From Romford to Istanbul | Intrepid adventurer completes 2800-mile trip aboard Honda SS50 moped

A UK motorcyclist has proven that you don’t need a big adventure bike to complete an epic riding trip – successfully travelling from Romford to Istanbul, Turkey aboard an air-cooled Honda SS50 moped.

Phil Ranson set off from his home on Tuesday, August 20 and arrived at his destination on Saturday, September 28 – covering multiple mountain ranges, 14 countries and around 2800 miles without a single breakdown.

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Crossing into mainland Europe, Phil started in France before moving on to Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey.

He also only had to fill up with around half a gallon of fuel every two days – with the higher octane blends of petrol available in some countries helping the bike to run better.

“I had to mess about with the carburation when I was crossing the Alps, but I was about 1700 metres above sea level at the time,” Ranson told MCN. “I just checked my oil every day, and checked the basic things, but it was faultless. I was almost a bit disappointed – I thought I’d have some kind of challenge to face!

“The only thing I did have was with my side pannier – I think it had too much weight in it and broke in the end, but it just wedged itself in position and that’s where it stayed.”

Although his bike would do 40mph, it is more comfortable at 28-30mph – a pace Phil believes allowed him to enjoy more of the scenery on his way round.

“It’s the best way to travel I think,” he continued. “I spoke to a lot of cyclists on my way round, because my speed was more in tune with them, than motorcyclists.”

Ahead of this trip, Phil previously rode the bike to Spain, having restored it in 2019 from two donor bikes. It’s now being shipped back from the finish line, with Ranson already planning the next adventure.

“Once I get it back, I’m going to give it some tender loving care and then I’ll be planning another trip,” he continued. “I don’t know exactly where yet – I’m thinking Morocco.”