Motor Bike Buying.

[Shylock]

Any Motorbike experts out there that could advise me as to what is a better second hand buy between a Honda or Suzuki 125cc
I note that the secondhand price for a Suzuki in "Parker's" Guide is higher. Is there a particular reason for this.
Your sound advice would be appreciated.

[Impret-Sir]

Which exact model are you interested in? The only current 125CC Suzuki I can think of is the LC125 Intruder, a kind of Harley look-a-like, which is ok for posing but ultimately gutless and rubbish in the twisties, my advice? avoid! Honda have several 125s in the range, CBRs and CGs are fairly weedy, the latter has been around since the stone age and is a cheap and reliable commuter. CBR125RRs are a fair chunk of cash more to buy and insure, due to their (alleged) sporting cred. My choice would be a XR125L trail bike, which is stylish and capable of handling some off road fun, but is still learner friendly and affordable, only group 4 insurance too. As most bikes at this CC will be owned by learners, be very careful buying second hand, many will have been dropped, and maintenance may well have been an unaffordable luxury. As a general rule, most Hondas are better built than most Suzukis.

[Shylock]

Thanks for your very informative answer sir.
You certainly know your stuff. I have posted this question for a lady friend who at the age of 50 has decided she would like to get around on two wheels for fun. She is not interested in Off Road type bikes nor posing. She has in mind a Honda Model CG 125 or the equivalent in some other make. She has just passed her CBT, and has asked me what she should be seeking, hence me posting the question, as it was many moons ago that I sat astride my Norton Dominator 88, and not very well informed as to the modern bikes. Thankyou very much for your input.

[Impret-Sir]

Happy to help, a CG would be a good choice, lots around to choose from, and as they are in such a low state of tune they run for ever if looked after, group 3 insurance is pretty painless too. Unfortunately the 125CC class has become a bit deglected by the big manufacturers over the years, so there is not that much choice any more, the CG as I said has been around since the stone age, but otherwise there are not many alternatives. One other possibility is a Yamaha YBR125, which is a new model, but has no real advances over the others, and has similar vitues.

[bonsta]

Hi
I'm not a bike expert but i can say the honda 125 is a good solid bike to learn on.
I did my cbt last year, a 2 day course last week and recently passed my test on one.
The other bike to consider is a yamaha ybr 125.
I've owned one for 10 months now to prepare me for the test which as i said i passed last week.
I purchase mine from new [2007 model] for a very good Price it's been worth every penny!
I would recomend either, both great learner bikes.
Good luck to your friend!