Go Big and Ride Small

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Godspeed
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Go Big and Ride Small

Post by Godspeed »

I’m not sure what started it all off.

😜

Well, I’ve owned and ridden plenty of large and fast bikes over the past 10 years including Sprint ST 1050, Trophy 1200, street triples, zzr600’s etc but for a while now I’ve been falling in love with smaller bikes. Why, when there are fast roads to be conquered, rapid overtakes, and loading the bike like there’s no tomorrow....
For me I’ve fallen in love with unbelievable mpg, the lightness that you can always manage the weight even when fully laden, the unobtrusiveness of a small bike that gets you access to pathways and lanes that otherwise may be frowned upon, and that usually parts and additions are cheap to replace.
I’ve now done two 1000 mile trips on my XR125 across France, twice rented YBR125s to ride around Andalucia, I’ve done the Strata Florida on my C90 and have just come back from Germany having done over 1100 miles on the same bike.

During my last trip I was thinking it would be nice to have something for a bit more distance and though I have a CB500X I still long for something lighter and lower and so after a bit of deliberation I decided on a Honda CB125f. It seems to have all the qualities I’m looking for: a tank range of about 300 miles on 13 litres. It will take a givi back box and side racks, has a pretty comfy seat and riding position, and will hold a good 60mph if motorways are ever needed. So, I have just picked up a lovely 1 year model with only 2200 miles on the clock for £1700. It seems to ride lovely with a good turn of speed for a 125 and so gorgeously light with its little blue/black shimmering paintwork.

So what next, well I will see how this little fellow goes and then consider selling my 500..... and trips, well I quite fancy a visit to Kiev for one of their famous chicken dishes at some point and Russia is never far away either.

My new motto: Go big and ride small
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Last edited by Godspeed on Mon Jul 29, 2019 9:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
The Meandering Moustache

Going Big and Riding Small

Honda PCX125 (sports tourer)
Honda Innova ANF125 (Adventure bike)
Yoyo
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Re: Go Big and Ride Small

Post by Yoyo »


I used to love riding my Mrs CBF125, never failed to put a huge smile on my face, it was comfy and even though I'm a big bloke it carried me around easily enough. I wish she'd have another one so I could borrow it. Enjoy it!

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

crofty
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Re: Go Big and Ride Small

Post by crofty »

Know what you mean, i'm getting that way too.
Bought a Honda Wave this year to do the NC500 and the Wild Atlantic Way, did 3000 miles on it.
got my eye on the new Honda Supercub 125
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dave h
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Re: Go Big and Ride Small

Post by dave h »

i do get this,
but i also like to lift the garage door and be a bit scared ,
that's why i ride a ktm, 8-)

dave.
v8mark
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Re: Go Big and Ride Small

Post by v8mark »

dave h wrote: Sun Oct 28, 2018 10:17 pm i do get this,
but i also like to lift the garage door and be a bit scared ,
that's why i ride a ktm, 8-)

dave.
I get the scared bit if its gonna start or not
minkyhead
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Re: Go Big and Ride Small

Post by minkyhead »

always good to see what your up to ...you really do go your own way ...

what surprises me is the style you choose .... rather than the engine size ..... was talking to a guy recently on a sinnis adv bike who had just ridden 5000 miles and loved it ,,,,,,,and fair play to him

heres some tiddlers that may be up your street

keep well

https://www.adventurebikerider.com/10-o ... ure-bikes/
whats the wether forcast ..wheres me map
PHILinFRANCE
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Re: Go Big and Ride Small

Post by PHILinFRANCE »

You're the man Chris , always enjoy reading your tales , i to am aiming smaller , (but not quite as small ) after doing 2000km trip on the exc 400
Keep it up mate and by the way i love Chicken Kiev ................i'm inspired :D
XF650
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Re: Go Big and Ride Small

Post by XF650 »

Yup, know where you're coming from, had many a big bike over the years but absolutely love my little XT225 with it's 90 mpg capability. Often wondered about putting adventure tyres on, instead of present knobblies, and do some high mileage touring on her. No reason why that shouldn't work.

Although my previous ZZR1400 was sooooo exhilarating, today's roads, drivers & law enforcement just made me paranoid so no fun really. Every time I fill up the little XT I have to smile with it's superb economy. :-)
Tink
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Re: Go Big and Ride Small

Post by Tink »

I totally understand the small bike choice 👍
I to have started buying smaller cc bikes and have way more adventures and fun on them🍻🍻🍻🍻😎😎😎....

Always enjoy your videos and write ups, keep them coming...

Enjoy your new wheels 👍🍻👍👍👍
P4ulie
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Re: Go Big and Ride Small

Post by P4ulie »

Yep, I consider my 450 'the big bike'

I rode around almost 50 000 miles on my 125, personally I find a 250 to be the perfect balance between lightweight, good mpg & cheap maintenance, while giving the ability to go uphill at more than 40 :lol:

That chicken will taste mighty fine
With enough profanity, you can accomplish anything
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