Touring on a 125!!!
14/06/2010
Touring on a 125!!!
Hello to all, i am about too turn 17 and am looking at taking my CBT. I have always been interested in touring and have completed several expeditions by bicycle and expeditions on foot. So basically, i'd like too take this too the next level by using a bike (one with an engine that is...!)
I have been looking at both the Honda Varadero XL125V and the Derbi Terra Adventure. For a long while i was sold on the Varadero, that was until i saw the Derbi, i really like the look of the Derbi, but i have no experience of the ride of either! Just wondering whats your opinions on either of the bikes?
Also advice on luggage options for either of the bikes, i know that GIVI do a luggage set for the Varadero, and that Derbi made an alluminium luggage set (in conjunction with Touratech?) any experience, opinions or advice for either?
And one last thing, what's the rules and regulations regarding riding abroad on a CBT? As i've tried figuring it out for myself, but i seem too end up confusing myself!
Sorry for the lengthy post! And thanks in advance!
Joe
Hi Joe,
I do feel that touring on small bikes should receive a higher profile. OK, speeds may not be high, but how high do they need to be to properly enjoy the world we live in? I've heard of some extremes, like the Russian guy who did a round the world on a 50cc Honda Step-Thru. I've also seen moped riders in the Mauritanian Sahara, a group of French riders, who were battling sand storms on mobylettes when I met them in the desert.
For non motorway touring, a 125cc bike will be good for UK and near European touring if you plan to take short holidays. The trick is to not stress the bike and plan around a 50-55mph crusing speed. Luggage can be a combination of throw over panners, a bag for the back seat and a tank bag if you need the extra space. Just bear in mind that the more weight you add, the more this will sap your bike's performance.
On the subject of weight, I would urge caution with regard to fitting full overland alloy boxes. They may be light in themselves, but the racks add weight and you're bolting them on a chassis which may not been designed for this kind of thing. Fill them with a load of luggage and spend a few days riding rough tarmac and you may start running into problems with bent frame rails, or cracked welds; depending on the bike you choose of course.
Keep luggage small and light - a bit like the bike really -- and enjoy some good touring. Oh, add a GPS if you want to, but still use maps.
With regard to licensing, I am not sure where you stand with a provisional licence and CBT. On the face of it, you shoudl benefit from EU rules on mutual licence recognition, but the picture may be less clear with provisional licenses. I'll make some enquiries.
Craig Carey-Clinch