CBF125 Review by a learner rider

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ykzvMsd1lA&feature=related

MotorcyleDan2011:

-Learner Driver from London.

-Third Bike he has had.. other 2 have been stolen

-Good size tank, he recommends to "definitely get a tank pad to avoid surface blemishes" -when fueling up

-Favourite feature is the headlight: "really good, really awesome" compares is to the Kawasaki ERF. Likes that it is quite present

-Would prefer a smaller exhaust, but likes that it sounds a bit more meaty than other 125's
-The controls are comfortable and easy to reach
-A main aspect which he talked about for a bit was that the pricing was very good 2000 pounds $3900 NZ, because he was able to spend more on safety gear like a leather jacket and boots, which he recommended as the most important aspect. Referring to a fall he had as learner which was "very painful"

Cafe Racer

Norton featherbed frame and a Triumph 750 Bonneville engine

 Mac Motorcycles, 500cc engine, 
$12,700 to $16,000 

 "mix of Batman’s motorcycle with a T.Rex
fastback and Cat Woman’s curves"

Featherbed Frame

Truimph Boneville

-The Cafe Racer style in my opinion (as a target market consumer 16-22) are the definition of cool and appealing, just something about the flowing curves and exposed engine that drips with swagger
-The emblem and soul of counterculture in the 1960's.. Rockers, leather jacket, metal studded, Rock and Roll.
-A very defined, resilient and independent group
-Isn't this what youth nowadays is searching for? wanting to be different and alternative. But cool.

could there be an opportunity to incorporate a commuting twist or storage space with the cafe racer, without making it look tacky and lose its bad-ass aesthetic?

Popularity of Scooters

Article from the LA times:

Sales of Vespa scooters and other brands rise with gas prices

October 23, 2011 |  9:00 am 

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/10/vespa-scooters-gas-prices.html

"In the first half of this year, the major brands including Vespa, Piaggio, Honda and Yamaha -– sold 18,198 scooters, up 28.9% from the same period last year. The increase was greater than any other category of motorcycle, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council.."
“People in America are starting to see scooters as a way to save money and get places faster,”

Vespa LX 150 Best Seller
$6000+ New

The main aspects which the article outlines as to why Scooters are becoming more popular than Motorbikes are:

-Smaller
-More Affordable
-Easier to maneuver 
-Efficient and 'Stylish'*






*Debatable... in my opinion the current form of scooters are quite unattractive, especially for the target market of 16-22.
They are undoubtedly conveinient for commuting 
Although some individuals may disagree and swear by the look of a scooter, personally I just don't think they're cool.

Gilera GP 800


-Larger in size, but much sleeker form
-Rider would sit in a more relaxed position, as opposed to vertical upright back and I feel as though this would be more appealing to the 16-22 target market
-Feels a bit forward heavy in weight

-Triangular structure comparison shows that the GP 800 is smaller in terms of height but a bit longer in the length, thus squishing its triangle in comparison with the Vespa scooter. 

MotorCycleNews Review of the XL125

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Honda XL125 Varadero (2001-current)

New price	£4,470
Used price range	View Honda XL125V VARADERObikes for sale to see current asking prices
Engine size	125cc
Power	15bhp
Top speed	72mph
Insurance group	6

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict 

Although only a 125, there’s plenty of big bike feel with the Honda XL125 Varadero. The proportions are right, the motor feels spunky and as it’s a Honda you know it’s not going to fall apart beneath you. As a first bike or commuter the Honda XL125 Varadero represents a clever investment with its low insurance group and parsimonious fuel consumption.

Engine

MCN rating
Owners' rating

There’s not much to get excited about with four-stroke 125s normally. And in the original VT125 Shadow micro-cruiser this V-twin SOHC lump just about copes. But in the Honda XL125 Varadero it rips around town just fine. With a low weight of just 149kg there’s not much mass to haul around, either. Just avoid long straights on the Honda XL125 Varadero.

Ride and Handling

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Honda XL125 Varadero is a neat handling thing, thanks to its wide bars, a terrific steering lock, commanding riding position and poise. The brakes work fine, but it pays not to get too ambitious. The Honda XL125 Varadero's seat and riding position is very comfortable and not a bad place to spend a morning carving across town.

Equipment

MCN rating
Owners' rating

There’s a raft of official kit for the Honda XL125 Varadero, including hard luggage, a taller windscreen, a centrestand, heated grips and sump guard. Most reviews from Honda XL125 Varadero owners will mention the addition of aftermarket parts.

Older version of a Honda 125, about 4 years before the CBR125. Bit more powerful but a lot more expensive about $1800 NZ more.
The styling of it is a lot more subtle and toned down, in comparison to the aggression that the CBR has, very sports bike and speed inspired.
The XL seems more upright and minimal in the areas of the body kit, the exhaust is also tucked away under the seat 

Quality and Reliability

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Honda XL125 Varadero's mild steel downpipes rust through if they’re neglected over a winter, but that’s about it. Everything else on the Honda XL125 Varadero is up to Honda’s usual high standards.

Value

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Compared to its XR125L and CBR125RR stablemates a new Honda XL125 Varadero is overpriced to the tune of almost £1000 and £700 respectively and it’s hard to say it’s worth that much more than either of the other two. However, Honda XL125 Varaderos do hold their value well, but not enough to tempt the canny buyer away from the other two. Find a Honda XL125 Varadero for sale.

Insurance

Insurance group: 6

Compare motorcycle insurance quotes now

Model History

2001: Honda XL125 Varadero launched.
2003: Minor detail changes to Honda XL125 Varadero.
2011: Renamed XL125V Varadero

Other Versions

None.