Small Engine on Motorways

[KingKong]

Hey

I am beginning to believe that a 125cc bike would struggle on a motorway journey of 200 miles...I have not tested mine yet, but seeing how it struggles to get to 60 on some more open roads has me believe that it would fail abysmally on the motorway.

Agree?

II) Would the Ninja 250 be good on the motorway - say from London to Nottingham?

Cheers

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

Not good, but it would manage. Certainly better than a 125.
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[Jayy]

My brother used to do a 12 mile trip to work every day on the motorway on his SX125 and that would top out at about 80mph but he said it didn't feel safe as there was no power for overtaking etc.

Ninja 250 should have no problem though.

[N cee thirty]

went down the m6 on my cg between junctions,too light so you got blown about when lorries went past

and generally no go about it
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[anthony_r6]

I did about 60-70 miles on Monday on my NSR125 and had no problems in relation to traffic. I was able to get to an indicated 80 so had some overtaking ability, but I was happy to sit at 70 and go with the flow (of traffic)
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[Charlie]

I used my 250 Hornet on long motorway journeys quite a few times. The physical size of the bike was the worst part. I did worry what the valves must be going through being sat at over 10,000-12,000rmp for 2 hours or so.

My Yamaha xt600 is worse on the motorway than the Hornet, it gets a scary speed wobbly above 70mph.
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[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

Taking into consideration that the average lane 3 speeds (when the motorway isn't messing about) is about 80mph i plot my overtakes well in advance and exploit downhills whenever possible. Lots of time in lane 1 & 2.
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[Livefast123]

Comet 250 was absolutly fine on the motorway, rode it up to Northants in the pissing down rain loaded with camping kit, cruised at 80 without issue and still had plenty more to go.
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[Sload]

Having clocked up lots of motorway miles in a car I wouldn't want to use my 125 on the Mway. Sure it can hit 70 but its absolutely gutless at those speeds and it's also full pelt on the engine.

I wouldn't say it was a safe way to travel consistently.

[stinkwheel]

Riding on motorways on a small bike is no problem at all. It's all down to the confidence of the rider and nothing at all to do with the speed of the bike.

A motorway is a very safe place to have a vehicle that doesn't go all that fast, they are purpose built to take vehicles that are traveling at different speeds. Many HGVs are restricted to 58mph anyway.

Sit in the middle to inside third of the left hand lane and travel at a speed you and your bike feel comfortable with. Everyone else will sort themselves out round about you. You'll then get a surprise when you start overtaking doddering old farts in powder blue nissan micras.

I have done many thousands of motorway miles on various small bikes. Most recently on my enfield that sits at around 55mph. The only problem I have with it is boredom.

If you can't cope with a 125 on a motorway, you have no business riding it on an A-road.
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[KingKong]

Thank you, I appreciate the feedback.

I have read mixed views on the ninja 250 on the motorway - is it good for it?

I am contemplating whether to get a restricted A2 license and get a 250 ninja so that I may ride up to Notts from London on the motorway, as well as carry a passenger when in city roads...

or would this be a massive fail, and I should spend on the DAS and get a CBR/GSXR 600 (because I love fast superbikes) to carry a passenger as well as ride up the motorway?

Much obliged

[KingKong]

[lynn]

I just went down 1 junction on my YBR and hated it, was too windy and couldnt get much speed up was fine downhill got 60 then lol but just managed 40/45 going up the sliproad to join the m'way .
I wouldnt do it again!
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[Sload]

[KingKong]

[Rogerborg]

I wouldn't want to do it in any sort of crosswinds.
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[KingKong]

[stinkwheel]

[Sload]

I cant say I have actually studied them or had any experience but I am from an engineering background. My guess is they basically limit the power output of the bike (think it is approximately 30bhp?). So the bike will just act like a bike with that power level. Should shift well enough, better then a modern 125 and top 100 giving a good flexible range for motorway travel as well as more stability. Plus once your restriction is done, pop it off and voilà, full power.

I'll be going DAS myself but its something I would consider if I was a touch younger.

[KingKong]

[KingKong]

[Muscle Bike Rider]

I did London to Middlesbrough on my Varadero 125 which is 270 miles, bike coped with it fine but it took planning for overtakes etc. Sat at 65mph with the ocasional 70-75mph when circumstance allowed, wouldn't want to do it again after doing the same journey on a 600 which made it easier and more comfortable.
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[Livefast123]

Having travelled many motorway miles on both the Comet 250 and a full power NSR I can say that it's probably the safest enviroment to ride a slowish motorcycle. All the traffic is going the same way and you don't seem to get cagers trying stupid overtakes. Never had a problem with HGV's, wear a high vis and you'll be fine. The only thing you'll have to watch for is side winds, which on a light bike are a danger.

Why are you only considering the Ninja 250, The Hyosung GT250R and GT 250 Comet can be had much cheaper seconhand and having ridden both I prefered the Hyo, then bought one. 250 copes with the motorway easily and you'll be the one overtaking plus I was getting around 80 Mpg.

The 250 is a dead engine size so I wouldn't bother spending too much on one but that does mean that you can pick them up cheap. I pais £600 for mine on an 06 plate and sold it for £750

GT250R
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[KingKong]

[craigs23]

I'd be dubious about riding a 125 on a motorway personally, but something like a Ninja 250 should be fine.

Mine used to pull around 7,000rpm at 60mph or so, so would cruise quite comfortably at 8/9,000 (70/80pmh). Redline was at 12, so well within a 'comfort zone'.