Motorways on a 125

[CrypticCrud]

Now it’s not ideal but last week I was riding back south from Squires Cafe and took to the A1 through S Yorks for about 5 miles but it turned into the A1(M) down to Blyth so I had to hop off.

Now that I’ve got full A & I can use the M-way, can I, should I? Would you?

For context (if needed) it was a Sunday afternoon, sun blazing in light traffic, and taking the A1 would’ve saved me at least 25 minutes. (It’s not like it was shaving a few minutes off)

Every thought / opinion appreciated!
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CBT - Aug24, Theory - Jun25 Mod 1 - Jul25, Mod 2 - Sep25
Kawasaki Z125 > Honda Monkey!

[stinkwheel]

Only real downside is it's boring. Motorways are designed for faster and slower moving vehicles. I've regularly taken my enfield on the motorway, it's probably slower than most modern 125s. It's just tedious.

Hazards are probably impatient people trying to squeeze past without fully changing lane, but this is down to you adopting a good defensive lane position. Also wind and spray can be an issue, you can get really blown about in inclement weather.

I'm always amazed how many cars I overtake. I've had the 350 bullet in lane 4 on the M6 before today, passing traffic.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Evil Hans]

I used the motorways occasionally on a 125 just after I'd passed ... being able to cross the Severn Bridge was the best bit!
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Triumph Sprint ST 1050. And it's Red.

[CrypticCrud]

[Easy-X]

One of my best journeys was coming back from Cornwall and purposefully avoiding all the motorways.
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[blurredman]

[A100man]

[DaddyStu]

[c_dug]

I've done it a fair few times.

Worst was riding an XR125 back to London from Loughborough, it wouldn't maintain much above 50mph up long hills, so the lorries would come past. Then on the way down it would just touch mid-high 60's, maybe just about 70 completely pinned and laying flat on the tank. Basically spent the trip passing and being passed by the same articulated lorries - I soon learned to flash them back into the inside lane as they do for each other.

The best was a nearly new Aprilia Tuono 125 from somewhere in the west midlands back down to London. It would indicate low 80's and happily sit just a smidge under the redline in top gear if you let it. Mostly just spent the trip feeling sorry for the poor thing, trying to balance making progress with having a modicum of mechanical sympathy.

If you can hit north of 60 on a flat bit of road then I'd do it without a second thought, you just don't want to be dropping below 50 on long hills really - if you aren't a confident rider then being passed by articulated lorries isn't much fun.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

[CrypticCrud]

[Fullers1845]

To be fair, on busy 4 lane motorways nowadays you can pootle along at 60-65mph in lane 1 and you actually end up faster than a lot of vehicles in lanes 2 & 3.

If it ends up bumper to bumper gridlock a little bike is a joy to filter on.

Biggest danger on a 125 is falling asleep and careering off the road.
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Honda CB125F, Kawasaki ZX6R J1, 1978 Kawasaki KZ650, 1922 Sheffield-Henderson Blackburne grasstrack/sprint

[TbirdX]

I took my DT125 up the M11, it was ok, and it would do 70. My TTR 250 I rode 100 miles on motorway fast A roads and that was bloody painful, full on knobblies and anything over 55 shook the fillings from your teeth!!

Do it if you need to I say.
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VFR800X - CFMoto 450MT - TTR250