The search continues...

[madmanmartypro]

Ok, so unfortunately i WILL have to comply with the new rules coming in next year :'( but im seeing this as a challenge, can i tour on a 125?
I think it would be possible and fun (when is touring ever not fun?!) so, i need suggestions for a 125 suitable for long distance trips with comfort, good tank range, possibility for luggage but still fun to ride!
Im open to any suggestions so shoot!

 

[Neilisin]

Simon Gandolfi (an old fella I met a few years ago) rode the Americas on a Honda CG(?) 125... he's a hilarious guy, and even though he's now in his 80s he write a quite witty story... even if a little depressing at times.


Old Men Can't Wait by Simon Gandolfi(London Bikers)

 

[senthx]

I was at a book talk with Simon Gandolfi, Paddy Tyson, and some bloke whos'e name escapes me now.

As long as you are not too tall, I recommend a Suzuki Van Van 125cc. My wife rode hers from Bedford to Galloway and back, no problems, and came back in one day.

 

[codewahn]

if its in your budget illd say get a honda varadero but they cost around 3k. they do look nice and apparently they are quick would love one myself but over my budget

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

 

[BiGFooTy2k]

Varaderos are sturdy and reliable bikes though quite big and heavy for a 125cc. Their acceleration is pretty slow compared to other 125cc bikes. Almost any 125cc will outrun Varadero at shorter distances. You may have a feeling the bike is lazy at lower RPMs. But when it comes to longer travels, the Varadero shows it's power with large tank, luggage attaching options and comfy seat. Though Varadero's acceleration isn't the best, the top speed is bigger than most 125cc can reach. With me (105kg weight) it was able to run at 120kph at flat and straight road which is pretty awesome for a 125cc engine. And fuel consumption? Just as any other 125cc (2,5 - 3 liters). I think it is great starting bike for young travelers. If you want to impress someone, get a CBR or something like that. Varadero is quite hard-worker.

Advantages:
-Traveling options (luggaging, comfortable seat, wind protection, large gas tank and low fuel consumption)
-Pretty fast
-Reliable (just keep regular service and it should survive everything)
-It can be ridden since 16 years of age in my country
-Looks like a big bike
-It's a Honda. Hondas are everywhere, proffesional shops and spare parts are available at every corner

Drawbacks:
-Price
-It is big and heavy, even for 125cc. It may discourage smaller persons because you must manipulate it as a big bike (at least you will learn how to do it with bigger bikes later)
-Acceleration
-Some spare parts can be quite expensive. I speak especialy about the plastic parts. Most of the begginers WILL crash their bikes. And these plastic bits can be expensive to get (but someone handy can weld them and paint them)

Please note these are my impressions when I was choosing bike for son of my friend. He wanted reliable bike without need to repair it every two weeks. I was comparing Varadero to my Chinese 125cc enduro and other 125cc bikes i have ever rode (we've been choosing from bikes like Yamaha YBR125, MZ 125 SM and various brands like Yuki or Kentoya). PS: I've been ridding 125cc's for almost 8 years

EDIT: Fix'd some typos. I was writing this after nightshift before proper sleep

 

[Friz]

Some great advice in this thread, especially the last post. I'm going to have to chime in on the Varadero front too.

 

[gpzDave]

Just my opinion, but the Varadero is the only bike that I would look at if I had to pick a 125 for touring.

And I just generally like Honda's, so that helps too.

 

[madmanmartypro]

About two days back now, i sat on a vara and test rode it (it was a 2010 model) and i loved it! I like the weighty feel because it creates the illusion that im not one a weeny little 125, and it feels much sturdier! It is very expensive, but im sure with allot of saving and selling my crappy Chinese scooter (its not actually that crap...its more of a nickname...) il be able to afford it, fingers crossed!

 

[madmanmartypro]

My hopes for a Varadero are not over...but in the sad possibility that i cannot afford a decent vara.....hows the Honda shadow 125 for touring? Same V-Twin engine so shouldnt be any major performance issues...

 

[BiGFooTy2k]

I haven't tried the Shadow 125 yet. But people say the Varadero is more agile and utility-oriented. Let's say, you will not take a cruiser like Shadow off-road. They are both comfortable but Varadero will be better when you will travel more than 150km without pause. I've been witness of a 350km long ride without pause on 125 Varadero. Even without refueling. The engine is same but it can have slightly different sprockets because most of the cruisers are built to have torque at lower RPMs so Shadow may lack some top speed the Varadero has. It is mainly about your preferences. If you like hard-working versatile machine and if you can get over the weight and large measures, get the Varadero. If you want to impress with some chromes or you're just too small to handle Varadero safely, get the Shadow. They will both do they work well and not even one is step backwards when compared to each other. The price for Varadero and Shadow are almost the same. In country at least.

PS: Varadero is built to suit travelers so it's perks are reflected at price. You can practicaly travel at any 125cc or any other bike aswell. You will be able to ride circa 120kms without need to take a pause on every bike (maybe even more). Varadero just takes these boundaries more further. You should choose the bike that suits you, not just because someone says that thing sucks at top speed and this has crappy acceleration and that looks ugly.

 

[Skully521]

im not too sure but ill tell you my experience of commuting on a 125.

I had a suzuki intruder 125 and I payed £1400 for it. 2000 plate with only 2300 miles on it. I commuted to college and back almost every day and it was alright, it was 50mile round trip. it was comfy and was a great bike. id like to say it handled well because i realised i was treating it like a much sportier bike showing it into turns and it felt stuck.
im not too sure about luggage but I had a backrest on mine so im guessing luggage wouldnt be too hard to get.

it got around 150 on the main tap and did about 80mpg. i did take mostly A roads and passed through Kidderminster.
id say with a 125 dont even bother with performance because lets face it... they dont have any.

possibly the best part about this bike is I put 13,000 miles on it and a year later sold it for £1600 WIN

If your into cruisers then this is a nice bike to go for. with a few mods I could see it doing a bit of touring but past 60 the engine is out of its comfort zone. it will do 75 on flat and iv got 83 down hill.

this is it without the rear seat and backrest. looks very clean.

 

[dazy6]

Nice click