From "Someday Touring" to "Today's Outing": The 125cc Bike That Turns a 5km Radius Into a Journey

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This content is unbiased.

After riding various motorcycles

I arrived at the world of 125cc bikes that travel within a "5km radius"

Motorcycles cannot beat cars

I have over 20 years of motorcycle experience. I have ridden everything from 50cc to 1100cc.

In conclusion, motorcycles cannot beat cars. At least in terms of practicality.



For me, motorcycles are vehicles of imagination.

This is because when you prioritize the coolness of a motorcycle, the bike, the rider, and the luggage are all exposed.

It's cold, it's hot, it's scorching (from the engine and muffler), and above all, it's dangerous.

Compared to motorcycles, cars are...

Protected from direct sunlight, have air conditioning, and have plush backrests.

Above all, you are protected by the body of the car in case of an emergency.

If you can avoid riding a motorcycle, it is definitely better to drive a car.

Large motorcycles have dreams, but they are hard to maintain

The powerful sound of the muffler. The heartbeat of the engine vibrating through both hands.

The pleasure of cutting through the wind at high speeds.

Large motorcycles are packed with dreams.

However, they are heavy once you turn off the engine.

When I was tired from touring or when the ground was muddy, I almost dropped it many times. I have even hurt my lower back trying to brace myself suddenly.

It is incredibly hot in the summer.

Furthermore, the engine between your legs is hot.

It's so hot that I feel like I'd get burned if I didn't wear motorcycle pants.

At first, it was a large motorcycle I wanted to ride even if it meant moving my days off forward.

Gradually, the poor handling became a bottleneck, and I couldn't ride it without psyching myself up.

Before I knew it, I was oiling, washing, and polishing it.

The time spent on maintenance became longer than the time spent riding.

That's why many people stop riding motorcycles.

Large motorcycles have things like vehicle inspections every two years.

Maintenance costs like insurance, gasoline, and taxes are high.

Both time and money continue to be costs.

But, gradually, you stop riding.

When I take it to the motorcycle shop for regular inspections, I often hear conversations like, "You haven't even ridden 3,000 kilometers in two years!"

I was thrilled by the bike, worked hard to get it, and rode it happily, but gradually we grew apart.

Considering the risk of accidents and the cost relative to the total time spent riding, letting go of the bike at this timing is also one of the best choices.

But, small-displacement utility bikes are different.

For those who are wondering, "I want a motorcycle, but what should I do?"

Honestly, based on what I've said so far, as a rider, I don't recommend it. If you don't have to ride a motorcycle, a car is definitely recommended. If you want to cut through the wind, a Roadster is the best. Even just driving on a country road at 30 km/h is super fun.

So, if you've decided, "Let's go with a car!", please close this article here.

Class 2 moped. 125cc.

It's the best.

Especially scooters.

It's so comfortable that I wonder what I was doing clicking through gear shifts at every traffic light until now. Just throttle and brake. Clutch-less heaven.

If you add a rear carrier, a windshield, and handlebar covers, it's a paradise setup compared to a conventional road bike.

Headwinds are reduced, and your hands stay warm. You can also carry plenty of luggage.

It's also light. Weighs about 110kg. It feels nimble.

You can quickly turn off the engine and push it by hand with ease.

Insurance is also covered by the family bike rider on your car's voluntary insurance, covering the whole family with no limit on the number of bikes. It's about 20,000 yen more per year. It's quite reasonable if the family uses it.

You can't take a 125cc bike on the highway, but it has enough power to keep up with city traffic. Be careful on main roads.

Making a 5km radius fun

Taking 3 days of paid leave to plan a serious tour, packing full camping gear and bike gear, and setting off. That is also the real thrill of motorcycling.

With a 125cc, you can just say, 'Actually, I'm going to the drugstore to pick up milk, bread, and Caramel Corn,' and hop on. Once you start the engine, your 20-minute round-trip minimal tour begins.

On weekends, you can go to Costco.
If you use the foot space and the rear carrier, you can do quite a bit of shopping.
You can even carry a take-out pizza on the rear carrier.

Also, touring to a slightly distant roadside station.
Locally grown rice and vegetables. And fruit.
It's also fun to see souvenir sweets you've never seen before, even though it's local.
Sometimes chatting with other riders over a cup of coffee feels like touring, too.

A bullet tour of Honshu on a 125cc is tough unless you have a lot of time and determination.

But with a small bike, a 5km radius becomes a journey.

You can enjoy it as touring, and you won't get tired.
That's why you'll want to go again.
A way of spending time that fits your lifestyle.

The choice of a Super Cub 110 Pro

I am currently a huge fan of my Suzuki Address 125 (DT11A).

A laid-back ride. Incredible cargo capacity. Lightweight. The best bike I've ever owned.

And to my surprise, my family member just signed a contract for a Honda Super Cub 110 Pro (hereinafter referred to as Cub Pro).

I was shocked by this sudden Cub purchase.

According to them, they felt that "when I drove my car to a hair salon in town, there was no parking. But there was a parking space for bikes under 125cc. It really is better to have a small bike," and when they searched for one, they just happened to find the Cub Pro.

Actually, they had been considering it since 2024.
An unexpected choice, going from a Cross Cub to a Cub Pro.

Above all, having a front basket as standard equipment is just the best.

Is the Benly 110 Pro the only other one with it as standard equipment? (Production ended in October 2022).
Even models that come with a front basket are rare.

I went to the bike shop to see the Cub Pro in person, and the old, gritty image has been completely refreshed; it's just simple. A bit retro. I liked its efficient form.

The price hike at the end of last year is a bit painful, though.

Rather than someday touring,
a small bike that makes today more fun.

With a new partner,
a new journey begins.

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