A 125cc bike tour of the northern areas is possible, and riders do it every summer, but a 125 will struggle more than a 150cc or bigger machine on the climbs, carry less, and need more care on the way. This guide looks honestly at what a 125 can and can't do on Babusar Pass and the Karakoram Highway, what wears out, and how to plan around its limits rather than pretend they don't exist.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Babusar Pass altitude | 4,173 metres |
| Babusar open season | Roughly mid-July to late September, snow permitting |
| Realistic daily distance | 150 to 200 km on mountain roads, less than on the motorway |
| Best 125cc choice | A geared bike (Yamaha YBR 125 or similar); avoid a basic 70/125 commuter |
| Luggage | Keep it light; a fully loaded small bike struggles on steep switchbacks |
Can a 125 actually make the climb?
Yes, on a paved surface, but it will labour. Babusar Top sits at 4,173 metres, and the road up from Naran is a long, steep, hairpin climb that thins the air as you go. A small engine loses power at altitude just as a car does, and riders on 125s report having to drop to first or second gear for long stretches where a bigger bike would hold third. It's manageable with a light load and a bike in good mechanical condition, but not something to attempt on a bike that already struggles on flat motorway.
Riders and bike forums consistently rate the Yamaha YBR 125 as the only 125cc bike worth taking on a long northern trip, because its geared, more highway-capable engine holds up better than a basic commuter like the Honda CG 125, which is built for short city journeys and punishes both rider and machine on a multi-day mountain trip.
Where a small bike struggles most
- Sustained climbs at altitude, especially Babusar and the approach to Khunjerab, where a 125 has to work far harder than its rated top speed suggests, and can run hot doing it.
- Loaded luggage. A tent, sleeping bag, spare fuel and a pillion rider add up fast on a bike this size. Pack light and split weight between rider and machine rather than piling it all on a rear rack.
- Sustained highway speed. Holding 80 km/h on the flatter stretches of the Karakoram Highway pushes a small engine to very high RPM for hours at a time, which is harder on the engine than the same speed on a bigger bike.
- A pillion passenger. Two-up on a fully loaded 125 on a mountain pass is a much bigger ask than one rider alone; if you're riding as a pair, consider whether a bigger bike or splitting onto two machines makes more sense.
Servicing before you leave, and on the road
Get the bike properly serviced before you go, not just checked over: oil, chain, brake pads and tyres, since a worn part that's fine around the city can fail on a long descent. Carry basic spares that are hard to find on the road (spare clutch and brake cables, a puncture kit, extra chain links) rather than relying on picking them up along the way.
Larger towns on the route, including Gilgit and the bigger Hunza settlements, have dealerships and mechanics for the common Pakistani-assembled brands, but a specific part for a less common model can mean a wait while it's sent up from Rawalpindi or Islamabad. Smaller stops like Chilas and the villages between Naran and Babusar have basic mechanics who can handle common repairs, not specialist parts. Carrying your bike's service manual and knowing the basics of your own machine matters more on this route than on a city commute.
Fuel and range
Fuel stations thin out north of Naran towards Babusar and again in stretches of the Karakoram Highway, so fill up whenever you pass a station rather than waiting until the tank is low. A typical 125's fuel range on a full tank is enough for most legs of the trip, but carrying a small reserve of fuel is sensible on the Babusar side, where the gap between stations is longest.
Route and safety
If your route to Hunza uses the Karakoram Highway north of Mansehra towards Chilas (via Battagram, Besham and Dasu), current UK travel advice is against travel on that stretch. Most riders heading to Hunza in summer avoid it by riding over the Babusar Pass instead, which is also the more scenic and popular route for bike trips from Islamabad. Whichever route you take, foreign-passport holders should check their own government's current advice, since it can affect travel insurance.
Ride Babusar and the higher Karakoram Highway sections in daylight only. Fog, sudden rain and loose gravel on the switchbacks are more dangerous after dark, and a breakdown at altitude with no signal is a worse place to be stuck than lower down. Our travel guide covers altitude and road conditions across the north in more detail.
Is a 125 the right choice, or should you rent bigger?
If you already own a 125 and ride it confidently, it will get you there with sensible planning: a light load, a proper service beforehand, and Babusar rather than the closed KKH stretch. If you're choosing a bike specifically for this trip and don't already own one, a 150cc or larger bike will be noticeably less strained on the climbs and carry a pillion or luggage far more comfortably; see our bike rental guide for what's available to hire in that range.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Honda CG 125 make it to Hunza?
It can physically reach Hunza, but riders consistently rate it as one of the worst 125cc bikes for the trip because of its basic suspension and seat, built for short city journeys rather than days in the saddle. A geared bike like the Yamaha YBR 125 copes noticeably better.
Is Babusar Pass safe on a small bike?
Yes, in season (roughly mid-July to late September) and in daylight, with a light load and a bike in good mechanical condition. The climb is steep and the air is thin at 4,173 metres, so expect to ride slowly and drop to a low gear.
Should I take a pillion passenger on a 125 to the northern areas?
It's possible but harder on the bike and the climbs. If you're riding two-up with luggage, a bigger bike or two separate motorcycles is a more comfortable and safer choice.
Where can I get a 125 serviced along the route?
Gilgit and the main Hunza towns have dealerships and mechanics for common Pakistani-assembled brands. Smaller stops handle basic repairs only, so carry key spares and get a full service before you leave.
Should I take the Babusar Pass or the Karakoram Highway from Mansehra?
Babusar. Current UK travel advice is against the Karakoram Highway stretch between Mansehra and Chilas, and most riders heading north in summer use Babusar instead, which is also open and well travelled in season.
