AMERICANS: Would you buy a 125cc motorcycle for the street?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by JSH

The ADV comes standard with ABS while on the PCX ABS is a $200 option.

Nowadays if I were going to buy a brand-new motorcycle, most likely I would get it with ABS.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Nowadays if I were going to buy a brand-new motorcycle, most likely I would get it with ABS.

I won't buy a motorcycle today (new or used) without ABS. Yes, I've ridden for decades without ABS but I see not reason not to have a computer watching my back. I'm old enough to admit that a computer can modulate brakes faster than I can.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by JSH

I'm old enough to admit that a computer can modulate brakes faster than I can.

It's not really just a matter of age. Think about young and unexperienced riders with small-displacement motorcycles. Recently one told me he once failed to modulate the front disc brake of a Honda CG 160 after getting much more used to drum brakes all-around.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

It's not really just a matter of age. Think about young and unexperienced riders with small-displacement motorcycles. Recently one told me he once failed to modulate the front disc brake of a Honda CG 160 after getting much more used to drum brakes all-around.

Notice I said I'm old enough to ADMIT that I'm not as good at modulating brakes as an ABS computer. Plenty of young people - especially young males - are still in the phase where they think that they are invincible and nothing can go wrong.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Of course. Sometimes it may take a bad experience to become more concerned about situation awareness and to appreciate ABS and other arse-saving tech.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Just had to share this beauty here. I know it's not the 125, which surprisingly is quite rare here.

But definitely, the Honda XL 250 and the XLX 250 were quite a reference to me when it comes to what a dual-purpose motorcycle should be. No wonder I still see a reasonable amount of them on the wild.

[Autobahnschleicher]

While I'm not american, I am considering to get something with a little more power (read the ability to use highways) than my Simson S51.
I'm planning on getting the A2 licence next summer, so I'm looking around a little for a bike that would suit me, is fuel efficient and practical.
However I have issues with a lot of bikes as they are too tall for me due to my lack of height, wich is 1,58 m or about 5'2".
Do you guys have any reccomendations for a motorcycle that is somewhat simmilar to a S51 in design, size, weights no more than about 100 kg and features a more powerfull engine that is not a 2-stroke?

And yes, I can ride taller/heavier bikes as well, however I can't realy ride them comfortably.

[M_a_t_t]

Originally Posted by found on Google

A2 Licence

If you are aged between 19 and 24 years, you are restricted to ride a bike of a power output of no more than 35kW (47BhP). You will need to pass your A2 licence practical tests for this. If you have passed your full A1 motorcycle licence tests, you will have to pass the practical test again, but not the Motorcycle Theory Test. As an intermediate motorcycle licence, A2 licence bikes will have at least 395cc and a power output of between 25kW and 35kW. Once you have completed your A2 Licence, you will have a full restricted motorcycle licence which means you can ride an intermediate motorcycle with no L plates, carry a passenger, be able to go to motorways.

The only bikes I have any knowledge about would be one of the small displacement Kawasaki KZ's. Like a KZ440, 550, or a 300. I haven't strayed too far yet in bike realms. A ninja 250/300 maybe? It shares the same engine as my versys, but has a lower seat height. It will do ~95 mph (150 kph). It's 175 kg though.

Have you had much seat time on a bigger bike? I find that once you get used to only being able to reach the ground with one foot it's fine. I ride my KZ1100 and can only put one foot on the ground. I'm 135 lbs (61 kg) and 5'7" (1.7 metres). It's ~600 lbs.

I'm not trying to recommend getting a huge bike, just try to keep an open mind. Because that ninja should be a pretty easy ride. One of my friends is 5' 4" (1.63 m) and can just about reach both feet flat footed on her Ninja 500 (with riding boots).

[JSH]

Originally Posted by Autobahnschleicher

While I'm not american, I am considering to get something with a little more power (read the ability to use highways) than my Simson S51.
I'm planning on getting the A2 licence next summer, so I'm looking around a little for a bike that would suit me, is fuel efficient and practical.
However I have issues with a lot of bikes as they are too tall for me due to my lack of height, wich is 1,58 m or about 5'2".
Do you guys have any reccomendations for a motorcycle that is somewhat simmilar to a S51 in design, size, weights no more than about 100 kg and features a more powerfull engine that is not a 2-stroke?

And yes, I can ride taller/heavier bikes as well, however I can't realy ride them comfortably.

A 100 kg weight limit is going to be a problem for a highway capable bike

The KTM 200 might be an option. KTM claims 99kg dry but ready for the road it is 150 kg. The KTM 390 is basically the same chassis with a more powerful but A2 legal engine. The problem will be the high seat more than weight. (At least it was for my brother who is about your height)

Something like a Honda Rebel 500 or 300 is A2 legal and freeway capable but heavier than you want. However, the low seat height will help a lot.

The Honda CB125R is lighter but has a high seat.

For an out of the ordinary suggestion there is the Piaggio MP3 300, 350, or 500. They are heavy but the tilt lock means you never have to put a foot down. My 2009 Piaggio 500 weighs almost as much as my 2011 BMW R1200RT but is SO easy to roll around with the suspension locked. I can roll it around the garage with one hand.

I would buy a 300 HPE in a heartbeat if it was offered in the USA

[Autobahnschleicher]

Originally Posted by M_a_t_t

The only bikes I have any knowledge about would be one of the small displacement Kawasaki KZ's. Like a KZ440, 550, or a 300. I haven't strayed too far yet in bike realms. A ninja 250/300 maybe? It shares the same engine as my versys, but has a lower seat height. It will do ~95 mph (150 kph). It's 175 kg though.

Have you had much seat time on a bigger bike? I find that once you get used to only being able to reach the ground with one foot it's fine. I ride my KZ1100 and can only put one foot on the ground. I'm 135 lbs (61 kg) and 5'7" (1.7 metres). It's ~600 lbs.

I'm not trying to recommend getting a huge bike, just try to keep an open mind. Because that ninja should be a pretty easy ride. One of my friends is 5' 4" (1.63 m) and can just about reach both feet flat footed on her Ninja 500 (with riding boots).

I can go heavier indeed, it's not that big of a deal as long as it's not excessive or top-heavy.
However I do have short legs for my height and can't even flatfoot my S51.
I've ridden a BMW F650CS a few times before.
For me it's too tall and very heavy.
Tried sitting on a KTM EXC-400 for fun once, with my legs straight, I barely make it to the pegs.
Haven't tried riding it for obvious reasons.

The Ninja 250 is on the tall end of what I would consider, but is very heavy and not at all practical.
Doesn't even seem to have the ability to mount side-racks.