Yes, ridden an XR125L (same engine, more or less) from Hampshire to the Outer Hebrides and back. Longest day was 350 miles. Ridden down to Devon and back several times too. Keep an eye on the oil (sorry - not trying to pour salt on the wound!) and they go on forever. Mine's got about 50k miles on the clock.
@_zzpza mega! That sounds like a brilliant trip We've kept an eye on the oil since, once bitten twice shy! We've now done nearly 7000 miles since we left (videos are a bit behind schedule)... 50k here we come 😁
@_zzpza mega! That sounds like a brilliant trip We've kept an eye on the oil since, once bitten twice shy! We've now done nearly 7000 miles since we left (videos are a bit behind schedule)... 50k here we come 😁
125cc bikes are amazing. they just need to be ridden within their limits, and they won't go far wrong. I've seen a Honda CG125cc with 201,000 miles on the clock, so it's not impossible. To all the nagtive commentors, the 125cc engine is one of the most reliable motorcycle playforms on the planet. It can literally do anything and go anywhere. Some are better than others. I've found Honda to be the best.
Having tried touring the UK on a Chinese 125, I can say that while they're fine in most scenarios, a 200-250cc would be much better when the terrain stops being flat. Being stuck at 30 mph, pinning the throttle in 2nd gear going uphill while creating a small traffic jam behind you is no fun and honestly causes a fair bit amount of stress. People should ride whatever works for them but tbh touring on a 125 ain't for everyone.
When driving in Africa I often saw people on massive BMW bikes struggling. Far too heavy, too top heavy, no easy repairs, tiring at low speed. Meanwhile everyone else zapped along on 125s. Good luck on your adventure! I'd do it the same way!
Sorry to hear of Lauren's bike problem. Maybe the lesson to learn is that with a small engine like that you need to be checking the oil often. The sump capacity is small, the engines are working hard. Just a little bit of oil consumption and you are low on oil. I recomend checking the dipstick every fill up to start with. Then once you have an idea of how long before you need a top up, you can adjust the checking intervals accordingly. Don't be put off the project. Little bikes can do amazingly long journeys. You just need to learn how to care for their needs.
A rookie mistake for sure, given that the oil is essentially the life blood of the engine it's very important to check it regularly and perticularly with small engines under hard load and use, but it's certainly a learning experience, granted a hard one 🤷🏻♂️
I just got a TW200. This will be the first season here in New England USA. I have finished the adventure build except to build the mounting the release for the top bag. You guys are so lucky to have each other to share this trip. I won't have room for side bags with the Mrs riding on the back. So as long as she is with me it won't be long trips. Enjoy the trip and each other! I will be watching. You are inspiring me to go way farther than I thought. Long live the small bikes!!!!!!!!!!!
Little Hondas are brilliant for long distinces .You gotta reember that on a 1000 , 750 ,500 cc bike you normaly cruise at about half the maxium speed of the bike and a 125 needs to be ridden in a simular way if it has a chance of surviving . I wish you both well ,ride safe
500+cc bikes have a top speed way above what highway requires for regular cruising. 125cc, especially fully loaded for touring and with a heavy 100 kg (200 pounds) rider will struggle to go anything above 120 kmh (75 mph). I don't think 60 kmh is what you'll be cruising at, if you dont want to die or get stomped by some truck. 90-100 kmh I would say is the sweet spot, fast enough to not endanger yourself and slow enough to not make that small engine overwork😂
@@marks9127 Dunno how powerful theirs are, but your numbers seem far(!) off. For 120kmh I needed an unloaded 250cc and ideal conditions. My bread & butter 125s (9 & 11hp) are more like thank God for anything above 80kmh (= not even promising 100 in their papers). But why shouldn't they survive full throttle, when every teenage hotspur rides them that way for two years?
@@jochenschrey2909 they are far off. CGs will only do a max of 60mph without heavy loads. Probably just reach 50mph here... and even that will be a push
@@jochenschrey2909 Sorry then. I don't have an ICE bike, and my electric one is closer to a 45cc moped (it has roughly 5 hp) than a 125cc. My speed calculations are based on what I've seen on youtube of KTM Duke 125 and Honda Cbr125 max speed videos. But I guess these 2 bikes kinda offer maximum of what 1cyl 125cc street legal bikes can have (i think it was 15 hp). Cbr125 can go 130 kmh, that I remember for sure. They'll survive for some time. But we probably arent talking about regular cars' average lifespan of 300k km before engine failure. Just think about why you think 300k km is a lot for a car, almost impossible to reach for any motorcycle, be it 125 or 1200cc, and pretty much nothing for a truck or a lorry.
I like your raw approach to this expedition. Its exactly how I as a youngster would have done it, any problem is solvable but it just takes a little longer at the roadside. You are fantastic couple, now get on with it and don't listen to the moaners.
There's no problem that can be solved. It just depends on time and attitude Cheers for the well wishers! The moaners will always find something to moan about
OK, subbed as I am interested in how you get on, but can you try to match the music volume and voice over volume... I had to crank it up to hear you talking and then blew my brains out when the music came back up..... Anyway, ride safe...
Are you carrying fuel and oil over and above what is in the tank and engine? Are you carrying a tow rope? highly recommend checking oil twice daily pre start and mid day refuel. Days are short at present go for shorter journeys that will end before dusk. Check front suspension before leaving Spain the Sahara's dust will play havoc with your forks, chain and wheel bearings. Tip for bike chains warm a tin of graphite grease pour into oil can with it's side cut out wash chain thoroughly in petrol allow to dry fold and place in graphite keep grease warm this will penetrate into all of the chains crevices left over night replace on machine treat two spare chains and vac pac. pack wheel bearings with as much grease as possible this will help prevent laterite dust getting into bearings it is a killer. Avoid riding unmade roads in the rain or when wet. loaded top heavy bikes WILL go over several times a day same with soft sand, Try to get in with a convoy if possible, best to meet up with fellow travelers at main Algeciras camp site Do you have a good tent?if not why not, I notice you have no racks over your front wheel spread the weight. If you dont want to carry a tent then get a good fishing brolley and two light weight stools believe me when I tell you the rain in Africa not like in the UK comes down really hard often with hail that will kill you I grew up out there so I do know what I am talking about. The sun goes down early in Africa the closer to the equator you get the earlier it goes down get you arses out of bed early and get moving as soon as the sun pops up over the horizon or your days will be too short to make the distances needed remember most mileage will be done on unlit roads a good lamp essential as power often limited, When I was a kid the electric was turned off at six Do you have a bulb kit? once into Sahara check air filter daily. more often after dust storms. sever dust storms park up well off road to avoid being rundown by trucks 150 yards at least, dust storms are extremely hot and unpleasant but if you keep your eyes open they can be spotted in the distance giving you time to prepare face masks help keep the dust out. Learn to scan the ground in front of you and out to the horizon at the same time, from your feet to the horizon360 degrees it is possible I do it to this day but then I grew up out there always always check boots before putting them on your feet helmets and sleeping bags to scorpions are nasty little buggers. If you can take the culture shock Africa a great place.
Enjoyed watching and have been following via the Facebook page, so was aware of the impending engine issue. I'm sure there will be plenty of 'smart' advice regarding maintenance and prep. At least you two are actually doing it and making it happen. Looks like it's going to be a proper adventure. Hope you're both enjoying the trip.
Cheers! I hope you're enjoying following along. Plenty of armchair experts out there but until a couple beats us to South Africa on 125cc bikes, I'll continue being the leading expert considering I don't believe it's been done before 🤣 Loving the trip so far!
Thise 125’s are strong little engines, but you are also fully loaded. The tendency, particularly on long days, is to push it towards the end. Avoid that. Cruise at 50mph. Use the gearbox to avoid over stressing the engine. Change the oil more frequently than the recommended service interval and choose quality. Check the oil every morning and look for drips when you stop. Check the air filter regularly, particularly when you get to the real dusty/sandy/red soil stuff. keep your cables clean. A great adventure you are on: it will change your life view for ever. Expect problems and delays at borders and make sure you have the correct visas, particularly once you cross into Africa. I speak from experience. Go!
Dumb and dumber spring to mind and as a semi pro rider for over 45 years with 2 years inter city professional courier THOUSANDS of miles under my belt and ALL YEAR ROUND - ALL WEATHERS.. You really have to be DUMB to do a trip like this on a Honda CG 125 (made in Brazil - CBT training bike with RESTRICTED engine) !! Given Tom's mc history he has NO excuses for being so ! His girl is excused though one can feel sorry for her.. My girl also rides motorcycles and after she passed her test ended up with a CB500 as a present from me.. Fully serviced by me and not with me farting around re the accessories and etc BUT making sure the bike ENGINE was ultra reliable. Do we see this happening here... NO! Ah well it runs OK took it down the road, it was OK so it can do for the trip we plan.. UMMM as even my girl would say.. DUMB is an understatement.
One of the first ROAD bikes I had in the UK was a 125 2 stroke. (1978) It was NON RESTRICTED, capable of up to 100 miles per hour speed wise and regularly run at over 70mph. UNLIKE the 125 RESTICTED bikes of today and that Honda CG 125cc THE BRAZILIAN import which is RESTRICTED; up to 50mph. What is worse however are those who appear to do little or nothing re essential checks re the mechanical and electrical tests on the bike before even contemplating such a trip. NO surprise then that the bike ENGINE fails... Dumb and NO his girl is NOT DUMBER... only one person earns the title. @@QWERTYQwertz852
Visiting what was once called the War Crimes museum in Vietnam left me in tears, and to think the genocide in Gaza continues. Great video. I have a CT125 I ride on short camping trips around Thailand, in the hope I will get a chance to tour longer distances. Keep going.
@@ILikeMotorbikes Yes, I enjoy riding here (and in other countries). During your adventure can you mention more about your planning for this trip, talk about why you and your girlfriend are doing it, how long you think it will take and what do you expect to be the main obstacles? The video you did building the luggage rack, should that be part of the playlist? I’m sure you must be familiar with Itchy Boots and C90Adventures? I’m looking forward to the next episode.
I've been to Oradour Sur Glane twice. Once in the 90s on my Honda CX500 on the way to Spain, and last time a cople of years ago, this time by car. A very moving experience. Recommended. Another wartime location worth a visit is Auschwitz in Poland. Also very moving. I think it is true to say, you will never forget either location.
Good luck with the repair, and I am looking forward to following your trip. I visited that village a few years ago on a hot sunny day. As soon as we walked into the walled village, the temperature dropped massively, but the sun was still out 😢 I will never forget that village 🙄🙄 good luck both and stay safe 👍
Belive it or not, my grandad used to walk this exact same route everyday going to school… Only it was before the war, so it was still uphill both ways! He said the worst part was walking the 30,000 miles in 8ft of snow😅
Very unfortunate to have a major engine problem, but you can get honda parts just about anywhere in the world, and the old CG push rod engine is easy to fix.
Yeah unfortunate an frustrating as it was our own doing... but these things happen and whats done is done. We learnt the hard way... amusingly CG parts are easy to get (relatively) but turns out bloody expensive in France!
I have been watching in awe a guy who has just done what you are planning to do (One Man One Bike) he is currently in Portugal as he is now on his way back. The fact you are attempting this on 125's is incredulous. OMOB did it on a V-Strom 1000. Looking forward to seeing how it unfolds, although your hideous choice of loud music means I'm watching it with the volume muted.
I just came across your channel tonight by chance and I really liked this vid. nice content between the journey, the war site, the driving, the narration and the music used. I don't know how far you both are through your journey but i'm looking forward to binge watching it
We are pretty far into the journey so lots to come but I had my laptop charger stolen and only just managed to replace it so it may be a little while until I can get the next videos underway but I'm trying. I'm really glad you enjoyed the video in its many aspects
Awesome stuff! I have a 125cc Vespa and a 125cc Honda which I use for month-long trips in Europe, usually over the Alps to Italy. I'm thinking about going to Morocco next year, but South Africa is something else! What a plan! Also great that you visited Oradour. I think it's important to get to know the history of a place you're travelking through, even the terrible parts, in hopes that we will learn from it. Oradour sadly has very importsnt lessons to teach for today...
Thats mega! Very much rate Morocco for motorycling, very easy to get to and small bike friendly for sure! I hope you make it and enjoy it Agree, history has some painful and dark lessons for us
125cc is the most used bike in Thailand and I have many friends who have been buzzing around on their Honda's for years and thousands of miles on the clock, they just keep going.
You should get amazing mpg my first bike way back in 1985 was a honda c90 me a d my mate went to whitby from huddersfield (120miles) my bime was full of fuel when i set off it didnt even take a gallon i did the trip road around whitby a week and rode home it still had fuel left when i got home the c90 is a legend that can do well over 200miles a gallon
1st thing that goes when short of oil is valve rocker assembly, as it’s furthest away from oil pump. Take of it will be stiff to work up and down. Just change that engine will probably be ok.
Awesome Trip! Im wishing you a very fun and Safe Trip! I Hope they dont Break down Badly and i Hope you Ride Safe! I love it when people do Journeys Like you do now! ❤ I am Looking forward to the next Episodes!
At 10:15 how do you remove the seat so easily? I think I have the same bike, CG125-4, just bought it a couple of weeks ago, but can't figure out how to remove the seat, I searched for videos on the internet but did't find one, and I am afraid not to damage something.
The seat has two bolts. One each side that are accessed from underneath by the rear mudguard. Basically crouch by the rear wheel, and look up underneath and you'll see them, I think they are 12mm from memory. Because of our luggage holding the seats down I don't bother bolting it down now and that's why it was so easy to remove as I didn't have the bolts fitted
Thanks a million. I searched and searched, and didn't find any info, except for a FB group in Argentina, I believe the same bike, but different name, it's called Honda CG 125 FAN and TITAN ks/es, but still nothing about the seat removal there. Mine is a Honda CG125 ES-4 from 2005. Also, do you know where can I find any repair manual for this kind of bike with codes for parts, torque specs for the bolts etc. ? Do you use one?
@Constantin_08 the Haynes manuals are good for them but the ES bikes (2004-2008) only have a small section in them Facebook groups are good, if you're UK based the cg125 UK groups are godo, there's two and one is better than the other. Be careful though with some things as for example the fork oil level is different on our bikes than the earlier bikes but there's tons of conflicting info! I called a Honda dealer to check in the end
Some set backs but really you're going rather well! Imagine what extra distress there is for anyone with a expensive, giant "ADV" which can have some computer problem the owner can't diagnose, and isnt welcome to work on! Thanks for your sharing about that wartime atrocity; more thought provoking, than what we learn of war from mainstream media. Thanks for taking us along; it's a good adventure already; If you make right down through africa, you'll boost the sales of little all motorbikes around the world! Your photography is excellent!
Blimey the other side of the world are watching! Cheers for tuning in Main reasons for not having a larger bike are 1) I already owned my CG 125 2) cost. Fuel, parts, maintenance and shipping. Though arguably after killing an engine maybe parts and maintenance bill would have been cheaper!
I've ridden Suzuki DR200 long distances and it's not big enough when you're doing 400km/day. Max speed on the 200 without thrashing the engine is 80kph, on a 125 max speed would be about 50-60kph. There was a series years ago about an older German woman with no biking skill who rode her Honda XL 125 across Central Asia, but she had a chase vehicle. She made it back to Germany about 6 months later, very slowly.
Max speed 50-60kph on a 125? Absolutely not - even offroad we can sometimes do 50kph - on good paved roads 70-90kph is often achievable but 70-80 feels better
Exciting so far. More drama than you need... I thought all road trips have a spare vehicle trailing behind the stars, or is that just on Grand Tour 😅 Good stuff. Looking forward to the next instalment.
@maartendegroot7785 I'll try and remember Hout Bay! Feel free to get in touch on Facebook on my I Like Motorbikes page so we can stay in touch! Or my email should be on the channel somewhere 👍
LOVE what you're doing. Perfect bikes I reckon. But 500k's...bit over enthusiastic start I think. The bikes are the transport to your adventures, not the adventure itself. Have fun. from Melbourne ,Aust.
Good luck sorting out the bike. It could be worth picking up a spare clutch for the bikes if your not already carrying one. From watching Itchy boots, it only takes one bad day in the mud and the clutch can be ruined. I think your choice of bikes should mean its easy for people to help along the way though.
Cheers! We are already carrying a spare clutch... I ended up changing one on my euro tour 7 years ago. Turns out I was ripped off by a Honda dealer so my original clutch (still fine according to honda workshop manual) is in our luggage should it even be required
Honda pcx 125 scooter I've done 20k miles in just over 1 year and with little maintenance and a big maintenance here and there it runs perfectly only wish the tyres lasted i get around 5k at push on the rear and 10k front. Best scooter out there in the 125 range and price is good for what you get
I'm no expert on long trips like this but I'd want at least a 350 or 500cc. Not for speed but just for all that weight you're carrying and the cruddy road conditions you'll find in Africa, where a bit of power will be really useful. It might sound cool and trendy to say you're having an adventure but it won't feel like that when you're knee deep in mud. But good luck and I'll be watching from my sofa... 😊
That was just fantastic to watch! I throughly enjoyed it and obviously you did get it fixed! But nonetheless less it is nerve racking! I cannot wait for the next set of adventures! Good luck on all your adventures! Good luck both of you and I am sure you are having a great time too! 😊😉😄👍
I've had bikes up to 1200cc, currently ride an XVS950 but my best fun has been on small bikes. I rode a Van Van 125 from the UK to Malaga, it was super all day comfy, because it is, and...its best at sub 40mph. My next bike will be a 125cc for a round Europe trip, it'll be a Van Van or a Super Cub. 👍
I have a old van van 200 , much more torque than the 125 although still only 125 speeds , I have a GS 1100 BMW but I want to tour on the van van , much more frugal and less to go wrong mechanically.
Absolutely brilliant vid! Always wondered if my wee 125 get to morroco? You answered my long time question and more! Banging adventure! Hope you stopped in Anza? 🙏🏴🙏👊👊👊👊
The best 125cc bikes that last long are Honda xr125 , Honda valadero 125cc ,yamaha DT 125. Best for long-distance adventure is the Honda valadero with off road tyres.
honda cg 125 ideal adventure machines.... fairly tough, economical, simple machines... just watch the cam chain tensioners.... and dont forget enjoy the adventure...
Having traversed africa, some 40,000 miles, it is more rewarding if you place the emphasis on the journey not the destination, it's not about reaching the top of the mountain if you don't learn, appreciate the view, and the majesty of the landscape. Much of the best of Africa you can never reach with those bikes. Of course, you can get to cape town but you should leave naivety behind, fully recognise the nature of all potential risks involved or luck may not be on your side, drive within limits. Keep safe, take care and try to understand the people and the countries you pass through then it will be a richer experience.
I’ve been seriously thinking about a long distance ride like this heading south from UK. I’ve previously been across Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia which are all pretty easy really and always on 125cc Hondas. This time I bought something bigger with luggage, but still a Honda of course. I am certain you will have no problems at all this side of the Sahara, but I’m interested to learn how you will get through Central African countries. I assume you must have a Carnet for each of the bikes, but even then I am extremely interested to know your plans. I will be following and supporting this channel with a donation shortly
Cheers Andrew for following along. Yep carnets for each bike though I personally know someone who recently completed the same UK to SA trip without one - Currently in Sierra Leone... a little behind on the video editing but that just means there is plenty to keep you entertained in the coming weeks
@@ILikeMotorbikes I’ve always found that small bikes are much easier to cross awkward borders than big bikes or cars, I remember everyone said crossing the Vietnam border was particularly hard but we turned up just as the border opened at a tiny border of Bo Y and we had to wake the immigration guy to get our passports stamped, customs were nowhere to be seen.. I know plenty of people have been turned back at the same border on bigger bikes and cars. Sometimes a bit of luck is involved, and packets of cigarettes always smooth the process… I’ve heard that some Central African borders are literally impossible without sizable bribes, which I can believe because even in Asia bribes ( or tea money as they prefer ) are routine but small. Smaller bikes will always equal less of a target for corruption. One time when I was new to it all I spent nearly a hour at a roadside police checkpoint in Laos before i realized all they wanted was 1 dollar.
How do you find suitable accommodation accross your journey? Im thinking of doing something similar but tempted to camp it all to save costs and less faff
"It turns out there was no oil in the bike". I am literally GAGGING to find out the journalist's 5 W's: Who, What, Where, Where, Why???? Well from the teasers at the end of the video it looks like you found a solution. Look forward to watching you glide by my house here in the Gers (32) on the way to cross the Pyrenees and on to deepest, darkest Spain!
Yep a silly mistake. What this video doesn't show is the pressure and stress we were under in the lead up to the trip and it was just something that was foolishly overlooked. An easy yet costly mistake to make
Engine failure so soon on a long journey is really bad luck. Checking oil every day, or twice a day on long runs is really important. If it.s using oil you need to know where.
Just to let you know when editing. The commentary is too soft and the music is too loud. Unpleasant to listen to. I'm sure it will get better over tune. Be safe. Thanks 🇬🇧 😊
We had overlooked it for a long time. There was no obvious signs of a leak so I think it had just burnt a little at a time over a long period. When I say no oil, there was definitely some residue but none registering on the dipstick
@technospcgaming as soon as I can although my laptop charger was stolen so until I replace that I'm limited in battery power and its nearly out... Sorry for the bad news!
Well, this caught my eye, because I had only just completed the first 300 km on a Suzuki GN125 in Colombia, almost all with a pillion passenger. Of course, while running the engine in maintaining a maximum engine speed of 5600 revs, that’s a maximum speed of about 62 km/ĥ pretty much the standard for the mountain roads where most of the time you won’t even be reaching 60 K’s. I was contemplating an authentic Colombian motorbike TH-cam experience with such an authentic Colombian bike, but after a few hours you realize that it’s a pretty small bike with your legs in a position you wouldn’t imagine on a large bike.
I watched a channel with a guy on a C90 that crossed Australia then up through Asia to China. If a C90 can do it then a Honda 125 should. The C90 did need several engine rebuilds and plenty of other work along the way so expect regular downtime to rest.
Happy Journey injoy your adventure Tip give exhaus valve, and intake. More clearance. Change the oil properly, not synthetic one Organic i du 1000km on main 12 jears stil du his Jop. I get da next bigger Clearance tool long Distanz da heat on air cool piston and oil expandieren different den just araund taun . I put 1dl mor oil dan norm and hi love it to cool daun . Happy trip .
Hi Guys, great to stumble on this. Oradour Sur Glane is incredibly moving. We visited last summer on our UK/EU trip. Hope all works out with the bike. Following 👍 Steveandsuzzertw 👍🏍️🏍️ NZ
Terry is indeed sparks, an electrician and an advanced rider instructor. A very generous nature. I didn't know that he had moved to France although he was talking of retiring way back before lockdown when we went across France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy and a few others that I forget.@@ILikeMotorbikes
I refused to get on an A road after a did my CBT as everyone was up my a55! Thankfully I was old enough to do my direct access, a bigger bike is much safer.
its awesome you have a partner you can share bikes with, that would never happen for me, it could be subjected though bc you did bring a helpless animal with you on this big trip
We ended up being very stressed and pressured (which this vid doesn't show) prior to leaving and it was one of those tasks that fell by the wayside. No leak, just a very silly mistake from us both
About double what we left with! Over the last 6 weeks (in Africa) we've averaged about £50/day including fuel, visas, food, accomodation etc If you're considering your own trip I'd say thats a decent figure to start with
@Paulie44 thanks! I'm sure they will be, met a South Africa just yesterday and he was super kind. There's a paypal link in the description of the video. PayPal email is info@ilikemotorbikes.com £2.75 and you'll get a sticker! Might need a little more if outside the UK Thanks for the support
Would you take a 125cc bike on an adventure like this?
Yes, ridden an XR125L (same engine, more or less) from Hampshire to the Outer Hebrides and back. Longest day was 350 miles. Ridden down to Devon and back several times too. Keep an eye on the oil (sorry - not trying to pour salt on the wound!) and they go on forever. Mine's got about 50k miles on the clock.
@_zzpza mega! That sounds like a brilliant trip
We've kept an eye on the oil since, once bitten twice shy!
We've now done nearly 7000 miles since we left (videos are a bit behind schedule)... 50k here we come 😁
@_zzpza mega! That sounds like a brilliant trip
We've kept an eye on the oil since, once bitten twice shy!
We've now done nearly 7000 miles since we left (videos are a bit behind schedule)... 50k here we come 😁
@@ILikeMotorbikes Nice! Can't wait to see the next episode.
@@ILikeMotorbikes you got a replacment engine did,nt you mate,how long did you have to wait for one,did you find a local one
125cc bikes are amazing. they just need to be ridden within their limits, and they won't go far wrong. I've seen a Honda CG125cc with 201,000 miles on the clock, so it's not impossible. To all the nagtive commentors, the 125cc engine is one of the most reliable motorcycle playforms on the planet. It can literally do anything and go anywhere. Some are better than others. I've found Honda to be the best.
+2nd that.
Having tried touring the UK on a Chinese 125, I can say that while they're fine in most scenarios, a 200-250cc would be much better when the terrain stops being flat. Being stuck at 30 mph, pinning the throttle in 2nd gear going uphill while creating a small traffic jam behind you is no fun and honestly causes a fair bit amount of stress. People should ride whatever works for them but tbh touring on a 125 ain't for everyone.
noraly is in angola already. She did the same route and destroyed her motorcycle tree times. That is a 300 cc honda. Of road-enduro motorcycle.
@@BassOutcast I think your main mistake was choosing a Chinese motorcycle 😂😂
@@jamesnoonan7450 its fast becoming a case of, "what ISN'T?" And If not China, India. And then theres Hero too.
When driving in Africa I often saw people on massive BMW bikes struggling. Far too heavy, too top heavy, no easy repairs, tiring at low speed. Meanwhile everyone else zapped along on 125s. Good luck on your adventure! I'd do it the same way!
Sorry to hear of Lauren's bike problem. Maybe the lesson to learn is that with a small engine like that you need to be checking the oil often. The sump capacity is small, the engines are working hard. Just a little bit of oil consumption and you are low on oil. I recomend checking the dipstick every fill up to start with. Then once you have an idea of how long before you need a top up, you can adjust the checking intervals accordingly. Don't be put off the project. Little bikes can do amazingly long journeys. You just need to learn how to care for their needs.
Yep an amateur mistake really but it happens. We've got on top of the mainteance now thankfully
A rookie mistake for sure, given that the oil is essentially the life blood of the engine it's very important to check it regularly and perticularly with small engines under hard load and use, but it's certainly a learning experience, granted a hard one 🤷🏻♂️
I just got a TW200. This will be the first season here in New England USA. I have finished the adventure build except to build the mounting the release for the top bag. You guys are so lucky to have each other to share this trip. I won't have room for side bags with the Mrs riding on the back. So as long as she is with me it won't be long trips. Enjoy the trip and each other! I will be watching. You are inspiring me to go way farther than I thought. Long live the small bikes!!!!!!!!!!!
Glad it's inspiring for you! Wishing you many happy miles on the TW200!
Little Hondas are brilliant for long distinces .You gotta reember that on a 1000 , 750 ,500 cc bike you normaly cruise at about half the maxium speed of the bike and a 125 needs to be ridden in a simular way if it has a chance of surviving . I wish you both well ,ride safe
Great advice. And they need oil in them. Then they need checking daily.
500+cc bikes have a top speed way above what highway requires for regular cruising. 125cc, especially fully loaded for touring and with a heavy 100 kg (200 pounds) rider will struggle to go anything above 120 kmh (75 mph). I don't think 60 kmh is what you'll be cruising at, if you dont want to die or get stomped by some truck. 90-100 kmh I would say is the sweet spot, fast enough to not endanger yourself and slow enough to not make that small engine overwork😂
@@marks9127 Dunno how powerful theirs are, but your numbers seem far(!) off. For 120kmh I needed an unloaded 250cc and ideal conditions. My bread & butter 125s (9 & 11hp) are more like thank God for anything above 80kmh (= not even promising 100 in their papers). But why shouldn't they survive full throttle, when every teenage hotspur rides them that way for two years?
@@jochenschrey2909 they are far off. CGs will only do a max of 60mph without heavy loads. Probably just reach 50mph here... and even that will be a push
@@jochenschrey2909 Sorry then. I don't have an ICE bike, and my electric one is closer to a 45cc moped (it has roughly 5 hp) than a 125cc. My speed calculations are based on what I've seen on youtube of KTM Duke 125 and Honda Cbr125 max speed videos. But I guess these 2 bikes kinda offer maximum of what 1cyl 125cc street legal bikes can have (i think it was 15 hp). Cbr125 can go 130 kmh, that I remember for sure.
They'll survive for some time. But we probably arent talking about regular cars' average lifespan of 300k km before engine failure. Just think about why you think 300k km is a lot for a car, almost impossible to reach for any motorcycle, be it 125 or 1200cc, and pretty much nothing for a truck or a lorry.
I like your raw approach to this expedition. Its exactly how I as a youngster would have done it, any problem is solvable but it just takes a little longer at the roadside. You are fantastic couple, now get on with it and don't listen to the moaners.
There's no problem that can be solved. It just depends on time and attitude
Cheers for the well wishers! The moaners will always find something to moan about
OK, subbed as I am interested in how you get on, but can you try to match the music volume and voice over volume... I had to crank it up to hear you talking and then blew my brains out when the music came back up..... Anyway, ride safe...
Just found your channel and trip, turn the bass down on the music and you voise up please
Looking good - nicely edited. Subscribed, looking forward to part 2 :)
Cheers! Hopefully coming soon
I love these adventure on budget bike trips - it shows you don’t need the big 500+ cc’s to have an adventure, well done
Absolutely not. Adventure is a mindset or attitude, not a specific motorcycle size
Are you carrying fuel and oil over and above what is in the tank and engine? Are you carrying a tow rope? highly recommend checking oil twice daily pre start and mid day refuel. Days are short at present go for shorter journeys that will end before dusk. Check front suspension before leaving Spain the Sahara's dust will play havoc with your forks, chain and wheel bearings. Tip for bike chains warm a tin of graphite grease pour into oil can with it's side cut out wash chain thoroughly in petrol allow to dry fold and place in graphite keep grease warm this will penetrate into all of the chains crevices left over night replace on machine treat two spare chains and vac pac. pack wheel bearings with as much grease as possible this will help prevent laterite dust getting into bearings it is a killer. Avoid riding unmade roads in the rain or when wet. loaded top heavy bikes WILL go over several times a day same with soft sand, Try to get in with a convoy if possible, best to meet up with fellow travelers at main Algeciras camp site Do you have a good tent?if not why not, I notice you have no racks over your front wheel spread the weight. If you dont want to carry a tent then get a good fishing brolley and two light weight stools believe me when I tell you the rain in Africa not like in the UK comes down really hard often with hail that will kill you I grew up out there so I do know what I am talking about. The sun goes down early in Africa the closer to the equator you get the earlier it goes down get you arses out of bed early and get moving as soon as the sun pops up over the horizon or your days will be too short to make the distances needed remember most mileage will be done on unlit roads a good lamp essential as power often limited, When I was a kid the electric was turned off at six Do you have a bulb kit? once into Sahara check air filter daily. more often after dust storms. sever dust storms park up well off road to avoid being rundown by trucks 150 yards at least, dust storms are extremely hot and unpleasant but if you keep your eyes open they can be spotted in the distance giving you time to prepare face masks help keep the dust out. Learn to scan the ground in front of you and out to the horizon at the same time, from your feet to the horizon360 degrees it is possible I do it to this day but then I grew up out there always always check boots before putting them on your feet helmets and sleeping bags to scorpions are nasty little buggers. If you can take the culture shock Africa a great place.
“Dull roads in France “ something no ever said before 😂
Enjoyed watching and have been following via the Facebook page, so was aware of the impending engine issue.
I'm sure there will be plenty of 'smart' advice regarding maintenance and prep. At least you two are actually doing it and making it happen. Looks like it's going to be a proper adventure. Hope you're both enjoying the trip.
Cheers! I hope you're enjoying following along.
Plenty of armchair experts out there but until a couple beats us to South Africa on 125cc bikes, I'll continue being the leading expert considering I don't believe it's been done before 🤣
Loving the trip so far!
Keep at it, ignore the idiots. Take care and enjoy the trip.
@@Banditmanuk I'll do my best! They won't stop us enjoying the adventure thats for sure
@@ILikeMotorbikes it has been done before on a pair of sinnis terrains 👍
@@user-ny3mq5wl9r UK to SA? Are you sure? I knew some had been ridden long distance to I think Mongolia but not aware of someone going to South Africa
Whoa guys, best of luck for Africa, hope you're prepared, it's very very tough out there, will be following you, best of luck
Wow! Look at how far you've come since leaving! Great video Tom, cant wait to watch the series. Poor Lauren looks defeated in that last part 😅
I know it feels like a lifetime ago! Thank you 🙌 she was understandably very down with killing her beloved bike! She bounced back quickly enough 😅
Thise 125’s are strong little engines, but you are also fully loaded. The tendency, particularly on long days, is to push it towards the end. Avoid that. Cruise at 50mph. Use the gearbox to avoid over stressing the engine. Change the oil more frequently than the recommended service interval and choose quality. Check the oil every morning and look for drips when you stop. Check the air filter regularly, particularly when you get to the real dusty/sandy/red soil stuff. keep your cables clean. A great adventure you are on: it will change your life view for ever. Expect problems and delays at borders and make sure you have the correct visas, particularly once you cross into Africa. I speak from experience. Go!
Dumb and dumber spring to mind and as a semi pro rider for over 45 years with 2 years inter city professional courier THOUSANDS of miles under my belt and ALL YEAR ROUND - ALL WEATHERS.. You really have to be DUMB to do a trip like this on a Honda CG 125 (made in Brazil - CBT training bike with RESTRICTED engine) !! Given Tom's mc history he has NO excuses for being so ! His girl is excused though one can feel sorry for her.. My girl also rides motorcycles and after she passed her test ended up with a CB500 as a present from me.. Fully serviced by me and not with me farting around re the accessories and etc BUT making sure the bike ENGINE was ultra reliable. Do we see this happening here... NO! Ah well it runs OK took it down the road, it was OK so it can do for the trip we plan.. UMMM as even my girl would say.. DUMB is an understatement.
@@arthurdanielles4784 I guess that’s the other way of looking at it….
@@arthurdanielles4784wtf you Talking about. Why shouldnt the 125cc Are able to do this Trip? I think they will do it. Its a awesome Adventure!
One of the first ROAD bikes I had in the UK was a 125 2 stroke. (1978) It was NON RESTRICTED, capable of up to 100 miles per hour speed wise and regularly run at over 70mph. UNLIKE the 125 RESTICTED bikes of today and that Honda CG 125cc THE BRAZILIAN import which is RESTRICTED; up to 50mph. What is worse however are those who appear to do little or nothing re essential checks re the mechanical and electrical tests on the bike before even contemplating such a trip. NO surprise then that the bike ENGINE fails... Dumb and NO his girl is NOT DUMBER... only one person earns the title. @@QWERTYQwertz852
@@arthurdanielles4784 c90adventures does it on a smaller bike but I think he's going slower and carrying less stuff.
Visiting what was once called the War Crimes museum in Vietnam left me in tears, and to think the genocide in Gaza continues. Great video. I have a CT125 I ride on short camping trips around Thailand, in the hope I will get a chance to tour longer distances. Keep going.
I can imagine the riding in SE Asia is fantastic! Thanks for the well wishes - humans can be a cruel bunch to one another sometimes can't they?
@@ILikeMotorbikes Yes, I enjoy riding here (and in other countries). During your adventure can you mention more about your planning for this trip, talk about why you and your girlfriend are doing it, how long you think it will take and what do you expect to be the main obstacles? The video you did building the luggage rack, should that be part of the playlist? I’m sure you must be familiar with Itchy Boots and C90Adventures? I’m looking forward to the next episode.
@djbrettell I'll try and include those bits in future episodes, thanks for the info
Very familiar with both of them
@@ILikeMotorbikes
Yes, and Nathan the postman. 👍
@g4joe I've met and ridden with Nathan a couple of times. In fact he's even ridden my CG briefly 😁
I've been to Oradour Sur Glane twice. Once in the 90s on my Honda CX500 on the way to Spain, and last time a cople of years ago, this time by car. A very moving experience. Recommended.
Another wartime location worth a visit is Auschwitz in Poland. Also very moving. I think it is true to say, you will never forget either location.
Oil change every 2000kms. Essential
Good luck with the repair, and I am looking forward to following your trip. I visited that village a few years ago on a hot sunny day. As soon as we walked into the walled village, the temperature dropped massively, but the sun was still out 😢 I will never forget that village 🙄🙄 good luck both and stay safe 👍
Cheers for the well wishes! Oradour is something that sticks with you for sure
Great job guys! Looking forward to the next one. Keep up the good work!
Cheers James! Glad you liked it
Great video, looking forward to more content. This trip is going to be epic!
Cheers man! I can't wait to get some of the videos from Africa out but it takes time
@@ILikeMotorbikes take your time! We’re here for the journey 🙌🙌
@filthyanimalmedia it'll be what it'll be 😁 bit busy adventuring... and African WiFi and electricity isn't always as stable as European stuff 🤣
Belive it or not, my grandad used to walk this exact same route everyday going to school… Only it was before the war, so it was still uphill both ways! He said the worst part was walking the 30,000 miles in 8ft of snow😅
What a great adventure you're setting off on. Might I request you turn the audio up a little when you talk, for those of us hard of hearing 😆
Thanks, I'll take this on board and try to raise the voice audio in my next videos
Wow, this series has turned out to be so good. I cant wait to see how this plays out.
Thanks! Hopefully I do it justice and you enjoy what's to come
Very unfortunate to have a major engine problem, but you can get honda parts just about anywhere in the world, and the old CG push rod engine is easy to fix.
Yeah unfortunate an frustrating as it was our own doing... but these things happen and whats done is done. We learnt the hard way... amusingly CG parts are easy to get (relatively) but turns out bloody expensive in France!
I have been watching in awe a guy who has just done what you are planning to do (One Man One Bike) he is currently in Portugal as he is now on his way back. The fact you are attempting this on 125's is incredulous. OMOB did it on a V-Strom 1000. Looking forward to seeing how it unfolds, although your hideous choice of loud music means I'm watching it with the volume muted.
Yep seen his stuff and we nearly crossed paths with him in Morocco.
Sorry you didn't like the music
I just came across your channel tonight by chance and I really liked this vid. nice content between the journey, the war site, the driving, the narration and the music used. I don't know how far you both are through your journey but i'm looking forward to binge watching it
We are pretty far into the journey so lots to come but I had my laptop charger stolen and only just managed to replace it so it may be a little while until I can get the next videos underway but I'm trying. I'm really glad you enjoyed the video in its many aspects
I'm sure you will both find a way to get the engine fixed. Great little bikes. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Cheers Mark...spoiler....we did find a way 😉
Awesome stuff! I have a 125cc Vespa and a 125cc Honda which I use for month-long trips in Europe, usually over the Alps to Italy. I'm thinking about going to Morocco next year, but South Africa is something else! What a plan! Also great that you visited Oradour. I think it's important to get to know the history of a place you're travelking through, even the terrible parts, in hopes that we will learn from it. Oradour sadly has very importsnt lessons to teach for today...
Thats mega! Very much rate Morocco for motorycling, very easy to get to and small bike friendly for sure! I hope you make it and enjoy it
Agree, history has some painful and dark lessons for us
I've been looking forward to these vids coming out. Excellent job on the editing!
Thank you! Glad you liked it
Yes, it's not good, I'm having a hard time trying to remain interested
125cc is the most used bike in Thailand and I have many friends who have been buzzing around on their Honda's for years and thousands of miles on the clock, they just keep going.
A Fantastic adventure awaits you both I predict, safe journey to you both. Massive respect from jimmy in Scarborough 🙌
Thanks Jimmy! Can't wait to share more videos - thanks for the well wishes
You should get amazing mpg my first bike way back in 1985 was a honda c90 me a d my mate went to whitby from huddersfield (120miles) my bime was full of fuel when i set off it didnt even take a gallon i did the trip road around whitby a week and rode home it still had fuel left when i got home the c90 is a legend that can do well over 200miles a gallon
1st thing that goes when short of oil is valve rocker assembly, as it’s furthest away from oil pump. Take of it will be stiff to work up and down. Just change that engine will probably be ok.
Awesome Trip!
Im wishing you a very fun and Safe Trip! I Hope they dont Break down Badly and i Hope you Ride Safe!
I love it when people do Journeys Like you do now! ❤
I am Looking forward to the next Episodes!
At 10:15 how do you remove the seat so easily? I think I have the same bike, CG125-4, just bought it a couple of weeks ago, but can't figure out how to remove the seat, I searched for videos on the internet but did't find one, and I am afraid not to damage something.
The seat has two bolts. One each side that are accessed from underneath by the rear mudguard. Basically crouch by the rear wheel, and look up underneath and you'll see them, I think they are 12mm from memory. Because of our luggage holding the seats down I don't bother bolting it down now and that's why it was so easy to remove as I didn't have the bolts fitted
Thanks a million. I searched and searched, and didn't find any info, except for a FB group in Argentina, I believe the same bike, but different name, it's called Honda CG 125 FAN and TITAN ks/es, but still nothing about the seat removal there. Mine is a Honda CG125 ES-4 from 2005.
Also, do you know where can I find any repair manual for this kind of bike with codes for parts, torque specs for the bolts etc. ? Do you use one?
@Constantin_08 the Haynes manuals are good for them but the ES bikes (2004-2008) only have a small section in them
Facebook groups are good, if you're UK based the cg125 UK groups are godo, there's two and one is better than the other.
Be careful though with some things as for example the fork oil level is different on our bikes than the earlier bikes but there's tons of conflicting info! I called a Honda dealer to check in the end
Some set backs but really you're going rather well! Imagine what extra distress there is for anyone with a expensive, giant "ADV" which can have some computer problem the owner can't diagnose, and isnt welcome to work on!
Thanks for your sharing about that wartime atrocity; more thought provoking, than what we learn of war from mainstream media.
Thanks for taking us along; it's a good adventure already; If you make right down through africa, you'll boost the sales of little all motorbikes around the world!
Your photography is excellent!
Thanks Ron! Glad you're enjoying it - we are pretty deep into Africa now so you'll see plenty more exciting things later on
Good luck on your adventure. A leap of faith using small capacity bikes. It’ll be fine. I will keep a watch on your progress.
Ah I'm sure it'll be fine! We've made it a fair way through Africa so far (videos are a bit behind) - cheers for the well wishes!
Look forward to the next one! Beatrice loved watching this one ❤
I'm glad she liked it! I'm excited to get more out
Good luck, when you get to South Africa come across to the best bit (KZN), the Drakensberg MOuntaisn where what I am.
I've been recommended there already! Definitely planning to check it out...hopefully be there by June!
Kind of hoping to do the same thing on my 125 Varadero. At least your engines will be super easy to get parts for everywhere. Good choice.
Do it, you won't regret it!
G'day from Australia. So what made you chose a 125 cc bike over something a little larger... such as the trusty old CRF 300 Rally?
Blimey the other side of the world are watching! Cheers for tuning in
Main reasons for not having a larger bike are 1) I already owned my CG 125
2) cost. Fuel, parts, maintenance and shipping. Though arguably after killing an engine maybe parts and maintenance bill would have been cheaper!
They are poles apart in terms of initial cost.
I like small bikes but would prefer a 250 for this, same weight and size of bike but slightly less stressed engine.
I've ridden Suzuki DR200 long distances and it's not big enough when you're doing 400km/day. Max speed on the 200 without thrashing the engine is 80kph, on a 125 max speed would be about 50-60kph. There was a series years ago about an older German woman with no biking skill who rode her Honda XL 125 across Central Asia, but she had a chase vehicle. She made it back to Germany about 6 months later, very slowly.
Max speed 50-60kph on a 125? Absolutely not - even offroad we can sometimes do 50kph - on good paved roads 70-90kph is often achievable but 70-80 feels better
Wow, i am jealous. What a fun trip that'd be.
Exciting so far. More drama than you need...
I thought all road trips have a spare vehicle trailing behind the stars, or is that just on Grand Tour 😅
Good stuff. Looking forward to the next instalment.
😅 I doubt we even have 0.5% of the budget of a single episode of the grand tour!
Cheers, glad you liked it and are looking forward to the next one
What a fantastic journey brilliant to do it on 125's too. Great footage. I had heard about the French village too.
Thanks Mark! Appreciate the kind words - a very moving place to visit
How’s the regular maintenance and oil checks coming on?
We learnt our lesson, most days oil, tyres and chain is checked as a minimum
You have courage. I wish you good luck and I just wait the new videos form your Adventures.
Thanks for the well wishes. Work on the next video is underway so I hope to not keep you or anyone else waiting too long
Been so nice meeting you today in Agulhas. Safe travels
@@jeanmassyn6754 a pleasure meeting you
Thanks for the chat and the well wishes
Lekka stuff guys, looking forward to seeing you here in Cape Town when you arrive 🙂
Cheers! Hope you like it, we'll be a while but hopefully by May or June
@@ILikeMotorbikes Defo's a meetup when you arrive in Cape Town. Fish and Chips in my village of Hout Bay is on me.
@maartendegroot7785 I'll try and remember Hout Bay! Feel free to get in touch on Facebook on my I Like Motorbikes page so we can stay in touch! Or my email should be on the channel somewhere 👍
in the next parts can you cut the musical noise ?
LOVE what you're doing. Perfect bikes I reckon. But 500k's...bit over enthusiastic start I think.
The bikes are the transport to your adventures, not the adventure itself. Have fun. from Melbourne ,Aust.
love what you guys are doing love my 125s lol ill be watching your journey good luck
Cheers for the well wishes!
Good luck sorting out the bike. It could be worth picking up a spare clutch for the bikes if your not already carrying one. From watching Itchy boots, it only takes one bad day in the mud and the clutch can be ruined. I think your choice of bikes should mean its easy for people to help along the way though.
Cheers! We are already carrying a spare clutch... I ended up changing one on my euro tour 7 years ago. Turns out I was ripped off by a Honda dealer so my original clutch (still fine according to honda workshop manual) is in our luggage should it even be required
Excited for you guys. Respect!
Thanks! It's been a blast and I can't wait to get more videos out for all
Fantastic. Can't wait!
Thank you 🙌
Quality, proper adventure. Love it. :) Looking forward to installment number two :)
Cheers team Lomo!
I have a full license and still own 125 bikes and scooters, so many miles on them and love it,
Small Bikes are awesome!
Honda pcx 125 scooter I've done 20k miles in just over 1 year and with little maintenance and a big maintenance here and there it runs perfectly only wish the tyres lasted i get around 5k at push on the rear and 10k front. Best scooter out there in the 125 range and price is good for what you get
Thrashing the older single cylinder 125's for prolonged periods rarely ends well. Looking forward to the next instalment.
It's been alright for the next 6500 miles... they seem to run much better with oil in 😅
@@ILikeMotorbikes ha ha you tell him
@@ILikeMotorbikes Oils well that ends well....
Not true. With proper maintenance and oil they will run for ever.
Just not flat out@@davidmatthews3093
Nice adventure, nice footage.
But why the horrible loud background music ?
I'm no expert on long trips like this but I'd want at least a 350 or 500cc. Not for speed but just for all that weight you're carrying and the cruddy road conditions you'll find in Africa, where a bit of power will be really useful. It might sound cool and trendy to say you're having an adventure but it won't feel like that when you're knee deep in mud. But good luck and I'll be watching from my sofa... 😊
That was just fantastic to watch! I throughly enjoyed it and obviously you did get it fixed! But nonetheless less it is nerve racking! I cannot wait for the next set of adventures! Good luck on all your adventures! Good luck both of you and I am sure you are having a great time too! 😊😉😄👍
Cheers Nigel, glad you liked it so much.
Next video is already underway - we're having a blast!
I've had bikes up to 1200cc, currently ride an XVS950 but my best fun has been on small bikes. I rode a Van Van 125 from the UK to Malaga, it was super all day comfy, because it is, and...its best at sub 40mph. My next bike will be a 125cc for a round Europe trip, it'll be a Van Van or a Super Cub. 👍
Euro tours on small bikes is brilliant! I whole-heartedly support it - hope you have a mega trip
I have a old van van 200 , much more torque than the 125 although still only 125 speeds , I have a GS 1100 BMW but I want to tour on the van van , much more frugal and less to go wrong mechanically.
Good luck on your adventure mate.
All the best to you.
Next.
South east asia and Australia ya!
Thanks for the well wishes. We'd love to... bit busy reaching South Africa first then we'll decide 😁
Absolutely brilliant vid! Always wondered if my wee 125 get to morroco? You answered my long time question and more! Banging adventure! Hope you stopped in Anza? 🙏🏴🙏👊👊👊👊
Definitely capable of Morocco and beyond!
We didn't visit though I think we passed very close
The best 125cc bikes that last long are Honda xr125 , Honda valadero 125cc ,yamaha DT 125. Best for long-distance adventure is the Honda valadero with off road tyres.
honda cg 125 ideal adventure machines.... fairly tough, economical, simple machines... just watch the cam chain tensioners.... and dont forget enjoy the adventure...
no cam chain tensioner here... pushrod engines! Simple ineed - cheers Stephen
@@ILikeMotorbikes oh i had the CB100N which was a cam chain.... defiantly the weakest spot on that engine...
@@stephensmith1118 Yep cam chains are a weak point on lots of bikes and sadly on a lot of hondas it seems
Having traversed africa, some 40,000 miles, it is more rewarding if you place the emphasis on the journey not the destination, it's not about reaching the top of the mountain if you don't learn, appreciate the view, and the majesty of the landscape. Much of the best of Africa you can never reach with those bikes. Of course, you can get to cape town but you should leave naivety behind, fully recognise the nature of all potential risks involved or luck may not be on your side, drive within limits. Keep safe, take care and try to understand the people and the countries you pass through then it will be a richer experience.
I’ve been seriously thinking about a long distance ride like this heading south from UK. I’ve previously been across Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia which are all pretty easy really and always on 125cc Hondas. This time I bought something bigger with luggage, but still a Honda of course. I am certain you will have no problems at all this side of the Sahara, but I’m interested to learn how you will get through Central African countries. I assume you must have a Carnet for each of the bikes, but even then I am extremely interested to know your plans. I will be following and supporting this channel with a donation shortly
Cheers Andrew for following along. Yep carnets for each bike though I personally know someone who recently completed the same UK to SA trip without one - Currently in Sierra Leone... a little behind on the video editing but that just means there is plenty to keep you entertained in the coming weeks
@@ILikeMotorbikes I’ve always found that small bikes are much easier to cross awkward borders than big bikes or cars, I remember everyone said crossing the Vietnam border was particularly hard but we turned up just as the border opened at a tiny border of Bo Y and we had to wake the immigration guy to get our passports stamped, customs were nowhere to be seen.. I know plenty of people have been turned back at the same border on bigger bikes and cars. Sometimes a bit of luck is involved, and packets of cigarettes always smooth the process… I’ve heard that some Central African borders are literally impossible without sizable bribes, which I can believe because even in Asia bribes ( or tea money as they prefer ) are routine but small. Smaller bikes will always equal less of a target for corruption. One time when I was new to it all I spent nearly a hour at a roadside police checkpoint in Laos before i realized all they wanted was 1 dollar.
Great content, looking forward to seeing more
Great vid!! Cant wait to watch the next stage. Inspirational stuff.
Video underway already but it'll be likely released next month at some point all being well
How do you find suitable accommodation accross your journey? Im thinking of doing something similar but tempted to camp it all to save costs and less faff
A combination of Airbnb, booking.com and an app called iOverlander help. Google too if the above fails or we find a wildcamp ourselves
Good mix of motorcycle content, travelogue and personal reflections. Enjoyed this and will try to follow the series 👍
Cheers! Tried to keep it interesting so I'm pleased you liked it
Wow - thats a trip worthy of a sub!
Very kind! Cheers
"It turns out there was no oil in the bike". I am literally GAGGING to find out the journalist's 5 W's: Who, What, Where, Where, Why???? Well from the teasers at the end of the video it looks like you found a solution. Look forward to watching you glide by my house here in the Gers (32) on the way to cross the Pyrenees and on to deepest, darkest Spain!
Why is Spain referred to as deep and dark?
What no oil in the bike ???????
Yep a silly mistake. What this video doesn't show is the pressure and stress we were under in the lead up to the trip and it was just something that was foolishly overlooked.
An easy yet costly mistake to make
Engine failure so soon on a long journey is really bad luck. Checking oil every day, or twice a day on long runs is really important. If it.s using oil you need to know where.
Just to let you know when editing. The commentary is too soft and the music is too loud. Unpleasant to listen to. I'm sure it will get better over tune. Be safe. Thanks 🇬🇧 😊
" No oil in the bike".....any particular reason for that ?
We had overlooked it for a long time. There was no obvious signs of a leak so I think it had just burnt a little at a time over a long period.
When I say no oil, there was definitely some residue but none registering on the dipstick
Wow hats off to you two
Cheers Howard!
Hope you get sorted and enjoy your ride take care from Scotland
Cheers! We get sorted indeed.. thanks for the good vibes
They went from Bedfordshire, not Scotland.
@@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOnethat's no what I meant. I was basically saying take care from me in Scotland
@@ILikeMotorbikeswhen yous uploading new vids mate. Any news on when yous are heading back off again
@technospcgaming as soon as I can although my laptop charger was stolen so until I replace that I'm limited in battery power and its nearly out...
Sorry for the bad news!
Well, this caught my eye, because I had only just completed the first 300 km on a Suzuki GN125 in Colombia, almost all with a pillion passenger. Of course, while running the engine in maintaining a maximum engine speed of 5600 revs, that’s a maximum speed of about 62 km/ĥ pretty much the standard for the mountain roads where most of the time you won’t even be reaching 60 K’s. I was contemplating an authentic Colombian motorbike TH-cam experience with such an authentic Colombian bike, but after a few hours you realize that it’s a pretty small bike with your legs in a position you wouldn’t imagine on a large bike.
It’s still a definite step up from a 109cc Honda scooter on these rough roads, and it’s not even an off road bike!
music spoils it
I watched a channel with a guy on a C90 that crossed Australia then up through Asia to China. If a C90 can do it then a Honda 125 should. The C90 did need several engine rebuilds and plenty of other work along the way so expect regular downtime to rest.
Happy Journey injoy your adventure
Tip give exhaus valve, and intake. More clearance. Change the oil properly, not synthetic one
Organic i du 1000km on main 12 jears stil du his Jop.
I get da next bigger Clearance tool long Distanz da heat on air cool piston and oil expandieren different den just araund taun .
I put 1dl mor oil dan norm and hi love it to cool daun . Happy trip .
Thanks for the well wishes!
Hi Guys, great to stumble on this. Oradour Sur Glane is incredibly moving. We visited last summer on our UK/EU trip.
Hope all works out with the bike. Following 👍
Steveandsuzzertw 👍🏍️🏍️ NZ
Cheers Steve! Yeah it really is moving - thanks for following along, best wishes to you!
how you find thees plases to stay and wiut a workshop too
@archiemillington306 mostly just via Facebook though other places not in this video were a combination of word of mouth or then just booking online
I haven't seen 'sparks' for a few years - did a few tours with him, a great guy.
Is Terry "Sparks"?
Terry is indeed sparks, an electrician and an advanced rider instructor. A very generous nature. I didn't know that he had moved to France although he was talking of retiring way back before lockdown when we went across France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy and a few others that I forget.@@ILikeMotorbikes
@@alangilbert6544 mega! He's a brilliant chap, only bested by his wife Sharon 😁 they make a great pair and were so warm and welcoming.
Nice video! What was the name of the village with war history?
Oradour-Sur-Glane
Looking forward to the next installment
Gimme chance to start editing! I can't wait to get it out
@ILikeMotorbikes mate I find editing hard at a desk, god knows how you deal with it on the road
@Well I've only managed one in 2 months... maybe that gives you an idea haha!
How long did it take to ride through france into spain?? Sorry if you said as I'm watching in silence!
Crossed into Spain on our 6th day of riding. Next video covers crossing into Spain
I refused to get on an A road after a did my CBT as everyone was up my a55! Thankfully I was old enough to do my direct access, a bigger bike is much safer.
Great video looking forward to the next one
Thanks Gareth! Glad you liked it
its awesome you have a partner you can share bikes with, that would never happen for me, it could be subjected though bc you did bring a helpless animal with you on this big trip
You're calling Lauren a helpless animal? That says a lot about your character
i meant the cat why you take a cat on a long trip its bumpy @@ILikeMotorbikes
@@ItZFlipz I see... the cat is not mine. It was at one of the homes we stayed in
No oil !! was it a leak, or not checked before lift off?
We ended up being very stressed and pressured (which this vid doesn't show) prior to leaving and it was one of those tasks that fell by the wayside. No leak, just a very silly mistake from us both
@@ILikeMotorbikes Sorry, that suuucks , I hope you recover. Since I always ride solo I tend to over-check all my fluids before any long trip.
@@ler3968 definitely not ideal but could have been worse!
Great first video
Thanks Ian
What is an approximate budget for a trip like this (excluding cost of bikes and bike gear)
About double what we left with! Over the last 6 weeks (in Africa) we've averaged about £50/day including fuel, visas, food, accomodation etc
If you're considering your own trip I'd say thats a decent figure to start with
@@ILikeMotorbikeswhere can I donate/send a coffee? (I’m originally from South Africa and hope the people will be kind to you on your arrival)
@Paulie44 thanks! I'm sure they will be, met a South Africa just yesterday and he was super kind.
There's a paypal link in the description of the video.
PayPal email is info@ilikemotorbikes.com
£2.75 and you'll get a sticker! Might need a little more if outside the UK
Thanks for the support
@@ILikeMotorbikesdone! Hopefully the small donation helps with fuel along the way. Safe travels 👍
@Paulie44 thanks so much! Very very kind, you really didn't have to but its so appreciated