How far can a Honda LEAD125 go with a full tank of gas? Part 10 of the Tokaido Gas Challenge, from Nihonbashi, Tokyo to Kyoto! [Day 1]

A timeless and fast-paced scooter

My partner in this Tokaido Gas Challenge is Honda’s long-selling scooter, the LEAD125. Many middle-aged and older riders will probably think of it as a familiar bike they’ve ridden frequently since they were kids.

That being said, the LEAD50/80/125 released in 1982 and the modern LEAD125 are completely different vehicles. First of all, the engine has changed from a 2-stroke to a 4-stroke, so it’s a stretch to insist that they’re the same machine. However, there hasn’t been any major deviation in the design direction. The image of a “performance LEAD” has stubbornly remained consistent for over 40 years, regardless of changes in engine or times.

A highly functional scooter that shines in everyday use

I filled up on gas, reset the trip meter, and left Nihonbashi. I didn’t want to drive on the roads in the city center, but I had no choice because I had no choice but to drive here to get out of Tokyo.

City streets are certainly boring. But motorcycles don’t have to be boring. The LEAD125 has good throttle response for a scooter and runs smoothly. It’s a machine that gives you a bit of a sporty feel even when riding around town.

Thanks to its compact body, the LEAD125’s riding is refreshingly light and easy to handle. What’s particularly noteworthy is that the riding position is not cramped. It seems that the spirit of creature comforts permeates every corner of the machine.

If there’s one drawback to this bike, it’s that its suspension is a little lacking considering its excellent power performance. Even small bumps that are common in urban areas can’t be absorbed when the speed increases a little, and the suspension flutters. However, this isn’t a bike for attacking mountain passes at full speed, so it’s not a problem.

Through the capital to Kanagawa

Leaving Tokyo’s skyline and entering Kanagawa, which is still part of the Tokyo megalopolis, the area is far from laid-back. But at least the number of obtrusive skyscrapers has decreased, making it a little easier to breathe.

We changed course from National Route 15 onto the old Tokaido road and took a break at Ichiba Milestone in Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama. This milestone is also designated as a Yokohama City Regional Cultural Property. After taking a breather, we set off towards Shonan.

Shonan covered in strong winds

By the time I arrived in Chigasaki, the sky was already beginning to turn crimson red. It was a familiar beach, but it looked completely different than usual. A strong wind was blowing, strong enough to blow away a lightweight scooter. And the countless cool, stylish Shonan people who usually swarm the beach had completely disappeared. I mean people who were even lighter inside than a lightweight scooter. They’d probably been blown away by the wind.

Night road to the lodging

Leaving Chigasaki behind, I started heading further west. Soon the fuel meter started to move. However, after a short distance, the remaining fuel indicator returned to normal. Then, it started to decrease again. Since the car was so unstable, I had no choice but to just assume that the fuel meter had dropped by two notches at 74.7km.

I wanted to stay somewhere along the Tokaido road, but unfortunately, everything was fully booked. Just a few years ago, the number of customers had decreased due to the spread of COVID-19, and I was crying out for anyone to come and visit, but now that the number of customers has increased, the whole world is making a fuss about overtourism being a nuisance. I understand that it’s a problem if customers don’t come, but it’s really inconvenient to be in trouble even when customers do come.

In any case, there are no lodgings along the Tokaido, so I stayed in a rural town quite far from the highway. After unpacking, I went up to my room, ate some convenience store food, and crawled into bed.