bike. You sit deep, the handlebars are close, the saddle is just right for short people. A 36-horsepower monster between your legs is no less exciting than watching a white-tailed eagle's nest on a webcam or playing backgammon with your neighbor down the street. But still, the MT horses are much more vigorous than the dead BMW ponies, and even though it can only be formally classified as a “master of traction”, the engine spins with pleasant smoothness up to the cut-off speed, at which, by the way, you will have to keep it constantly, if you even hurry up a little. The brakes are grippy, the MT steers well, but the suspension is far from comfortable. Choose good asphalt for traveling - and everything will be fine, but on other roads don’t forget a mouth guard so as not to shake your brains. Such a motorcycle will serve you faithfully for the entire period until it is replaced with something more serious - all three months.
Opinion: The Yamaha MT-03 is the newest of the five, due to its low and deep seat and compact position right in the middle of the motorcycle, not to mention the two-cylinder engine. It is smooth, spins well, has a riding character, and most importantly, it does not cause a feeling of shame and anxiety for spinning it to the cutoff, unlike the BMW. The brakes work, but the front one is the standard of a wooden brake. All in all, the older brothers, the MT-07 and MT-09, deserve the title of masters of traction, but the younger one does not. Basically, there's no substitute for cubic capacity other than a supercharger, and the MT-03 doesn't have one. But there is the lowest price.
Pros of Yamaha MT-03 2021
- Comfort on good asphalt
- Price
- Quiet
Cons of Yamaha MT-03 2021
- Not too heavy
- How much should I pay extra for MT-07?
- More suitable for short people
Buell Blast 2003
Despite the admonition: “nothing but the Japanese!”, I dare to recommend one “guy” from Milwaukee. It’s not without reason that the American “five hundred” stands out from the slender line: it may be a small “half-size”, but still, it’s a Harley! Apart from charisma and signature vibration, nothing in the form of Bull reminds of the legendary “relatives”, but the motorcycle itself is very good. If you neglect the need to periodically screw into place the footrests and muffler that unscrew from the shaking of the single-cylinder half-liter engine, the bike requires no more maintenance than any Japanese “itch.” The wheels are cast, the belt life is about 35 thousand kilometers. Adapted “city dweller”, with soft rear suspension, comfortable seat, compact dimensions. Despite the 163 kg weight, it steers sanely. The carburetor overhead valve engine is high-torque and produces 34 hp. With. at 6.5 rpm min. The Americans are positioning it as a tool for initial training (after all, it’s half a Sportster), which is fully confirmed by good handling and a “natural” maximum speed limiter (in the form of terrible vibration) at 180 km/h.
Spare parts for such a vigorous option as this one can be found at the “officials” or on E-bay.
A few final words
Regardless of your choice, every motorcycle sold on the aftermarket will require further investment. Some – just oil changes, some – all consumables “in a circle”. Most sellers understand this very well and are ready to “throw off” a little for service if there is a reasoned bargain. There is a certain “limit” to this phenomenon, which should not be abused. Owners of used motorcycles often have consumables (tires, spare parts) set aside “for the future,” which they can share “for the load” if they agree on the price. By bargaining culturally, there is a greater chance of saving than by insisting on a discount for urgency or condition. However - don’t go to extremes - don’t take a very “tired” bike because of the attractive price - you’ll spend more on a chain of repairs.
You can protect yourself from buying “scrap metal” simply: first, focus on the average price in the region, second, be sure to watch what you will buy. Involve an expert who repairs motorcycles or, at a minimum, who understands motorcycle equipment.
Peculiarities
A cube (that is, a cubic centimeter) is a unit of measurement of the engine’s working volume, which coincides with the volume of the fuel combustion chamber. The larger it is, the more powerful the vehicle.
A motorcycle with a 125 cc engine is the most suitable option for novice drivers.
The demand and sustained popularity of these vehicles are ensured by the following features:
- Relatively low maximum speed (110–120 kilometers per hour). The level of security for a beginner is one of the most important factors influencing the choice.
- Economical. Average fuel consumption is 2–2.5 liters per 100 kilometers. Servicing such a motorcycle will also be inexpensive. Consumables are affordable and only a few are required. For example, such a motorcycle needs only 1 liter of oil at each change.
- Availability of spare parts, replacement parts, repairs, tuning. Both original brand products, and even more so, used spare parts, are much cheaper than for a motorcycle of 250 cc or more. Everything you need can be purchased or ordered without any problems.
- Endurance, reliability. These motorcycles are often called work machines. They look modest compared to models with a larger engine capacity, but they are quite capable of surviving a trip around the world without serious breakdowns - successful attempts have been made more than once.
Of course, all the advantages described apply only to original models produced by reputable brands with a good reputation. Buying a cheap Chinese motorcycle from an unknown manufacturer is a risk .
