Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
across the Middle East on a 125? across the Middle East on a 125?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Jan 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Oxford
Posts: 3
across the Middle East on a 125?
My friend and I are planning on travelling by bike through Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. We're as yet unsure of what bikes to travel on, but we are definitely going to buy bikes when we are out there and then sell them on before we come back.

Obviously it is up in the air as to what bikes will be available to buy when we arrive, but we're looking at getting a 2 stroke for ease of repairs, and a model which is frequently seen out there so that the chances of anything going irreparably wrong are minimised.

However, we're unsure whether it would be a really bad idea going through these countries on 125s (we'll be getting one bike each). We will have equipment to carry (maybe in bags, or in panniers if we can find any) and will be travelling a fair amount every day, and so would a 125cc be able to cope with that sort of frequent engine usage and milage? As well as giving comfort and ease of riding..?

If not, are there any suggestions as to what bikes we should be looking at getting when we're there? If anyone's done anything similar to this etc..

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Jan 2010
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: N.Yorkshire
Posts: 336
why not 4 stroke, get a good one, and they don't usually go wrong. and if they do, they are simple to fix.
Are you going to be spending all your time on the road? with a 125cc, offoad with camping kit maybe too much for the engine anyway.
best off on the humble honda cg125, later ones have cdi ignition and are tough as old boots. the earlier points ones are worth using too.
Other option being the xr125?? this is the offroad ohc version, just keep the oil level up.
__________________
Harley Davidsons,
The most effective way of turning petrol into noise without the side-effect of horsepower
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Jan 2010
JHMM's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Cape Town - South Africa
Posts: 114
I am in agreement the 125cc four stroke will probually be more reliable and economical in regards to fuel.
Although having said that, the two stroke will have more power, equals more fun.
__________________
To those who say it can't be done - stand aside for those who are already doing it.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Jan 2010
ozhanu's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Izmir, Turkiye
Posts: 794
i dont think you can buy bike in the countries mentioned. for example you cant buy a bike or car in turkiye if you are not officially resident. other point is, if you hire a bike and go around with it, i am not sure if you could cross the borders in the middle east with a bike which is not registered in your name.

i dont know what passport are you holding, but, if you are holding eu passport you can buy a bike in greece and go to turkiye then syria from there and then lebenon and jordan.
__________________
ozhan u.
website under construction
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 20 Jan 2010
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: England
Posts: 277
I second what Joe said.

We rode that route in July, two up on a CG125 1982 model, and had no problems. The heat got to the bike a little bit, as we were pretty overloaded, but we would just rest for a while when it felt like it was overheating.

Most of the bikes in Turkey, Syria and Jordan are just copies of the Cg anyway, so they are very easy to get fixed if anything goes wrong.

It's the way forward.

As for panniers, Oxford First Times are great for a 125, tough and you can pick them up on ebay for less than thirty quid.

Birdy
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 20 Jan 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Oxford
Posts: 3
ok awesome, so if we were to get 125s then it would really be a problem? they're probably more common out there anyway, and as regards to buying one - it must be possible to just buy one privately rather than going to some sort of motorbike store?

would it actually be better to do the route on a 125, or should that just be considered a 'good enough alternative' if more powerful bikes aren't up for sale anywhere?

cheers
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
middle east and east africa, help needed desmo666 Route Planning 5 8 Nov 2008 20:24
Middle East insurance botty Trip Paperwork 2 26 Jun 2008 10:56
Ride through the middle east brettsyoung Travellers Seeking Travellers 2 26 Jan 2006 12:16
The Middle East!!!! Tony Robson Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 2 3 Sep 2005 17:16
First timer to the Middle East sam_wilkins Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 9 11 Feb 2005 20:18

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 14:32.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top