Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Oct 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: london
Posts: 66
Using small cc bikes for touring

I have posted elsewhere about going to Europe but i want to ask a different question.
I have heard folks have done Europe on all sizes of bikes......however i have been offered a brand new unregistered 200cc Chinese bike. It obviously wont do massive speeds but I'm happy about that.
I have searched this forum for folks driving in Europe on small cc bikes and not found anyone using one..so does any one know if they have.
i will be riding solo and with some luggage
Alternately does anyone have experience of riding one of these bikes long distance?
thanks folk for your time
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Mumbai, India
Posts: 188
You could talk to somebody who went RTW on a 110 cc 14bhp two stroke, *2 up*

That would be andy atsign indiabikes D O T com.

It wasn't very comfortable, but he did it.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldsomeman View Post
I have posted elsewhere about going to Europe but i want to ask a different question.
I have heard folks have done Europe on all sizes of bikes......however i have been offered a brand new unregistered 200cc Chinese bike. It obviously wont do massive speeds but I'm happy about that.
I have searched this forum for folks driving in Europe on small cc bikes and not found anyone using one..so does any one know if they have.
i will be riding solo and with some luggage
Alternately does anyone have experience of riding one of these bikes long distance?
thanks folk for your time
If I recall correctly, there is some discussion about the merits of riding small capacity bikes in this thread:-

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ighlight=250cc

Apart from that, the subject does tend to come up occasionally in the context of developing countries, where smaller sized engines are commonplace and a "big bike" is not.
Of course, in days gone by here in the UK and elsewhere, a 250cc bike was quite usual and a 500cc was a massive bike - engines have got increasingly bigger, perhaps as Motorways have been developed and average speeds that can be achieved have increased vastly. The same goes for cars and every other form of mechanical transport.
So, what's the point? - well, it is quite possible to use a 200/250cc bike in Europe, but you would not want to use it in the most common way of making distance as quickly as possible: riding motorways - stick to the byways of any country and be prepared to take your time and enjoy the views.

Have a look at posts made by Simon Gandolfi - he is riding a Honda 125cc all across South America - slow and steady perhaps, but he is getting there and he has done it in one direction already.
There is someone else on here making random attempts at RTW on a 250cc Ducati - apologies, I can't remember who right now!!
There again, there are a few in these forums who ride Honda C90s - again, do a search in here.

Summary: no problem in riding a 250cc anywhere in Europe and, IMO, it would be very satisfying.
__________________
Dave

Last edited by Walkabout; 21 Oct 2007 at 11:04. Reason: Spelling!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Oct 2007
ozhanu's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Izmir, Turkiye
Posts: 794
200 cc is ok but the concern should be where it has made.. chines.. i had 110cc chinese bike some years ago and they are definately not reliable. so take extra care and think twice before you go..

best of luck..
__________________
ozhan u.
website under construction
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Oct 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: london
Posts: 66
thanks for the reply

I will follow those theads up....but the comment on the bike make worries me.....'ve never owned one,,,,,,having in th past only ever ridden big British bikes(of the old kind ll)
i can get this new one tomorrow but wont be riding it out of country til next year...maybe i should just buy and try!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 21 Oct 2007
mustaphapint's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Brittany, France
Posts: 401
I can't comment on all Chinese bikes, but most of them do seem very similiar as though all the different manufacturers source their components from mostly the same places.
The 125cc Jinlun my daughter has, had a few minor problems when it was new. Many of the fasteners kept coming loose and some of them were made from soft material. Once they were replaced and a couple of other teething problems sorted out it has become very trouble free and reliable. It was used for a daily commute and covered around 8,000 k in about 12 months.
It has toured in France and consistently cruised at 60/65 mph on our motorways.
I'd want to change the chain for a better quality item if it were going on along trip, but other than that I'd set off tomorrow on it.
__________________
If you think you are too small to make a difference you have never spent the night with a mosquito.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 21 Oct 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Loudonville, Ohio USA
Posts: 4
200cc trip

Hi,
Last year on my trike trip to Alaska from Ohio I met a 75 year old man that left the southern tip of South America on March 1. We met in the middle of July at Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. He was riding a 200cc Yamaha dirt bike and had it loaded down with camping gear. He has heading for the Artic Circle and Prudoe Bay. Top speed was about 50 mph. but he said he was usually going 35 mph or less. A lot less up some of the mountains. Had some difficulty at times because of faster traffic being held up in no passing zones and getting some people pretty irrate at him. He said he usually pulled over often to let the pass.
Had some pretty good tales of his trip. To slow for me though, plus the time factor.
Good luck on your trip,

George
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 21 Oct 2007
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Thumbs up Not forgetting Louis!

Lois rode from one end of the Americas to the other of 225cc Yamaha and wrote a very good book about it, "Lois On The Loose" which is also her website, so google it and buy the book, cracking read.

Small bikes are fun. We have our big trip planned out on Suzuki TS185ERs.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

"Ride Tall, Ride Small"
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Oct 2007
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: N.Yorkshire
Posts: 336
the problem I'm concerned with is the poor quality materials, not the engine capacity. we race small capacity singles, and the market is flooded with the chinese clone engines. they have done a good job of faithfully copying the japanese designs, but the materials seem to be nothing like as good.
The engines have a habit of wearing badly and the gears quite regularly are stripped of teeth. the selectors also have issues.
Of course, any bike is better than no bike, and If carefully run in, the oil consumption will be greatly reduced. plating on fastners etc will be corroded through in no time.
But I personally think small cc is the way to go, unless you are planning on tearing down autobahns, and missing out on the scenery!
__________________
Harley Davidsons,
The most effective way of turning petrol into noise without the side-effect of horsepower
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 21 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Denmark
Posts: 166
Not a good idea

I would not take the Chinese bike for all the above reasons, particularly reliability and spare parts.

If you have the rescourses to buy a new chinese bike then you can afford a good condition small cc bike. It does not need to be new, just in good condition. Stories of people RTW ing and continent riding on small cc bikes and scooters are commonplace. My friend is riding from Bejing to Paris on a cycle at the moment so a 200cc bike is good enough.

Forget the new shiney chinese junk and buy a Honda, Yamaha or the like.

Just keep off the motorways when you get it.

Steve
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 21 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Denmark
Posts: 166
Just found this

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/hutchinson

I just found this link on here.

This may give you inspiration.

Steve
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 21 Oct 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: london
Posts: 66
Still saying thanks for your comments

Thanks folks for your concern
I must admit the quality problem i have heard before.......what would i have probably to replace before touring........and dam ive forgotten the name of the machine..but its 200cc and not even registered yet,mans got fed up assembling it!
I was told the tyres might need changing.
Alternatively which bike/model might you recommend?

When I was younger I traveled all over Britain on an old BSA C11
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 21 Oct 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: California
Posts: 92
Chinese Bike

A Chinese bike - I would not go anywhere near it for all the reasons mentioned above.

Power, accerelation, braking and agility are your friends. On the country roads, scenic by-ways and highways, I always feel much safer on a bigger bike than smaller bike. A 650cc is a versatile size for many, many travelers.

IMHO, I do not see the allure in traveling on such a small bike. Putting along, loaded down, not being seen, ignored, squeezed, and blown pass, day after day just does not cut it (for me). I beleive one is safer on bigger bike.

If you decided on a small bike - by all means go have a great time but avoid the Chinese junk.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 21 Oct 2007
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: N.Yorkshire
Posts: 336
I agree about small capacity bikes being "squeezed", it can be a serious issue if you intend to travel on major routes (sometimes the only option in winter). motorways can be traumatic and dangerous.
but if time isn't the most important thing, stick to the minor roads, avoid the long boring arterial routes, you see so much more!
I have had much more positive responses on the c90 than on my zrx1100, people are amazed a 90 will cross europe, obviously they are capable of RTW in the right hands.
So long as you accept the limitations, you can have a damn good time on a sub 250cc bike, and laugh all the way to the bank if paying european fuel prices.
Travel light (good idea on any bike), use a well known machine (c90/cg125/ts185/cb250/ etc) start off with a low mileage good machine, not a high mileage minter, and change the oil every 1500 miles, or use a total loss oil system (worn rings ahem) and enjoy the view.
Small bikes seem to "bounce" better when dropped, simple to fix and are easier to pick up without having to unload the luggage. Tyres are cheaper (£16 quid each) and my c90 will p*ss all over a 1200gs off road.....
__________________
Harley Davidsons,
The most effective way of turning petrol into noise without the side-effect of horsepower
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 22 Oct 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 49
Small bikes are better

www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/robbo

I had a little Honda XR BAja 250cc that I travelled from London to South Africa with along the West African route and having a smaller bike was fantastic! We met alot of other riders along the way that wished they had a smaller bike. (this depends on what type of roads you take, we mainly took dirt roads, style of travelling - long or short journey)

Advantages
Very econimcal on fuel compared to other bikes
easy on tyres
can pick up on your own if you do drop it
easier to ride on sand and gravel

Disadvantages
limited to your carrying abilities
slower on the highways and major roads so could be more dangerous
security of bike


We also met many others along the way with smaller cc bikes and scooter
* Three French people travelled on 125cc Piaggio Vespa from France to Burkina FAso. www.vespafreaka.com
* we even met a German guy on a Saxy 45cc but I don't have his website

I think whatever bike you go for, it's the adventure along the way that you'll enjoy
Amy

Last edited by amybaja; 22 Oct 2007 at 04:12.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
shipping bikes Panama to Colombia chrisandlori Trip Transport 21 8 Mar 2017 18:36
Leaving Bikes in Mexico Normanmags Central America and Mexico 4 12 Oct 2005 02:08
Two bikes in one crate customs problem? Dirk Taalman Trip Transport 1 14 May 2005 19:03
Two bikes in one crate customs problem? Dirk Taalman South America 4 12 May 2005 21:55

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:43.