Experts typically do not recommend long tours on 125cc and 150cc motorcycles. However, many riders still pack their bags and go on these adventures with these small utility bikes, even modest models like the CD70.
If you’re one of them and planning to buy a motorcycle for Northern Tours, this guide is for you. We’ll focus on budget-friendly bikes that are officially available in Pakistan, leaving out the more expensive options like Benelli and BMW.
Suzuki GS 150
In the biking community, the GS150 is considered the quintessential touring bike, especially for Northern trips. While other options like the YBR and CB are also commendable, their torque doesn’t match that of the GS, making it the ideal two-wheeler for these journeys. With a torque of around 13.5 N.m, a short wheelbase, and a tire profile similar to the CG125, the GS150’s overall performance excels in Northern areas.
For details on the specs of GS150, please refer to this specs sheet page.
Honda CB150
The CB150 is also a strong contender for long Northern trips, second only to the GS150. Comfort-wise, it’s one of the best options available. A 150cc OHC engine with a balancer shaft and sofa-like seats, making it ideal for long journeys.
The main drawback is its price. Given the inflation, it makes sense for Atlas to charge 550k PKR, but this price range is simply beyond the buying power of most people. Despite this, the CB150 offers a lot, including a nice LED backlit speedometer that displays gear indication and RPM, as well as a Trip A and B odometer.
Additionally, the suspensions are excellent for long routes, and overall, this motorcycle is just perfect for extended trips.
There are some known issues with this machine, e.g., engine smoke and a ring piston defect, which is a straight design flaw. Other than that, if you can afford a motorcycle that costs 550k, then CB150 isn’t a bad option.
Yamaha YBR 125
The YBR 125 is the only 125cc motorcycle we recommend for long routes. While not perfect, many motorcyclists use it for their Northern trips. During our Pakwheels annual trip, we even saw tourists crossing Babusar Top and Chilas Valley on YBR bikes.
The YBR 125 got a dinky 125cc engine with sporty looks, making it more visually appealing than the GS150. However, it lacks in the power-to-weight ratio department. Due to its cosmetic enhancements and alloy rims, its torque isn’t as strong as that of the CB150 or GS150. Nonetheless, comfort-wise, it’s a top-notch motorcycle with smooth ride quality. The only vibrations you’ll feel during the ride come from the tires. The engine itself has a balancer shaft, ensuring a smooth ride up to 80 km/h.
Honda CG125
We don’t recommend you do any northern trip on this generator unless you don’t love your back. From brick-like seats, trampoline-like suspensions, and lean riding posture to generator-like engine vibrations, this machine has everything you need to destroy your back.
Besides these flaws, people do long tours on CG, so we have to include this machine in this listicle even though we don’t want to. A straight 80-120 km ride on CG is fine, but a 600-900 km tour is torture on this motorcycle. Believe us, your back will hurt so bad that the pain will last for at least two days.
Moreover, this bike has only four gears, so you’ll be cruising on GT road with at least 8,000 RPMs at a speed of 80 km/h. That much continuous RPM can damage the engine due to overheating. In conclusion, it’s very clear that CG is a good city horse, but it’s not made for long rides.
Again, our editors never recommend that you take any long route on CG, but if you still wish to take it on long rides, make sure you know an excellent Orthopedic doctor.
Suzuki GD110s
GD110s is all good until you see its engine. Comfort is good, riding posture is excellent, and suspensions are smooth enough. The only thing where this motorcycle lacks is the engine size. A tiny 110cc engine that can hardly cross the speed of 80 Km/h. So, an 8-hour ride is going to take 12-13 hors on GD. Other than the engine, there’s nothing else to point out for criticism.
Honda Pridor
Pridor is a very confused motorcycle. Pay some extra, and you’ll get a CG or save money and get a CD70, but Pridor falls in the middle section, and there’s literally no unique selling point for this bike.
If your only concern is doing long tours and you can’t extend your budget from 200,000 PKR, Pridor is a fine alternative. But we suggest you look for a used YBR DX or simple YBR rather than a brand-new Pridor. That’s just our editors’ recommendation; individual preference and POV will differ.
Further, the Pridor has a very small 100cc engine, just a few cc’s bigger than CD70. The seat is not very comfortable but quite okay for long tours. The suspension quality of the Pridor is not the best, but it’ll do the job.
Overall, if you are very short on budget, you should go for a used YBR, but if your main buying goal is to buy a brand new touring bike under 200,000, then there’s no other option than Pridor.
