Could be good advice Ted.
Yes, it's a 2 stroke bike and I have ZERO mechanical expertise. I am used to jumping on, riding and jumping off at the end of the day.
So I can assume that a 4stroke is definitely the way to go then? I didn't think those bikes would be available for that kinda price so perhaps that's what I should be looking for.

Regards
Chris

The only thing that would bother me was the 2stroke bit, well, apart from the distance you want to cover. More isnt better, IMO. But I'd do it with a 2stroke if that was the only choice.

Incidentally, you already live in Europe.

2 strokes havn't anywhere near the shelf life of a 4-stroke ! Especially a 125. Especially being 13-14 years old, It will probably be needing a full rebuild and will be about as comfortable as sitting on a cactus with a strap on.

If you're sticking to paved roads, get a cheap commuter. They have all day long saddles, smooth, low tuned economical and reliable engines and well as a very comforable riding position and will be able to carry 3x the amount of luggage and weight than a teenagers field bike.

No brainer to me mate !

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

Ted
Just saw a 1990 VFR750 with 55000miles for 800 quid. A little bit more than I was hoping to spend but could be the answer. All of a sudden I'm getting more excited about the reality of this trip! Your thoughts are much appreciated.

Chris

The problem with buying a big four stroke for this sort of money is that if it needs chain, sprockets & brake pads, they'll cost you the best part of £200 plus the labour costs if you're unable to fit them yourself. You also need to consider tyres, if I was embarking on 3-4,000 mile round trip, I'd certainly want a new or nearly new rear tyre on the bike from day one.

You might find a 125 of any sort a bit gutless at altitude, especially with luggage, I'd opt for a 250 four stroke as a minimum but preferably a 500cc twin like a GS500 or similar as Ted mentioned. Cheap to buy, more performance but also cheaper than a VFR etc when it comes to replacing pads & other consumables.

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Very true.. A set of tyres for a VFR is likey to be about £230 once fitted compared to a cheap set of touring tyres of a ER,GS will be half the price.

Same goes with spare parts, repairs, etc.

The absolute key to this budget bike will be finding one that someone else has spent all the money on and then given up..

Loads of first time riders buy ER5's, GS500s only to give up biking a year later !

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

Considering from what you have written you have experience with bikes and you had TR Trophy, which has more power and comfort.

If I were you I would calculate the total cost of the trip. Take into consideration the total length and gas money you need as well as repairs and service costs. That would be much more sensible.

You should be ble to do basic maintenance on a simple 4 stroke bike (like changing oil and oil filter and brake pads). This will save you money.
Look on the internet you will find many sites with pictures to explain.

4 stroke also will burn less fuel on long distance rides (highways) and you save again. Injection bikes usually are more economical compared to carburettor ones. But they may be more expensive to buy.

DT125R is great light bike for offroad and weekend rides. But 2 stroke on long distance would be not much fun and cheap in the long run. If you want enduro type look at DR350, DR650, Dr800, KLR650, KLE500, XT225, XT350, XT600, Honda Dominator and/or Transalp (maybe an older version?). I am sure to forget somethibgs but these are reliable bikes and many riders toured the world on those.

If you look for mostly asphalt riding, GS500E, older Yamaha TDMs would be great choices. You shoul also be able to find Yamaha diversion (600), bandits in large amounts for reasonabel prices.

The VFR is a great bike but maintenance may not be cheap and simple (Vfour engine). However definetly a great bike if you are going to be on asphalt most of the time.

Another thing to consider if you will have a pillion. But that is another story.

Regards

Ted, Nomad, Steve, Caminando........
Guys, your various opinions are greatly appreciated. Clearly the general opinion is that a 125 probably isn't going to enhance my trip.

Many thanks chaps, I'll keep you posted of what I ultimately buy.

Good luck and Happy New Year to you all

Chris

If, as you say, it's in good nick I wouldn't have any problem taking the DT. I've toured Europe on a number of small 2Ts and would be happy to do it again.

I'd consider a new set of rings and little end bearing but at 9k I'd probably wait until I got back to put them in.

It is more tiring than touring on a big bike so I'd suggest you might want to reconsider your mileage otherwise you'll spend all your time in the saddle but in principle the DT is a good choice. 2T oil might be a problem as it isn't as easily available as it used to be but it's a fairly minor one in the scheme of things.

B.o.B - a two stroke fan

Good advice Ted, take a 4 stroker.
Have a read of Old Man On A Bike, Simon Gandolfi.

The DT 125 is a cracking bike for it's intended purpose, but even if it didn't go BANG! you still have to factor in the costs of two stroke oil. I have an NSR250 and love two strokes, but I wouldn't want to ride it round Europe (though BIKE magazine did borrow it to ride to the Valencia GP in October!

You'd be amazed what you can pick up for £5-800, especially from a breaker. Many bikes are sent there with only cosmetic damage. Not sure you'll find much in Auto-trader or MCN, as the ads cost a lot. Try local papers or put a wanted ad in your news agent window.