How much bhp do you really need?
Re: How much bhp do you really need?
For me when solo I'm happy on my royal enfield, It's happy at 55-60 and still has enough in reserve for A road overtakes...... so that will be about 23bhp. Mind where I live I'm 45 miles from the nearest dual carriageway.
For long motorway runs and 2 up its an r1100gs. ...so that's 8th. Like others have said I prefer engines with plenty of torque, not for me chasing 5 figure redlines
For long motorway runs and 2 up its an r1100gs. ...so that's 8th. Like others have said I prefer engines with plenty of torque, not for me chasing 5 figure redlines
How much bhp do you really need?
30 bhp is enough to go anywhere you want to go on any type of road, many 30bhp bikes will hit 90mph.
Start sticking on a pillion and luggage you need more like 50-70bhp.
100 bhp is as much as anyone ever needs on a road bike to have a very easy time of it and do any overtake you should be contemplating in the first place.
But more is more fun!
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Start sticking on a pillion and luggage you need more like 50-70bhp.
100 bhp is as much as anyone ever needs on a road bike to have a very easy time of it and do any overtake you should be contemplating in the first place.
But more is more fun!
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"Luke, you're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view" - Obi-Wan Kenobi
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Re: How much bhp do you really need?
I have decided to try the small cc bike and I'm truly enjoying the more chilled out riding it gives youGodspeed wrote:Quite agree, It really is about mindset.jonny955 wrote: power:weight ratio is important, which is why many posters have mentioned 2-up with luggage requiring a different philosophy. Having travelled to Portugal on a 125 and thoroughly enjoying the experience (solo, ahem), I would also say the rider's attitude is key too. The trick is to choose the route to suit the bike and this meant the top speed of ~60mph was fine.
Jon
A 125 will still get you to the same places but just a bit more slowly.
My 125 took me 1000 miles fully loaded last year, and it managed it fine. Love it![]()
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Re: How much bhp do you really need?
Brit Iron sport 350's 25 bhp, 500 33 bhp, 650 40 bhp and that satisfied us for years.
Some of my current bikes are 45-55 bhp Transalp & Evo HD FLH though TA is much better at acceleration (1/2 weight) but top speed is not very different but the VFR750 & Varadero at 95-100 bhp are so effortless (more torque) compared to the less powerful bikes although the top speed I use is similar.
However now as it always has been for some - 'Too much power is not enough'
Some of my current bikes are 45-55 bhp Transalp & Evo HD FLH though TA is much better at acceleration (1/2 weight) but top speed is not very different but the VFR750 & Varadero at 95-100 bhp are so effortless (more torque) compared to the less powerful bikes although the top speed I use is similar.
However now as it always has been for some - 'Too much power is not enough'
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Re: How much bhp do you really need?
Its not unknown for the MT350 to go two up to a variety of far flung places I believe one couple even went as far as Moscow and back without issue at around 30bhp.
How much bhp do you really need?
There's a difference between doing it, and doing it comfortably. A 125 will take 2 people and luggage to Russia.
I wouldn't contemplate 2 up touring on less than a Tenere and then it'd need to be two young resilient and skinny travellers, or an older adult and a child.
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I wouldn't contemplate 2 up touring on less than a Tenere and then it'd need to be two young resilient and skinny travellers, or an older adult and a child.
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"Luke, you're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view" - Obi-Wan Kenobi
Re: How much bhp do you really need?
Most 125cc bikes I've ridden are pretty much right at the top of their performance envelope at 60 mph.byewayrider wrote:Just been out to check the animals on my c50... And got me wondering actually how much hp do you need to ride at say 60mph....
You need to overcome initail start and weight then wind resistance...and darg depending on terrain your riding...
A 125cc bike seems on paper to be pretty perfect and the rest is a waste or rider ego...
For mechanical sympathy I'd say 50mph would be a kinder upper cruise limit, with some forays into the 60's.
I suppose it's down to what the rider wants from his ride.
A 125cc is a rocket ship compared to a push bike and people cross continents on push bikes.
Are you riding for the thrills or to explore the landscape? Are you a tourist or a racer?
Me, I'd want more power. Not excessive power......Up to 140Kg 40 bhp.....200 Kg 85bhp is enough.
With that type of bhp you can choose how you want to ride, you can ride a GS800 like a 125cc if the mood takes you,but the 125cc can't get a shove on like an 800 when the situation/mood takes you.
A bit more Bhp gives you flexibility, too much bhp can be a liability.
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Re: How much bhp do you really need?
I did most of my travelling on an MT350 and you accept that it is better to stick to smaller roads and trails and be realistic about your daily mileage.

dave h wrote:its all about how you ride,
i wouldn't enjoy this bit of road better with anymore hp,[94]
but may appreciate it more on my old modified ex army mt B)
dave.