Essex to John O'Groats On 100cc

[UnspeedySam]

This may come across as a bit mad to some, but I want to do my first motorcycle tour this summer and have never been to Scotland I'll probably get my test out of the way first. Although it won't be until late June or July I thought I may as well start planning the route.

I'm up for most kind of accommodation as long as it's cheap. Maybe do some wild camping for some of it but I want to stay places with access to a shower most nights

My problem is that I know nothing about Scotland and what routes are worth taking. So if anyone has done a similar journey and wants to share the route they took then it would be much appreciated.

I like nice roads and scenery more than tourist attractions but if you think something is worth visiting along the way then don't hesitate to suggest it.

I'm not quite sure how many miles I'll want to do in a day, but I think about 150 is reasonable, although it will depend on the roads I'm taking I suppose.

This road from Inverness to John O'Groats looks cool but that's as far as I've got with the route so far

Cheers
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[thx1138]

sounds cool to me, just do it

book a couple of travelodges sooner the better, cos you get em cheap, cos if you are camping.roughing it all the way, the odd night indoors with plumbing will be a comfort

don't take everything and the kitchen sink with you either.

[UnspeedySam]

Sounds like a good idea. Probably go for hostels rather than travelodges though, I'm not made of money

I've already got a fairly light and small tent that I can use and will definitely take as little as possible. Whilst there is definitely good reason to take tools, do people think that spare parts are necessary? If the bike is in good condition before I leave (including the chain and tyres) I shouldn't need much more than some spare bulbs and maybe some inner tubes should I?
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[njd27]

[carper84]

Go for it mate. Im thinking of doing my first mini tour this summer on my RXS too. Hows yours running? Mines going really good since the engine transplant lol. Let me now all the ins and out of doing it on the RXS. Maybe we could meet up again for a ride soon
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Its a way of life!!

[27cows]

Accommodation? Shower? You'll be wanting a bike with brakes and lights next

I've done Gillingham to Ayr on my RXS. No idea which route I took, this was about 16 years ago. About 250 miles a day is comfortably possible. More in favourable conditions.

Thinking of taking mine somewhere this summer, but the current motor has done over 91,000 miles and has got to call it a day soon.
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The RXS100: vehicle of choice for Chuck Norris

[UnspeedySam]

[pepperami]

I am planning a trip out on the small bike (CG125) this summer.

Previous threads on here will point to the fact that major roads and major A-roads are a no-no for a loaded up small bike.
personally i would prefer B-roads anyway.

any hints or tips that you come across would be welcome
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I am the sum total of my own existence, what went before makes me who I am now!

[Grazoid]

As regards spares... service the bike before you go and if needed replace all things that would wear out before you get back.

Take a headlight main, indicator and two brake light bulbs as if one blows it will be a guarantee it will blow again in the middle of nowhere.

Take an innertube for the largest tyre... usually the front as this can be used on both as an emergency get you home fix.

One long distance tip is to get a spare clutch cable and throttle cable and route them alongside the current ones,but cover the ends in cling film to keep the water out. Saves on space and can be a "lifesaver" if ones snaps in the dar on a rainy night in the middle of nowhere, particularly if you have to remove a tank or body work to fit them.

I save on tools by carrying the bare minimum to remove a wheel and do basic maintenace and instead of a screw driver a 1/4 T-Bar and a selection of impact driver bits. With an 8mm slim socket you have a brake bleeding tool and the impact driver bits fit so you have a set of Allen keys and a set of cross head screwdrivers for emergencies that can fit into an odd corner.

Be it on my KLR250 , KLR600, GS850 or R1100GS never actually needed much more than this, but do take a lot more tools on the 1100 when riding the Alpine trails.

[gooner]

[G]

Considering loads of people do it on push-bikes, seems perfectly sensible to me.

I did it on my 690 a few years ago, but riding 'support' for paramotors who were flying it. I suspect I averaged less miles per day than you would.

Being a cheapskate in such things, I'd choose to wild camp and forego showers generally .

[pepperami]

If you`re still going to do this trip, you might want to look at the "Youth Hostel association" as they can do cheap basic overnight stops.
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I am the sum total of my own existence, what went before makes me who I am now!

[arry]

[27cows]

Thinking of doing the Land's End/John O'Groats run myself if we ever have any nice weather. Couple of weeks back I broke my two day record on the RXS by racking up 1007 miles. Gave me confidence that the old wreck can still cover ludicrous mileage without issues

Funny thing is, I actually get from one place to another not that much slower than on the Bandit. It's amazing just how slow your average speed is, over a long distance. Why bother with an expensive BM brick when you can do the job on your little commuter stroker I actually stopped for a broken down BM R80 at one point - the guy couldn't believe I'd done over 450 miles that day on such a small bike
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The RXS100: vehicle of choice for Chuck Norris

[Nai]

I would so love to do this sort of thing, cant get much time off work though I can have odd 4 day weekends but that's about it for the most part.

Get some breakdown cover and go for it Beech!

[UnspeedySam]

Since writing this post I've got a job. So it's unlikely I'll have my free time this summer for travelling. I am still determined to do some insane mileage on my RXS though, just maybe not this year.
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88