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  #1  
Old 27 Feb 2010
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If the bike works, I say don't pull it apart. A thorough service, however, would be a good idea: checking the valves, changing the oil and filter, the plug, checking the brakes and chain/sprockets.

I would love to know how to fix my bike through-out but, realistically, knowing how to service you bike would be more useful. Ad hoc jobs like replacing the chain and sprocket, taking a wheel off and then the tyre, etc; these are the kinds of tasks that would be most useful to you. After that you can find a local mechanic to help out.

You can get a Haynes manual for your bike, or the generic Haynes Basic guide to MC mechanics, or just look here.
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  #2  
Old 27 Feb 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Warthog View Post
If the bike works, I say don't pull it apart. A thorough service, however, would be a good idea: checking the valves, changing the oil and filter, the plug, checking the brakes and chain/sprockets.

I would love to know how to fix my bike through-out but, realistically, knowing how to service you bike would be more useful. Ad hoc jobs like replacing the chain and sprocket, taking a wheel off and then the tyre, etc; these are the kinds of tasks that would be most useful to you. After that you can find a local mechanic to help out.

You can get a Haynes manual for your bike, or the generic Haynes Basic guide to MC mechanics, or just look here.
Got to agree, just change the oil every 1000miles and you 'should' have no problems, the CG is a very reliable bike.
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  #3  
Old 28 Feb 2010
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Yeh, thats pretty much what i ahve been doing - can service all the basic stuff but thought it wouldnt be too hard to work out how to put a cg125 together and how it works, though thinking about it, thats probably a very bad idea.
the bike is 9 years old and has 40k miles - hopefully it wont break to seriosuly though - will it be realitvely easy to get it fixed / get parts for it in Eastern EU (slovenia / romania / Ukraine) - looked in russia and am pretty sure their not sold there...
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  #4  
Old 28 Feb 2010
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Originally Posted by Rob21 View Post
Yeh, thats pretty much what i ahve been doing - can service all the basic stuff but thought it wouldnt be too hard to work out how to put a cg125 together and how it works, though thinking about it, thats probably a very bad idea.
the bike is 9 years old and has 40k miles - hopefully it wont break to seriosuly though - will it be realitvely easy to get it fixed / get parts for it in Eastern EU (slovenia / romania / Ukraine) - looked in russia and am pretty sure their not sold there...
If it runs well, doesn't use any oil and doesn't smoke, rattle or knock, just do a service, check the brakes and put on a new C & S - you're unlikely to have any trouble; make sure you can fix a flat you're away.
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  #5  
Old 28 Feb 2010
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Only other thing would be handy to be able to do the fork seals..... In fact not a bad idea to have a go & replace them now with new fork oil & personally I'd also fit some fork gaitors at the same time to preserve them, as the seals will take a hammering on poor roads, dirt & dust and with a heavy load (all your gear).

Other than that, the Honda 125 has goota be THE most reliable bike on the planet (2nd to the C90) !!!! Good luck.
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  #6  
Old 28 Feb 2010
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Like the guys said above ,
fork seals ,
Renew brake pads and brake linings ,take spares for front brake.
check wheel bearings ,take spares .
Renew headstock bearings ,
Check swing arm bearings ,
Replace clutch and throttle cables ,take spares .
Take spare clutch and brake levers .
Set out with new tyres .
Know how to fix flat tyres and take equipment to do so .
New chain and sprockets .
If engine is working well service it ,but otherwise ,leave well alone .[Mr Honda does not like tinkerers !]
Fit new battery .
Get a small multimeter ,learn how to use it so that you can diagnose simple electrical problems .

If you do all the above you will learn lots about your bike and will be able to do simple road side fixes .

Enjoy the ride !
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  #7  
Old 28 Feb 2010
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Hi cheers for the nice list Dodger. I think i will find out how to do those things and from what ive read replacing pads + fork seals + clutch isnt too tricky and is good to learn how the bike works.

But is really necessary to take spares - plan is to travel light (ie. a 45 litre top box + lightweight tent+ sleeping bag) - surely if things go wrong will be able to get them somewhere??
Ive seen pictures of people taking tyres as spares etc. what would be bare minimum - would i get away with taking a spare tube for front + rear tyre and thats it??
cheers,
Rob

p.s. on a seperate note about the bike - what kind of upgrades should i do before the journey. Was going to just make suspionsion a little stiffer so its not so pogo stickiesh but more importantly for long distance riding what comfy things would people recommend???
was going to have a go at some point making wind covers for the handlebars - possibly out of milk plastic cartons as i heard someone managed to do...???
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