300 miles on my 125cc

[Ewok.to.remember]

Thanks to my personal situation, I have to ride my bike from Northumberland to South Oxfordshire on L plates. This means no motorways, taking my journey to 300 miles on a Honda Varadero 125.

 

Now she’s a beauty, my bike, but naturally I have a couple of reservations. I thought I’d ask some of the, ahem, more experienced minds on here about how to prepare, how not to kill myself, the bike, or anyone nearby. 
 

Tips?

[Davidtav]

I think that’s a great adventure. I wouldn’t overthink it. Just plan your route. Stop for a coffee frequently. 

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

We've just had a group ride with someone who has just passed her CBT riding a 125. We've done 125 miles which isn't as far as you're going but so long as you take some breaks it's just a matter of scale.

 

To be honest apart from keeping to a slightly lower speed on dual carriageways having a 125 in the group made little difference because she was a confident and competent rider. 

 

So plan a route, have the right kit, take it easy with regular stops, and enjoy it. 

[Throttled]

The trip will fly by and you will want to do it again!

[dynax]

As above but before you set off do your checks, tyres for damage and pressure, oil and water if needed, and take some if you have any apparent leaks, clean and lube your chain, check all your lights and horn work, then just go for it and enjoy the ride

[fastbob]

I met a bloke in Scotland this year who had done thousands of miles on a 125 Varadero including trips to Europe . He wasn't a learner , in fact he'd had every kind of bike . He just did it because he felt like it and he wasn't in any hurry . So just take your time , don't feel that you need to thrash the bike because you don't seem to be making progress and enjoy the adventure . Oh yeah , stay hydrated , which actually means stay off the coffee and drink water . If this is your first long trip you don't want to end up with a blinding headache . 

Edited July 16, 2021 by fastbob