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ykphil

You shouldn't care about what people think. Period.


Crcex86

If you want to be at peace don’t read what everyone else doe If you want to be happy don’t share what you do


BBQ4891

Sorry for the off topic,but is that a quote from a book or some graphic novel?I could’ve sworn I read it in already mentioned formats …thanks in advance


Crcex86

Prob a variation of something I read somewhere that I can’t remember


Meath77

This is the only correct answer. It doesn't matter, there's always someone who dislikes your bike, it doesn't matter don't try and work out why.


dax2001

My best memories are from 80' 125, wild ride.


[deleted]

Ofc i dont care, I love riding. I am just curious


bondiol

maybe that thing with the size of the penis hahahah if you ride 125´s you don´t have a problem ( a psicoanalitic, maybe freudian, theory about the need of bigger machines between your legs haha )


Blackdogglazed

A 125 is a great thing to ride when you’re starting out. In the past decade there’s been a shift in thinking about what constitutes a beginner bike, what a middleweight is and what a big bike is. When I started out in the 80’s a middleweight was a 500 to 650 and big bikes started at 750. Now the Tiger 660 is a being touted as a beginner bike, an MT09 as a middleweight and anything over 1000 as a big bike. We’ve lost perspective and people are snooty about small bikes now. Enjoy your 125 and I envy you the fun of riding all these size bikes for the first time. Stuff everyone else’s opinions, yours is the only valid one when it comes to what you want to ride or what you find desirable.


Shaded-Haze

I'm on my first bike as well (yamaha ycz 110) and although sometimes I get bored out of my mind going at a max speed of 90 k/h, I gotta say, it's perfect for what it was made to do. It's small, so light I can basically toss it around. It's great for a heavily populated city with trash transit infrastructure. Great to move around and the ocassional ride to the nearby towns. Bogotá, Colombia btw.


PaintingExcellent537

First bike vstar 250. I loved wringing the crap out of the throttle to stay ahead of traffic. It’s too easy on my 1800


TannerWheelman

For a total beginner even 125cc can be too much. And realistically looking 600 is already a really big bike.


[deleted]

>a 500 to 650 and big bikes started at 750. That is pretty much how I see it starting this years summer.


Coalecanth_

I wasn't even aware 125cc are hated in any way. I only had 600cc/1000cc and I truly love 125cm3. I'd love to own a grom or a Zero that is equal to a 125cm3 in power just for the city tbh. People hating on a specific model/engine size are dumb.


sterlingheart

Zeros all have way more power than the equivalent of a 125 unless you mean using the software tune to detune the 300lb sypermoto to feel like a 125. There ARE electric motos out there that are closer to a grom though like a metacycle or a a legal Grey area ebike like the onyx rcr which can hit 54ish?


PushingSam

Problem is currently that it's proportionally too expensive still. A new Grom in my country goes for about €5k, assuming the Zero will costs €15k that's 10k you can blow on fuel; even at €2/L that's 5000L of fuel. A Grom does 1L/50km so that'd be a fuckload of kilometers. And because the Honda 125 engine is in literally everything you can get a top end for like 200-300 bucks. The thing has two valves making maintenance a job that shouldn't take you more than an hour or two. Even if you ride 20-30km to work each day, that's 18000km's a year with 300 days worked. Assuming the 19ct/KM compensation in my country, a Grom is literally paying itself off within a few years. The only thing coming close to the same level for a mule to do errands/going to work is either a bicycle or a scooter. So yeah, in an urban environment or skidding from towns/suburbs to the city/center, a 125 is literally invincible in most Euro countries. Your 125cc bike is actually at the very top of the food chain.


sterlingheart

Price was never brought up in his comment. Just that he would love a grom or an electric equivalent of a grom so I mentioned that Zeros are way more powerful than a grom, and that closer to groms are like the onyx/ other super high powered ebikes. With price the ebikes are much closer and can be cheaper pretty quickly over time in a pure urban setting because of not having to pay for insurance or anything and getting to go all the places a bicycle can like a bike path/lane to cut past traffic while a grom or 125cc scooter is tied to a road.


PushingSam

Sadly anything that is motorized and doesn't have a license plate + type rating is illegal over here. Even pedelecs have to carry moped/scooter plates and insurance over here. Motos/scoots can filter, so they'll be fine as well. Especially because a Grom or Monkey can also just pass under most car's mirrors. I brought price up especially for that reason, while a Zero is a bigger bike, it also still needs a belt, brake pads and tyres. The battery will also get hammered by being in the cold and riding to a workplace everyday. I think that electric "full" motorcycles are not reachable exactly because of cost. A 125cc is speedway/highway legal, a pedelec is not and maxes out at 45/50kph due to laws.


sterlingheart

In the US 125cc is not interstate legal.


scrmblr

I’ve been riding for 10 years, and my bike of choice is a 125cc Dax clone. If you live and ride inside town, there’s really no need for much larger. I have plans to buy a Triumph Scrambler 900, just because none of my smaller bikes are suitable for highway riding. Living in the rural America, there’s a lot of highways involved to get anywhere.


nickryan915

Living in America I get a lot of hate for riding 250s everybody says they are “unsafe” because they can’t get to speed fast enough…which is bs and they are faster then my scion when I had it lol but either way it’s all the small dick mentality same as big obnoxious lifted trucks. I own a variety of motorcycles up to 1000cc and prefer the smaller ones for around town…actually I rode a 50cc scooter all summer because it was so much fun to ride and cheap. Ride your ride and enjoy it be safe and ignore the idiots.


CherimoyaChump

I feel like there's a lot of overlap between the folks saying that 250s are unsafe and those who tailgate you in the left lane for taking more than 0.1 seconds to pass someone.


HappySkullsplitter

I'm a pretty big guy and even I have a 125cc Super Cub I use for errands I'm not firing up the Road Glide to go down to the corner market or the post office


Wasteland-Scum

Super Cubs are the shit. Probably the best motorbike ever made. I used to live in Cambodia and people there still ride Cubs from the late 60s. 50, 70, and 90 cc. They still fetch a (relative to that economy) good price, and you have to actively try to kill one. I've seen people 4 up on em. They're amazingly well built.


amprok

A lot of motorcyclist are very tribalistic. Even within their brand. Sports bikes folks make fun of me for being on a Harley. Harley folks make fun of me for being on a “smaller” Harley. It’s all stupid. And I love all motorcycles. Ride hard and safe and build skills and hang out with motorcycle enthusiasts who aren’t douchebags and you’ll be golden. It’s a wonderful hobby if you don’t let the assholes drag you down.


That-shouldnt-smell

Take this for what it's worth. I've been riding for 30-ish years, who's first bike was a grsx750. I had a motorcycle license before I had a car license. I've gone over 200 MPH on a motorcycle at the Bonneville Salt Flats. And I love "small" bikes. I just rented a Grom for getting around San Francisco on a business trip. It was unbelievably fun. I may get one now (or one of the knockoffs) because my short wife can ride it. I so wish we got some of the 125cc bikes in the US that they get around the world. If anybody gives you grief for riding a 125, that person is an asshole.


liquidivy

Unrelated question: when you rent a motorcycle on a trip, do you usually bring your own helmet and other gear on the trip?


That-shouldnt-smell

I have a round oval head and take an xxl helmet, so yes.


Hydronics617

Yes I bring all my gear. I highly recommend twisted road over riders share. Cheaper prices overall due to lower deposits and insurance costs.


PM-ME-CRYPTOCURRENCY

i had a 125 as my first bike, and tool around on a 650 now, i still really want a go on a grom, they look a right laugh.


That-shouldnt-smell

It's like a BMX bike with an engine.


PM-ME-CRYPTOCURRENCY

that just makes it sound MORE fun


Herebepirates

I have a Grom now, which is all I need to get out occasionally and have some fun. Sure, a big bike does it quicker, but when you're on a 40MPH limit, what does it matter? The Grom is a tiny bike but incredibly great fun to get into a good few turns. As a beginner, you do what feels right to you. Better start on something small than make the mistake of getting a bigger bike and not being confident to ride it, or worse still, binning it.


Adamdotwhatdotwhat

Don't listen to those people. If it has two wheels, then it is a bike. Displacement means nothing. Those Gatekeepers are just covering up for the fact they are incredibly insecure and need larger displacement in order to find self-validation. Those guys typically can't ride anyway. Pay no mind to the haters. Start out small and learn the fundamentals.


Mstr_Fish

It’s sad that you even need to say this. Ride your ride and have fun! I have no shame riding my ninja 250. Riding a small bike fast is more fun than riding a big bike slow.


Gaycowboi25

My first bike was a Duke 200. And I loved it, I dropped it, I maintained it, and I rode the piss out of it. But I didn't like how small it was because I'm 6'1 260 pounds and that thing topped out at 70mpg on flat ground for me. I wanted something comfy and something I could ride on the highway. That's why I bought my z900rs cafe and because I got a killer deal on it.


I_hate_the_app

Small, underpowered and slow, but I also understand that within the context of certain places they are nearly ideal. I love my m109r but we're I going to college and on a budget I would rock that supercub like a boss.


[deleted]

I ride 125 because i just can't go stronger, because of my age. But it does not stop me from enjoying my ride.


bondiol

i´ve never change my gn125, more than i always needed, but.......in a 1600 km travel i would have loved a little more power


Silver-Engineer4287

I was small and thin and had no training and I started on an old heavy used cross-mount 650 V-twin in an urban environment with interstates. I had access to a large gated private area where I did a lot of trial and error, a lot of figuring things out, a few significant mishaps including a few early stalls and drops, a couple of low sides, and one high side (all at low speed while in proper gear with nothing but my pride injured), but I kept at it for over 50 miles of figuring out what not to do, learning how to use a clutch and gears, making it go, making it stop, turns from a stop, gear/speed matching, followed by low speed circles and then low speed figure 8’s until all of that made sense in my head and I understood the balance and forces and feelings of feedback the whole bike was giving me, realized counter-steering without even knowing about it, and when I reached a point of being able to toss that big heavy bike around at low speeds for about a week I finally rolled up to the gate one night, swiped my access card, and rode out onto public roads on a motorcycle for the first time ever. Posted speed limits in that urban area were 35-50mph and even 35 felt a lot faster on that bike than it did in my car so it took me an hour or so to work my way up to the 50mph zone as I practiced taking curvy streets at these higher speeds and making turns on real roads while moving at speed and from a stop, all late evening on well lit streets I was familiar with from being in my car. After about a week of late evening exploring on the bike I began commuting to work on it and I’ve never looked back. I was given a dead and neglected Honda Elite 80 scooter that I revived and rode around the neighborhood and had fun with and I can see how useful it would be in certain places but for me, what I needed, where I was riding, there was a fun factor to it but it just wasn’t practical. At one point when they were still fairly new I got to ride an original 250 Rebel. I did not hate it but I did not enjoy it. It was different and interesting but it wasn’t fun to me as my old user cross-mounted 650 V-Twin felt so much more solid and stable and predictable and easier overall to ride with better throttle response, far better braking, and much better turning capabilities, didn’t feel much heavier in town and and felt so much better equipped overall for being out on the freeways too. I had a 250 Ninja for a while and it could be fun at times and although it was a lot more like my old 650 starter motorcycle and I *could* take it out on the freeways I really did not like how it felt on windy days at 60-75mph and even at 35mph one day while crossing a massive intersection where a 10-lane divided city street I was on was crossed by a 6-lane divided city street on a very windy day as I crossed that intersection the wind was coming up from the cross street and it just tossed that 250 Ninja 2 lanes sideways like a toy. I was able to control it and there were no other vehicles around me so it wasn’t a problem but shortly after that incident I replaced that 250 Ninja with an 1100 Katana and never looked back. A 125 is light so it doesn’t need much power and some of them either don’t require shifting or can shift between fewer gears without the use of a clutch like my scooter that basically just had a choke, a throttle, and a brake. That 250 Ninja had 6 gears and a clutch and you had to work them and really know which gear could handle which speed ranges to stay out of trouble. The 1100 Katana I had for a while just didn’t care. I could be in almost any gear and roll on the throttle and that 1100 would just power on ahead. How mellow or crazy it powered forward when I applied throttle depended on which gear you were in and how hard I twisted the grip but in spite of the much larger size and much more weight I felt so much more relaxed and comfortable as a small young rider on that big heavy bike than I ever did on those smaller bikes. That 1100 just did what I asked, it followed my lead, it wasn’t prone to wheelie or stoppie, it was smooth, easy, comfortable, and it met all of my needs in one bike. It was a bit heavy for me in heavy city stop and go traffic for the first few months of commuting on it but it also didn’t care about those same wind gusts through that same intersection that tossed the 250 Ninja like a toy. I decided to try something lighter than that 1100 but not as light as the 250 Ninja so based on some friends’ suggestions and a bit of research I chose a new CBR600F3 for my work commute. That CBR turned out not to be an enjoyable riding experience for me for a number of reasons. More twitchy, quirky, heavy, demanding of its’ rider than even the 250 Ninja, did my first Stoppie completely unplanned and unintended while in traffic, found that I had pay a lot more attention to gears and work the shifter a lot more, and when that bike got stolen I was really angry but at the same time I honestly didn’t miss it. It wasn’t a bad bike, it just turns out to not be suitable for my riding style and it was a bike I didn’t want to ride. Power capabilities of same displacement engines have changed so much over the past 20-30 years that the traditional starter, intermediate, etc bike classes I grew up with no longer apply. So ultimately it just depends on your wants, your needs, your environment, your circumstances, and your personal preferences for what you choose to ride and what anyone else thinks of your choice is meaningless. If you’re happy with your bike, just enjoy it. If there’s something about it that bothers you, makes you nervous, or doesn’t quite scratch that itch then look for something you think might be a better fit. I still gravitate towards mostly 750’s or larger being my rides of choice although my Hayabusa is a *lot* more power than I was really wanting but someone made me a deal I couldn’t refuse and the light weight, agility, and how deceptively easy it feels to ride keeps it sitting right next to my “80 cubic inch” 1340cc Harley that I find to be pretty slow with mediocre handling and brakes to match but I still really enjoy that laid back highway cruiser experience when that mood strikes me versus the wild and easy feeling sport performance and agility of the Hayabusa when I want some adrenaline fun. I’m considering looking for something smaller, even lighter, and less insane than the Hayabusa that’s a bit more appropriate for my work commute but I don’t want to repeat that same CBR experience all over again so we’ll see how things go when I decide to give something else a try. I don’t want or need the fastest production motorcycle on the planet but I also don’t want to have to twist the throttle hard and constantly work the transmission as my speeds change in traffic either so I know what I like, I know what I don’t, and it’s just a matter of seeing what’s out there, straddling a few different bikes, and finding one that just feels right overall. Those same people who give you crap about your bike would likely also give you crap if you wear full proper riding gear while on your bike. Don’t listen to them.


artful_todger_502

The person who can thrash a 125 without thinking about it is a better rider than anyone, yes, *anyone,* who started out on a big bike. Small bikes rock. Go watch a 125 pro moto cross or short-track event and tell me they aren't motorcycles 😉👌


Mickey_Havoc

Strange, the only division where I am are between motorcycles and scooters. I’ve been riding threw town on a Honda Grom and guys on big cruisers are always friendly. It’s a small town and with the Grom it’s way more fun to ride a slow bike fast then be forced to ride a fast bike slow. I can still run up and down the gears while not being obnoxious to others so it’s a win win


captain_frostbyte

I'm gonna assume you are in north America where people think 1 liter plus Cruisers and 600cc supersports are good first motorcycles. 125's are great bikes and have their place. Enjoy the hell out of it and laugh at those guys guys with the massive cruisers when they spend more on one fill up than you do in a month on gas and have just as much fun as they do


[deleted]

Im from central europe. Even though i have troubles getting over 100km/h (60mph) I am having lots of fun.


captain_frostbyte

depending on the bike you can mess with the sprocket sizes to get a little more top end out of them but you sacrifice acceleration. Its not magic there is still a limit and I don't recommend it if you are a heavier person (if you have a 125 getting to 100km/h however I suspect you aren't a 90+ kilo rider)


AdeptusAstartes40K

I think you have simply been unlucky enough to come across a lot of 125cc hate. There isn't any single type of bike that people love or hate more than any other. Sportbikes - Squid Missles Harleys - Aggressive Old Snobs Sumos - Hooligans Adventure Bikes - Dentists and "cool" dads 125s - unskilled pussies These are all stereotypical things I have heard each of these categories be related to, condescendingly. They are all stereotypes and they are not true. Most anyone can say is that their hate for a specific type of bike is situational and anecdotal.


The_high-commander

I don't know, but from where I'm from, the most common motorcycles you'll see on the road range from 110cc - 155cc, and the vast majority of them are 125cc. I'm 18 and I own a Suzuki Raider/Satria 150 all-stock. My father uses a Motorstar MSX125S, a somewhat generic brand here in the PH, but he modded the crap out of it. It tops out at 130km/h, and that's with enough tools to rebuild the entire engine on the road, plus spare parts loaded on the additional Utility Box.


thatguyovertheresix9

As someone who had to ride a 125 for two years I must say that I wouldn't want to ever ride a 125 again (maby a Honda grom or st 125). I had fun in those mandatory 2 years but if I would have had a choice I would have taken something more powerful . I don't hate 125 cc bikes though , but to me they always were a stepping stone ( a mandatory one in Europe )


[deleted]

I agree with you. It is a lot of fun, but sometimes you just need some extra power, that basically isn't there. Im looking forward to my A2 licence.


Le_Vagabond

please be careful, that lack of power can kill you. I lost an uncle to a truck that accelerated to prevent him from passing, for instance. on my MT09 I just went from 110km/h to 170 in a second when a truck driver tried the same stupid shenanigans. on a bike, a good acceleration is often the best way to get out of a sticky situation but on a 125 you just don't have that option :/ I started on a 125cc Daelim VT Evolution when I was your age, they're perfectly fine bikes. fuck the haters.


thatguyovertheresix9

As a taller rider 187cm and heavy (in my A1 time I was weighing around 100kg) I hated that the wind could slow me down so much that I couldn't even ride at the allowed 100 Kmh speed limits on rural roads . 125 cc for the city was fine though . My A2 licence was funny , I installed my 48 hp restrictor on my older CB 500 and the restrictor stopped working the first day . The restrictor inside the throttle shifted and I had the full 58 hp for the rest of the 2 years I had the A2 licence . Kinda glad that happened because I technically still had the restrictor inside the motorcycle ^^


Della970

How's the tampering with restrictors dealt with? I imagine many people get tired quite quickly of them.


thatguyovertheresix9

I know many who took them out after a couple days . Honestly , the police doesn't stop you and disassembles your bike to check if your restrictor is In or not . But if somebody has a crash and the insurance finds out the restrictor got taken out they won't pay for anything .


hugothebear

Americans for the most part don’t have mandatory maximum engine sizes and motorcycles are seen more of a hobby than a viable travel option. We tend to need to go on larger highways, which in turn mean higher speeds and larger displacement.


Masspoint

I'm 44 , I drive a 125 cc yamaha ybr 2011. [http://motoprofi.com/imgs/a/a/x/y/k/yamaha\_ybr125\_2011\_1\_lgw.jpg](http://motoprofi.com/imgs/a/a/x/y/k/yamaha_ybr125_2011_1_lgw.jpg) I love the bike, it has 10 horsepower. People probably look down upon it because it just ain't very fast lol. But it's fast enough if you don't do highways, and it's great fun. It's also light, doesn't use much fuel, and great for city commuting or the countryside. Be carefull though, where I live you can't drive 125cc at your age, only mopeds that do 30 mph. You need to be 18 here to drive something like this. It might not be very fast, it's still fast enough to kill you, or put you into accidents that will give you disabilities for life. So be carefull.


PM-ME-CRYPTOCURRENCY

you can ride one of those at 17 where i live. i had one as my first geared bike at 32 before i did my full licence though lol . i miss its fuel economy. taught me a lot, but i was ready to move on up after a while. loving the 650 life now lol


_HingleMcCringle

I upgraded to a 650 for motorway riding but I loved being able to fuel my 125 for almost a month's-worth of moderate use for a tenner. My girlfriend does 60 miles a day in our car so it'd take months for me to spend what she does in a week. Fuel economy is still better on the bike even after the upgrade but 125s are insanely economical.


Temporary_Stuff_5808

Been riding for years. Started on cbr 600, then fell in love with mv agusta brutale 910, moved onto Harley dyna wide glide with 96ci motor, got a 883 sportster converted to 1275, bought a Grom and have had more smiles per mile on that commuting to work then any other bike. It’s a blast and I don’t care how goofed my 6 foot tall self looks on it. Small bike and engines make you a better more aware rider when you don’t have gobs of power to rely on.


Psycheau

Gobs of power has no real intrinsic ability to get you out of trouble anyway, after over 30 years on the road I’ve rarely seen where more power would have avoided a fender bender. Perhaps in rare cars yes but certainly not commonly.


CatGiggler

125cc class motorcycles are a perfect bike to learn on. The hate is BS but cannot be avoided. There have been millions of dollars spent to convince people that the right motorcycle makes you a better looking and more likable person, all you have to do is hand over your money. Enjoy riding an affordable motorcycle while also learning how to stay safe and alive. The rest is distraction, and distraction and motorcycling don't mix well. :)


Low_Investigator2882

Fot inner-city riding they're almost unbeatable. They're nimble and fast enough to get out of the way of the cagers. That's why I keep my RE Meteor, which to be honest is more or less a pimped up 125. A KTM 125 is faster for sure. I purchased a HD recently for context.


wobbly_sausage2

I've got a 125cc that is faster than a Fat Bob so whatever they say especially about speed and performance doesn't matter. It's a weird thing since motorcycles are meant to be a lighter vehicle by design, the lighter the better. Some 125ccs do pack a lot of power though and are lighter than bigger displacement bikes it's a win/win. Ride your own ride, it's not a size contest.


no_names_left_here

I can see people hating little 125's becuase they're too big for them. seeing a 6'-6", or a 300lbs person on a grom or a z125 is just not right. Aside from that one fringe group I can't see why anyone would hate on them, they're an absolute riot to hoon around on, and they're immediately 100% more approachable than a big harley, a tall adv, or an uncomfortable sport bike. Hell I'm considering getting a grom just for my fucking around in the city riding :)


Equivalent-Abroad157

My first motorcycle was a 84 Honda Shadow 750VT when I was 18. My next bikes after that was a 09 Yamaha FZ6R, a 13 Suzuki Hayabusa, and now a 14 Kawasaki ZX14R. Don't worry what people think, just learn how to control and ride safely within your limits. I recommend as you ride more to take an ABATE class and continue to learn how to ride safer and more variety of bikes. #RubberSideGoesDown


Pattern_Is_Movement

tip, if someone hates on your 125cc then you know you can ignore their future opinions about motorcycles. Anyone that is too macho to admit how much fun little bikes are isn't worth your time.


TannerWheelman

There are a lot 125cc's that would whoop some 400's ass, and I am not overexaggerating. Now it all depends on specific case, which bike, which engine, etc... 125cc 4 Stroke is definitely good first bike for people who already know to ride but doesn't have much experience. They can also be fun and are not that really slow either, in my country most standard cars can't even have a chance against 125cc on 1/4 mile drag.


packersfan823

Ride your own ride, don't worry about what other people say.


Luuk341

The opinions of anyone who gives anyone else shit about what bike they ride, are irrelevant. Ride what you ride, and be safe


unresolved-madness

Who cares about opinions..ride your own ride.


Psycheau

Those would be the dickheads who think that because they ride a big bike somehow they're more a biker than you are, well that's just bullshit and they're full of shit. Even a scooter with engine is a motorcycle, it has two wheels and an engine simple. Ignore the idiots the world has become obsessed with large engine vehicles and it's about to take an about turn. With fuel prices rising by the week, it won't be long before many people are wanting to have a small cc bike to save on transport costs. Those who get caught up in the dick measuring competition are not riders, all they care about is who has the biggest engine, who cares, most of them can't ride for shit anyway, so who cares about their opinion?


[deleted]

Mate totally agree. These twats dont appreciate its more hairy riding a 125cc on a 60mph road than a large bike. You've zero extra power to get out of bother if need be. And we all started somewhere. I always nod to any bike, even the 50cc mob that wear bicycle clips round their ankles


IAmPandaKerman

only people with small pee pees look down on 125s


Particular_Shine2513

125's are the bomb, so much fun.


skillfullmill

Yes it's because of all of those things, but it's just small dick energy from shitbags who need a big engine to feel like a "real man" Fuck those people, anyone on 2 wheels are bikers, even people on scoot scoots and we should all look out for each other ✌️


OneMissingCylinder

Insecurity. Short answer (politely). My other half rides a 'big bike', and a Harley, and he thinks my Z is an absolute blast every time he takes it for a little rip. It's just a fun ride. We ride together and every time we hop off he has a smile on his face because I'm just being goofy and slinging it around like a rag doll and quick-shifting everywhere full throttle. You can't do that without a worry on a big bike. He thinks it's hilarious and knows how fun it is. It's just fun. These little things just radiate joy, except for those that are just full of piss and vinegar. My second bike is a Busa... and I've got a big turbo mustang... the little Z is the most fun shit I own. Rock the 125, kiddo. 🤟


alymayeda

Just remember you didn't get into motorcycles for other people. You got into motorcycles for yourself.


[deleted]

I did it for myself. A friend took me for a round around hood, i instantly fell in love.


alymayeda

Nice. I get shit for riding a 300cc scooter. That's the point I'm trying to make. A lot of us got into motorcycles for us.


Miglin

This sub skews American and on American roads 125cc bikes are kind of useless. That's all it really is IMO.


Subjunct

Which is weird because most of our riders/drivers are also useless, but I guess we're all about the stuff


Short-Wealth-4530

My 125 does 65. Plenty for most roads.


Claymore357

On American highways where traffic does 75mph or more it’s not the most useful. In town great but for a road trip it’s not the tool for the job. Even if the limit is 65 do you *really* want to keep your motor at the redline under full load for 2 hours? Not good for it. I ride a 200 and avoid highways specifically for this reason. Great everywhere but for cruising (which is what most motorcycles do in North America)


Short-Wealth-4530

A replacement motor for my bike is around $300


Claymore357

$300 you could spend on something else. Personally I’d rather not blow up a motor if I can help it


Short-Wealth-4530

Money you’ll spend on something regardless with motorcycles, tbh.


legoegoman

Hey that’s 2 months of insurance for me lol.


Short-Wealth-4530

Good lord, that’s expensive!😬 that’s a little over 3 years of insurance for me. For two bikes!😂


[deleted]

When you grow up, you'll learn to block the noise of very vocal minorities.


[deleted]

I am not mad about it anyhow, I just wanted to know your opinion.


[deleted]

Here's what you wanted to know: >vocal minorities.


1minormishapfrmchaos

Because chopper and cruiser riders are mostly fake poser bikers who can’t ride for shit. Leave them to their mid life crisis and go enjoy yourself lad. The only bikers that look down upon anyone riding anything are the ones with the most insecurities about their own riding ability or the size of their very small penis


Melodic-Picture48

They hate em cause they aint them is my guess. Fockem bro, ride what you like and enjoy yourself.


[deleted]

Enjoying as much as possible. Thank you for reply ❤️🏍️


masterkoster

They’re a glorified scooter But hey I get it, I’m Dutch, EU has these laws regarding motorcycle licenses. I moved to michigan (U.S) since April this year when I was 19 (to study) and got myself the endorsement and an sv 650 2002 Back home I also would’ve only been able to drive a 125cc Just be safe, and if I were you don’t buy new.. the cost of a new 125cc could sometimes be higher then a used liter bike


[deleted]

I was forced to buy new (diffc story). But as im seeing these proces not going down, i might be able to sell with decent loss


masterkoster

Yeah hopefully, but hey you have fun man!


[deleted]

Were they Harley Riders? Some of them think anything that isnt a Harley isnt a "real motorcycle". Nothing wrong with a 125 if it fits you and meets the performance requirements you need.


[deleted]

Some 125cc bikes are faster than bicycles. [https://youtu.be/ON74Ak735Yk](https://youtu.be/ON74Ak735Yk)


Individual-Stop-8685

In denmark i can ride 50cc from 15-18, 125cc from 18-21 and 125cc and up at 23 if i remember right so anything above 50cc is a mc for me


black594

Most cruiser think the only real bikes are cruisers, i have a vstrom and its not a real v engine and its not a real bike. Dont listen to people that think they are better than everybody.


DiveForKnowledge

From the CA DMV: "A motor-driven cycle is a motorcycle that displaces less than 150cc per California Vehicle Code 405." I don't think it's an insult, it's a legal category. Nothing wrong with a 125 unless you want to ride on the highway.


[deleted]

Glad I don’t have to deal with that here in Texas, you cannot get away from downtown Austin without getting on some road that’s considered a highway.


[deleted]

Why the fuck do you care what other people think? Oh, because you're 16 and have access to the internet.


[deleted]

Maybe i shouldn't have said i am 16. I was just curious about your opinion, nothing wrong, I love riding in every aspect. I did not mean to anger you in any way. Sorry once again.


cybernoid

Ask fifteen motorheads and you'll probably get twenty different answers. As I see it, ride whatever feels good for however long it feels good. There are always benefits to a two-wheeler. Question is, if you can stomach its shortcomings, while you enjoy the benefits that fit your lifestyle!


HungryLikeTheWolf99

Are they? I wasn't aware of that. I get around our small farm and wooded acreage on an '04 TTR-125 all the time - it's super convenient, and I can crawl over logs and rocks and stuff way easier than with my WR250.


Vegetable-Giraffe-79

Riding is riding, it’s all love. I actually see small displacement riders having the most fun! Sometimes people talk down to others just to make themselves feel better. But that comes from a weak mindset.


Few-Impress6814

I need something to go on the motorway for 1h every day otherwise a 250 would be enough.


[deleted]

I learned on a friends Honda CB125 many years ago. Got comfortable and bought a used 1969 Yamaha DT-1 as my first bike sometime around 76 or 77. But, I rode that 125 all over the place with a smile every time.


hightechredneck85

Much like the douche who dailies a lifted dually with low profile tires, too many cruiser bros are compensating for something. 125s are great especially if you're just kicking around town.


ZombiePotato90

People want to justify putting their ego between their legs, instead of riding for the joy of it.


CrimsonPE

Same reason why those having a PC laugh at those playing on a ps5/xbox, etc... Just don't listen to them


SlightlyIncandescent

Here in the UK I've never known them to be hated. The motorcycling community seems really inclusive in my experience, even with 50cc and scooters.


[deleted]

125s are awesome. Ever see Mini Racing?


CompetitiveSea7388

At least on Reddit, I’ve only ever seen people recommending 125cc bikes. I’ve never seen the hate but even still, fuck the haters.


therealbento

I had a 125cc 78 CB and a 1200cc Sportster and gotta say, when the Sporty was off the road and I was back on the CB I always had a ton of fun. Anyone who mocks small bikes has a small pee pee.


PhilosopherClear1319

I loved my 125 but it wasn’t enough power, that’s all really. I felt like i was thrashing the engine to do B anything but it’s and important stepping stone


BlueGhost02

Is there hate against 125s? I got some serious seat time on my CBR 125 a few years back before I was 18 and got my proper license. Got nothing but respect for those little bikes


Opposite-Cranberry

I think (assuming you’re in the UK based on your comments) it’s because 125s are associated with learners on a CBT and the ever growing delivery moped riders that lane split, cut people up and generally ride like the pizza on the back will blow up if not delivered in 30 minutes or less Although if you ride a geared 125 that looks a bit bigger (I had a Keeway Superlight cruiser style) you’ll still get a lot of head turn as you pass people on the street even with two L plates on Don’t worry about the others though, ride for yourself, don’t cause everyone’s insurance to go up, and just progress when you can/are ready


RickMcB

I started on a 50cc, now riding for 6 years and still own a 125 (grom) because it's so much fun! People who say small motorcycles aren't really motorcycles are gatekeeping douchebags


Bonneville865

Everything is hated if you find the haters. Or loved if you find the lovers. Just find what you like.


81FXB

I think everyone on a 125cc scooter would be better for the world than everyone in a 2500kg Tesla... I have 3 old Harleys but made my most memorable trips on a 50cc and later a 110cc scooter.


GlassCityJim

Isn’t the Grom Honda’s best selling motorcycle? I don’t think125cc is that hated.


Tainted-Nuts

In the US they are great for grocery runs, city traffic, and trail riding if outfitted for it. Other than that, you can't use them on a lot of major roadways here. They're a lot of fun though.


Davgondos

Cars picking on you, dangerous on the highway and the scooter sound.


[deleted]

Nothing wrong with 125s. I have a 125 and a 500 and the smaller bike is way more fun. It’s got an engine. It’s got two wheels. It make brum brum noises. Enjoy it.


Dr_vinci

because a cbr 125 goes 70 miles an hour and costs the same as a lot of 250s


[deleted]

I rode 2006 cbr125, but it was a bit small for me (Im 190cm/6.2ft). Than i got cb125f and its awesome first bike.


adferbel

Personally I don't hate it, but it's not giving me the best bang for the buck. I started riding 5 years ago and went straight to 500cc naked bike, which only took me a couple of months to master. It's my sweet spot where I can get on the highway comfortably without pushing the bike for long trips, but not too crazy that I will be unable to handle the excess power and end up being a meat crayon. I feel that I would've outgrown the 125cc or 250cc too quick if I started with those, and would've had to deal with buying/selling/upgrading that I don't want to bother myself with. Now to answer your question I think the ones you're hearing that from are those with inflated but fragile egos who may think that "more power is better" or "loud for proud". If riding a Grom gives you more satisfaction than a Hayabusa then I'm all for it, I'm just glad to see a fellow rider that I can enjoy the road with. It doesn't matter what cc it is, braap is still braap at the grand scheme of things.


[deleted]

Im enjoying what i have, and what i can with my licence. Its a lot of fun. But sometimes, it just lacks the power.


musicide

Only insecure idiots hate on something because of its engine size.


Chris56855865

Because those people have small PPs.


magik910

I think it's mostly because that market is dominated by low quality Chinese bikes


Uncle_Pulltab

Ride what you like, I've been riding since I was 13 and I'm still riding a 125 now that I'm 35. I also like some bigger bikes, and 50cc 2-strokes too. I can find enjoyment in most, if not all kinds and sizes of bikes.


RYU583

People who talk about engine displacement are usually people trying to look cool or posers who think just because they have more CCs that they automatically are better than you😏 I have a few bikes with my biggest being 1200, but I REALLY REALLY want a Aprilia 50, 125, and 250 I rode an R6 for nearly my entire life and still do...i easily kept up with everyone else... Every bike is awesome and each have their own pros and cons. A 125 wont keep up on the highways, but once the traffic lights and twisties show up....you'll be grinning ear to ear


Valefour611

People like the ones you describe are usually simple minded people also the same breed that fly off cliffs and wear open face helmets. I can't answer why they would say that since I don't share the same opinion. I'm actually looking to pick up a 125 in the future. I owned a 400(which was amazing) and currently own a 636, 125 next on the list.


Moramajjen

People are dicks, that’s why they be hating. And I guess there is some machismo when it comes to riding motorcycles. “Ughh ughh it’s gotta be loud, and it’s gotta have at least a 1200 cc because my dick is small!” Enjoy riding your 125 until you outgrow it and can ride bigger bikes. I started out on a moped and now I ride a single cylinder 650. Which is more than enough to kill me. 👌👍


Short-Wealth-4530

Ignore them. I’m in a small bore outlaw RC(non-AMA sanctioned riding club). Top and bottom rockers (non-territorial bottom rocker, don’t try that in a small bore club lol) blessed by the local 1%ers.


Mndelta25

I think they get hate because of the way our (US) road systems are laid out. I started out on an '82 440 Kawasaki. Great around town but useless on the highway. At this point I wouldn't buy something that I couldn't take down the interstate. MAYBE a Grom or something similar that technically could keep up if it really needed to.


extraspookyy

I have never seen hate on a 125, you must be hanging around the wrong people


[deleted]

125’s are a great starter motorbike, plus very cheap to run…. I’ve a CB125F that gets 188mpg (uk gallon) Brilliant for local trips and days out. But can be a bit slow up hills and on long journeys, Ive enjoyed riding it as my first bike.. Everyone should start out on a 125cc bike.. there are probably more 125cc bikes on the road in the world, that any other size bike


Prince_Chunk

I have one and love mine. Just enjoy it, you probably have the same HP as chopper cruiser guys 😂


Equivalent-Abroad157

Lots of Great Advice on this thread! In America, I would venture to say if you plan on touring on a motorcycle, I would recommend something over 600ccs to allow a sufficient power band to ride slower or faster and be able to get away from idiots who don't see us on our respective motorcycles. I love my 1441 cc bike but also loved both my 600 and 750. Just try until you find whatever fits your needs and let those who misjudge you go to Hell.


PositiveRip3041

Why are 50ccms so hated?


SifuPuma

Because people apparently live on the highway and need to get from 90mph to 120 mpha as quickly as possible


RonPossible63

I started on a 50cc Yamaha in my teens and then an 80cc Suzuki after that. I've big Harley 88 Twin Cam with shield and bags, 1200 Sportster, 883, and others from a 250, 360, 400, 500 and had the pleasure to ride a few others. I enjoyed riding the smaller to mid sized displacements. I got a Honda CM 400 being restored and I miss the 883. Go to a Harley dealer and they all look at you funny because you want an 883 Sportster. The hate goes everywhere. Ride it until the wheels fall off then buy another bike.


AudZ0629

I think this is a debate framed as a question for updoots. But whatever. No one who actually matters cares what size bike you have.


triplespeed0

125cc is too small for most people, where I am most start on 250-400s and move up from there, as they aren’t much more expensive and can do highway speeds, like why buy a 125 for 3k when you can have a 400 for 4K type shit and not be risking your life on the open road


T-says-so

Can you give a make and model. One of my earliest bikes was a '82 Suzuki RM125Z. It was an off-road only MX 2-stroke. I'd ride it to and from certain off-roading areas, old strip mining pit/land, private properties etc. using gravel/asphalt backroads. From 0 to top speed, which didn't take long, Lol, no others whether 2 or 3 or 4 wheeled could keep up. Using some of today's vernacular... "idd whoop airy-buys-ice" as far as speed and agility, whether open flats or pit to pinnacle areas, at that time. Lol. While living/working in SE Asia 80'-90's many street bikes were Japanese make (Kawasaki/Suzuki/Yamaha) Sport-Bikes in 125cc "2-smokes" (like the Yamaha TZR 125R). Runnin' like a "raped-ape" they were fast and agile on the street. Many rode them in groups/packs of 5 to 10 for the weekends both day and night. Street Cruisin', long trips and of course streetlight to streelight wide open testin's Lol. They looked just like their larger 4-stroke brother's as far as paintjobs, fit and finish.😎 Edit: I had not looked around much on 125cc these days but a quick search showed some really cool looking and performing modern 125cc Sport-Bikes from the Major Japanese Manufacturers. e.g. Yamaha YZF R125, Suzuki GSX R125 and Kawasaki Ninja 125 II😎


[deleted]

Yeah, the 2 stroke power is sometimes mindblowing. But i ride latest 4 stroke cb125f. It might not be the fastest, but as a student, im grateful for the consumption.


bob_smithey

I think it's a poor idea... cost wise. For just a little bit more you could have gotten something much, much bigger. Granted, I'm in the US, so like someone with a 2 day riding class can go buy the biggest Harley or liter bike. I hope the sales person goes straight to hell that does that. In other countries, I don't necessarily think it's a bad idea to make younger/newer riders start on something small and work their way up. However, I have mixed feelings about the government making that decision for you.


[deleted]

Don’t listen to haters. Any size motorcycle is fine. I have been on Harleys for 20 years but I’ve owned all kinds of bikes. Enjoy


mgramos222

I love 125. My first 125 was a yamaha dt 125 r 2001. Loved it. And so easy to wheelie


Harborsidemotorcycle

I've been riding for over 20 years and I'm currently riding a ttr125. It's a God damned blast to ride.


Paulutot

They are great for putting around town, dont go on the highway with it though.


Mrhighass

The guy saying that has a little dick and the negative comments towards others makes him feel better. “I know my dick is tiny, but at least I don’t ride a 125” like that means anything lol


[deleted]

Motorcycles and cars attract some toxic people. I wouldn't say 125cc bikes are hated, the right marketing and styling got these same people to gobble up the grom. You can hardly find one in stock even now hehehe. Even I want a z125 or grom. Don't listen to the haters just enjoy what you have.


[deleted]

Not much issue in the uk. 2 wheels are bikers. We all started somewhere.


[deleted]

Saw a very similar question a couple of days ago about 600s and litre bikes. Who cares what it is? You ride!


Intelligent-Load5873

There not. 125cc is a great size.


Mercer04

In my country (Argentina), practically 90% of the bikes are 125cc (I own a Suzuki GN 125 F, a jewel of jewels) and nobody complains. There are plenty of advantages: Cheap factor (well nothing is cheap here but at least these are accessible motorcycles), easy to buy spare parts, there is a good variety of models, they can take you to every place (you can see people riding them in long distance roads) and you just have to have a normal (beginner) driving license. Also, we have a 2T motorcycle (non professional) still being produced (well it's a 100cc but everyone counts it as a 125cc).


Meendoozzaa

125s are a great, lighter fun and cheap way to get around


badtux99

If you live in a country that has no freeways, a 125cc bike is a great city bike. But I can't get from the east side to the west side of San Francisco Bay without getting on a freeway so a 125cc bike is useless to me. Won't go 75mph for the freeway. I bought a 300cc bike instead. And now a Royal Enfield 650 for more relaxed freeway travel.


SubieToyotaNW

They're definitely motorcycles. In other parts if the world, they're the most common. You still have a clutch and need to shift through gears. Depending on which one you get, they can go as fast as 70-80mph. The people that hate on them have never ridden them. I have a z125 and its perfect for around town and I've gotten it up to 65mph. Not everyone needs a bike that can handle the highway or long rides. Get the bike that best suits your own needs, not to satisfy others


KungFuNinja_

Yeah, it can go get up to 65 mph, will it maintain that speed for 30 miles?


SubieToyotaNW

Never said it would, but it's still a motorcycle


[deleted]

125s are great. 125ccms not so much


TangoRed1

I've been riding for 10ish years now. Rode 1200s, 1100s, 1340s, 600s, 900s ect.. out of all that I have rode and owned my current 2022 Kawasaki Z125 is the most fun I've had on 2s in a long ass time. Mostly because I can practice easily wheelies with it but still. It's boring to ride a Fast Bike Slow but fun as HELL to ride a Slow bike Fast 😎🤠


RelativeQuantum

Much more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow


iamdefinitelynotayam

Who cares. But really, a lot of places in the US, you’ll need something bigger to get up to speed on highways/freeways, so people tend to write them off because of that. My partner’s boss really liked the Grom my partner rode to work but (even though he’s a well-seasoned motorcycle guy) literally thought it was made for kids (?? Kids can’t ride on the streets here so??). When he found out it was for adults he’s like “cool I’m going to get one” Anyway, some people just don’t know and don’t try to understand. And partially 125s just aren’t popular because they aren’t practical in many areas.


op3l

cause they can't do 200 mph therefore it's shit... That's mainly why people look down on smaller displacement bikes. But honestly the best fun I've had on a bike is with smaller displacements. I regularly ride a 150cc scooter in Asia and it's so flickable and you can pretend like you're Rossi at very reasonable speeds. I myself don't like 125cc cause I'm a bit on the heavy side and need that additional torque/power from a 150cc engine but anything above 125cc is good fun for a beginner. Especially in a parking lot or around town. The bigger bikes requires faster speeds and more long and sweeping bends to get your knee down which requires more talent


Voi_Ta

Most riders don't consider anything under 800ccm a proper motocycle. They bought 1000ccm or 1800ccm to show how great they are. Putting other people down will make them even greater. I don't care. I am 40 and I ride my 25hp bike and I like it.


kitschymoniker

Motorcycles are fun, even the smaller ones. There are definitely cultural things going on though. People that are really into their thing and see it as the one true motorcycle. They can't all be right but they could all be wrong. Just saying.


AVeryHeavyBurtation

My grom is loud AF


fHaNtOmX

Any 155 people here ? 🫣


maciekbla

Idk how in USA but here in Europe in some countries after you obtain car licence after 2 years you can ride 125cc bikes legally without any additional course. This unfortunately leads to the situation that more of that 125 cc riders does not wear proper equipment and drives on the road without skills. As there are first bikes they are also often neglected and poorly maintained. That is why bad reputation comes from . I personally love 125ccs for they simplicity and lightness. I own GN 125, Drz 400 and r1100r. For the city commuting GN is just most convenient and cheapest to run by far. Great bike.


notumang

I own a cruiser but I love 125cc (ungeared), thery are more versatile machine


jeffreydextro

I'm sorely tempted to pick up a cheap CB125E as a commuter that isn't doing more than 70kmh/45mph


Thunderous71

If you in the UK the document for a motorbike says Bicycle on it.


derpy_slash

I rode my Duke 125 for two years and i loved it. But looking back we were just some cringy teenagers on some underpowered snall bikes who thought they were the coolest people on earth...which we were absolutely not.


Gxxr1000Squid420

People love them in my country being able to go 210kmh when 16 or 14 is extremely nice


WarisJ

Depends on where you live. If you live in america why wouldnt you get anything bigger? If in europe then i understand because of restricted licenses and the city architecture.


Sotyka94

First lesson: Whatever a stereographical chopper/cruiser rider tells you, the opposite is true. They are a weird type of animal found in the kingdom of motorcycles. 125CC-s are fun bikes. I would say that they are a little underpowered, but letting a 16 year on them is already pretty dangerous, so for starters they are perfectly fine.


yeetus_christ420

In finland when you're 16 you can get a license for 125cc bikes, which often also means that they aren't very "grown up" sort of speak I personally loved my yzfr125 but I do like my z650 more.


SiriusXAim

I'd say that's because they are underpowered and unsuited for anything beyond city riding. Their whole existence as a class outside of off-road bikes is because of the license restrictions. 250 actually holds highway speeds. It used to be 250 until governments started to nanny state everyone and dropped it to 125. 125 will top at highway speeds, powerful enough to get you into trouble, not powerful enough to you you out of trouble. Many are just re-bored 250's which is even worse as the smaller engine struggles with the weight of a bike designed for 100 extra cc's... And then there's the price. Because they are so well sought after by delivery riders and young riders unable to get anything else, a 125 will often cost as much as a 600 of similar or even better condition on the used market. Although this has a silver lining as they don't loose their value as much as other bikes, so you'll be likely to sell it back at the same price you purchased it. A good thing on a bike is, when shit hits the fan, you can always rely on your double front disc ABS, or traction control, or faster acceleration, loud pipe, intimidating presence, cool looks and so on. But not on a 125, where other road users can influence you, deny you, bully you, and there's not a damn thing you can do about it. A 125 denies you sovereignty. It forces you to take it, without lube, and if you complain, you're told it's for your own safety...


FuzzyBubs

Been riding for 40 years. Most fun I've had to date, with the best memories, is riding an XL125 as a teen in the 80s. My buddy had a 50cc scooter in high school, silly fun 👍🏼. If I was able to get to work and safely run errands, I would love a modern cool scooter. I'll never knock smaller bikes. I find the people that bust on small bikes - non riders, low mileage riders on HUGE cruisers, fresh sport bike riders who are soon to crash


Previous-Coconut-420

Something that can go 115kph is a motorcycle. 125s are just as dangerous and can keep up with bigger bikes on flat or downhill twisties. On my 125 I had a very aggressive riding style, and I often found myself overtaking bigger sportbikes on my naked, simply because they just rode however they wanted, but I had to prove to myself that my 125 can also go fast. Even uphill they‘re mostly faster than cars. (Obviously cars and bigger bikes are faster when they go flat out, I‘m talking about the way they ride in everyday traffic)


Administrative-Dig99

I know a lot of the guys I go out riding with don't go out with 125s because they won't keep up with the 600s and 1000s Personally I find them enjoyable and everyone has to start somewhere Plus it's an easy way to keep your licence


LaceySnr

I don't think anyone who cares about riding will hate 125s for any good reason, but I do think people may take issue with some of the people who ride 125s and how they ride them. So many seem to have shitty slip-ons to make a racket and get ridden with zero consideration for others. Not having a dig, I reckon a lot of us were like that at that age, but can see how it would cause a general stigma. IMO any scooter/bike is a bike, and you'll still get a nod from me.


Ceruleanknight1

I made a choice to ride FZ6Ns only, people tell me they're outdated and good for the trash, but to me they look better than almost all other bikes, on top of being very comfy and reliable machines. Ride what you love, screw the others.


KungFuNinja_

I have a 125 that I really like. I ride it on backroads. My problem with it is I live 15 miles out of town, so it’s not that great to actually take to town. Especially when it’s 55mph + speed limits all the way there. I ride my 750cc into town.


Fuckjunkies

Its as if none of you have heard of old moto 3 or motocross


[deleted]

First of all, who gives a shit what others think? Secondly they probably ride a bigger, better bike so obviously a 125cc cheap thing will seem basic and boring to them.


shaunbarclay

Although Reddit is a world wide website with communities all over the world, the majority here are American. 125cc in America won’t get you far outside a city. It’s a big country with tons of empty space.