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 Danielle Murdoch, riding to Uganda - Kenya border

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Danielle Murdoch,
riding to Uganda - Kenya border



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
Honda 125 V-men Chopper sold in Chile. Anybody ridden one?

I'm thinking of buying a small bike in chile for my S.A trip.

Was initially thinking of a Honda CGL 125 but just saw the retro-cool looking Honda V-men Chopper.
At about $1,900 U.S it seems like a sweet deal and it looks like it comes with a windshield and saddle bags. I'd just add a giant loop bag over the pillion seat and when in town its a comfy ride in back for the senoritas should one be so fortunate

You can check it out here-

http://www.honda.cl/motos/calle-mode...n-chopper.html


Anybody ridden one, seen one, thoughts ?

cheers,

James
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
Also sold in Mexico?

I think the bike is also sold in mexico as well.
Anybody living there know anything about this bike?

cheers,

James
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 Oct 2011
anaconda moto's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ecuador, amazone, puyo
Posts: 191
Holla realmc,
If you can"t find that Honda V man ,just go for a Suzuki gn 125.
They are more common and sold in all South America.
But they dont have that sadle bags, but those easy to put on.

Good luck with your choice.
__________________
Freedom is all i need!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Everettt, Washington, USA
Posts: 278
Honda CGL 125 or Suzuki GN125

Those two bikes are the only 125cc bikes I would even BOTHER considering. You're going to ride that bike all over the place, why bother with that Chopper except for the "chicas?"

I met an Austrian while I was on Ometepe Island, in Nicaragua, who lived in Chile for 4 years. He bought a Honda CGL 125, and hadn't done anything but change the oil for 12,500 miles.

His goal was to arrive in Texas. He'll likely have made it there by now.

He was averaging 74 miles per gallon, and just has his hiking backpack strapped to the back.

That Giant Loop is going to be perfect for your needs.

I'm partial to Suzuki's as well however, as they are EVERYWHERE in South and Central America. Parts/Services/Help, are everywhere and cheap.

The Suzuki GN 125 has my vote.

--Alex
__________________
NJ, NR, NBTTN
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
Thanks for your responses guy's.

Yes the CGL and GN 125's were what was coming up most positively in my research.
The chopper style looked pretty similar to the CGL and looked so retro 70's that I was just thinking out loud really.

Im guessing the CGL and GN would be similar in terms of spare parts availability from what I have read.
If so just wondering if you guys knew if there was any real difference in terms of top speed or general performance? I believe the GN is fuel injected ? So riding at altitude is going to be easier than with the CGL.

I notice the CGL PRO model (a little more expensive than the CGL)
has some extras like a rudimentary looking engine bash plate and a small carrier frame just above the front light

Any reasons apart from availability of spares that you might go for the GN over the CGL?

I appreciate your input.

cheers,

James
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Oct 2011
anaconda moto's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ecuador, amazone, puyo
Posts: 191
The suzuki gn125 has a 13 liter tank,the honda 10 liter (i think)
Suzuki 12.5 hp and the Honda 9.6 hp
That is why the suzuki seems a bit better.
Maybe in Chile the gn125 has injection,but in most countrys it doesnt have it.

Good luck !
__________________
Freedom is all i need!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 24 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
Quote:
Originally Posted by anaconda moto View Post
The suzuki gn125 has a 13 liter tank,the honda 10 liter (i think)
Suzuki 12.5 hp and the Honda 9.6 hp
That is why the suzuki seems a bit better.
Maybe in Chile the gn125 has injection,but in most countrys it doesnt have it.

Good luck !
Thanks for that. The GN seems to be the more likely choice then.
I know a couple of young guys from Belgium bought a couple of GN's in Ecuador last year and went down to Argentina. He raved about their performance.

cheers,

James
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 24 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Everettt, Washington, USA
Posts: 278
My choice, suzuki.

The Suzuki GN125 is not fuel injected.

The extra 3 liter capacity of the Suzuki means up to 60 more miles per tank. (YMMV)

I've already met two people traveling on them. They already knew they were committing to top speeds that hovered around 90kmph (55mph), with average speeds of 70kmph. They averaged 75mph (80% better than my Dr650), and had only ever changed they oil. They did 15k miles on the first rear tire...

Buy a BRAND NEW, GN125, ride it up here to Azoques, Ecuador, and trade it plus $1500 for my Dr650....

--Alex
__________________
NJ, NR, NBTTN
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 24 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigalsmith101 View Post
The Suzuki GN125 is not fuel injected.

The extra 3 liter capacity of the Suzuki means up to 60 more miles per tank. (YMMV)

I've already met two people traveling on them. They already knew they were committing to top speeds that hovered around 90kmph (55mph), with average speeds of 70kmph. They averaged 75mph (80% better than my Dr650), and had only ever changed they oil. They did 15k miles on the first rear tire...

Buy a BRAND NEW, GN125, ride it up here to Azoques, Ecuador, and trade it plus $1500 for my Dr650....

--Alex
Hey that sounds like a sweet deal Alex but I'll wait and see how that beauty of yours comes together after you get it out of the lock up. LOL
Hope thats getting closer for you.
If they try and charge you I'll ride that Gn up there and break you out myself, we can hightail it to the border maybe doing 70kmh

You guys have sold me on the GN.

cheers,

james
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

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


 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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 Insuranceā„¢ 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 11:43.