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 prepare to retrace the journey in 2026, I’ll be riding not just for the miles ahead, but for the memories behind me. T
his time, the road from Land’s End to John O’Groats will be taken on a Voge DS625X — a modern adventurer built for the long haul, ready to face the wind, rain, and winding roads that shaped the original ride.
It’s more than just a motorcycle; it’s a new chapter in a story that began years ago — a tribute to the bikes that carried us, and to the adventure that will always ride with me.
