Euro tour - only a LITTLE different
Discussion
I have known for a while I wanted to go to Europe by bike, so long in fact I booked the time of work months ago and that was, until very recently, the only planning I had done.
In fact it is still the largest amount of planning I have done.
So I am planning to take the below bike, to at least the South West of Germany, around the Black Forest region.
It is a 2005, Honda CG 125 with 10k miles on the clock that I picked up for £450 a couple of months ago.
It came with the top box, a lot of history, every MOT it's had and a Haynes manual.
A lot of people will be reading and thinking "it's stupid" "why not take a real bike?" or having read more recent threads "125's are dangerous". My counter argument to those is as follows, it will be cheap. Incredibly cheap in fact. I worked out rough costs and with the mileage I was aiming to do (now cut down for the CG) I would have spent over £400 just in fuel!
I won't have to pay for breakdown cover but lets face it, it's very unlikely to breakdown, if it does I am likely to be able to fix it by the road side with tape, hammers and the old favourite, cable ties. Worst case if I can't fix it by the road side I can probably call a taxi to put the bike in to get me to the nearest bike shop, or have a couple of energy drinks and carry it.
I also don't see how riding a bike of a certain capacity is a greater or lesser perceived risk, especially if you use it as intended. I am not iintending to be doing top speed autobahn runs, if you care it does 75mph and it's not great fun and needs to be a long downhill.
I'll be planning to hammock most nights with perhaps the odd night on the floor or perhaps even pay for a hostel mid-way through just for the beauty of a shower. It will certainly be an adventure no matter what happens.
So, on to more important things. As of writing this post I do not have a route planned (I probably won't plan one at all other than getting to the ferry or chunnel), I haven't yet booked the chunnel or ferry or indeed decided which I will do. I haven't looked into what is precisely required for riding a motorbike in Europe, HINT; If you have suggestions or a list it would be a great help, I haven't fully finished prepping the bike and I also haven't got a firm list of what I am packing/taking.
All of the preceding paragraph is fine, apart from the one small detail which is I leave on Thursday night. Thursday the 24th. As in 5 full days away. 4 of which I am working.
I still need to finish fitting the chain and sprockets, fit hand guards to the now MX style bars (just think it will be better if I drop it over there) plus have a good once over of the whole bike.... I'll be heading off to do that once this post is done and once I have booked a ferry!
As everyone loves pictures see below an arty farty shot.
Finally I'll update this thread alongside my website (look in my profile) with details of the trip most likely on my return. Wish me luck!
ETA -
Part 1 > www.ilikemotorbikes.com/single-post/2017/11/13/125...
Part 2 > www.ilikemotorbikes.com/single-post/2018/01/03/125...
Part 3 > www.ilikemotorbikes.com/single-post/2018/01/08/125...
Part 4 > https://www.ilikemotorbikes.com/.../125cc-2100-mil...
In fact it is still the largest amount of planning I have done.
So I am planning to take the below bike, to at least the South West of Germany, around the Black Forest region.
It is a 2005, Honda CG 125 with 10k miles on the clock that I picked up for £450 a couple of months ago.
It came with the top box, a lot of history, every MOT it's had and a Haynes manual.
A lot of people will be reading and thinking "it's stupid" "why not take a real bike?" or having read more recent threads "125's are dangerous". My counter argument to those is as follows, it will be cheap. Incredibly cheap in fact. I worked out rough costs and with the mileage I was aiming to do (now cut down for the CG) I would have spent over £400 just in fuel!
I won't have to pay for breakdown cover but lets face it, it's very unlikely to breakdown, if it does I am likely to be able to fix it by the road side with tape, hammers and the old favourite, cable ties. Worst case if I can't fix it by the road side I can probably call a taxi to put the bike in to get me to the nearest bike shop, or have a couple of energy drinks and carry it.
I also don't see how riding a bike of a certain capacity is a greater or lesser perceived risk, especially if you use it as intended. I am not iintending to be doing top speed autobahn runs, if you care it does 75mph and it's not great fun and needs to be a long downhill.
I'll be planning to hammock most nights with perhaps the odd night on the floor or perhaps even pay for a hostel mid-way through just for the beauty of a shower. It will certainly be an adventure no matter what happens.
So, on to more important things. As of writing this post I do not have a route planned (I probably won't plan one at all other than getting to the ferry or chunnel), I haven't yet booked the chunnel or ferry or indeed decided which I will do. I haven't looked into what is precisely required for riding a motorbike in Europe, HINT; If you have suggestions or a list it would be a great help, I haven't fully finished prepping the bike and I also haven't got a firm list of what I am packing/taking.
All of the preceding paragraph is fine, apart from the one small detail which is I leave on Thursday night. Thursday the 24th. As in 5 full days away. 4 of which I am working.
I still need to finish fitting the chain and sprockets, fit hand guards to the now MX style bars (just think it will be better if I drop it over there) plus have a good once over of the whole bike.... I'll be heading off to do that once this post is done and once I have booked a ferry!
As everyone loves pictures see below an arty farty shot.
Finally I'll update this thread alongside my website (look in my profile) with details of the trip most likely on my return. Wish me luck!
Edited by MotorsportTom on Saturday 19th August 12:45
Edited by MotorsportTom on Saturday 19th August 12:48
ETA -
Part 1 > www.ilikemotorbikes.com/single-post/2017/11/13/125...
Part 2 > www.ilikemotorbikes.com/single-post/2018/01/03/125...
Part 3 > www.ilikemotorbikes.com/single-post/2018/01/08/125...
Part 4 > https://www.ilikemotorbikes.com/.../125cc-2100-mil...
Edited by MotorsportTom on Monday 6th January 21:02
Edited by MotorsportTom on Wednesday 30th September 12:17
Thansk for the well wishes folks!
Kamil - I seem to remember you had a classic 50 that you rode some incredible distances on did you not?
Cbull - really appreciate the sentiment, I'm hoping it all works out too!
myvision - It's much obliged
Channel tunnel is booked for 7:20am on the morning of the 25th, I just need to find a place I can pitch my hammock close by and I'll be pretty much set to go. It's only a 5.5 hour ride from home...
Kamil - I seem to remember you had a classic 50 that you rode some incredible distances on did you not?
Cbull - really appreciate the sentiment, I'm hoping it all works out too!
myvision - It's much obliged
Channel tunnel is booked for 7:20am on the morning of the 25th, I just need to find a place I can pitch my hammock close by and I'll be pretty much set to go. It's only a 5.5 hour ride from home...
Really appreciate all the well wishes folks.
Andy - thanks for the heads up re: kit required!
Loyly - honestly the speed isnt a problem for me, being on the right roads is the issue. Dual carriageways are horrid, single track roads are awesome fun! 25-45mph and riding it like it's stolen is some of the most fun I have had on the road in a long while
If I can figure out how to upload a photo from my phone I'll show a pic of where it stands after today
Andy - thanks for the heads up re: kit required!
Loyly - honestly the speed isnt a problem for me, being on the right roads is the issue. Dual carriageways are horrid, single track roads are awesome fun! 25-45mph and riding it like it's stolen is some of the most fun I have had on the road in a long while
If I can figure out how to upload a photo from my phone I'll show a pic of where it stands after today
Figured it out! First time round the phone didn't want to play ball.
Handguards fitted and only required minor "modification" to the levers. When I say minor imagine them being attacked with an angle grinder followed by a liberal dose linishing
Also chain and sprocket, singular, are now fitted as the rear sprocket is incorrect. I can't wait to see if a replacement would turn up in time so it's lucky I decided to change it as a precaution and not because it was necessary!
wuckfitracing said:
Dont forget to pack all your gear in a safe manner. The CG is a touring bike after all. Isle of Man TT trip in 2015.
that is incredible! Well done Cheers Twizel! I'm excited to see how it pans out too.
Captainslow -
of course no european country could possibly offer a larger taxi based on a minibus the same as the UK could they? Don't take everything so literally, lighten up and you might enjoy how this thread developsAndy XRV said:
MotorsportTom said:
Channel tunnel is booked for 7:20am on the morning of the 25th, I just need to find a place I can pitch my hammock close by and I'll be pretty much set to go. It's only a 5.5 hour ride from home...
Im 20mins from the tunnel and I have a paddock where you're more than welcome to pitch for the night. Drop me a PM if you fancy it & I'll give you my address.Pm has been sent
k off.gwm said:
First off, loving the plan!
I'm taking my KTM to Austria/Italy and have bought plenty to try make it more comfortable. Feel like a pussy compared to your planned trip.
Unless already mentioned, I've been looking into it and most countries you'll need driving licence, proof of insurance and your V5c (I'm taking a copy, bugger losing that abroad!)
Seen the crap about a hi-viz vest so I bought a £2 one just in case. My jacket has day glo bits on it anyway.
How long are you planning on doing each day, any big mileage days?
Sorry GWM, missed this with being busy prepping!I'm taking my KTM to Austria/Italy and have bought plenty to try make it more comfortable. Feel like a pussy compared to your planned trip.
Unless already mentioned, I've been looking into it and most countries you'll need driving licence, proof of insurance and your V5c (I'm taking a copy, bugger losing that abroad!)
Seen the crap about a hi-viz vest so I bought a £2 one just in case. My jacket has day glo bits on it anyway.
How long are you planning on doing each day, any big mileage days?
I'm planning a potential 12hr day tomorrow to get to the German border as quickly as I can, other than that I have no formal plans for route/mileage other than wanting to hit the B500!
I'm all packed, I have my route to Andy's offer of a field sorted (cheers again Andy
), the route to the chunnel in the morning sorted and I even tested out my sheepskin, which imo looks the part now 
Cheers all.
Work is being a drag, the only things left to do is pick up my Euros, put the panniers/tankbag on the bike, have dinner with my parents and then start riding!
I'll figure out what I'm doing in France etc when I'm there
Oh, and I should probably figure out how to use the go-pro I bought before I leave too...
Work is being a drag, the only things left to do is pick up my Euros, put the panniers/tankbag on the bike, have dinner with my parents and then start riding!
I'll figure out what I'm doing in France etc when I'm there
Oh, and I should probably figure out how to use the go-pro I bought before I leave too...
Hammerhead said:
Top work, young'un!
If you're going to Baden-Baden, do have a session at the spa. Top floor. Neked. Gotta keep the British end up & all that.
Look forward to seeing your progress.
If you're going to Baden-Baden, do have a session at the spa. Top floor. Neked. Gotta keep the British end up & all that.
Look forward to seeing your progress.
I'll see how we go once I'm there and how many reddies I have left!Cheers Turbosuck - my thoughts entirely, I'll travel less distance but see more hopefully!
silobass said:
Love the rug on the seat!
Sorry if I missed it but how long are you planning on being away?
Have a great trip, will be following.
It's really comfortable and adds a much needed couple of inches... oo-er. Sorry if I missed it but how long are you planning on being away?
Have a great trip, will be following.
I'll be on the road tonight, and returning 3rd Sept so 10.5 days ish!
Good morning from Austria.
Start of day 5, I'll not post up all the details and save a proper write up for later but have a look at this photo.
It's resized to make it forum friendly but you get the idea, there are no filters or editing just taken with my phone as is.
It's on the L51 from Rankweil to Damüls, behind is Switzerland and Lichenstein.
Start of day 5, I'll not post up all the details and save a proper write up for later but have a look at this photo.
It's resized to make it forum friendly but you get the idea, there are no filters or editing just taken with my phone as is.
It's on the L51 from Rankweil to Damüls, behind is Switzerland and Lichenstein.
Cheers folks!
She has had more than a couple of tanks of fuel now 😂 over 1400 miles since leaving home I think, I yesterday I started my day st nearly 3pm because of a hangover!
Weather is pants here too now, and I think carrying luggage and giving it relative hell for leather up some passes has done the clutch in.
It's now slipping so badly I can barely use 1/8th throttle! Lucky there is a repair shop with good reviews about 8km away.
Just got to hang around in my hammock til 9am when they open!
This was the weather at the top of a pass yesterday, I was told there were lovely views worth the bumpy road on the way up....
Its on the L186 from Waldkirch to Sankt Peter
She has had more than a couple of tanks of fuel now 😂 over 1400 miles since leaving home I think, I yesterday I started my day st nearly 3pm because of a hangover!
Weather is pants here too now, and I think carrying luggage and giving it relative hell for leather up some passes has done the clutch in.
It's now slipping so badly I can barely use 1/8th throttle! Lucky there is a repair shop with good reviews about 8km away.
Just got to hang around in my hammock til 9am when they open!
This was the weather at the top of a pass yesterday, I was told there were lovely views worth the bumpy road on the way up....
Its on the L186 from Waldkirch to Sankt Peter
ATTENTION - desperately in need of help.
So this morning after the clutch slip woes I changed all the steel plates, fricition plates, springs and stuck fresh oil in and the bike was good to go.
Now some 300ish miles later the clutch has started slipping again with almost no warning!
Any ideas duly appreciated as its sunset soon and I have 350km to do tomorrow just to get to Calais... and I need to do that by 1pm.
For reference, bar is adjusted so there is a few mm of free play, engine side HAS NOT BEEN ADJUSTED at all. Plus I dont see why it would suddenly go out of adjustment but Im all ears
Thanks in advance
So this morning after the clutch slip woes I changed all the steel plates, fricition plates, springs and stuck fresh oil in and the bike was good to go.
Now some 300ish miles later the clutch has started slipping again with almost no warning!
Any ideas duly appreciated as its sunset soon and I have 350km to do tomorrow just to get to Calais... and I need to do that by 1pm.
For reference, bar is adjusted so there is a few mm of free play, engine side HAS NOT BEEN ADJUSTED at all. Plus I dont see why it would suddenly go out of adjustment but Im all ears
Thanks in advance
Pothole said:
MotorsportTom said:
ATTENTION - desperately in need of help.
So this morning after the clutch slip woes I changed all the steel plates, fricition plates, springs and stuck fresh oil in and the bike was good to go.
Now some 300ish miles later the clutch has started slipping again with almost no warning!
Any ideas duly appreciated as its sunset soon and I have 350km to do tomorrow just to get to Calais... and I need to do that by 1pm.
For reference, bar is adjusted so there is a few mm of free play, engine side HAS NOT BEEN ADJUSTED at all. Plus I dont see why it would suddenly go out of adjustment but Im all ears
Thanks in advance
So this morning after the clutch slip woes I changed all the steel plates, fricition plates, springs and stuck fresh oil in and the bike was good to go.
Now some 300ish miles later the clutch has started slipping again with almost no warning!
Any ideas duly appreciated as its sunset soon and I have 350km to do tomorrow just to get to Calais... and I need to do that by 1pm.
For reference, bar is adjusted so there is a few mm of free play, engine side HAS NOT BEEN ADJUSTED at all. Plus I dont see why it would suddenly go out of adjustment but Im all ears
Thanks in advance
MotorsportTom also said:
I won't have to pay for breakdown cover but lets face it, it's very unlikely to breakdown, if it does I am likely to be able to fix it by the road side with tape, hammers and the old favourite, cable ties. Worst case if I can't fix it by the road side I can probably call a taxi to put the bike in to get me to the nearest bike shop, or have a couple of energy drinks and carry it.
Just saying...I'll have a fiddle in the morning but Im currently thinking worst case is 40km/h to Calais isn't all that bad...
Guys I sincerely apologise it is taking me so long!
I am doing the write up, just like deranged granny I'm finding it difficult to make it worth reading while trying to fit it around other things going on in my life.
I promise you will have something to read, I'm about 1/3rd of the way through part 1 so please bare with me!
I am doing the write up, just like deranged granny I'm finding it difficult to make it worth reading while trying to fit it around other things going on in my life.
I promise you will have something to read, I'm about 1/3rd of the way through part 1 so please bare with me!
Wow.
I cannot believe how quickly time has gone! Finishing the first instalment should give you guys something to see and I'm afraid re-sizing and uploading all of the photos to Pistonheads isn't going to happen any time soon, so feel free to have a read on my blog.
https://www.ilikemotorbikes.com/adventures
I cannot believe how quickly time has gone! Finishing the first instalment should give you guys something to see and I'm afraid re-sizing and uploading all of the photos to Pistonheads isn't going to happen any time soon, so feel free to have a read on my blog.
https://www.ilikemotorbikes.com/adventures
https://www.ilikemotorbikes.com/single-post/2018/0...
Woohoo! Part 2 is live and ready for your eyes
It was only a 1.5 month break from part 1
Woohoo! Part 2 is live and ready for your eyes
It was only a 1.5 month break from part 1
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