True, when I was looking, the decent Chinese stuff was all new and only the older dubious bikes were second hand. Now they are made from better quality materials and to a higher standard. AJS are apparently made under British supervision and I believe they make a twin cylinder 125.
Bonnie, but then I'm biased. If not pre-EFI 790 then 08 860>, I can recommend either as I have had both. If you are buying a full face helmet get a wide fit as you need the space to get the ear-to-ear grin in!
Great bikes, but as a first bike it does weigh quite a lot, just make sure you can lift it after dropping, being first bike, you will drop it !!!! Go for something cheaper end of the scale, won't hurt as much when you do inevitably drop it at a junction or petrol station in front of loads of people If you've learnt on a 'normal' bike - the feet forward will feel very strange to start with, and some folks never get on with it, go sit and make sure you are comfortable with the seating position, take Andypandy up on his offer Get a cruiser 125 like a Honda VT 125 Shadow to bimble around on whilst doing your big bike training, get used to the seating position and then the move up to an America would be easy????? Then you have something to trade in for an America when you've passed and ready to move up! (Honda VT125 do not depreciate!!!)
Good advice there from Mr Orange. As to Chinese bikes all I will say is they are cheap for a reason. Tend to be high maintance. If you do go down the 125 route go Japanese, but if you are old enough ( think you said you were) just do DAS , get your licence and get an America
I read this as though he were asking advice on which learner bike to get rather than his first big bike. So it will have to be a 125cc for now.
Well as im a big bloke i think the varadero 125 or the honda shadow125 are looking the best bet at the moment , so ill just do a little shopping around. Once again thanks for all the advice . Cheers
Hello Howler, you might like to have a look at the Yamaha TDR 125, they're a big-looking small capacity learner bike.