I think you are spot on with your idea's. Having done similar use on an 18HP Bullet in West Yorks, you are right about really needing a true 60 mph bike to go with the traffic flow out of town. I don't think the 125's are going to do this. HP wise I'd say you need something in the 23-30 range which will push you over 250cc. My current "hack" is a 23 HP 300cc MZ but that's just silly
I wouldn't discount bikes on capacity though. I had a BMW F650 (48HP) that regularly turned in 70+ mpg, an XT600E that was similar and my dad had a Kawasaki ER-5 (30HP 500) that would do over 100 to the gallon. A 500 or 650 kept to the speed limit can give the performance you want and may be easier to get hold of than 400's. The downside is a little extra on the insurance, although I bet 400cc trail bikes are harder to cover than a commuter like the ER.
Good Luck,
Andy
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