Motorbikin'

beverick

OK, not what you'd usually expect on a cycling forum but this is a question about motorbikes.

As the deterioration in my aging knees gathers pace it's unlikely that I'll be able to commute on a push bike as much in the future. So, armed with CBT and theory test passes I am taking Direct Access with the aim of commuting a couple of days a week by motorbike.

My question is, are there any other motorcyclists out there that could recommend a motorbike suitable for 10-15 mile each way commuting. The 'usual' route would be an even split of urban, suburban and motorway riding but I wouldn't rule out a 45 miler to our Bury site.

I need a fairly 'relaxed' seating position (so as not to stress the knees! - so Hyabusa's probably out of the question) and carrying capacity is also required. Top-box and/or panniers are a must for laptop, files and spare clothes.

As an indication, my initial thoughts lead me towards a Triumph Tiger 800 or BMW "GS" range bikes but I know little about them.

Ideas welcome.

Bob

cyberknight

What about an electric assist bike?

nation

Contemplating doing Direct Access myself.

The standard recommendations for commuter bikes seem to be Suzuki SV650, Kawasaki ER-6f/n, Honda CBR600F, Bandits and Hornets.

beancounter

If I'm not cycling to work then I'm on my 1999 Honda VFR800 FI (pre v-tec).

Cheap as chips to buy, very reliable, plenty of power, lovely V4 motor, good build quality, fairly upright but still sporty if you want.

On the other hand the V4 is abit thirsty and not cheap to service (every 4000 miles).

bc

motorbiking cyclist

When not using the pushbikeI use a Kawasaki ER6-f . Cheap ecconmical and fun to ride.

Teuchter

How tall are you? The Triumph and BMW GS are pretty tall, top heavy bikes so possibly not the best choice for a novice. Fine when moving but will take some getting used to at low speeds.

The VFR800 mentioned by Beancounter is indeed a good everyday bike. I sold mine (same model) a few months ago as the missus never felt comfortable doing distance on it however (I was always fine). Now got a Diversion 900 that has less top end power but pulls like a train at lower revs (the VFR had nothing below 4k) and has all day comfort. Shaft drive is nice for winter commuting too (though it normally stays at home while I cycle!).

ER-6 or a similar middleweight is a very good suggestion for your experience level.

Don't be put off taking the time to build up experience on a slightly slower bike - anything 500cc and upwards will have the performance you need for solo use. I used to be a motorbike instructor and it filled me with dread to see some guys coming in talking about getting such and such a sportsbike when they finished DAS so they could keep up with their mates who had Gixxer thousands. Headlines waiting to happen.

Pete.

mouth

Suzuki GS500 - I know loads of training schools use them, but there's a reason for that.

alan_sherman

Depends on how much money you wanty to spend too. FZS600 fazer is a good bike, I've had mine 10 years. Avoid the Suzuki SV bikes - I found my knees far too cramped on them to be comfortable (oterhwise excellent bikes so I was very sad they didn't fit).

Do you want fun or just practicality? A super scooter would do the practical bit, auto gearbox (good for traffic) and storage. Its a bit like having a hybrid though.

lostboysaint

Tiger 800 is a fantastic bike. The Fazer 600 (or new Fazer8) is another good recommendation.

Depends how much you want to spend and how much you may end up using it for other stuff. I used to ride a VFR (750 and then 800) but saw the light and moved over to the Triumph Sprint, a significantly better bike and also much cheaper to run. Honda servicing, especially on the VFR, is mentally expensive.

If you just want a cheap, fun first bike take a good look at the new BMWF650GS, the new single cylinder one at about £5k, not the 800cc one (called a 650, ridiculous I know). It's a great bike for the money, but if you want smoother, faster, more refined the the Tiger gets it.

We have a fleet of bikes at home for me and the two sons. These include a Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat (absolutely fantastic first bike) and a GS500F (limited to 33bhp for the younger son who's serving his two year "restriction"). All those mentioned have proven themselves to be great bikes.

cloggsy

For the types of journey you are going to do, you could just stick with something dead simple like a CG125 (Commuter bike)

Something a bit larger capasity; maybe a Suzuki DRZ 400 SM? Great 'fun' bikes these...

A CB500? Useful commuting tool & comfortable/easy to ride (that's why bike schools use 'em!)

Whatever you buy, you'll enjoy. But much like cycling the better you get at riding, the more expensive your tastes will become... You never know, you might even want a Harley at some point :roll: :shock:

elmsallmissile

Everybody needs a K bike in their shed, some just don't know it yet, I have a K1100Ltic & love it to bits, bit of a heavy lump though when stationary!

probably better with a 125 - 600 though.

Klarion

Hi Bob. You could consider a Kawasaki Versys 650- ticks all the boxes you mention:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HtyDIstHFg

I've got one, it's a brilliant all-rounder.

Daddy2Coull

i've got an 09 plate Ducati 848 for sale lol

Klarion

Daddy2Coull wrote:

i've got an 09 plate Ducati 848 for sale lol

& why you selling it, if that's not too much of a personal question?

cloggsy

Daddy2Coull wrote:

i've got an 09 plate Ducati 848 for sale lol

8) Nice!

mouth

cloggsy wrote:

For the types of journey you are going to do, you could just stick with something dead simple like a CG125 (Commuter bike)

Something a bit larger capasity; maybe a Suzuki DRZ 400 SM? Great 'fun' bikes these...

A CB500? Useful commuting tool & comfortable/easy to ride (that's why bike schools use 'em!)

can't use a cg125 on the motorway with just CBT.
Whatever you buy, you'll enjoy. But much like cycling the better you get at riding, the more expensive your tastes will become... You never know, you might even want a Harley at some point :roll: :shock:

stratcat

CB500 or CBF 500. Faultless, comfy and cheap to run/maintain. There was even a race series for them a while back.

I traded in a GS BMW for my cbf500 (had nowt but trouble with the GS!) and it was the best thing I ever did.

beverick

Thanks for the ideas folks.

I hit the showrooms over the weekend (again) and looked at a few of the bikes mentioned and to set a few purchasing 'rules'. I think brand new's out of the question both on cost and common sense terms but a budget of £4.5-£5k should put me on the road (ie taxed and insured) on a more than reasonable 18-24 month old dealer supplied bike.

Regarding the wheels, I like the panniered ER-6f but apparently there's been a supply problem with ABS variants recently so they're fairly thin on the ground. Also lime green (6n) and tango orange aren't really my colours! However, the Versys does seem the Kawasaki way to go.

I looked at the Honda's and although they feel well balanced (well when stationary in the showroom at least!) I wasn't convinced. The seat on the CB600's I tried (CBF and Hornet) seem a little low meaning that ny feet felt cramped. I suspected I may end up 'riding' the rear brake of making the occasional unexpected down-shift (as I did on the CBF 125). I tried a Transalp but seemed unnecessarily large as did the Deauville but I did like the look of the latter. The low maintenance shaft drive appeals as well. It's just a shame that the panniers are integral to the bike and can't be removed.

The BMW F/G650's do feel tall and they look as if they've had a severe beating with the same 'ugly stick' that's mentioned in one of MCN's youtube reviews - especially with canary yellow panels and aluminium panniers. (Do I really want to look like Charlie Boorman riding a lego bike as I pootle around suburban Leeds? Hmm, I don't think so!)

I do like the Tiger as it seems to have a presence that the others don't - even if they look as if they're built out of bits of latice road signs. Although, I did have a bit of a 'sense check' from a salesman who smiled knowingly and suggested that "...a 1050 may just be a little ambitious for a beginner. Even with benefit of a free engine restrictor". The 800 looks a fair bet though - especially with that free restrictor.

The search continues as P1 looms!

Bob

lostboysaint

Why do you need an engine restrictor? If you're doing DAS then you're over 21 and you should be doing it on a bike with more than 33bhp, then you are able to ride what you like from the word "Passed"!

defy3man

I gave up motorbikes about 3/4 years ago as it was as cheap running a second car. I had a brand new SV1000s that I had to trade in aftera year for a GSX 750f due to suffering cramp when getting on the bike. Got to say my knees are pretty well shot and since taking up cycling again I feel an improvement with my knees and general suppleness. Really need to be on the bike as much as poss though as it doesn't take long for knees to stiffen up again.

fizz

I'd echo a previous recommendation as being the first thing I'd look for an SV650 if you get one without the fairing on they give a decent up right riding position that I think you are probably after. Cheap to run and insure 70bhp, lightweight and more rewarding to ride than something like a Bandit is. I had one for a first big bike and I really liked it before I swapped it for a GSXR 750.

The other thing if you want a commuting tool and arent so worried about an inspiring ride is a Honda Deauville, cheap, full fairing to keep the weather off and often come with panniers / hard luggage. Also its a shaft drive so it cuts down on chain maintenance.

Apart from that the others have covered the other bikes I would have suggested

HTH

gixernick

I've always been a sportsbike man but recently bought a BMW R1150GS, I'm really chuffed with it. Still quick, a couple of minutes slower over a 35mile each way commute! Very practical, came with a top box and panniers and comfy to boot.

symo

Had a speed triple 1050 05 plate from new, then some bstard knocked me off at 70. Amazing bike but not practical.

My money would be on either a honda cg125 which actually will run on the breath from a heavy night before or the Yamaha equivalent, stay away from chinese copies.

The other option is something like a spudfighter. Either way you don't want a massive machine for the length of commute.

The other option could be the rarely seen but available cg250. Also I think Kwak are now doing a 400cc sports bike if thats yo thing.

All of the pants compared to Triumph's triples.

cloggsy

fizz wrote:

I'd echo a previous recommendation as being the first thing I'd look for an SV650 if you get one without the fairing on they give a decent up right riding position that I think you are probably after. Cheap to run and insure 70bhp, lightweight and more rewarding to ride than something like a Bandit is.

I had a nice SV650S...

After that I bought a new KTM 950 Supermoto... Great bike, but it went tits up after 4 months - Sold it after it was fixed & haven't had a bike (of the motor variety) since

I fancy a Victory Hammer S though :twisted:

fizz

cloggsy wrote:

I had a nice SV650S...

After that I bought a new KTM 950 Supermoto... Great bike, but it went tits up after 4 months - Sold it after it was fixed & haven't had a bike (of the motor variety) since

I thought I recognised that user name. Silver SVS K3 wasnt it ?

Strith

I used to commute on an un-faired SV650 for over two years come rain or shine and I can't recommend them enough. They're real good fun for the money and cheap to insure.

Only problem I ever had was the front cylinder would miss if it was really tipping it down as water would spray up from the front wheel and get in where the spark plug was. Easily solved with a fender extender thingy, but being lazy I just ignored it and rode along on one cylinder.

I did 25000 miles on the bike in the time I owned it, and I was pretty lackluster with maintenance, and the only real problem I had was he above.

I'm 6 foot 1 btw with long legs and I found it comfy and fine on my knees. After that I moved on to litre sportsbikes which are a no no for bad knees.

Just go to a bike shop and sit on a bunch of bikes and see what you find comfy.

walkingbootweather

The Light Cycle

Keith1983

I've had an SV650's and loved it. Great fun and cheap to run and buy. I don't think you'd find the faired one comfortable though and I'd suggest a faired bike for better weather protection. If I were you with your budget I'd be looking at a nearly new GSX650F.

markp2

Another vote for the Yamaha Fazer 600. The original (97-02) bike was an excellent 'do everything' tool which lasted vey well. The injected one i(03 on) s a bit peakier on power delivery (and faster) but seems to run for ever.
I started riding a Fazer in 2001 and haven't changed. Commuting, touring, track days - it seems to do it all in comfort.
I am 6'2" and 14 stone if that is any help.
Mark

ddraver

I know nothing about Motorbikes but my Dad has recently got himself a Yamaha 125 (not a scooter, looks like a proper bike to me, but I don't know) which he rides about 10 miles to work and back in place of driving. it's along asteep hilly A-road with the typical switches for one lane to 2 an dback that characterise roads in Cornwall and he's a little bit in love

He got is as petrol costs for his (stupid) 4x4 was getting absurd, THis costs him GBP 8 to fill up and lasts for a month (he claims). It has a box on the bag for clothes and his case (He's a GP, not sure if he does visits on it?)