Very well said. I’ve had many gsxr 1000’s and a couple hayabusas. Definitely enjoyed the overall experience on the gsxr 600, as well as the odd scooter I’ve rented through the years.
I like 125s for the fact that for the vast majority of the world they're seen as perfectly capable workhorses, and it's only in a few rich countries that we have this idea of "big bikes", most of which are toys. Plus, as the saying goes "it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow!"
Yes! I'm in the US and would really like to have a Honda CG125, pushrod engine. Sadly, they are not available here even though the world has oodles of them. Someday I may settle for a China made clone but, it won't be the same as having a Honda.
I've got a Kawasaki Z900RS, what a beast. I've got a Honda CRF300L for green lanes, which I love riding. However, the bike that I don't have is that Puch Maxi in shining black that my mum and dad gave me for my 16th birthday present in 1976. It wasn't an FS1E, favoured by the oiks who needed to go 35mph instead of 30mph, but it was my ticket to freedom. Oh god, I was so happy. I went out on it at 1 minute past my birthday at midnight. It was in Rickling Green and I went around the back into the country. I can remember the pride, joy, exhilaration. I used it to get to school, then college, then other places. A couple of months later I rode to Ipswich to see Man Utd play Ipswich, oh god the world had opened up to me. Mind you, I couldn't walk for an hour after I got there. As much as I love my Z900RS and CRF300L, nothing will ever come close to that first feeling of all of those years ago. If only we could turn the clock back and experience the first time again. However, time is the only thing in the universe that doesn't go backwards. Please let me know if I'm wrong about that.
There is nothing I respect more than a grown man on a Vespa heading into work. I know motorcyclist who won't wave at scooters but to me, on my Kawasaki W800, it brings me joy to see someone getting a bike that just works for them like a Honda Navi, Vespa Primavera or Honda Trail 125.
Exactly, all you hear now is how expensive it is to live but yet you see no one on a small bike getting 100 mpg, low insurance, low initial cost to buy. And they miss the happiness of riding a simple scooter.
Back in the early 70s . I would miss the bus to school and have to face the anger of my Father, a Regimental Sergeant Major, who would have to come home and run me the 10 miles to school on the back of his Honda 90. Oh the joy of flying along those beautiful Hampshire back roads at 50 mph. The pleasure outweighed Dads irritation and I'm sure that by the time we arrived at our destination, He had quite enjoyed himself too. All anger dissipated! I learned from a very early age, the healing effect that even a brief ride in the sunshine on even a tiny motorcycle could have. ( It was always sunny in the 70s!} Oh how I loved that Man, despite all the thick ears! 50 years later and 35 motorcycle all inspired by a Honda Cub.
Totally agree with all that. I'm 67 and never been without a bike. I have been downsizing for a while. I have a Meteor and a Hunter but for reason I can't justify, I just bought an MSX 125 Grom. Unbelievable fun, absolutely love it.
Got a Meteor 350 , a CRF250 but my favourite is my Suzuki GD110 , she's converted to Motocross style .. Top Speed 65-70 kph .. Quick enough .. Cheers 🥂 *Plough* 🎉
It's just more fun to ride a small bike at 90% of his capacity then a big one at 20%. More and more people start to realize this And the big manufacturers are also beginning to see the light.
My Z400 is a small bike here in Texas. Half the cost of a bigger bike, cheaper parts, tons of aftermarket parts, big enough for hwys, 12k redline, lighter, easier to practice low speed skills on, and way less desirable to thieves! 😃
You hit the nail on the head here. The chase for max hp never ends - keeping it simple and just enjoying your ride is so fulfilling. Not to mention the nostalgia of riding like this. Beautiful words man.
I've had small bikes over the years and I can tell you this: I've had bigger bikes, but the most fun I ever had was riding a small bike. Little bikes can give big adventures. Like so many say, they are cheap to run and maintain, they may not be the fastest on the road, but you can go places with them!
I'm 70 years old and live in the US. When I was young I knew that Soichiro Honda was the greatest human that ever lived and the Honda Super Cub was the product that most improved the world. I don't know that it was his vision but, I believed that lots and lots of small motorcycles would have made the US a much better place. Clean, quiet, low cost and super fuel efficient, they were great. Sadly, too many forces that saw the little bikes as an obstacle to what they wanted to do. I have 3 Cubs and the "big" motorcycle I ride most is a CB250 Nighthawk. I know my thumb to where it joins my hand displaces 50cc of water so, cruising my 300lb body along a 40mph, I can look at my thumb and be amazed. I often say, I started on a Cub and if I get to where I can no longer ride a Cub, I'm ready to leave this world.
I lived in a farm house in the country I rented. After 3 years I got a bike - push bike as it happens - for the first time in 3 years I found out that 2km away from my house was the most AMAZING lake - Id never seen it at 60mph in the car. It has swans on it and willow trees leaning over the edge, so beautiful.
Totally agree. Had a CD175 back in 1984 an bought another again in 1990 which i still have and ride regularly. Had as big as 750 four but sold it as small bike much more fun and easy to ride. Only drawback is on busy fast roads but if you avoid these then not a problem. Riding the CD175 makes me feel 16 again.
It's the same with cars. The best car I ever owned was a 1983 Mazda 323 1.3 4-door hatchback which I bought in 2000 for £350. Apart from motorways, it did everything so well. Comfort, simplicity, economy. It had lovely light non-powered steering, skinny tyres, soft suspension and a nice gearbox action. It was a hoot around town and on B-roads. The wife hated it.
Had the C90, Puch city, then on to AR 80, was amazing feeling when younger.....then the ZX10, and 5 CBR 1100xx, again I love the tour......now I'm back to CZ 175, 12 BHp, and I can honestly say, more smiles per mile on a 47 year old CZ and I can have just about any bike except A MotoGP ....... there is something magical about small bikes....
Small motorcycles are great for stealth camping. You can wheel them into the tightest, unlikeliest places, kip down for the night, disappear at first light, and least not a trace.
Fuel efficient, mine can get you up to 65km on a 1 liter gas. Safe to drive because it drive slow but you get to appreciate small details of travels. Love the video, explain it really well. Keep it up!!!
I must say, the best memories are from us, riding old 50cc scooters, trying to see if we can get somewhere, and just being silly. We have guys riding BlackBirds, but when we take these out, its just us being kids again. I am slowly starting to just ride on a 125CC around, not thinking about speed, or power, just enjoying it. 10/10 would recommend to all, getting a scooter and getting onto an adventure with friends.
I recently turned 65, I started riding at age 8 on a Bultaco 100 dirt bike. I have owned over 40 bikes and ridden over a million miles. I have owned everything from mopeds to large Japanese cruisers, Goldwings, a couple of Harleys, and a few dual sport bikes (NO crotch rockets) I love small bikes, but I live in a place where it is almost impossible to ride one without getting run over.
My Yamaha Crypton T115 is reliable, eficient, convinient and goes wherever my bigger bike goes. Love it and i'll keep it forever. If i'm going to spend the price of a car and burn gasoline as a car, then i choose the car.
all the best adventure blogs here on youtube come from small engine motorcycles. Vespas, honda c90's, monkey bikes, just 125cc in general . It's about the journey and the people you meet.
I got a 125 when I was 16. I rode it almost every day on local twisty roads and had a great time and lots of fun. My friends had a 125 too. When my friend turned 18 he bought a 400. I didn’t and stuck with my 125 which he couldn’t understand. We didn’t do more rides together and eventually he sold his 400 and stoped riding. I’m now 23 and last year I did a tour through the alps on my 125 together with a friend on big 1250 touring bike. He didn’t care that I was slow and we had a great time.
@@northover5023 I’ve heard this many times but I like my bike I enjoy riding it for exactly the reasons mentioned in the video. As far as I’m concerned I’m going just fast enough 😃
I like my small bike because it's practical, bullet proof and keeps me under the radar of all the unwanted attention. Plus, I can store it just about anywhere.
I totally agree and understand. Goes for cars too… I have the most fond memories of my 1988 Suzuki Samurai “jeep”. 66 hp engine… but I took off the doors and the roof (removeable) and drove around town like that all summer. Slow, not fast by any means, but the most fun to bum around. I have had a few cars and a truck since then but that Samurai is still what I remember with most fondness. I have a Suzuki Voluscia 800 with bags and the lot for touring. I totally understand your love for small bikes.
I haven't had a bike for years, but the feeling I got from riding a small-engined cheap bike was that I was somehow beating the system, and I'm not even sure why I felt like that. You also have to think ahead as you can't power or bully your way out of trouble.
In Ireland, as well as tractor runs for charity we also have Honda 50 runs to raise money for good causes. In reality, any small bike can go on the run. Sometimes over a hundred small bikes might turn up and cover a trip of 30 or 40 miles, 40 or 50 kilometres. It's a sight to see!
Absolutely...had all sorts and sizes of bikes in UK...moved to a remote area in EU and purchased a Cub125. Ive never enjoyed myself more. Ambling down lanes, stopping old ruins, camping under a tarp, woodland paths, park anywhere ive totaly fallin in love with a small bike. Its my keeper.❤
I had a new Honda CD90Z in 1969 when I was sixteen, did 16,000 miles in a year, had a holiday down to Lands End and across to Bournemouth from Manchester staying in Youth Hostels. I seized the engine up on the Chester road 2up, trying to keep up with a Lambretta SX200 at 60mph for ten miles lol! No problem, I got it home, and stripped it down and fixed it myself, the top cam chain sprocket had hardly any teeth, they were worn smooth. After that I went no faster than 35mph even down to Lands End, I have had 33 bikes since, up to a Harley Road King, but I still remember that little bike with fondness.
I have always said that when I see someone out on one of these complete with camping gear that they are on a real adventure. Anyone can ride effortlessly for miles on a big bike but you have to work at riding a small machine like this, the challenge of power verses hills etc a test for both man and machine.
Love smaller bikes. My favourite when i was still riding was a 300cc Vespa super. Very simple. Comfortable. Joyous. So cheap to buy and run. Practical. I did enjoy the bigger stuff but it had no place in my life, with all my other interests and financial commitments. I also hated riding in a group - too much pressure. Just liked the freedom of riding.
Maybe we like small bikes because they represent our first real taste of freedom. I rode around southern BC on a 80cc Suzuki in a pair of shorts with little money and no helmet. It was high summer and hardly any people. A skinny kid with a big grin ripping along with a cloud of smoke trailing behind and more often than not, a fouled plug that required a pit stop. You can buy a small bike to relive the past, but you can never go home again.
Bought my sisters C70 off her in 1986. Used everywhere, then it got written off when a car pulled out on me. Later, after different bikes, got a SH300 in 2008. Loved it. I’m debating whether to get a SH125, or SH350.
Me too, I just traded my heavy powerful beast BMW 1200cc Rnine T scrambler for a little 125cc Honda SHi Scooter, and love it more than the big bike. I had ridden big bikes for 40 years and although they are fast and powerful, I missed the simplicity and ease of riding a simple little runabout town. The advantages of a small capacity bike are endless, only sips petrol, cheap on road tax, insurance, and maintenance costs. Let face it, you dont need so much power on the UK's crowded roads, and a 125cc will easily do 65mph if you are in a rush! Parking is a breaze too, and for just potting about and enjoying the countryside at a slow speed so that you can enjoy it, is the best. So I see what this rider is saying, and agree with the sentiment, small bikes are fun to ride!
I'm not sure what 125 you are riding, but here in the U.S, my 2024 honda grom does like 62, and that full throttle for a while and a slight downhill. I hit a new top speed on it today of 68 with a 30mph wind behind me.
A C-90 is reliable, easy to service and perfect for urban riding, they can be used for running down to shops or going on day out outside the city and a fry up lunch a cafe. Nno worries about parking or running out of pertol .
A motorbike is still a motorbike, although I have a 1200cc, I enjoyed riding my friends' ~200cc ones when I gave mine to them to give it a try. And also I have a bike (i.e. a bicycle), and I choose to ride it more often than the motorbike recently.
Mate I’m 56… grew up on 2 strokes… had r1,Suzuki xrad ,first bmw rr 1000… I’m now using a mk1 125 Italjet dragster which I restored as it was the scooter I loved but in the day couldn’t afford and I have a Sachs xtc 125 2t…so much fun trying to fight for speed as you said…nostalgia and a time when life was less hurried.my son is on a gsxr 750 but loves the fact we can ride together as long as it’s 2 wheels…Thankyou for bringing the memories back of why we do this..👏👏👏
I bought a non runner C50 in 1990 for £50 (round lights, 6v electrics, not restricted). Our neighbour was a wiz with lawnmowers and got it running for me. I kept it for a year or two and sold it for £70 to upgrade to a suzuki gp125. I loved that old Honda, the challenge of starting it in the wet, battling with the wind... happy days 😊
I rode my 97cc honda for 350km when going to a beach last year and to be honest, there is something nice about riding it slow and just enjoying the view around you, especially riding through mountain pass when i cant even change to 3rd gears cause of all that incline 🤣
GREAT VIDEO! Interesting how the western world sees small bikes. Here in Southeast Asia, most motorcycles aren't for leisure, they have to be BOTH for leisure and livelihood. 1. Small bikes are what most Asians can afford. 2. Small bikes are low and lightweight, easy in rural roads and tight traffic, and very easy to pickup when we fall, asian size. 😝 3. Parts are ubiquitous, very easy to tune. very easy to repair too, parts are everywhere and it's all we need.
@kevinleberger2513 I know falls and wrecks happen, but I'm 62. I've rode motorcycles since I was 8. I've gotten better at using protective gear in the last 20 years or so.
Every year, I do thousands of miles touring the UK on a 1971 Lambretta GP 125, I love the challenge of doing big miles (and roadside repairs), on something that was originally designed for trips to the local Trattoria.
Oh Gosh the memories. I used to drive from London to the West coast of Scotland in four days on a Yamaha 80. Small tent and ruck sack on the rack. I'd disappear into the highlands for months at a time. Great times.
I think you're absolutely right, Mr. Welsh Man. My own experience tells me that it's much more entertaining, and satisfying to ride a slow bike fast than to ride a fast bike slow. It's easy to prove that mastering the technique of getting every bit of performance from a small bike provides an education that isn't available any other way.
Absolutely. I started on a little Honda Nighthawk 250 (actually 234 c.c.) and all you say about learning technique on a small, non-intimidating motorcycle is 100% correct.
I 100% concur with this. Last year I was left a 7k 1992 cg125 by a life long friend who sadly cancer caught up with him. This got me back into biking and I've covered nearly 2k in the last year including a couple of 200 mile day trips in Northern Ireland. It has definitely scratched a long standing itch. 60mph is easy to keep up with sensible ride out friends and the attention the Cg gets wherever we park up is amazing. Absolutely loving it. Thanks Dougie 😊
A fella I once worked with had a Honda 90 and used to ride to his parents caravan on Anglesey from Birmingham! He said it was the most reliable bike ever ❤❤❤
Just found your channel. I commuted on a Honda 90 cub for 14 years because I had to in all weathers, it never let me down. I have since 2006 an '04 GSF1200s, but still remember that little Honda with fondness.
I am retired, 75 years old, and living in France. My Yamaha T80 hasn't run for over 30 years and hasn't been registered in France. I have been approached to sell it, but, those old memories will not allow it. I still expect to make it road worthy again to relive the pleasure I gained from it all that time ago. It will almost certainly have a new life after I have departed this world. Hope the new owner/restorer experiences the joy that I had! Incidentally, 'tho' I loved the sensible torque of my (heavy) BMW K1100 RS, and it's effortless long distance ability at overtaking, the little Yamaha has imprinted delightful memories in my brain that cannot be erased. I preferred my bikes to be shaft driven, and this usually meant the small capacity machines would be chain driven. Well done Yamaha for producing two step thru's (3 if you include the 30cc? shopping machine... name forgotten), the T50/T80 to compete with Honda's Cub versions. I did have a one hour test drive on Yamaha's shaft driven (French Police) bike the FJ 1300. Pretty mind-blowing, but guaranteed licence loser. No such worries with the T80 Town mate. Small bikes have an endearing charm all of their own which persists long after you have lost the ability to get the leg over!
I know exactly what you are talking about. The brain relaxes when it knows the bike can’t even do a wheelie. Your nerves are completely relaxed and you feel completely in control at meditative speeds. I will get a classic Vespa 150 for that exact reason.
Bigger ain't always better. After you've experienced all the "big" bikes under the sun, there's nothing like riding a small bike again. It's like going back home and having your favorite food cooked by your mother. Nostalgia and comfort.
Yes.! Although I am now too old for any bike I have had all sorts over the years. Hwever, I have never forgotten the sense of freedom I got from my first love, a BSA Bantam125. Thanks for the memory.
I know what you mean. I go touring on my Honda Super Cub 125. It fills me with joy riding it and whatever my mood, it makes me smile. That works going to the shops or going over the Pyrenees. If I need a big touring bike I’ve always got my Enfield 350 classic😁. I’ve had litre bikes in the past, but my small bikes have always been the thing I enjoyed most.
@@devonbikefilms I would have gone anywhere on the Himalayan, I never ride motorways anyway 😁 I like the new cubs, but I promised myself I’m sticking to max 1 cub at a time 😅
My brother-in-law just swapped his 650cc bike for a 125cc, he loves the change. He likes the toss able, ease of use, cut in/out of traffic and says it is just more livable, enjoyable and fun to ride.
My son bought a Honda Trail 125 a year or so ago. It's fun ,easy to store and maintain, and just plain old practical and he loves it. Of all the bikes that I have owned from 125cc to 1400cc, the Suzuki RV 125(Van Van outside of the US) is my favorite, weird, quirky, and odd looking but very comfortable due to a great seat and riding position. You see a lot of smaller bikes today, particularly the Honda Grom, and they ride in groups.
Last week i made a decission and sold my big bike. After 60 years of riding bikes, in shapes and sizes i setteled down to a 125cc scooter.I must say, its so relaxing driving trough the Black Forest or villages in a moderate speed, its so relaxing and enjoyable. Hope i can make it til 80and - a few miles bevore i have to qiut forever. Wish all the old folks to have such luck as i had, no accidents at all. Carry on as long as you can.🍀🍀
I totally relate to this! I have "a big bike" but it can't replace my 125cc scooter. It is simply a different kind of joy. When I'm on a small bike, I like to turn into every narrow street or path and see what's there, I don't draw attention... I can take it pretty much anywhere. I love riding it offroad, in the sand and snow. And it is nice that you can't get your feet wet when it's raining 🙃 Love my both bikes and I hope I will never have to sell them.
Nailed it! Perfect summary. My first bike in 1981 was a C50, then a FS1E, dozens of bikes later, over 100k miles touring, racing, the Ring, track days, I now have three ‘bikes’, one a Honda scooter, gets the most use now as it offers the best value grin per mile. Miss my single sear C50 though, me and my Dad bought them together, his a C70.
I went all around Europe and north africa on a pizza bike honda innova. I i could ride up little dirt tracks and stealth camp in beutiful spots. You cant do that on big heavy bikes. The only benefit of big bi!es are top end speed but thats not the pleasure of riding. Thats adrenalin that could get you into trouble.
I currently have a Harley Sportster 1200C, Royal Enfield 650 Super Meteor and a Piaggio Medley 125S. Guess which one comes out of the garage the most often!!! I even took it to the Isle of Man a couple of weeks ago 👍
My first bike was a blue Honda CD175 when 1i in 1977. It was my gateway to the world. I rode from my north London home down the M4 to work the summer on a market garden near Basingstoke. Some of the happiest days of my life!
Oh yes, in the past i had a yamaha 600, a cbr1000f and then a fireblade 900rr. Then a few years nothing. Then i decided to buy a honda nx250 dominator. A few months later i bought a honda cb600s. And guess what? The honda cb600s mostly was in the garage and i loved the nx 250. This motorbike was fun in corners and in the neighbourhood. Its not funny to drive on a highway. No, you need curves and small roads. Now that i'm older i have a 50cc scooter to go to work. I like it, but maybe some day i will buy a honda vision 110. Scooters are practically, you have a lot of storage on a scooter. Never thougth that i would like a scooter. Ok, maybe they are a little bit ugly, but who cares? Be honest, most people are buying big bikes to impress others (i did too to be honest). It was a waste of money! Thanks for the video Welsh Man! Greetings from the netherlands.
Have happy memories of doing the back roads on my cg 125. My son and daughter both learnt to ride on it,still sits in the shed,still starts first kick….regards from nz.
I’ve got an MZ 250 ETZ in the garage. I never had a small bike originally, I went straight to a Honda Hornet 600 after passing my direct access test. I rode lots of big bikes over the next 20 years usually with a serious frown on my face. Then one day my dad bought a Francis Barnet 250 and I blasted up the road on it with a big plume of blue smoke behind me and the serious frown became a wide grin.
Small bikes are so much more fun for all the reasons you’ve mentioned. Small country roads on a Vespa verses multi lane highways on big v twin cruisers, I would take any day!
A month ago i was in hospital getting bits chopped out of me, lucky the C results came back clean so i decided i would treat myself. After much looking around i bought a retro125 Scrambler, on the documents it had passed it's MoT the day i was being operated on. If that's not a sign i don't know what is. Cracking machine, feels bigger than it actually is. does the speed limit, what more does anyone need. I've customised it with some 1960's 5 inch rise trials bars and cool homebuilt upswept exhaust, some old Type 58 webbing for panniers and a few other bits. It'll happily burble along at 55 all day. More smiles to the mile than anything else i've owned in the last 25 years. 🥰
I am flashing back to my youth in Ireland in 70s. Every bachelor roadworker had a Honda 50 … often encountered wobbling home from the pub in the wee hours. GREAT video
During the Vietnam war I was stationed in north eastern Thailand it was 1969 and I noticed a major riding the smallest Honda moped they made. Anyway as time went on the major junked and my room mate found it and bought it to our room. It was in pieces but after looking it over we determined that all it needed was a new rear tire and a spark plug and some gasoline. Well I I went to town and picked up those parts and came back and in no time we had it all put back together. We filled up the tank ,1 gallon and pressed the compression release and pedaled it down the street released the compression release and it came to life. Wow how much fun you that moped was. Four of us shared it and one gallon of gas was enough for a months worth of driving. That was a fun bike and I wish I could find another. I like your video and I think you hit it on the head why we like small bikes. Take care
I have 11 motorcycles made between 1962 (Cub) to a 2000 Honda Rebel that is going to give it's engine to a 1970 CL175 frame. The one I ride more than the others put together is a 1994 Honda CB250. It is enough to keep up with traffic and can go faster than is legal. It's just so easy. I do have 3 Honda Cubs, all 72cc. I know people overestimate how big the displacement is on a small motorcycle. If I fill a measuring cup to 450ml and stick my thumb in, it goes to 500ml. I have a 50cc thumb. Occasionally when I'm riding, I look at my thumb and think about how what happens in a tiny space is what is push me and my motorcycle mile upon mile. Other than that, a Cub makes me think of Soichiro Honda and how much his Cub changed the world.
Have got a few Bikes but most of the time I choose the humble Enfield Himalayan because with its mighty 24 horsepower it is comparable to a 125cc with just a tiny little bit of extra comfort and torque. Perfect to go 80km/h on small rural roads. For grocery shopping or just visiting a friend the Honda Super Cub is the perfect choice.
Even though I have had a full motorcycle and car licence for over 56 years I still prefer to take my Honda C90 out to go to the shops or town. I never have any trouble parking it close to my intended destination and it does at least 123 MPG. so costs nothing to run. I can still obtain all the spares for it easily.
more time to enjoy the ride, the scenery, ... less dangerous... a lot more relaxed.... I wouldn't go over the 125cc range, it doesn't feel like there's any point to it.
The best bike I have had was a Yamaha 80 Trail more than 50 years ago. I still recall riding forest roads at night with the little headlight leading and the small instrument cluster glowing yellow. Small bikes are so organic and human scale. They are just like a best buddy. Big, powerful bikes just seem cold and instrumental in comparison. It is hard to convey the feeling but it is true -- small bikes are a trusted friend we will never forget. Big bikes, when they are gone, they are gone and forgotten.
@JimC1951 my first bike on the road was Yamaha Ty 50 then when I got to 17 Kawasaki kh100 and now I'm 55 I have a triumph 1050 speed triple and looking back I had more fun on a small bike I just don't enjoy the big bike or I'm just old now
Wow! Never had so much interest in a video before!
Thanks to everyone who’s watched, commented, liked and subbed. 🤜🏻🤛🏼
Ed Marsh approves that message
Lovely bike ,a Honda 50cc here in Pakistan
Its more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.
I ride my 23 year old sym jet 50 2 stroke love pooling along ,I had bigger bike but prefer my cheap cheerful 50cc
Great observation.
well said
Very well said. I’ve had many gsxr 1000’s and a couple hayabusas. Definitely enjoyed the overall experience on the gsxr 600, as well as the odd scooter I’ve rented through the years.
No…it isn’t
I like 125s for the fact that for the vast majority of the world they're seen as perfectly capable workhorses, and it's only in a few rich countries that we have this idea of "big bikes", most of which are toys.
Plus, as the saying goes "it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow!"
Yes! I'm in the US and would really like to have a Honda CG125, pushrod engine. Sadly, they are not available here even though the world has oodles of them. Someday I may settle for a China made clone but, it won't be the same as having a Honda.
I've got a Kawasaki Z900RS, what a beast. I've got a Honda CRF300L for green lanes, which I love riding. However, the bike that I don't have is that Puch Maxi in shining black that my mum and dad gave me for my 16th birthday present in 1976. It wasn't an FS1E, favoured by the oiks who needed to go 35mph instead of 30mph, but it was my ticket to freedom.
Oh god, I was so happy. I went out on it at 1 minute past my birthday at midnight. It was in Rickling Green and I went around the back into the country. I can remember the pride, joy, exhilaration.
I used it to get to school, then college, then other places. A couple of months later I rode to Ipswich to see Man Utd play Ipswich, oh god the world had opened up to me. Mind you, I couldn't walk for an hour after I got there.
As much as I love my Z900RS and CRF300L, nothing will ever come close to that first feeling of all of those years ago. If only we could turn the clock back and experience the first time again. However, time is the only thing in the universe that doesn't go backwards. Please let me know if I'm wrong about that.
@@SlipperyJack60 ...No your oh so right 👍
There is nothing I respect more than a grown man on a Vespa heading into work. I know motorcyclist who won't wave at scooters but to me, on my Kawasaki W800, it brings me joy to see someone getting a bike that just works for them like a Honda Navi, Vespa Primavera or Honda Trail 125.
Exactly, all you hear now is how expensive it is to live but yet you see no one on a small bike getting 100 mpg, low insurance, low initial cost to buy. And they miss the happiness of riding a simple scooter.
My Nan lent me £27 to buy a C50 in 1968. That bike meant freedom 😍
Back in the early 70s . I would miss the bus to school and have to face the anger of my Father, a Regimental Sergeant Major, who would have to come home and run me the 10 miles to school on the back of his Honda 90.
Oh the joy of flying along those beautiful Hampshire back roads at 50 mph. The pleasure outweighed Dads irritation and I'm sure that by the time we arrived at our destination, He had quite enjoyed himself too. All anger dissipated!
I learned from a very early age, the healing effect that even a brief ride in the sunshine on even a tiny motorcycle could have. ( It was always sunny in the 70s!}
Oh how I loved that Man, despite all the thick ears!
50 years later and 35 motorcycle all inspired by a Honda Cub.
And thats how I pray my kids will remember me mate. Lovely strory btw xxx
Totally agree with all that. I'm 67 and never been without a bike. I have been downsizing for a while. I have a Meteor and a Hunter but for reason I can't justify, I just bought an MSX 125 Grom.
Unbelievable fun, absolutely love it.
Got a Meteor 350 , a CRF250 but my favourite is my
Suzuki GD110 , she's converted to Motocross style .. Top Speed 65-70 kph .. Quick enough .. Cheers 🥂
*Plough* 🎉
Hello Tim. You haven't mentioned that 125 Grom 😂. Great fun though I imagine for all the reasons our host here mentions. 👍
It's just more fun to ride a small bike at 90% of his capacity then a big one at 20%.
More and more people start to realize this
And the big manufacturers are also beginning to see the light.
I agree, the fact the Royal Enfields have done so well is probably enough for the rest to take notice!
I'm 70 now and still riding and the feeling NEVER leaves you👍👍
With such machine you get the carefree childhood feeling back of not worrying about things.
My Z400 is a small bike here in Texas. Half the cost of a bigger bike, cheaper parts, tons of aftermarket parts, big enough for hwys, 12k redline, lighter, easier to practice low speed skills on, and way less desirable to thieves! 😃
In Bali, Z400 still big bike. 😂
@@novricahynobudi1888 Yes it's a little big bike. I call it Mighty Mouse 😃
You hit the nail on the head here. The chase for max hp never ends - keeping it simple and just enjoying your ride is so fulfilling. Not to mention the nostalgia of riding like this. Beautiful words man.
I've had small bikes over the years and I can tell you this: I've had bigger bikes, but the most fun I ever had was riding a small bike. Little bikes can give big adventures. Like so many say, they are cheap to run and maintain, they may not be the fastest on the road, but you can go places with them!
I'm 70 years old and live in the US. When I was young I knew that Soichiro Honda was the greatest human that ever lived and the Honda Super Cub was the product that most improved the world. I don't know that it was his vision but, I believed that lots and lots of small motorcycles would have made the US a much better place. Clean, quiet, low cost and super fuel efficient, they were great. Sadly, too many forces that saw the little bikes as an obstacle to what they wanted to do. I have 3 Cubs and the "big" motorcycle I ride most is a CB250 Nighthawk. I know my thumb to where it joins my hand displaces 50cc of water so, cruising my 300lb body along a 40mph, I can look at my thumb and be amazed. I often say, I started on a Cub and if I get to where I can no longer ride a Cub, I'm ready to leave this world.
among many 1 more advantage of small & slow bike... as slow speed YOU SEE & ENJOY MORE AROUND😊
I lived in a farm house in the country I rented. After 3 years I got a bike - push bike as it happens - for the first time in 3 years I found out that 2km away from my house was the most AMAZING lake - Id never seen it at 60mph in the car. It has swans on it and willow trees leaning over the edge, so beautiful.
@@piccalillipit9211 ... so nice to hear your beautiful experience... hope life treats you kind always... tc
@@RC-wx3ks It does not ALWAYS treat me kindly - but mostly. THANKS
@@piccalillipit9211 may be... hope... your luck favours you more... tc
Totally agree. Had a CD175 back in 1984 an bought another again in 1990 which i still have and ride regularly. Had as big as 750 four but sold it as small bike much more fun and easy to ride. Only drawback is on busy fast roads but if you avoid these then not a problem. Riding the CD175 makes me feel 16 again.
It's the same with cars. The best car I ever owned was a 1983 Mazda 323 1.3 4-door hatchback which I bought in 2000 for £350. Apart from motorways, it did everything so well. Comfort, simplicity, economy. It had lovely light non-powered steering, skinny tyres, soft suspension and a nice gearbox action. It was a hoot around town and on B-roads. The wife hated it.
I think it great seeing anyone riding regardless of the cc. Always nod to your fellow rider's.
Had the C90, Puch city, then on to AR 80, was amazing feeling when younger.....then the ZX10, and 5 CBR 1100xx, again I love the tour......now I'm back to CZ 175, 12 BHp, and I can honestly say, more smiles per mile on a 47 year old CZ and I can have just about any bike except A MotoGP ....... there is something magical about small bikes....
Small motorcycles are great for stealth camping. You can wheel them into the tightest, unlikeliest places, kip down for the night, disappear at first light, and least not a trace.
Fuel efficient, mine can get you up to 65km on a 1 liter gas. Safe to drive because it drive slow but you get to appreciate small details of travels. Love the video, explain it really well. Keep it up!!!
I must say, the best memories are from us, riding old 50cc scooters, trying to see if we can get somewhere, and just being silly. We have guys riding BlackBirds, but when we take these out, its just us being kids again. I am slowly starting to just ride on a 125CC around, not thinking about speed, or power, just enjoying it. 10/10 would recommend to all, getting a scooter and getting onto an adventure with friends.
I love small bikes. Nostalgia, fun, easy to work on, cheap to run, green, not over powered, not too fast, light weight. What is there not to like!
I recently turned 65, I started riding at age 8 on a Bultaco 100 dirt bike. I have owned over 40 bikes and ridden over a million miles. I have owned everything from mopeds to large Japanese cruisers, Goldwings, a couple of Harleys, and a few dual sport bikes (NO crotch rockets) I love small bikes, but I live in a place where it is almost impossible to ride one without getting run over.
I like small bikes cause theyre lighter, more manageable
I agree, I’ve got six bikes, all Japanese classics from 350 lc to Gpz 900 , I’ve had hayabusa’s and R1’s but I’d rather ride my C90 than all of them
My Yamaha Crypton T115 is reliable, eficient, convinient and goes wherever my bigger bike goes. Love it and i'll keep it forever. If i'm going to spend the price of a car and burn gasoline as a car, then i choose the car.
軽量でシンプルなスーパーカブを走行させるには良い自然と景色
これからも御安全に。
all the best adventure blogs here on youtube come from small engine motorcycles. Vespas, honda c90's, monkey bikes, just 125cc in general . It's about the journey and the people you meet.
I got a 125 when I was 16. I rode it almost every day on local twisty roads and had a great time and lots of fun. My friends had a 125 too. When my friend turned 18 he bought a 400. I didn’t and stuck with my 125 which he couldn’t understand. We didn’t do more rides together and eventually he sold his 400 and stoped riding. I’m now 23 and last year I did a tour through the alps on my 125 together with a friend on big 1250 touring bike. He didn’t care that I was slow and we had a great time.
You should get a faster bike so you can enjoy the alpes quicker
@@northover5023 did you even watch the video on WHY people ride slower bikes?
@@shinren_ yes
@@northover5023 I’ve heard this many times but I like my bike I enjoy riding it for exactly the reasons mentioned in the video. As far as I’m concerned I’m going just fast enough 😃
@@m.schlumpf4485 fair I was only joking
I like my small bike because it's practical, bullet proof and keeps me under the radar of all the unwanted attention. Plus, I can store it just about anywhere.
I totally agree and understand. Goes for cars too… I have the most fond memories of my 1988 Suzuki Samurai “jeep”. 66 hp engine… but I took off the doors and the roof (removeable) and drove around town like that all summer. Slow, not fast by any means, but the most fun to bum around. I have had a few cars and a truck since then but that Samurai is still what I remember with most fondness.
I have a Suzuki Voluscia 800 with bags and the lot for touring. I totally understand your love for small bikes.
I haven't had a bike for years, but the feeling I got from riding a small-engined cheap bike was that I was somehow beating the system, and I'm not even sure why I felt like that. You also have to think ahead as you can't power or bully your way out of trouble.
In Ireland, as well as tractor runs for charity we also have Honda 50 runs to raise money for good causes.
In reality, any small bike can go on the run. Sometimes over a hundred small bikes might turn up and cover a trip of 30 or 40 miles, 40 or 50 kilometres.
It's a sight to see!
Awesome! I keep saying I need to get over to Ireland on the bike.
Absolutely...had all sorts and sizes of bikes in UK...moved to a remote area in EU and purchased a Cub125. Ive never enjoyed myself more. Ambling down lanes, stopping old ruins, camping under a tarp, woodland paths, park anywhere ive totaly fallin in love with a small bike. Its my keeper.❤
I had a new Honda CD90Z in 1969 when I was sixteen, did 16,000 miles in a year, had a holiday down to Lands End and across to Bournemouth from Manchester staying in Youth Hostels. I seized the engine up on the Chester road 2up, trying to keep up with a Lambretta SX200 at 60mph for ten miles lol! No problem, I got it home, and stripped it down and fixed it myself, the top cam chain sprocket had hardly any teeth, they were worn smooth. After that I went no faster than 35mph even down to Lands End, I have had 33 bikes since, up to a Harley Road King, but I still remember that little bike with fondness.
I have always said that when I see someone out on one of these complete with camping gear that they are on a real adventure. Anyone can ride effortlessly for miles on a big bike but you have to work at riding a small machine like this, the challenge of power verses hills etc a test for both man and machine.
its just tough in the US, the roads here are a bit too fast for small displacement bikes, its not impossible, just more unsettling
Lovely... we did several tours in Vietnam on such bikes, the last trip was 4 months with 10.000km. It is.a wonderful way of traveling.
Love smaller bikes. My favourite when i was still riding was a 300cc Vespa super. Very simple. Comfortable. Joyous. So cheap to buy and run. Practical. I did enjoy the bigger stuff but it had no place in my life, with all my other interests and financial commitments. I also hated riding in a group - too much pressure. Just liked the freedom of riding.
Thank you for this video. My first bike was a Honda C50, I went on to a C90, the memories came flooding back. I could ride a C90 again any day.
Maybe we like small bikes because they represent our first real taste of freedom. I rode around southern BC on a 80cc Suzuki in a pair of shorts with little money and no helmet. It was high summer and hardly any people. A skinny kid with a big grin ripping along with a cloud of smoke trailing behind and more often than not, a fouled plug that required a pit stop. You can buy a small bike to relive the past, but you can never go home again.
It brings back the feelings of my kidself, 70s honda c50 & c90....and my navi.
Bought my sisters C70 off her in 1986. Used everywhere, then it got written off when a car pulled out on me. Later, after different bikes, got a SH300 in 2008. Loved it. I’m debating whether to get a SH125, or SH350.
@@ML-qk1px both would be good I reckon, I’d go for a cub 125 though 😁
It will get you anywhere in a more happier way down to earth feeling
I love my YBR125 for my commute. It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.
Me too, I just traded my heavy powerful beast BMW 1200cc Rnine T scrambler for a little 125cc Honda SHi Scooter, and love it more than the big bike. I had ridden big bikes for 40 years and although they are fast and powerful, I missed the simplicity and ease of riding a simple little runabout town. The advantages of a small capacity bike are endless, only sips petrol, cheap on road tax, insurance, and maintenance costs. Let face it, you dont need so much power on the UK's crowded roads, and a 125cc will easily do 65mph if you are in a rush! Parking is a breaze too, and for just potting about and enjoying the countryside at a slow speed so that you can enjoy it, is the best. So I see what this rider is saying, and agree with the sentiment, small bikes are fun to ride!
I'm not sure what 125 you are riding, but here in the U.S, my 2024 honda grom does like 62, and that full throttle for a while and a slight downhill. I hit a new top speed on it today of 68 with a 30mph wind behind me.
Good things comes in small packages 🙂 I loved to ride my Honda TL125S with a Pirelli Phantom , top speed 110 km/h.......
TL 125 is my yard bike and best teaching two wheeler ever.
A C-90 is reliable, easy to service and perfect for urban riding, they can be used for running down to shops or going on day out outside the city and a fry up lunch a cafe. Nno worries about parking or running out of pertol .
A motorbike is still a motorbike, although I have a 1200cc, I enjoyed riding my friends' ~200cc ones when I gave mine to them to give it a try.
And also I have a bike (i.e. a bicycle), and I choose to ride it more often than the motorbike recently.
Mate I’m 56… grew up on 2 strokes… had r1,Suzuki xrad ,first bmw rr 1000… I’m now using a mk1 125 Italjet dragster which I restored as it was the scooter I loved but in the day couldn’t afford and I have a Sachs xtc 125 2t…so much fun trying to fight for speed as you said…nostalgia and a time when life was less hurried.my son is on a gsxr 750 but loves the fact we can ride together as long as it’s 2 wheels…Thankyou for bringing the memories back of why we do this..👏👏👏
I bought a non runner C50 in 1990 for £50 (round lights, 6v electrics, not restricted). Our neighbour was a wiz with lawnmowers and got it running for me. I kept it for a year or two and sold it for £70 to upgrade to a suzuki gp125. I loved that old Honda, the challenge of starting it in the wet, battling with the wind... happy days 😊
Good video, good content. People ask me: Why do you ride that? pointing to my 1956 BSA 250cc. "Because it makes me happy". I do not know why. 🙂
I rode my 97cc honda for 350km when going to a beach last year and to be honest, there is something nice about riding it slow and just enjoying the view around you, especially riding through mountain pass when i cant even change to 3rd gears cause of all that incline 🤣
GREAT VIDEO! Interesting how the western world sees small bikes. Here in Southeast Asia, most motorcycles aren't for leisure, they have to be BOTH for leisure and livelihood. 1. Small bikes are what most Asians can afford. 2. Small bikes are low and lightweight, easy in rural roads and tight traffic, and very easy to pickup when we fall, asian size. 😝 3. Parts are ubiquitous, very easy to tune. very easy to repair too, parts are everywhere and it's all we need.
Same in south America
The thing I like about small displacement bikes is you don't have to get all geared out, just put on you helmet and go. Plus they are so lightweight.
I am still geared out. A fall at anything over 20mph is gonna hurt LOL
@kevinleberger2513 I know falls and wrecks happen, but I'm 62. I've rode motorcycles since I was 8. I've gotten better at using protective gear in the last 20 years or so.
@@kevinleberger2513pedal bikes can go faster than 20mph ...
@@markmurray5659 and still hurts if you fall’off 🤪
Every year, I do thousands of miles touring the UK on a 1971 Lambretta GP 125, I love the challenge of doing big miles (and roadside repairs), on something that was originally designed for trips to the local Trattoria.
Oh Gosh the memories. I used to drive from London to the West coast of Scotland in four days on a Yamaha 80. Small tent and ruck sack on the rack. I'd disappear into the highlands for months at a time. Great times.
Sounds like a lot of fun.
I think you're absolutely right, Mr. Welsh Man. My own experience tells me that it's much more entertaining, and satisfying to ride a slow bike fast than to ride a fast bike slow. It's easy to prove that mastering the technique of getting every bit of performance from a small bike provides an education that isn't available any other way.
Absolutely. I started on a little Honda Nighthawk 250 (actually 234 c.c.) and all you say about learning technique on a small, non-intimidating motorcycle is 100% correct.
Any bike you do an adventure on is an adventure bike already! ❤❤
I 100% concur with this. Last year I was left a 7k 1992 cg125 by a life long friend who sadly cancer caught up with him. This got me back into biking and I've covered nearly 2k in the last year including a couple of 200 mile day trips in Northern Ireland. It has definitely scratched a long standing itch. 60mph is easy to keep up with sensible ride out friends and the attention the Cg gets wherever we park up is amazing. Absolutely loving it. Thanks Dougie 😊
A fella I once worked with had a Honda 90 and used to ride to his parents caravan on Anglesey from Birmingham! He said it was the most reliable bike ever ❤❤❤
Just found your channel. I commuted on a Honda 90 cub for 14 years because I had to in all weathers, it never let me down. I have since 2006 an '04 GSF1200s, but still remember that little Honda with fondness.
After riding big bikes for years, I discovered the benefits, ease and fun of riding small engine bikes.
I am retired, 75 years old, and living in France. My Yamaha T80 hasn't run for over 30 years and hasn't been registered in France. I have been approached to sell it, but, those old memories will not allow it. I still expect to make it road worthy again to relive the pleasure I gained from it all that time ago. It will almost certainly have a new life after I have departed this world. Hope the new owner/restorer experiences the joy that I had!
Incidentally, 'tho' I loved the sensible torque of my (heavy) BMW K1100 RS, and it's effortless long distance ability at overtaking, the little Yamaha has imprinted delightful memories in my brain that cannot be erased.
I preferred my bikes to be shaft driven, and this usually meant the small capacity machines would be chain driven. Well done Yamaha for producing two step thru's (3 if you include the 30cc? shopping machine... name forgotten), the T50/T80 to compete with Honda's Cub versions.
I did have a one hour test drive on Yamaha's shaft driven (French Police) bike the FJ 1300. Pretty mind-blowing, but guaranteed licence loser. No such worries with the T80 Town mate.
Small bikes have an endearing charm all of their own which persists long after you have lost the ability to get the leg over!
I know exactly what you are talking about. The brain relaxes when it knows the bike can’t even do a wheelie. Your nerves are completely relaxed and you feel completely in control at meditative speeds. I will get a classic Vespa 150 for that exact reason.
Every bike can wheelie though
@@slimfit767 The only way you can wheelie a 50-150cc is if you throw yourself back like a batty boy
Slow living + slow bike = perfect
Got a Honda CT90 trails absolutely love it, ride on Anglesey which is a joy
@@philipashley1517 some of the footage on this video is on Anglesey 👍
Bigger ain't always better. After you've experienced all the "big" bikes under the sun, there's nothing like riding a small bike again. It's like going back home and having your favorite food cooked by your mother. Nostalgia and comfort.
Yes.! Although I am now too old for any bike I have had all sorts over the years. Hwever, I have never forgotten the sense of freedom I got from my first love, a BSA Bantam125. Thanks for the memory.
I know what you mean. I go touring on my Honda Super Cub 125. It fills me with joy riding it and whatever my mood, it makes me smile. That works going to the shops or going over the Pyrenees. If I need a big touring bike I’ve always got my Enfield 350 classic😁. I’ve had litre bikes in the past, but my small bikes have always been the thing I enjoyed most.
@@devonbikefilms I would have gone anywhere on the Himalayan, I never ride motorways anyway 😁 I like the new cubs, but I promised myself I’m sticking to max 1 cub at a time 😅
My brother-in-law just swapped his 650cc bike for a 125cc, he loves the change. He likes the toss able, ease of use, cut in/out of traffic and says it is just more livable, enjoyable and fun to ride.
It depends what you intend to do with a bike. Around town who really needs more?
I’ve got a Honda 50 and a 300 scooter hilarious love them, I’ve got some super modern monsters as well, small is more fun by miles
My son bought a Honda Trail 125 a year or so ago. It's fun ,easy to store and maintain, and just plain old practical and he loves it. Of all the bikes that I have owned from 125cc to 1400cc, the Suzuki RV 125(Van Van outside of the US) is my favorite, weird, quirky, and odd looking but very comfortable due to a great seat and riding position. You see a lot of smaller bikes today, particularly the Honda Grom, and they ride in groups.
Last week i made a decission and sold my big bike. After 60 years of riding bikes, in shapes and sizes i setteled down to a 125cc scooter.I must say, its so relaxing driving trough the Black Forest or villages in a moderate speed, its so relaxing and enjoyable. Hope i can make it til 80and - a few miles bevore i have to qiut forever. Wish all the old folks to have such luck as i had, no accidents at all. Carry on as long as you can.🍀🍀
I totally relate to this! I have "a big bike" but it can't replace my 125cc scooter. It is simply a different kind of joy. When I'm on a small bike, I like to turn into every narrow street or path and see what's there, I don't draw attention... I can take it pretty much anywhere. I love riding it offroad, in the sand and snow. And it is nice that you can't get your feet wet when it's raining 🙃 Love my both bikes and I hope I will never have to sell them.
Nailed it! Perfect summary. My first bike in 1981 was a C50, then a FS1E, dozens of bikes later, over 100k miles touring, racing, the Ring, track days, I now have three ‘bikes’, one a Honda scooter, gets the most use now as it offers the best value grin per mile. Miss my single sear C50 though, me and my Dad bought them together, his a C70.
@@stanleyfamUK I had a ride out with 3 fizzies not long ago, great watching (and smelling) them smoke away! Thanks for watching :)
I went all around Europe and north africa on a pizza bike honda innova. I i could ride up little dirt tracks and stealth camp in beutiful spots. You cant do that on big heavy bikes. The only benefit of big bi!es are top end speed but thats not the pleasure of riding. Thats adrenalin that could get you into trouble.
wow... really?
I've done 2400 miles on my 'Nova since June 8th - and I'm 68! Touring at 110kg + 22kg of camping gear
Cheap to own and cheap to run, also I live in Asia so the small bike is about all you need if you don’t ride on the freeway
Cheap maintenance too
I currently have a Harley Sportster 1200C, Royal Enfield 650 Super Meteor and a Piaggio Medley 125S. Guess which one comes out of the garage the most often!!! I even took it to the Isle of Man a couple of weeks ago 👍
@@anroadking can’t replicate the feeling a little bike gives 😁
My first bike was a blue Honda CD175 when 1i in 1977. It was my gateway to the world. I rode from my north London home down the M4 to work the summer on a market garden near Basingstoke. Some of the happiest days of my life!
Oh yes, in the past i had a yamaha 600, a cbr1000f and then a fireblade 900rr. Then a few years nothing. Then i decided to buy a honda nx250 dominator. A few months later i bought a honda cb600s. And guess what? The honda cb600s mostly was in the garage and i loved the nx 250. This motorbike was fun in corners and in the neighbourhood. Its not funny to drive on a highway. No, you need curves and small roads. Now that i'm older i have a 50cc scooter to go to work. I like it, but maybe some day i will buy a honda vision 110. Scooters are practically, you have a lot of storage on a scooter. Never thougth that i would like a scooter. Ok, maybe they are a little bit ugly, but who cares? Be honest, most people are buying big bikes to impress others (i did too to be honest). It was a waste of money! Thanks for the video Welsh Man! Greetings from the netherlands.
It's good to have a collection of bikes to suit your need and mood for the ride. I prefer to ride local roads @
@@sportmuaythaiv1045 The cb600s did not stay long and i sold it. Because i liked to ride the 250 more.
I wish i could get my hands on an old Honda Cub here in Germany.
Before my NC750X i had a Honda CB125R. So much fun and giggles on this small one.
It's the simplicity of things that makes it beautiful. And the sensation. Riding a small bike at 40mph it's not the same as a big bike.
Have happy memories of doing the back roads on my cg 125. My son and daughter both learnt to ride on it,still sits in the shed,still starts first kick….regards from nz.
I’ve got an MZ 250 ETZ in the garage. I never had a small bike originally, I went straight to a Honda Hornet 600 after passing my direct access test. I rode lots of big bikes over the next 20 years usually with a serious frown on my face. Then one day my dad bought a Francis Barnet 250 and I blasted up the road on it with a big plume of blue smoke behind me and the serious frown became a wide grin.
Yup, you hit the nail on the head.
I’m not a small man and I look super awkward riding a small bike, but I love it nonetheless.
Small bikes are so much more fun for all the reasons you’ve mentioned. Small country roads on a Vespa verses multi lane highways on big v twin cruisers, I would take any day!
A month ago i was in hospital getting bits chopped out of me, lucky the C results came back clean so i decided i would treat myself. After much looking around i bought a retro125 Scrambler, on the documents it had passed it's MoT the day i was being operated on. If that's not a sign i don't know what is. Cracking machine, feels bigger than it actually is. does the speed limit, what more does anyone need. I've customised it with some 1960's 5 inch rise trials bars and cool homebuilt upswept exhaust, some old Type 58 webbing for panniers and a few other bits. It'll happily burble along at 55 all day. More smiles to the mile than anything else i've owned in the last 25 years. 🥰
I am flashing back to my youth in Ireland in 70s. Every bachelor roadworker had a Honda 50 … often encountered wobbling home from the pub in the wee hours. GREAT video
During the Vietnam war I was stationed in north eastern Thailand it was 1969 and I noticed a major riding the smallest Honda moped they made. Anyway as time went on the major junked and my room mate found it and bought it to our room. It was in pieces but after looking it over we determined that all it needed was a new rear tire and a spark plug and some gasoline. Well I I went to town and picked up those parts and came back and in no time we had it all put back together. We filled up the tank ,1 gallon and pressed the compression release and pedaled it down the street released the compression release and it came to life. Wow how much fun you that moped was. Four of us shared it and one gallon of gas was enough for a months worth of driving. That was a fun bike and I wish I could find another. I like your video and I think you hit it on the head why we like small bikes. Take care
That’s awesome, great memories 👍
I have 11 motorcycles made between 1962 (Cub) to a 2000 Honda Rebel that is going to give it's engine to a 1970 CL175 frame. The one I ride more than the others put together is a 1994 Honda CB250. It is enough to keep up with traffic and can go faster than is legal. It's just so easy. I do have 3 Honda Cubs, all 72cc. I know people overestimate how big the displacement is on a small motorcycle. If I fill a measuring cup to 450ml and stick my thumb in, it goes to 500ml. I have a 50cc thumb. Occasionally when I'm riding, I look at my thumb and think about how what happens in a tiny space is what is push me and my motorcycle mile upon mile. Other than that, a Cub makes me think of Soichiro Honda and how much his Cub changed the world.
Have got a few Bikes but most of the time I choose the humble Enfield Himalayan because with its mighty 24 horsepower it is comparable to a 125cc with just a tiny little bit of extra comfort and torque. Perfect to go 80km/h on small rural roads. For grocery shopping or just visiting a friend the Honda Super Cub is the perfect choice.
Even though I have had a full motorcycle and car licence for over 56 years I still prefer to take my Honda C90 out to go to the shops or town. I never have any trouble parking it close to my intended destination and it does at least 123 MPG. so costs nothing to run. I can still obtain all the spares for it easily.
Well articulated. Even though I own and ride my V-Strom 1050; I still own and ride my first bike, a Honda CT90. I do this for both nostalgia and fun.
more time to enjoy the ride, the scenery, ... less dangerous... a lot more relaxed.... I wouldn't go over the 125cc range, it doesn't feel like there's any point to it.
The best bike I have had was a Yamaha 80 Trail more than 50 years ago. I still recall riding forest roads at night with the little headlight leading and the small instrument cluster glowing yellow. Small bikes are so organic and human scale. They are just like a best buddy. Big, powerful bikes just seem cold and instrumental in comparison. It is hard to convey the feeling but it is true -- small bikes are a trusted friend we will never forget. Big bikes, when they are gone, they are gone and forgotten.
@JimC1951 my first bike on the road was Yamaha Ty 50 then when I got to 17 Kawasaki kh100 and now I'm 55 I have a triumph 1050 speed triple and looking back I had more fun on a small bike I just don't enjoy the big bike or I'm just old now
On those beautiful roads I would ride just anything.
I cannot agree more, honest pleasure in honest things.