Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: first time bike, classic bikes, paint quality

Question
hey,

I know this is a little out of the usual questions you get asked but i was wondering if you can help me on a few things.
in 24, have a driving license and have been a named driver for seven years now but want my own mode of transport.

I'm looking for a starter bike, just a cheap, safe and preferably reliable 125 to get started on while i go through my cbt and that.
can you recommend a good bike, and if the likely total costs would be lower than on a car. the key thing for me is that the bike be as safely cheap as possible.

thanks

Answer
Hi Sam, sorry for the delay in answering your question.
First bikes are always a matter of personal choice but I would suggest that you find a friendly local dealer who won't mind you sitting on a few bikes to try them for size. I would recommend that any bike of 125cc will be fine but make sure that you feel comfortable with it and that you can support the bike safely and comfortably at a standstill.
I've always found the Hondas to be excellent starter bikes, the CG125 was a standard in riding schools for years. I would avoid these new Chinese copies of the classic bikes. The build quality doesn't seem to be very high although they do look good.
I've also noticed that many bike makers now seem to have lost the build/paint quality in places so make sure to check the quality of the paintwork.
I hope this helps, good luck.