Thanks for the Honda CRF250L recommendation MJH but, as always it comes down to money. I don't doubt that it's the best option, but then at twice the price of the Chinese bikes I'd certainly hope so. I have given the Honda serious consideration already since reading a review of it a couple of months ago in the bike magazines, but for almost £4k for a 250 it's not worth it to me. I was about to say I'd stetch to £5400 for a BMW G650GS but just checked their website and they're now up to nearly £6400! Yeah, I'm sure John Banks know what they're about, but then the same could be argued for any main dealer selling Honda bikes - the Chinese have a LONG way to go before they can compete with that.

Zorge, you know far more British manufacturers than I do, but (and I might well be wrong), most of these ones you mention ceased producing bikes donkey's years ago. Vast majority of bikes in the UK now are the big 4 Japs, Triumph (can't believe you ommitted them!), a bit of Italian and some German thrown in for good measure. I know a 125 isn't exactly in Ducati Pannigale territory but as far as I'm concerned it's just as fast and fun from point A to B on my commute - squeezing through traffic jams. Maybe in a year when I've moved house and job I'll go for something bigger, but at present it's down to cost and the 125's what I want.

I'm assuming you guys must have a Chinese moto to be on here so spill the beans... would I love it, or are Chinese bikes going to give me headaches?