Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Best 125cc in South America? Best 125cc in South America?
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 13 Nov 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 679
Best 125cc in South America?
Hi all,

Just wondering -- what is the HUBB's advice with regarding to buying the best 125cc? I would hopefully be buying new in Santiago de Chile.

I was looking at the Honda CGL PRO 125cc, for a nice 799.000, but the Honda CL 150 (999.000) also caught my eye. Would this be worth the extra 200.000 Peso?

Any advice would be great as I'm not too well up on motorcycles. Someone told me that I should get Fuel Injection if I want to head up into Bolivar, which I do.

Cheers!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Nov 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 679
Quote:
Originally Posted by way.of.life View Post
A friend of me was very happy with the Honda CGL 125 so im going to buy it as well when i start my trip next year: Ａｄｖｅｎｔ&# xff55;ｒｅ motorbike trip around Latin America - Chile and Argentina
I don't think you can go much wrong with the 125 but quite a few people say it struggles a lot in higher altitudes. I wonder if the extra 25cc would make much of a difference.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Nov 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by ridetheworld View Post
I wonder if the extra 25cc would make much of a difference.
It's not the 25cc that makes a difference but the fuel injection that you mention in your OP; FI copes well with altitude, while carburettors are "fiddly" if they are to work correctly as the air density decreases.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Nov 2013
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
Talking
I have two comments:

- pay the money to get a 125cc from one of the Big Four Japanese companies. You can get the trip done on a cheaper Chinese knock-off, but there have been plenty of tales of woe posted here where the rider would have been better off with the Japanese name brands.

- three models of 125 keep cropping up over and over in the trip reports: Honda CG125, Suzuki GN125, and Yamaha YBR125. I don't think you can go wrong with one of these bikes.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Nov 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Aussie riding South America
Posts: 75
We're also looking at the Honda XR125. Costs a bit more, but physically larger (if you're tall) and full size wheels.

Should be able to hold more, be more comfortable (subjective) and certainly be better off-road (larger wheels, more suspension travel, easier to stand up on etc).

We're flying in to Santiago over Christmas; will post up how we go!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Nov 2013
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
Please do keep us up-to-date. I know that I have vague plans to do something very similar in South America, someday...
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Dec 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 679
Can anyone with technical knowledge tell me if it is a relatively easy/cheap proceedure to change from a carb to fuel injection on a cheap bike like a Honda CGL 125?

Thanks,

R.T.W.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Dec 2013
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
Essentially, no, it would not be a cheap or easy upgrade.
If you are on a tight budget, I think you'll have to get a carbed bike and simply live with any shortcomings.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 1 Dec 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
The XR125 is an excellent choice, I used one this year and it has the same engine as the CG125 in a trail bike chassis, I have just bought another.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 1 Dec 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 679
Quote:
Originally Posted by brclarke View Post
Essentially, no, it would not be a cheap or easy upgrade.
If you are on a tight budget, I think you'll have to get a carbed bike and simply live with any shortcomings.
Bruce,

Did you use the CGL to tour on? Budget is a concern for me and the Honda looks very attractive for its low-price. Would you have gone for something like the X125, a Yahama YRB 125, or a Honda Cargo 150, given the choice? Aside from the poor performance in high-alt terrain, would you agree the benefits (i.e. small, lightweight, very cheap, economical etc,) outweigh its limitations?

Also, to anyone who knows (apart from Indian Royal Enfields I don't know much about bikes I'm afraid!); when looking at say the Yamaha YBR 125G, or the Honda Cargo 150, etc, is the price difference really going to make a big difference in terms of features for an overlander? Are you basically paying for a solid engine, high quality engineering (i.e. with Honda, Yam, Suz), while the price differences are just for extra bells and whistles?

I can easily stretch my budget an extra few hundred quid, but then that money could of course be spent on better camping equipment or the odd private room in a hostel/hotel to recharge... Any advice welcome

Thanks,

R.T.W.
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
South America Tour, buy the bike ? how ? rebel rider South America 9 14 Mar 2014 04:08
Ongoing blogs in South America scooper South America 79 26 Aug 2013 15:18
South america by boat from Europe 01/2013 Yannis Travellers Seeking Travellers 2 18 Oct 2012 19:45
Winter in South America 2012-2013 nanagosa4 Travellers Seeking Travellers 22 4 Aug 2012 15:26
My Top Rides of South America ReeceNZ South America 4 30 Jun 2012 15:42

 
 

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. 11-15
  • 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 11:37.

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