Difference between revisions of "Category:125cc displacement motorcycles"

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Of course, few riders will be satisfied with a 125cc machine in the long run. But, for the new motorcyclist's first few thousand miles, one of these lightweight machines will make a fine commuter and primary trainer. And, no matter what motorcycle a new rider buys first, within a year or two he or she will want to try something different. Most riders own several motorcycles before they find the bike they like best. Burn those last two sentences into your brain. Your first motorcycle is a trainer, not a "keeper," no matter what you buy! Unfortunately, [[Harley-Davidson]], [[Buell]], [[BMW]], and [[Triumph]] offer nothing in this class.
Of course, few riders will be satisfied with a 125cc machine in the long run. But, for the new motorcyclist's first few thousand miles, one of these lightweight machines will make a fine commuter and primary trainer. And, no matter what motorcycle a new rider buys first, within a year or two he or she will want to try something different. Most riders own several motorcycles before they find the bike they like best. Burn those last two sentences into your brain. Your first motorcycle is a trainer, not a "keeper," no matter what you buy! Unfortunately, [[Harley-Davidson]], [[Buell]], [[BMW]], and [[Triumph]] offer nothing in this class.


The discontinued [[Honda CB125S]] was just about the perfect first motorcycle. The CB 125S was produced for many years. A friend of mine used to let me ride hers, which was a late 1970's model. This lightweight standard looked and handled like a real motorcycle, which it was. It was powered by a 124cc [[four-stroke]] single cylinder engine, and the final drive was by chain. The wheels were laced. Stopping power was provided by a front disc and rear drum brakes. There was even a helmet lock. Top speed was about 67 mph. The last year I can find it cataloged in the ''Motorcycle Price Guide'' was 1984. That year it cost $898 brand new. Now, a decent used one should sell for around $500.
The discontinued [[Honda CB125|Honda CB125S]] was just about the perfect first motorcycle. The CB 125S was produced for many years. A friend of mine used to let me ride hers, which was a late 1970's model. This lightweight standard looked and handled like a real motorcycle, which it was. It was powered by a 124cc [[four-stroke]] single cylinder engine, and the final drive was by chain. The wheels were laced. Stopping power was provided by a front disc and rear drum brakes. There was even a helmet lock. Top speed was about 67 mph. The last year I can find it cataloged in the ''Motorcycle Price Guide'' was 1984. That year it cost $898 brand new. Now, a decent used one should sell for around $500.


Unfortunately, only [[Kawasaki]] (with their [[Kawasaki BN125|Kawasaki Eliminator cruiser]]) among the Japanese "[[Big Four]]" has recently imported a 125cc street bike into the U.S. (It is no secret that the big profits are in big bikes.) The Eliminator's decent suspension allows it to handle and corner well. It is powered by a 124cc air cooled, single cylinder motor. There is a 5 speed transmission and chain final drive. The brakes consist of a disc in front and drum for the rear. The seat height is 26.8 inches, and the dry weight is 290 pounds. Top speed is about 60-65 MPH. The gas tank holds 3.4 gallons, enough to go a long way on this economical motorcycle.
Unfortunately, only [[Kawasaki]] (with their [[Kawasaki BN125|Kawasaki Eliminator cruiser]]) among the Japanese "[[Big Four]]" has recently imported a 125cc street bike into the U.S. (It is no secret that the big profits are in big bikes.) The Eliminator's decent suspension allows it to handle and corner well. It is powered by a 124cc air cooled, single cylinder motor. There is a 5 speed transmission and chain final drive. The brakes consist of a disc in front and drum for the rear. The seat height is 26.8 inches, and the dry weight is 290 pounds. Top speed is about 60-65 MPH. The gas tank holds 3.4 gallons, enough to go a long way on this economical motorcycle.

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