Well I can't disagree with that - it's a phrase I've used myself a number of times in replies here.

The thing is though, as well as the 125 I also have a number of other bikes from 400 to 1000cc, including two 600 single trailies, so when I decide to go anywhere on the 125 it's from choice, not necessity. I know the strengths and weaknesses of all of them; what they're good at and what they're not. The 125 is very light (85kg), more comfortable (really) and more relaxing to ride (really) than the 400 for example. Unless you're going down the motorway or hammering the 400 it's not actually that much slower. It also passes unnoticed almost anywhere - nobody gives it a second glance and you can leave it places I wouldn't dare leave the larger bikes. On a long(ish) trip those qualities matter. I've done enough trips in the past where I've worried myself silly overnight whether the bike will still be there in the morning.

Don't get me wrong though, I'm not some sort of born again 125 messiah. There are times when it's totally the wrong bike (unless you really are on some sort of publicity trail) - two up, in the mountains, when you need to get somewhere quickly or look like a gnarly, tough biker dude () etc but with speed limits and stuff in the real world it's probably 80% as good as the 400.

I have a feeling you'll still dismiss them as some sort of unterbike though!