Short answer: yes, you can take long trips on a 125 cc; many routes from the Black Sea to the Aegean can be ridden happily on a small bike too. But a long trip on a 125 is planned differently from a journey on a big bike: a lower cruising speed, more frequent breaks, more careful route choice and light luggage. In this guide we explain the legal framework, realistic speed and range, the tank range of the 125s in the catalogue and the preparations that make a long trip enjoyable.
Legal framework
- Licence: motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW fall into the A1 class. We explain the certificate requirements for riding a 125 cc on a B licence in the B licence guide. An important detail: this entitlement obtained through a B licence is valid only for personal use and only within Turkey; if you will take your 125 abroad, you need an A1 or higher class licence.
- Motorway: a 125 registered as a motorcycle on its registration document may enter the motorway; 50 cc mopeds in the moped class may not.
- Speed limits: for a two-wheeled motorcycle 80 km/h on two-way intercity roads, 90 on divided roads and 100 on motorways. Details are in the motorway guide.
Realistic cruising speed and route choice
The power of a bike in the A1 class is at most 11 kW (about 15 hp). With this power it is possible to cruise at around 80–90 km/h on a divided road, but the engine works at high revs all the time; with wind, a hill, a passenger or heavy luggage the speed drops quickly and there is no power left in reserve for overtaking. For this reason two rules stand out for long trips on a 125:
- State road instead of motorway: on the motorway the speed of traffic flow is high and there is a lot of heavy-vehicle turbulence. Parallel state and provincial roads are both safer and more scenic. For route ideas, see the routes page.
- Keep the daily distance short: while days of 600–700 km are possible on a big bike, 300–400 km is a much more enjoyable and safe target on a 125.
Tank range of the 125s in the catalogue
The table below shows the theoretical range calculated from the tank capacity and the manufacturer's consumption figure in the catalogue. Prices are October 2026 list prices. The real range falls with speed, wind and load; using about two-thirds of the theoretical value as a planning limit and refuelling before reaching reserve is a safe approach.
| Model | Type | Tank | Consumption (L/100 km) | Theoretical range | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CB125F | Naked | 11 L | 1.5 | ~730 km | 166,000 TL |
| KTM 125 Duke | Naked | 15 L | 2.4 | ~625 km | 393,500 TL |
| TVS Raider 125 | Naked | 10 L | 1.76 | ~570 km | 149,400 TL |
| Yamaha MT-125 | Naked | 11 L | 2.0 | ~550 km | 390,000 TL |
| Peugeot PM-01 125 | Naked | 12.5 L | 2.4 | ~520 km | 134,900 TL |
| SYM ADX 125 | Maxi-scooter | 13 L | 2.6 | ~500 km | 219,000 TL |
| Honda PCX 125 | Scooter | 8.1 L | 2.1 | ~385 km | 205,000 TL |
| Yamaha NMAX 125 | Scooter | 7.1 L | 2.2 | ~320 km | 307,000 TL |
| SYM Jet X 125 | Scooter | 7.5 L | 2.5 | ~300 km | 188,000 TL |
The table shows one thing clearly: the tanks of geared naked 125s are generally bigger and their ranges longer; on city scooters a theoretical range of 300–400 km falls to 200–250 km on the road. You can do your own calculation with the method in the fuel and time calculation guide.
Scooter or geared?
- Scooter: under-seat storage, wind protection and automatic transmission provide comfort on a long trip. Small wheels and a short wheelbase, however, mean a livelier ride at high speed and on rough surfaces. Larger-bodied maxi-scooters such as the SYM ADX 125 are an option in between.
- Geared naked: with big wheels and a longer wheelbase, calmer on the road, with bigger tanks. No wind protection; on a long trip a windscreen makes a difference. See windscreens.
A general comparison of the two types is in the first bike guide, and the difference between 125 and 250 in the 125 or 250 guide.
Reducing fatigue
- Breaks: take a break every 1–1.5 hours; on a small bike vibration and wind tire you faster than you expect.
- Seat: sitting in the same position for a long time tires the buttocks; walk and stretch at breaks. Gel seat pads help some riders.
- Ears: wind noise is the sneakiest cause of fatigue on a long trip. Use earplugs.
- Helmet: a full-face helmet reduces wind, insects and noise. See full-face helmets.
- Weather: be prepared for rain and heat; take a look at the guides to riding in the rain and riding in the heat.
Luggage: light and balanced
The biggest enemy of a 125 is excess weight. Every kilo reduces acceleration and hill performance. Try to keep luggage around 10–15 kg and place heavy items low and forward. The owner's manual states the maximum load your bike can carry; you, your passenger if any, and the luggage must not exceed this limit. With a passenger and full luggage, a 125 is no longer a long-distance vehicle but a hard-pressed load carrier.
We explain bag types and having a rear bag entered on the registration document in the bag guide; the preparation list is in the long trip list.
The bike before you set off
- If an oil change is due soon, have it done before the trip; small engines will be working at high revs for a long time.
- Clean, lubricate and adjust the tension of the chain. See chain maintenance.
- Set the tyre pressure to the loaded value. See the tyre pressure guide.
- Check the pads and lights.
- Take spare fuses, basic tools and a tyre repair kit. See tyre repair kits.
Conclusion
You can take long trips on a 125 cc, as long as you plan around the limits of a 125: state road instead of motorway, a cruising speed of 80–90 km/h, 300–400 km a day, frequent breaks and light luggage. If you are thinking about a long trip, geared models with a large tank range stand out; in the catalogue the Honda CB125F has the longest theoretical range, with its 11-litre tank and 1.5 L/100 km. If you are riding a 125 on a B licence, remember that the entitlement is valid only in Turkey.
Frequently asked questions
Can you go on the motorway with a 125 cc bike?
Yes, if it is registered as a motorcycle on its registration document. But at motorway speed a small engine is constantly strained; on a long distance a state road is often more comfortable and safer.
Can you take a long trip on a 125 cc scooter?
Yes; under-seat storage and wind protection are advantages. But city scooters have small tanks, so plan fuel stops frequently and allow for the fact that small wheels are livelier at high speed.
How many km a day can you do on a 125 cc?
It varies with the road, the weather and the rider. For fatigue and safety, planning days of 300–400 km, with breaks, is a realistic target.
Can you go abroad on a 125 cc with a B licence?
No. The 125 cc entitlement obtained through a B licence is valid only within Turkey and for personal use. For abroad you need an A1 or higher class motorcycle licence.