A UK rider has proven that you don’t need a big adventure motorcycle to complete an epic journey. Phil successfully traveled the distance between Romford (England) and Istanbul (Türkiye) aboard a modest moped Honda SS50 air cooled.
We already told you this summer about the beginning of this adventure on two wheels. In fact, Phil Ranson It began its journey on Tuesday, August 20 and reached its destination on Saturday, September 28, covering around 4,500 kilometers and crossing 14 countries, including several mountain ranges.
And best of all, he achieved it without registering a single mechanical breakdown. His route began in the UK and continued through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Greece and finally Turkey.
Phil’s epic ride on the Honda SS50
The little moped Honda SS50restored in 2019 from two donors, has undoubtedly proven to be a surprisingly reliable machine with fuel consumption similar to that of a “lighter”. As you can imagine, efficiency was key on this trip.
Phil He also noted that higher octane gasoline blends in some countries improved engine performance. Despite the height of the Alps, where it reached 1,700 meters above sea level, Phil He only had to make minor adjustments to the carburetor.
«I checked the oil and checked the basics every day, but the moped was impeccable. I was almost disappointed because I expected to face more challenges“he confessed Ranson. The only setback occurred with a side saddlebag that, due to the weight, broke, but he managed to improvise a simple solution.
Although the moped could reach 60 km/h, our protagonist preferred to maintain a comfortable speed of between 45 and 48 km/h, which allowed him to enjoy the landscape and connect with other travelers. «It is the best way to travel. Talking to the cyclists on the road during the ride was a fantastic experience, as my pace was closer to theirs than that of conventional motorcyclists«.
But, this trip was not his first adventure. He had previously traveled through Spain with the same motorcycle, which shows his passion for traveling in simple vehicles and his adventurous spirit. Now, after sending the bike back from Istanbul, Phil He is already planning his next journey, possibly to Morocco.
The Honda SS50 It is a classic moped manufactured by Sling since the 60s. It stands out for its 49 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, which combines efficiency and reliability. With a 4 or 5-speed transmission (depending on the model), it reaches speeds of up to 60 km/h, although its ideal pace is around 45-50 km/h.
It is known for its ultra-low fuel consumption. Its design is simple but functional, with a light chassis, narrow seat and small wheels, which makes it easy to drive. It is a motorcycle highly valued among enthusiasts for its durability and ease of carrying out repairs or restorations.
