I wonder if a lightweight motorbike like a Suzuki 150 cc would survive a overland trip between a couple of countries in the middle east. Say if the continuous daily distance undertaken is less than 350 kilometers per day.

There's a great ride report on ADV from 2 Indian guys on 150cc bikes up in the Himilayas.
FreeBird Goes .... @18,634ft - The highest so far - ADVrider

So, yes 150cc is enough to go anywhere it would seem !

As well as my XT600 I have a Yamaha Tricker 250 which is a fun bike to ride and with a dry weight of 118kg, is very lightweight and easy to handle. Unfortunately, for long distances, the 6 litre fuel tank would let you down.

Derbi has just brought out the Terra Adventure 125 which looks an interesting bike and at 117kg dry weight with an 11 litre tank, it would get you a lot further. I'd like to see one in the flesh, but here's the technical specs:

Derbi - Terra Adventure 125

Hey, if someone wants to sponsor me a one of those bikes, plus costs I will volunteer to see if i can make it the long way round on one!

they look cool........ maybe a little underpowered sometimes i bet, but for a short, young or small lady rider i bet they are the answer to many prayers.

21" rear wheel & 17" front thats different ? LOL

i think thats a typo Kev............well i hope so, or its gonna handle like a goldwing on ice!

That looks like a sweet little bike. Who makes the engine on those ? What are they like relability etc. Any idea how much they cost ?
Looks like a mini Tenere and the other one looks like a mini GS
The way the fuel costs are going here in the UK these kind of bikes might have to suffice.

If you look at the pics of the Adventurer, you can see that the 17" is on the back and the 21" is on the front - same as the XT600's.

Derbi are produced by Nacional Motor S.A.U which are a subsidiary of Piaggio & Co. SpA. Much of the manufacturing ethos of Spain is about functionality and reliability rather than looks, so I would guess most of their bikes are reliable. There's a lot of Derbi bikes around in Spain so they can't be that bad.

I can't find a price for the Adventurer, but the Terra 125 is priced at 3,699 euros, so I guess the Adventurer would be about the same. I think it would look much better with MM's on rather than TT's tho .

Forgot to say also that the Derbi Terra 125 (which has the same lines at the GS) won the Junior category - bikes up to 200cc - at the sixth Motorcycle Design Award 2006.

simon gandolfi

Check this blog of Simon's. He has ridden all the way down South America, and is now on his way back up, on a Honda Cargo (CG125 to the rest of us). There is another couple who rode lots of east Africa and Middle East to India and Nepal in Suzuki TF125 farm bikes.
Not only possible, but some say a very good way to do it. We are planning a similar overland trip on new model TS185 Suzukis.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription

Hi, I bought my Honda 125 new in Veracruz, Mexico. Being a pensioner, I wanted low runnig costs and a bike that had the minimum of complications that could go wrong. So no electric start! I road south to Tierra del Fuego and had three punctures, no other problems. Riding out of Tierra del Fuego I got hit up the backside by a truck which broke my leg and smashed the rear end of the bike. I trucked the bike to Dakar Motos in Bs As. Havier at Dakar Motos asked me not to tell people what the rebuild cost. I can tell you that it cost less than shipping a couple of parts for a BMW in from where ever! I have arrived in Manaus by boat from Porto Velho. Loading a small bike costs next to nothing. Loading a big bike is a major hassle. Fianally I am 74. I couldn't hold a big bike upright - particularly now that I am lame in one leg thanks to the Argentine truck driver! My next trip I would prefer a little more power. Say a 200 - that is if I am facing winds as in Patagonia or mountains. Bolivia, we (Honda and I) reached an altitude of 4700 meters. Being a fat old man, I would also enjoy a BIGGER seat! Am off to Honda factory today in hope of the seat. You know? One of those plush banker's loungers...
The whole trip is on my BLOG at home
Take care,
simon

I thank Simon Gandolfi for encouraging my first long distant trip. His vast experience and specially on a 125 CC is a source of inspiration for someone who does not want to go for a very heavy bike for such a journey.

Cannot speak highly enough about Simon and his little girl. He rode up with the tips of his crutchs riding in a cut up plastic oil bottle while we where off our bikes on the side of the road here in Costa Rica. He made me even re-think my 400. Small and light has always been the way.

Cannot wait to be back on a bike with a motor, welp still pedaling north back to the states.

take care
EW

Oh Simon, Happy Birhtday

Not sure about all the countries, but at least in Syria, Lebanon, Iran and all over africa, Chinese built Honda CB 125 copies a la yonda or dragon are all over the place and cheap to buy locally. They should get you around, and spares and know how are available everywhere. They shift upside down though...

;-)

Please bear in mind, the quality is NOT honda, the bolts, nuts, fastners are made of something that LOOKS like metal but in all probability is not!
heaven only knows what the bearings are made of!

martyn