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Touring on a 125cc Touring on a 125cc
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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



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  #1  
Old 8 Jun 2007
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Touring on a 125cc
What are people's opinions on touring on a 125cc bike such as the Yamaha XT125R or the Honda XR125?

I don't mind taking it slow, am planning to travel with light packing and to avoid motorways as much as I can. Where possible, I'd like to opt for the smaller and hopefully more scenic roads.

For my first trip I would like to travel up from London to the south west coast of Sweden.

What do you think? Is this potentially a totally enjoyable trip or something to be avoided on a 125cc?!

Best,
Toby
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  #2  
Old 8 Jun 2007
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Nothing against the concept. You'll need to get a rack or something made up to carry luggage.

My XR400 is hardly a high-speed cruiser and is best at speeds of 50-55 mph. The XR125 will be slower so, as you say, choose scenic routes. Though I am not sure I would describe the overland route to Sweden via Belgium, the Ruhr and the north German plain as particularly scenic.

Tim
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  #3  
Old 8 Jun 2007
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It's just a matter of Zen
I once saw a Swiss registered Honda Sports style 125 in Fort William and I don't think he freighted it to Scotland to ride while he was there (it looked as though it had been riden all the way). I would also guess that a modern 125 has got similar power to the BSA M20 my late father and others used to tour in the years after WW2 - it has much more power than a pedal cycle, and people tour on them.

As long as you don't expect to do too many 500 mile days on motorways , I say go for it. At 125cc speeds you'll see more than most people do and won't be worried about speed limits.

All you need is to be sure you have the right (patient) attitude.
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Old 8 Jun 2007
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People tour on Honda 90s and Enfields (350s but probably without significantly more pep than a 125cc) so I don't see why not. Have you seen those itty bitty Varaderos? They have a bit more weather protection than a dirt bike and being essentially a teeny version of the big Varedero might be quite comfy for the long hall?

Matt
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*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!
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Old 8 Jun 2007
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Toby,
There were a couple of Honda 125s at the HU meet in Derbys about 3 years ago which had just arrived from Oz, and the bikes looked like it!!

As others say here, take your time with a bike that is not overloaded and the bike should get to anywhere.

Dave
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Old 8 Jun 2007
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Smile
Ta-daa!

Honda Varadero 125 : 2007 Model Year

Not bloomin' cheap though!

Although I expect second hand they'll be OK.

Matt
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*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!
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Old 8 Jun 2007
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Yeah, go for it. Just know the limitations. More an adventure than on a megga tourer. Enjoy the ride.
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Old 8 Jun 2007
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Wink 125CC is big enough
Hey Toby,
You will find this relevant and interesting:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...e-tasks-5182-2

Dave
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Old 9 Jun 2007
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I just love treads like these..
it shows you don't need big bucks (and bikes) to see the world

but a 125 with load raises some safety questions when cars speeding along with 150+hp
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  #10  
Old 9 Jun 2007
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Switzerland to Spain on a DT125
i was riding with my 13 year old DT125 last autumn from the north of Switzerland via Italy, France to Spain and back during two weeks.

No problems at all beside tensioning the chain and filling in loads of 2 stroke oil and many stops for refueling (~150km range)

conclusion: i would do it again.

Lois on the Loose went thru the americas on a XT225 Serow, so there should be no problem touring around europe on a 125
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  #11  
Old 9 Jun 2007
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If you can live within the limits of a bikes capabilities you will be happy with it. Being content is a state of mind. It may not seem like much but will be the difference between enjoying something or being disappointed with it. I make great use of teh French D road system. Often I can go miles and not see another vehicle. It is better than biking in teh UK in the early sixties. In those days I went all over southern UK ona Tiger cub, poodling along at about 45mph
Last edited by oldbmw; 9 Jun 2007 at 22:47.
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  #12  
Old 9 Jun 2007
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Building on what oldbmw said, I would also like to think that a good and enjoyable travel experience has a lot to do with your state of mind, and that there will always be positive and negative aspects (albeit different ones) regardless of what sort of bike you decide to travel on.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Cartney: Honda Varadero 125 : 2007 Model Year
I really like the Varadero, but in my mind I see myself with something that is a little bit more suitable on smaller roads, even with some off-road capabilities. Very impressive 125cc bike though!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout: You will find this relevant and interesting:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...e-tasks-5182-2
Thanks for that link, Dave - very relevant. Guess I should learn to use the search function a bit better!

Thanks for all the great comments everyone.
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  #13  
Old 10 Jun 2007
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Lois on the Loose - Packed and Ready to Go
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  #14  
Old 10 Jun 2007
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A local NZ bike mag (Kiwi Rider) had a story recently of a NZ university student who sent his Yamaha Jog 50 to Spain and made it to Norway in about 2 weeks. He had a ball. The biggest problem he had was in countries where he couldn't ride on main roads by law. I think in The Netherlands he had to use bicycle routes.

Regards

Nigel in NZ
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  #15  
Old 10 Jun 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris of Motocross Africa: Welcome to Moto-cross Africa
Great website, Chris. I like the Andy Strapz soft panniers you chose for the bike, will look at these myself.
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