Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Touring on a 125cc? Would you and if so which? Touring on a 125cc? Would you and if so which?
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 Carl Parker, Always curious Tibetans, Tibet, China

Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!


Photo by Carl Parker,
Always curious Tibetans,
Tibet, China



Like Tree5Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 27 May 2008
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
Touring on a 125cc? Would you and if so which?
Now I know it's theoretically possible to tour on anything from a GS1100 to a Velosolex, but practically is a 125cc enough?

And if so, what would anyone recommend? I'm not meaning serious overland touring, here, more a pack stuff on for a five day tour in Europe, with perhaps the odd cheap hotel thrown in.

I know, I should probably go look and come back with more specific questions, but as dealerships are scattered far and wide and few have much in the way of stock, I thought I'd start simply.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 May 2008
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Unless you have a specific 125 that you love and cherish, I'm not sure why you'd want to. What is the reason? this might affect the answers!

Honda make a 125cc Varadero which might be OK.

Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 27 May 2008
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
Well Ok the main reason would be that I've inherited a spare bit of cash, have always fancied a bike of my own, instead of various borrowed bikes I've ridden over the years and don't have a full licence, so I'd have to buy a 125cc to get my err "eye in" before I could take a test and if I'm going to I may as well buy something I could vaguely tour with this summer - as I won't get a test now till October.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 27 May 2008
TDMalcolm's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: norfolk uk
Posts: 140
125 touring?
Hi I'd choose the honda 125 valadero looks and feels like a bigger bike, reliable and you sit a little higher, better views of the road and other sites almost a mini road biased gs all with Honda build quality
Tdmalcolm
PS Have a looky here....Honda Varadero XL125V Review in 125s at Review Centre
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 May 2008
farqhuar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
I've just spent a month touring China on a 125 - 7,500km in 28 days.

Eminently doable, and given Chinese road conditions, probably better than doing it on a bigger bike. You just have to accept that your touring speed will be around 70-75kmh (in China my average speed was more like 50kmh due to the road conditions).

Garry from Oz.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 May 2008
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
Oh, see now I think I'm in love
Why did you guys have to start with the Varadero?


Couldn't you have shown me something uglier and cheaper, at least to start with?

And yes it's true, without a bike licence I can't ride from one country to the next on a 125cc, although bizarrely in the EU I could ride a 125cc within the borders of any single country (Euro law, don't you love it?).

But as I'm in France I'm not too worried, there's plenty to be seen and loads of variety without ever leaving the country. I've cycle-toured in the past so I've already got a range of lightweight camping gear ready and waiting.

But if anyone would like to show me the cheaper and uglier bikes now, feel free before I'm forced to drive the 20kms to the nearest Honda dealer to kick tires and potentially shell out thousands of euros.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Last edited by Alexlebrit; 27 May 2008 at 17:51.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 May 2008
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Seems like a good enough reason!

The only problem you might have is getting insurance to cover you in europe as a learner. I have no experience of this, so it might not be a problem, but worth looking into before you get too commited, I'd say.

You could certainly tour on a 125. I've toured on a 350 Enfield which probably has the same sort of power as a modern 125, although it might have more torque which is nice for the heavy luggage. Just stay well away from dual carraigeways/motorways, which are no fun on an under powered bike.

The nice thing about a low powered bike is that it teaches you patience. You get used to pottering along with the local traffic, instead of trying to hare past it like you might do on a bigger bike.

I think one of those Varaderos might be a good bet. Alternatively you could try a Honda XR125 or a Yamaha DT/XT 125 with Andy Strapz panniers thrown over the back. Exploring the tiny little windy roads in amongst the Alps on one of those things might be real fun.

For your camping gear look to lightweight hiking and cycle touring kit and you should be able to keep the loading to a really neat minimum.

Have fun!

Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9 May 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 15
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Le...enture-Touring
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9 May 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 15
chech out my facebook page learer legal adventure touring
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 9 May 2013
DaveSmith's Avatar
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
I got a: Sorry, this page isn't available The link you followed may be broken, or the page may have been removed.
__________________
Not Ted Simon since 1970!
http://nokilli.com/rtw
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 9 May 2013
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexlebrit View Post
is a 125cc enough?
Yes 125cc are deffinitly enough even for overland trips. Specialy in Southamerican countrys 125cc bikes are very comon so if you use one of them you not only save the cost of shiping your big bike but you also dont need to carry spare parts as they are available everywere:

http://adventure-travel-experience.d...en_suedamerika
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 9 May 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 15
mines would have to be a xr 125 for ease of getting parts worldwide check out my page
www.facebook.com/learner legal adventure touring
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 10 May 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
Quote:
Originally Posted by drzgoesanywere View Post
mines would have to be a xr 125 for ease of getting parts worldwide check out my page
www.facebook.com/learner legal adventure touring
Like this one? Which I am riding from the UK to Central Asia on, currently in Tirana, Albania, a fantastic little bike as long as you avoid motorways, it is comfortable, light and giving well in excess of 100 mpg.

Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 3 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 3 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
Touring on a 125cc TobyE Which Bike? 57 4 Nov 2014 19:07
world nomads... 125cc limit scdan3 Trip Paperwork 15 23 Aug 2006 09:54
125cc take the tasks?? HippoEleben Which Bike? 20 12 May 2006 06:09
honda varadero 125cc touring? eldridge Which Bike? 3 3 Apr 2005 04:41
Insurance and Provisional Licences on 125cc in Europe? ManxScamp Which Bike? 4 29 Mar 2004 14:59

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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 07:20.

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