AMERICANS: Would you buy a 125cc motorcycle for the street?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by jkv357

I tend to think of bikes as small or large based on weight and power, so the DR at 325# and 40-some HP would be on the smaller side for me - but I get your point.

Considering a motorcycle small based on weight and its overall dimensions make some sense, but it can become confusing when we compare models in distinct displacement classes.

[jkv357]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Considering a motorcycle small based on weight and its overall dimensions make some sense, but it can become confusing when we compare models in distinct displacement classes.

True.

A 650cc DR650 and 650cc SV650 are very different motorcycles for sure.

"Small" depends on your perspective.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by woodsrat

...we should talk about the gas mileage of 125's. Or specifically, the lack of.

My buddy's WR-250R has consistently returns 75-80 MPG and occasionally pushes 90. By comparison my Lifan is doing good to get 75...

Which is one of the minor reasons I don't own a bike any more. (The major one being that these days I almost always have dogs with me.) When I can get an honest 70+ mpg out of my Insight, riding a bike to get the same or worse seems silly. Not to mention that around here (Sierra Nevada/Great Basin) getting ~50 mpg with a 3-4 gallon tank puts some limits on where you can go - at least with the expectation of not having to hitchhike back :-(

[woodsrat]

Unless a person is "financially challenged" and can't afford anything else but a scooter or old motorcycle modern "quadracycles" make a lot more sense than riding anything on two wheels. Efficient and able to haul four people, gear or dogs in perfect comfort there's little reason to even buy a motorcycle save for one.






They're fun.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Apart from the lack of stability and weather protection, I actually don't think a motorcycle is so bad at all. But I'm still more inclined toward a tricycle because it would be easier to haul the dog.

[johnny77]

I said no but thought about it Id drive a light cross bike or striped down bobber for winter use. The 550 maxims weight is a bit tough to throw around in snow roughly 550 -600 lbs 250- 273 kg. Not impossible but challenging. Today it was all ice could barely stand up on the driveway at work slow ride roads were just as bad. Small bike sounds nice in a way but too old school for a scooter.

[woodsrat]

Originally Posted by johnny77

...The 550 maxims weight is a bit tough to throw around in snow roughly 550 -600 lbs 250- 273 kg. Not impossible but challenging...

If you ever got to ride my Lifan 125 powered, 175 lb. step throughs in tractionless conditions you'd think you died and went to heaven. No longer would you be straining to remain upright but would probably have fun on the slick stuff.

Unfortunately Honda stopped importing them in 1986. Short of "rolling your own" like I do the only other possibility here is the SYM Symba which stopped coming in a few years ago. Good ones are out there and at bargain prices. Swap out the pud SYM motor with a Lifan and you'd end up with a super light commuter that will easily run with traffic.

Or, as in my case, you find that the lightweights are a lot more fun all year long for all your riding and your big bikes will gather dust in the garage...

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by johnny77

The 550 maxims weight is a bit tough to throw around in snow roughly 550 -600 lbs 250- 273 kg. Not impossible but challenging.

Good excuse to pick a random Asian 125cc motorcycle.
Look at this Suzuki:


Or this old Hyosung:

Small bike sounds nice in a way but too old school for a scooter.

At least in other markets there is a broader availability of small-displacement motorcycles for those who wouldn't be satisfied with a scooter.

That's an older one, this model (Honda XLR 125) was phased out in 2003 but there are still similar models available.

[woodsrat]

A friend lives in Mexico and rants about the XR-150L. Not a 125 but he said it's a great bike especially for the price.

I'm more taken with the "Cargo" 125 and 150cc bikes. Truly utilitarian machines intended for hard duty. Bajaj and Italika both offer similar machines.

Honda still offers the "Wave" step through, too.

It's sad that the machines I'd buy are across the border and basically off-limits to me.

[Daschicken]

Originally Posted by johnny77

I said no but thought about it Id drive a light cross bike or striped down bobber for winter use. The 550 maxims weight is a bit tough to throw around in snow roughly 550 -600 lbs 250- 273 kg. Not impossible but challenging. Today it was all ice could barely stand up on the driveway at work slow ride roads were just as bad. Small bike sounds nice in a way but too old school for a scooter.

Not even considering the weight, you ride a motorcycle in the snow and ice???? What tires are you running?

Originally Posted by woodsrat

It's sad that the machines I'd buy are across the border and basically off-limits to me.

That is exactly how I feel, despite that, I have 2 canadian import bikes already, and my dad has a third.

Originally Posted by woodsrat

Or, as in my case, you find that the lightweights are a lot more fun all year long for all your riding and your big bikes will gather dust in the garage...

Yup, my dad said that today after a ride, he likes his VFR 400 better than the VFR 800.