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

[JSH]

Not a 125cc but I'm excited about Honda bumping the ADV150 to 160cc. The 150cc supposedly goes 73 mph but I'd guess that is more like 60-65 with a US size rider and a little bit of incline. The extra 1.2 hp (14.8 to 16 hp) should get it up to speed a bit quicker and make it more usable on US highways.


I like the Trail 125 but the 55 mph top speed doesn't work for me.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by JSH

I like the Trail 125 but the 55 mph top speed doesn't work for me

The small fuel tank would also restrict too much the range.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

The small fuel tank would also restrict too much the range.

I don't have any issue with the 1.4 gallon tank on the Trail 125. That is likely enough for 100 miles of riding and strapping an extra 2 gallon tank to the seat when required is simple enough. (My 1996 Kawasaki ZX-7RR had a 5 gallon tank and a range of 110 miles)

My issue is the top speed. Here in the USA traffic moves at 60 - 70 mph on rural roads. With an official 55 mph top speed we are likely looking at a real top speed of about 50 mph (likely 40 or 45 on an incline) and I have no desire to be a rolling roadblock with a line of cars tailgating me and attempting sketchy passes.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by JSH

I don't have any issue with the 1.4 gallon tank on the Trail 125. That is likely enough for 100 miles of riding and strapping an extra 2 gallon tank to the seat when required is simple enough.

Assuming you're talking about a Jerry can, having to stop at a roadside (or no roadside at all) to pour fuel from a Jerry can to the tank wouldn't be something so pleasant to do here.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Assuming you're talking about a Jerry can, having to stop at a roadside (or no roadside at all) to pour fuel from a Jerry can to the tank wouldn't be something so pleasant to do here.

That would be the simplest way to add extra fuel range when required. An auxiliary tank would also be a simple option to add if you routinely need to go more than 100 miles without stopping. It would be a simple gravity feed system with a manual petcock to switch tanks as needed.

Either is a better option than simply not being able to make the trip because the bike can't maintain the speed limit.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

As far as speed limits go, maybe you could check those performance kits meant to the 125cc Hondas. With an improved torque, a higher-speed sprocket could address your needs, yet it would void warranty if you consider buying new.

[Bicycle Bob]

Maintaining a strict maximum displacement is for racing. On the street, if you need more power, bigger is better. Mercedes Benz used to have very buzzy little engines, because they were so proud of their racing cars.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Bicycle Bob

On the street, if you need more power, bigger is better.

Considering an identical power rating, yet at a lower RPM for a larger engine which also tends to have a better low-end torque, such setup with a higher gearing can also outlast and be more fuel-efficient than some over-revving engine with fewer torque backed by a shorter transmission ratio. No wonder a former owner of a Suzuki GN 125 who now has a Royal Enfield Classic 350 told me it's so much better. As far as the Cub-type Honda engine, it tends to be less rev-happy than the engine of a CB 125 for instance, so it might be more comparable to a lower-displacement engine.

Mercedes Benz used to have very buzzy little engines, because they were so proud of their racing cars.

Mercedes-Benz also used to make some engines with a more austere RPM band, yet not so low as some of its American contenders, and I guess you remember that 230cu.in. Pontiac OHC engine based on a Chevrolet straight-6 intended to compete with Mercedes-Benz, while the Italians OTOH tended to make much more rev-happy engines.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

As far as speed limits go, maybe you could check those performance kits meant to the 125cc Hondas. With an improved torque, a higher-speed sprocket could address your needs, yet it would void warranty if you consider buying new.

There are no street legal big bore kits for the Honda 125's. I see no reason to illegally modify a 125 when I can just buy a motorcycle / scooter that meets my speed requirements from the factory. It is likely cheaper too. The Honda Trail is $4,300 while the ADV 160 is $5,000. I doubt you can buy the parts to boost the Trail 125 to a real 70 mph for $700.

Honda has also started selling the XR150L in the USA for $3300 this year. So for $1000 less than the retro styled Trail 125 Honda has a street legal 70 mph dual sport.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by JSH

Honda has also started selling the XR150L in the USA for $3300 this year. So for $1000 less than the retro styled Trail 125 Honda has a street legal 70 mph dual sport.

Though the Trail 125 has EFI, which is a good feature, the XR 150L is a good choice. It's been available in my country since 2003 BTW, yet now it features a 160cc flexfuel engine and disc brake at the rear wheel too.