Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
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 17 Jul 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
Which 125cc

My son is 17 year old. He's been riding his Rieju 50cc (now 70cc) trail bike for a few years now and is keen to move onto a 125cc (less than 33bhp) bike and do some more off roading. We have a TY125 which we could gear up but the other problem is that he is 190cm(6'3") tall and the TY is a bit small. He will need to use the bike for transport. We're not opposed to something old - I seem to remember Aprilias of the early 90's were quite tall and quite good off road but I would prefer a 4 stroke.

I may even get one myself.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Jul 2010
stuxtttr's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lutterworth,Midlands, UK
Posts: 574
hey how about the honda varadero 125,

its a 125 parallel twin I think so it has good power for a small engine

also it looks just like a big bike so should suit his size.

you could always fit knobbly tyres for adventure fun
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Jul 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: York, UK
Posts: 24
Not a 4 stroke, but I had a KMX 125 which was great and with a couple of mods pulled better han th e old 86 CR 125 I had at the time - downside would be it's physically quite a small bike.

The other one I'd look at isthe old KTM LC2 I think it was - this had the DT125R engine in it (with the electronic powervalve I think) and was a bit more trail orintated than the DT (but again a two stroke)

I'd love another bike and am seriously considering getting a 125 again (I'm 28, CBT ran out years ago and stupidly never got round to taking a proper test so have been bikeless for a long while).

I did have atest ride on an older (late 90's ) XL 125 R - nice bike but very leisurely compared to a two banger.

Trying to talk SWMBO around but getting nowhere.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Jul 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Normandy,France
Posts: 39
Honda xr125
I bought my girlfriend one 3 years ago to get her through her test, she did a load of miles on it with no problems. It was a nice tall bike and even felt as though it had a bit of presence on the road when I took it for its mot!
I think it was on an 04 plate, bought for £475 needing a tidy and sold for £875
3 months later!
Highly recommend
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Jul 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
Thanks for the replies and suggestions.

We've just discovered that it's not a 125cc restriction (that only applies from 16 to 18 years of age) but when he passes the test at 18 (next January) he can then ride anything under 34 horsepower (or a power to weight ratio of less than 0.16kW/kg)

Any suggestion as to a good off road bike that's road legal with under 34 hp. - DRZ400S for example??
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
Touring on a 125cc TobyE Which Bike? 57 4 Nov 2014 20:07
Touring on a 125cc? Would you and if so which? Alexlebrit Which Bike? 52 19 Mar 2014 01:46
Looking for 125cc Mates in Europe! DoctoreT Travellers Seeking Travellers 19 10 Feb 2010 14:13
scotland on a 125cc tommysmithfromleeds Europe 34 11 Jul 2008 22:31
125cc take the tasks?? HippoEleben Which Bike? 20 12 May 2006 07:09

 
 

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. 11-14
  • 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!

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 14:42.