Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Honda CG125 Honda CG125
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Aug 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Ashford Kent UK
Posts: 161
Honda CG125
Hi All

Ive been seriously thinking about doing a big trip on a cg125 or similar (city fly etc. There seems to be a lot of plus points Cheap to buy which also means cheap carnet /100mpg/ reliable / light/ easy to work on/ spares available world wide etc etc . Most of my previous trips have been on large bikes the last being N/W Africa on a 1100gs . Just wondered if any of you have any experience with these bikes or suggestions for mods .

Cheers Kev
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 236
similar boat
hey there Kev, done a few 'warm up' trips (week long) on a derbi cross 125. derbi have a 125 adventurer model (derbi terra adventurer) but in all honesty the lighter bikes are great for touring. been off road on mine and apart from bad rear suspension it was almost enjoyable! had a hard time getting panniers, actually never got any hard ones, although alu cases are available for the adventurer model. (still to be priced for uk market but the bike is on sale). given the huge range of 125 bikes available on the market there shouldnt be any probs finding a suitable type.

good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Aug 2008
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
I used one as a commuter bike for a few years. They are very solid and there is a chain case from the CG110 which fits, if your 125 doesn't have one. Multiplies the life of your chain and sprockets.

There is one weakness: if you don't engage the kickstarter gears before kicking it the crankcase can be blown apart. (Mine did it twice before I bought it.)

In NZ years ago they sold a CG145, which might be better, don't know anything about it and have never seen it anywhere else.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Aug 2008
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Thumbs up
Yeah, they did sell a 145 model here, but called the GL145 Luxury Tourer! It was an import from Asia, probably somewhere like Indonesia. They are nice motors, with most parts from the small Honda single OHC range from the '70s and '80s fitting each other. For example, there is a race class here in NZ and Aussie called Bucket racing (because they are all buckets of shit... pieces from all over, the rules being max 150cc four-stroke and 110cc two-stroke, and road bike engines only). One of my Bucket bikes has a CB125 engine case and barrel, XL125 6-speed gearbox, XR185 cylinder head, GL145 crank, GL145 carb, CB100 rolling chassis, RD125 Yamaha front wheel and disc brake and sundry other bits. They all just bolted together. Years of racing abuse and it's never been apart.

I think it's a great idea.

Kind regards

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Aug 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: N.Yorkshire
Posts: 336
here in blighty we race cg125 engined "lash-ups". The motors are seriously strong. the swingarms can flex in extreme situations, but you are unlikely to encounter that!

the cg engine is the ohv pushrod type, later models having cdi and were built mainly in brazil. the early japanese points motors are rumoured to be better quality metal in the engine internals, but I have seen neither blow up.
unlike the chinese 125 pitbike motors which are grenades looking for somewhere to go bang..
__________________
Harley Davidsons,
The most effective way of turning petrol into noise without the side-effect of horsepower
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Aug 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Ashford Kent UK
Posts: 161
Must admit i like the idea of the simple pushrod engine of the CG125 dose anyone know which other models share the same pushrod engine . Am i right in thinking the cityfly is a OHC engine ?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 Aug 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: London, England
Posts: 141
I rode a Honda CLR 125 (Cityfly) over 8000 miles from London to UlaanBaator. Good bike, but really lacking in the sand. My companion took a Honda XLR 125 with the same engine.


Engine was rebuilt for the trip but gave no problems whatsoever, even when pinking on octane 70. Never used a drop of oil between 2500 changes.





Not very good at taking crashes or lots of weight.


Mods: re-enforce the frame, get some suitable tyres (the cityfly can only take pirelli mt60 i think, pants in sand), consider some lever protection, otherwise good to go.

Martin
Mongol Bikers.com
__________________
http://bigben.to/ London to....? The big bike annual rally.
http://www.mongolbikers.com 125cc London -> Mongolia.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: England
Posts: 201
Honda 125 cargo
Hi, Honda Brazil (Manaus) build a single seat work 125, the Cargo. I bought mine new in Veracruz, Mexico, rode it south to Tierra del Fuego and back to New York. I replaced the sprockets and chain twice. No other problems in 45000 Ks - started first kick every morning. Honda have upgraded the motor to 150 cc and fitted a guard to the silencer so you don't burn your leg. I burnt mine badly falling on a dirt track in Guatemala and wore a leather gaiter from then on. Advantages: spares available throughout South and Central America. Uses little gas. Totally reliable. Light enough for an old man of 75 to hold upright and lift after a fall. Not a flag of affluence.
You can find an account of my journey at home
Harper Collins publish the edited account the end of this month: OLD MAN ON A BIKE
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 24
125's
Great pics Martin, a real inspiration
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 28 Aug 2008
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
Hello Kev!
Hi Kev,

Well wuddya believe it, another home grown Ashfordian !

Glad to make your aquantance. I'm interested in the CG idea too. The Honda CG125 is a remarkable little bike indeed. If I were to do a RTW on a 125 then this little baby would be top of my list. It's Cheeeeeeeep and reliable and the parts are readily available.

Bearing in mind we both hail from the same area perhaps it would be good to meet up sometime? If you need some more bike buddies then I know a few decent friendly guys in the area. I'm a fair weather biker so my bike only comes out after April. It goes back in October covered in WD40.

My email is clarkneil(at)live.co.uk

Neil
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).
Last edited by kentfallen; 29 Apr 2011 at 18:44.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 26 Apr 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
Quote:
Originally Posted by ukKev View Post
Hi All

Ive been seriously thinking about doing a big trip on a cg125 or similar (city fly etc. There seems to be a lot of plus points Cheap to buy which also means cheap carnet /100mpg/ reliable / light/ easy to work on/ spares available world wide etc etc . Most of my previous trips have been on large bikes the last being N/W Africa on a 1100gs . Just wondered if any of you have any experience with these bikes or suggestions for mods .

Cheers Kev
Saw this old thread and was wondering if you got that 125 and did your trip?
Would love to know how the bike held up.
Im thinking small and light for South America as well.
Cheers,

Jimmy
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 1 May 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 78
Yeah, I'd certainly like an update too. Being a not experienced rider the smaller, reliable bike sounds like the go for my South American trip too.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 3 May 2011
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: England
Posts: 277
Ive done over 40000 km on both coasts of Africa and lots of Europe on a CG, half of that two up.

I wouldnt use any other bike. I love Harri, she is almost part of me after two years of travel. I even have another which I cannibalise for spares, not that she needs many. Even buying two of them, I had lots of change from 1000 Euros. So easy to maintain, fix, ride, hide, blend in. There is practically nowhere you cant either get parts, or cannibalise local stuff. I needed to change tyres and sprockets in Nairobi, so did a German couple on 650 BMWs - it cost me 12 dollars for tyres, 10 for sprocket and chain, and half hour of my time to fit them, the germans had to wait a week to receive the parts, and pay several hundred for their production and fitting.

Buy one. Travel on one. Fall in love with one.

No mods necessary. Its already perfect! The frame is strong enoguh for two up dirt riding without snapping, the swingarm sufficiently bendy not to break. I put a bigger tank on, but you can use jerry cans just as easily.

Birdy

(Currently farming in Toledo, and waiting a royalty check for his first published book, but thinking of riding down to Aus again. The idea keeps nagging at me.)
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 4 May 2011
Selous's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: England
Posts: 437
Thanks for the update I wondered too
__________________
We are the Pilgrims, Master, we shall go Always a little further: it may be beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow, Across that angry or that glimmering sea.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 9 May 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 78
Hmm, have also been reading a few posts/reviews on the Euromot GXT200, so maybe another option? A little more power versus a little less reliability I guess is the choice, no?
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
RTW on a Honda C90??? password Which Bike? 55 14 Dec 2014 15:47
honda cg125 colin mills Which Bike? 10 16 Mar 2009 23:30
CG125 hard luggage tobyslight Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 4 10 Aug 2005 00:52
CG125 hard luggage tobyslight Honda Tech 0 30 Jul 2005 06:43
Honda CG125 help me? black sheep Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 1 25 Feb 2003 03:43

 
 

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 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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 11:49.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top