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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 26 Dec 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Krasnoyarsk, Russia
Posts: 216
Most common motorcycle in Africa and Eastern Europe

I'm planning on purchasing a motorcycle in the UK for a trip that may take me through Africa and Eastern Europe (Turkey, stans, Russia).

Something small, Japanese-branded and with emphasis on parts availability in remote areas (my Latin America trip it took 6 countries to find a front tire, would not like to do that again).

In Central/South America the 125ish bikes are king. YBR125/CG125/GN125. Having never travelled through Africa or Eastern Europe I have no idea what's common. This will likely be an extremely long, tough trip so easy spares (and perhaps a new engine at some point) would be wonderful.

If I lived in a perfect world (which I do not), it would also be kick/electric start, 3+ gallon tank, offroad suspension, centerstand, luggage rack and a bit more comfortable for the taller person (I'm 6'5").
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 26 Dec 2013
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
You answered your own question!

I suppose if you want to do it on a smallish 125cc motorcycle, your best bet will be a:

HONDA CG125 (12 BHP) or modern copy of same. They can be found in the UK for pennies although genuine older CG125's are pretty hard to find in decent order. Most have been ridden to destruction by now. What you need is a more modern version of the Honda CG125, I'm pretty sure these can be easily found.

£500 will get you something perfectly capable of doing the job but £1,000 ($1,600) would get you a low mileage minter.

If I wanted to do this trip the little Honda would be top of my list.

That said, it can be done on almost any bike - It's even been done on Puch Maxi's (50cc) and Honda C50-90 (Stepthrus).

I guess it's down to the speed you intend to travel, time you have to complete it, your budget (important that one), level of comfort wanted and amount of luggage you intend to take with you.

I don't envisage you will need a complete engine change during the trip either - The CG125 is bulletproof even when abused.

A 125cc bike will do up to 100 MPG which is reason in itself to choose one. Compare this to a 600cc bike which does 45 MPG. Do the math.

I would add a bash plate to protect the sump and use soft luggage with large roll bag. Keep your speed sub 50MPH (on tarmac) and try and change the engine oil as often as you can and the bike won't complain.

I wish you luck.
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 27 Dec 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Krasnoyarsk, Russia
Posts: 216
Yea, I'd be happy with a CG125, I just wanted to make sure they were commonly used in Africa/Eastern Europe. I assume so but I have no direct experience.

Yamaha YBR125s are much easier to find than the Hondas (and they always come with kickstarter). How common are the 125cc Yamaha's in Africa?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 27 Dec 2013
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
No doubt about it, this little gem of a bike will get you where you want to get but you can't do it in a hurry.

Plenty of these throughout Africa and indeed the whole world. Nearly all the locals will have come across one including the expert bodgers. Parts are plentiful.

Alongside the venerable Honda C50/C70/C90 Stepthru's it's THE most popular 125cc motorcycle EVER invented.

You will need to travel light on such a small engined bike. Remember this bike only produces 12 BHP at the rear wheel therefore it will protest if you overload it.

Try not to overload the engine or rev it to death. If you look after it, IT will look after YOU.

Think how much you will save doing the trip on one of these -

Cheap to buy the bike (compared to larger bike).
Half as much fuel.
Simplicity of a single cylinder 4 stroke air cooled engine (less to go wrong).
Cheap parts.

It's a win win situation for anyone doing a RTW on a budget and not in a hurry.

I have vast experience of Africa (working all over Africa over many years). I rode a Yamaha XT600E in South Africa, Sierra Leone, Kenya and Nigeria.

Go for it.
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 29 Dec 2013
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
I think most if not all Japanese engined 125's will be well known throughout Africa.

It's a perfectly logical plan you have here. GO FOR IT!

By using a 125cc bike you will complete the trip for less than half the cost of a larger capacity bike. Like I say, the only thing you need keep an eye on is amount of luggage.

Stop worrying about the reliability thing too - These little Jap designed (Brazilian made) bikes are absolutely bulletproof (and simple to fix to boot).


Neil
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Dec 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Germany
Posts: 111
I cannot comment on what are the most common 125ccs in Eastern Europe and Africa but I have have the direct comparison between riding a 125cc (Honda Scooter) and a 500 cc (Suzuki GS500E) because I happen to own both of these rides.

If high speed is not crucial and you have a GPS to follow the routes off the motorway by all means go with the 125cc. I have done almost identical trips on both of my rides (400 km´s around most of the Black Forest in one day). By the end of the day my scooter was more fun and way less exhausting to ride. The GS 500E (to me) has it´s huge advantage only in being highway capable. OK, it is also a cooler ride and I can wring her if I feel like it.

As far as luggage is concerned, the 125 cc will give you ample opportunity to carry gear, no problem in this department.

The Honda XR125 might be something to look for as well. It is closely related to the CG125.

I am partial to EFI, so the Yamaha YBR 125 in the "G"-configuration would be cool for me. Also the Honda 125CC Varadero, but this is probably not the simplicistic ride you have been asking about.

Whatever you do, happy trails and good luck!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Dec 2013
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
Quote:
Originally Posted by pete3 View Post
As far as luggage is concerned, the 125 cc will give you ample opportunity to carry gear, no problem in this department.
Perhaps I should have pointed out that the likely problem with luggage is WEIGHT of same.

A 125cc engine developing only 12 HP is simply simply NOT man enough to pull you and heavy luggage out of deep ruts and mud easily. For this reason you need to limit amount of luggage. If you don't you will kill the little thing very quickly.

With regards to a Honda 125cc Varadero - This is a very expensive (and limited) 125cc tool. It won't do much more than a much much cheaper bike. A Varadero is not cheap to buy.

My advice is to go with the CG125 idea...
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).

Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 30 Dec 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 114
Has anyone felt the weight of a varadero 125?....it's a bit of an eye opener..
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 1 Jan 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Germany
Posts: 111
Maybe BikingMarco and klous-1 could elaborate on which bikes are common in Africa?
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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Europe to South Africa - May 2013 electro Travellers Seeking Travellers 8 22 Apr 2013 13:48
Eastern Russia to Europe, then Africa - starting June 2013 ish NYLon2000 Travellers Seeking Travellers 5 22 Apr 2013 05:43
1995 Landcruiser HZJ81 4.2L UK registered FOR SALE in Southern or Eastern Africa m0318374 Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 3 1 Dec 2012 15:47
Crossing North Africa and down the Eastern route? paul1962 North Africa 12 23 Aug 2012 14:19

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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!

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 18:25.