The Bikes
For a journey as ambitious as riding from Lands End to John O'Groats, choosing the right bike was crucial. In 2008, my father and I set out on 125cc motorcycles. My father on a JinLun JL-125, and myself on an AJS DD-125E.
These small but mighty machines absolutely proved their worth across Britain’s varied terrain. Though these bikes were modest in size, they handled everything from winding country roads to steep mountain passes with remarkable resilience and determination.
Riding 125cc bikes was no accident; I wanted to make that original trip as much of an adventure as I could, so although I had a full bike license, doing it on a 125cc bike seemed like a great way to make it much more of a journey. My father at the time also didn't have a full bike license, so he completed his CBT in order to do the ride with me!
However, the 125cc bikes offered a lightweight, maneuverable experience that kept us connected to the road and landscape, making every mile feel authentic.
The bikes handled the Cornish hills, the twisty Lake District roads, and even the rugged Scottish Highlands (almost) without a hitch. Their simplicity meant we had fewer mechanical concerns along the way, allowing us to focus on the adventure ahead and take in the views.
As I look to retrace the journey in 2026, I’ll be honouring the spirit of that original ride, albeit it won't be on a 125cc this time. I am still to decide on a bike to do the journey on, however current contenders are a Royal Enfield Himalayan 411, or a CFMoto 450 MT.
This ride will be a tribute to both the bikes that carried us and the adventure we shared.
