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2 Jul 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KATO1664
However what i have come to the conclusion is from searching forums is that if there was no internet, facebook, blogs ect ect would these people that ride C90s, honda melodies ect ect long distances still do it if there was no audience to say "your are real crazy"
In other words if the tree falls in the forest and there was no one around to hear it fall would it still fall? 
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The short answer is yes of course they would. I've been riding small bikes long distances on and off for the last forty years - long before the internet, EnC or even Ted Simon for that matter. I've done it for loads of reasons - either it was all I could afford at the time, I liked a challenge or I just got bored with big bikes (and probably many others as well). The vast majority of those trips were not recorded, written up or even photographed as I didn't think it was anything out of the ordinary at the time.
It's only now that 1200cc bikes are regarded as "middleweights", the internet making everyone an author and the arrival of "charity guilt sponsorship" that stuff like LE-JOG on a moped is worthy of note. Loads more to say on the subject but as this is a thread on the merits or otherwise of a new CCM I'll just add that my 600cc CCM is currently languishing in the garage while I'm buzzing around on a 125.
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2 Jul 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond
The short answer is yes of course they would. I've been riding small bikes long distances on and off for the last forty years - long before the internet, EnC or even Ted Simon for that matter. I've done it for loads of reasons - either it was all I could afford at the time, I liked a challenge or I just got bored with big bikes (and probably many others as well). The vast majority of those trips were not recorded, written up or even photographed as I didn't think it was anything out of the ordinary at the time.
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I am sure a 4-stroke 125cc is a very capable bike, i recently meet a guy who has done alot of travelling on a large BMW, a Pushbike and was now on a XR125 which seemed very capable if you like lower speed however on a moped type bike i really cant see what would motivate someone to do it
I cant see why a bike less than 125cc would be fun when you could prob pick up 250cc to 350cc for near the same price.
Maybe it also depends on what type of riding you like? i always look for off road routes or bad roads tracks to take to remote areas as i find this interests me a lot more so i need a more capable bike like a DRZ which is very capable offroad and also if needed can sit at 120km on motorways if needed
I know many people like that dude on a post bike from Oz to UK have carried out such a trip but i think this story is different compared some other people today who choose a moped type bike for the "im crazy factor"
I think it is what makes you happy and we are all different and for me a bike 125cc or less on a long trip sounds like my idea of hell.... but hey its different horses for different courses right?
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2 Jul 2013
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Join Date: Apr 2005
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KATO1664
.... but hey its different horses for different courses right? 
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Well I can't disagree with that - it's a phrase I've used myself a number of times in replies here.
The thing is though, as well as the 125 I also have a number of other bikes from 400 to 1000cc, including two 600 single trailies, so when I decide to go anywhere on the 125 it's from choice, not necessity. I know the strengths and weaknesses of all of them; what they're good at and what they're not. The 125 is very light (85kg), more comfortable (really) and more relaxing to ride (really) than the 400 for example. Unless you're going down the motorway or hammering the 400 it's not actually that much slower. It also passes unnoticed almost anywhere - nobody gives it a second glance and you can leave it places I wouldn't dare leave the larger bikes. On a long(ish) trip those qualities matter. I've done enough trips in the past where I've worried myself silly overnight whether the bike will still be there in the morning.
Don't get me wrong though, I'm not some sort of born again 125 messiah. There are times when it's totally the wrong bike (unless you really are on some sort of publicity trail) - two up, in the mountains, when you need to get somewhere quickly or look like a gnarly, tough biker dude (  ) etc but with speed limits and stuff in the real world it's probably 80% as good as the 400.
I have a feeling you'll still dismiss them as some sort of unterbike though!
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2 Jul 2013
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"I have a feeling you'll still dismiss them as some sort of unterbike though!"
No i have had my fun on many 125cc (and under) bikes but just for long distance they are not for me but that is only my view not the rest of the worlds.
I am only going from the little experience i currently have and looking at your website you have probably forgotten more than i currently know about long distance biking
But yes it all boils down to what makes you happy and if that is riding a 1200GS a 125cc bike or a DRZ (  ) then it all comes down to what makes you happy
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