u/Lucky-Bag-2150

Okay so I’ll keep this brief, as mentioned in my previous posts I am currently post CBT and theory tests, both passed first try with not many issues other than figuring out clutch control in a practical aspect - I am sitting on a bike for the first time in my life and I am 22 years old (hence the A2).

Now this, I felt really comfortable and confident during my CBT, shifting gears, steering, clutch control (although I stalled once at a traffic light I realised what I’ve done - release the clutch fully - and corrected myself which my instructor gave me massive credit for) and even tested a tiny amount of counter steering that I watched videos and guides on prior to sitting my test, all made sense to me and although I’m sure I was more janky than I felt, it still felt reasonable and reliable to me based on my skill and experience level (it was more like reading a textbook and attempting things for the first time).

NOW post both of those, idk if I should go forward with my plan to book and sit my A2 course and see how that goes OR buy a 125 cc - I’m looking specifically at the Honda CB125R and almost exclusively this bike - and get some road experience or real life application to the theoretical knowledge I already have. As I’ve mentioned I don’t want to be some speed racer or demon on the road, I want to be safe and get as much experience, miles and safety awareness as I can, I also know myself though and know I learn best in practical application.

I wanted to ask what you all think? Do I invest in the CB125R or save and sit my full A2 then invest in a rebel 500? I’m not rich/wealthy by any means but I’ve been cursed with being raised in London so I know it’ll cost more than it should - and both bikes come out to be roughly the same cost with everything included, I just don’t know what makes more sense. Any advice is appreciated.

EDIT : skip the first two major paragraphs if you don’t care about context and deeper explanation.

So as of today I have passed my geared 125 cc CBT, I did the theory the week prior.

Here’s the thing, I hear split opinions on whether I should buy a 125 cc bike or go straight onto the mod 1 and 2 (I am 22M for reference).

Since it’s fresh in my head I can recall my CBT, here’s how it went; with zero prior experience with motorcycles I started out super janky, my instructor told me I have improved a significant amount in a really small time period and even asked if I’m sure I’ve never ridden before (idk if he was trying to be flattering or not).

The only things he had gripes with my riding on was that my clutch control was poor - I kept releasing it while being in first gear at give ways or traffic lights at first which ended up in me stalling but I caught onto and he gave me merits for doing so alone, I had stalled once at a roundabout which was quite major since it was rush hour but he had me on comms and simply asked what I did wrong which I answered clearly (I approached the roundabout in gear 3 and came to a full stop - the bike kept stalling afterwards and I realised it was because I was in 3rd trying to take off). The other thing was speed !!!! Since the beginning he didn’t want me looking at the speedometer, so naturally I drove at speeds that seemed safe to me while not getting too close to the car infront which was arguably an abnormal amount of learners (as someone with no experience as well) so I was trying to be safe and regularly about 5-10 mph below the speed limit. Other than that he said my actual control, steering and low speed manoeuvres where shockingly good for someone who has never ridden before - I had knocked out figures of 8, U turns and controlled/emergency breaking on the first attempts I did (I have cycled a bunch around London but I don’t think that helps in this environment).

MY QUESTION IS THIS; do I rent/buy a 125 cc now and get my practice in alone or do I go on with a full A2 license and learn officially, I really want to keep myself and others safe and I don’t Intend to be popping wheelies or hitting anywhere near 100mph on the road, I just also know I do not want to be on a 125 with L plates (not that they bother me personally) as I have a bit more grand plans once I do get the license / bike. I also cannot really afford the investment for a 125 including all the insurance, tax, mot, etc when it’ll cost me what I intend to invest for the bike I want (a rebel 500 - I know it’s basic). I’ve also been told that completing a full license grants you reduced insurance costs alongside doing an advanced road craft session which I fully want to do for my own safety, I live in London so I’ve experienced the brunt of riders and drivers on my CBT alone today as my practical ride occurred right at rush hour with two school zones I passed through, once I’m there I feel okay and I feel fully confident at high and low speeds, I feel my faults come in at a mechanical perspective and applying all knowledge at once.

I am sorry for writing so much, I hope it isn’t an issue, any advice would be extremely appreciated or directions for where to take my full training

I don’t feel like I want to ride even a 125 with just a CBT, I have nothing against 125’s personally and they felt like plenty for me it’s more so my own roadcraft and awareness skills that I’m doubting, do you guys think it’s worth renting one out for at least a few weeks or just go and do my DAS for an A2?

Thank you to all who read and responded it means a lot to me :)