Hello everybody,
I've read most of the topics on this forum, quite a lot of useful info but I still have a major question. I understand it's a personal one but would like your input because you all seem like seasoned bikers.
Ok, let me sketch it out. I'm 27 (Belgian) with no previous motor experience, nor a car licence. I passed my theory exam for motorcycles (no limits on cc nor hp) and am doing my practical exam one of these weeks. When I pass I'll be able to ride around with any bike of my choosing so I plan on getting one.
My initial idea was to get a small 125cc ace to start off with because it's new, light (in kg and in cc/hp), cheap, low fuel consumption/low taxes and obviously gorgeous (I'm a sucker for cafe racers).
I've been talking with a lot of friends who ride and the instructor and most of them tell me to get a heavy bike like a BMW R80. Their arguments against the ace are that I'll get tired of the light bike very quickly, that I'll learn bad practice because it's so light, that it's not fast enough for the Belgian highway (120km speed limit) and that it might be rubbish build quality.
I understand it all depend on how and why I want to ride a bike but any input would be welcome. I live in the countryside around Brussels (15km from the center) and would use it to cruise around but also to commute from time to time (even in the wintertime).
The rational mind tells me to get a bigger bike but my gut tells me I'll have more fun on the ace. I can't get both so I'll need to make up my mind. All feedback is very welcome!
Thanks in advance!
Wouter
I've read most of the topics on this forum, quite a lot of useful info but I still have a major question. I understand it's a personal one but would like your input because you all seem like seasoned bikers.
Ok, let me sketch it out. I'm 27 (Belgian) with no previous motor experience, nor a car licence. I passed my theory exam for motorcycles (no limits on cc nor hp) and am doing my practical exam one of these weeks. When I pass I'll be able to ride around with any bike of my choosing so I plan on getting one.
My initial idea was to get a small 125cc ace to start off with because it's new, light (in kg and in cc/hp), cheap, low fuel consumption/low taxes and obviously gorgeous (I'm a sucker for cafe racers).
I've been talking with a lot of friends who ride and the instructor and most of them tell me to get a heavy bike like a BMW R80. Their arguments against the ace are that I'll get tired of the light bike very quickly, that I'll learn bad practice because it's so light, that it's not fast enough for the Belgian highway (120km speed limit) and that it might be rubbish build quality.
I understand it all depend on how and why I want to ride a bike but any input would be welcome. I live in the countryside around Brussels (15km from the center) and would use it to cruise around but also to commute from time to time (even in the wintertime).
The rational mind tells me to get a bigger bike but my gut tells me I'll have more fun on the ace. I can't get both so I'll need to make up my mind. All feedback is very welcome!
Thanks in advance!
Wouter