Hello all

[greenhorn]

Hello folks.

Am new to bikes after deciding to do an intensive course last September and get my full (but restricted) bike license. Am 34 and male.

After a bit of contemplation, I decided to get a Honda XL 125 Varadero to continue on the learning curve. Bought it in November and been out on a fair few short journeys on a weekly basis in all weather!!

Have fun round town but getting used to 60 - 70 mph is a bit tricky but want to as I can then head further afield.

Am considering my next bike for when my restriction lifts and am thinking of the Varadero 11. But for the next 18 months am happy with a nice 125!!

Will post some pics and more info once I get used to the site. For now, enough to say hello and thanks in advance for the help and friendship you will no doubt provide!!

[Tony M]

Hi, greenhorn - welcome to the madhouse!

The pics are, as you might have gathered, sort of unofficially "expected"!

I'm sure you'll find all sorts of useful (and not-so-useful) info on here.

Ride safe!

[Lutin]

Hello and welcome, Greenhorn.

I think that most people's advice about the next bike would be to try as many as you can. Which, I admit, might be a bit awkward since you are restricted for the next 18(?) months.

The step from the Varadero 125 to the full 1000, might be a bit, err, big. I wonder what your insurance company would think of that.

Sorry, didn't mean to put a downer on things. Have heard that the Vara 125 is a really rather capable machine, but never had the chance to try one for myself.

Anyway, enjoy the barely restrained lunacy that is the forum.

[digitalcaptive]

Hi greenhorn and welcome to the forum, having passed my test last April I went out and bought a 955 Tiger Insurance wasn't to much of a problem at £190 fully comp with carole nash (I am 42) .......as others have said get out and try as many different bikes as possible, I know at the moment you'll be unable to ride them but justsitting on them and getting a feel for the layout can help tremendously when trying to make your choice

[StumpyFingers]

Hello folks.

Am new to bikes after deciding to do an intensive course last September and get my full (but restricted) bike license. Am 34 and male.

After a bit of contemplation, I decided to get a Honda XL 125 Varadero to continue on the learning curve. Bought it in November and been out on a fair few short journeys on a weekly basis in all weather!!

Have fun round town but getting used to 60 - 70 mph is a bit tricky but want to as I can then head further afield.

Am considering my next bike for when my restriction lifts and am thinking of the Varadero 11. But for the next 18 months am happy with a nice 125!!

Will post some pics and more info once I get used to the site. For now, enough to say hello and thanks in advance for the help and friendship you will no doubt provide!!

Hello and welcome to the forum.

As you are restricted at the moment why not get a Transalp with restrictor kit fitted. It will do the 60 / 70 MPH with more ease and when the restriction comes off is a very capable bike, it is also a great stepping stone up to the XL1000.

[greenhorn]

Hello and welcome, Greenhorn.

I think that most people's advice about the next bike would be to try as many as you can. Which, I admit, might be a bit awkward since you are restricted for the next 18(?) months.

The step from the Varadero 125 to the full 1000, might be a bit, err, big. I wonder what your insurance company would think of that.

Sorry, didn't mean to put a downer on things. Have heard that the Vara 125 is a really rather capable machine, but never had the chance to try one for myself.

Anyway, enjoy the barely restrained lunacy that is the forum.

Dear Lutin,

My firends are amzed at my sensible approach and I fully intend to continue!! I will probably make my next bike a 600 and have a few thoughts. I like the transalp and also the Fazer but only to look at so far so I will have a fun September 2011 testing them both and any other sit up and beg 600s.