CBF1000 for commuting?

[CAPP0]

My search for a suitable replacement commuter continues. I've considered, and am not ruling out:

TDM900 with ABS
FJR1300
R1200RT

and quite probably others. And now the CBF1000 has drifted into my sights. Not a million miles from a TDM in style, although a very different lump.

The bike will almost exclusively be used for a 32 mile each-way commute, 20-odd miles motorway and DC, the rest on suburban London roads with a fair bit of filtering.

I'm struggling to see what's wrong with something like this? There are plenty of others too.

Thoughts and experience welcome, ta.

[skahigh]

My dad has had one for about 5 years, he loves it.

I had a go and found it very comfortable, torquey and fairly nimble while being quite planted in the corners. Feels relatively light on the move and has good wind protection (on the GT model at least).

[CAPP0]

Thanks - yes, probably the GT model I'd look at.

[jjones]

I do a similar commute on a vfr 800 (pre vtec) and my only complaint is the fuel economy is a bit crap at 42mpg.

[CAPP0]

I'm getting about that at present from the old R1100RT tbh, so wouldn't be a deal-breaker.

[obscene]

Cb1300 worth a look too?

[Rubin215]

I sold mine earlier this year having owned it for a couple of years.

They are pretty quick for a "dull" bike, brakes and abs are plenty good enough.
Suspension is pretty basic but easily upgraded (Hyperpro is a really good mid-range option), though the handling is actually pretty good.

Fuel economy is alright as an everday commuter, I used to get about 180 miles from a tankful.
Weather protection is okay; the screen is adjustable for height, as are bars and seat, and there are different screens out there if you want more height.

Early bikes had issues with the generator windings breaking down (probably all sorted by now), general things to look out for are the condition of the rear caliper (it catches lots of crud so corrodes), the frame crossrail behind the radiator (it can rust badly) and a slight hesitation on part throttle when cold (possibly throttle bodies worn).

Huge amount of bike for the money.

[DJP]

Also consider the Bandit 1250. I test rode one back to back with the CBF1000. Both good bikes, but the Suzuki was the better machine IMHO.

[CAPP0]

Thanks guys, all noted. Ref the CB1300, isn't that a chrome roadster thing though?

[Dr Jekyll]

Presumably a Deauville is completely out of the question?

[graham22]

FZ-1 Fazer (Faired 2nd gen model).

I've said this before but, my Dad's got want, keeps looking to replace it but nothing covers everything the Fazer does so it's staying.

Not quite the staid image of the CBF but for a 32 mile comute you still have something for fun at the weekends.

Surprised you've not considered this if you are thinking TDM.

I guess the previous poster is thinking CB1000 (Big One) rather than CBF hence the CB13 suggestion.

Edited by graham22 on Thursday 24th September 09:42

[cirian75]

I'd have the TDM, thumping 270 degree big bang twin, and slim for filtering.

a filter, powercommander and exhaust will make it sound lovely

[CAPP0]

cirian75 said:

I'd have the TDM, thumping 270 degree big bang twin, and slim for filtering.

a filter, powercommander and exhaust will make it sound lovely

TDM is probably top of the list tbh, I've always liked them since right back in the 850 days, but then I di have a habit of going for things (not just bikes) which are less popular with the norm! Was one of the first big bikes I rode back when I passed my test 20-odd years ago and I liked it even then. Following my other thread this week, I'll only buy one with ABS and that does cut the search slightly. There's a decent-looking one at a dealers currently but it's not exactly close to home and it's just a little pricey; will wait to see how long they keep it and how negotiable the price is.

Re the Fazer, I don't know what it is but I have always seen them as a little, well, dull. Says the man talking about the CBF1000! I'm sure they're not in reality, maybe I should try one.

[graham22]

CAPP0 said:

Re the Fazer, I don't know what it is but I have always seen them as a little, well, dull. Says the man talking about the CBF1000! I'm sure they're not in reality, maybe I should try one.

Yeah,

Exciting:



Dull:



Only joking. I do understand where you are coming from about the TDM as have always liked them myself & feel they were well ahead of their time, especially considering the Multistrada, S1000XR now.

Have a look at the newer Fazer, you'll see the same touches there as the TDM - some neat touches such as the tank/air box, rear grab rails/tail piece top and where the headlights 'kick up' in the corners. A different (longer) exhaust changes their appearance drastically though.

Edited by graham22 on Thursday 24th September 11:12

[CAPP0]

Point entirely taken! And it's something of an oddity as I have always leant towards Yamaha anyway; I still have a Thunderace in the shed, up on the bench, it's in a few too many parts to actually ride at the moment but it WILL live again!

Is there a Fazer with ABS? Within a £4k-ish budget?

[black-k1]

CAPP0 said:

Point entirely taken! And it's something of an oddity as I have always leant towards Yamaha anyway; I still have a Thunderace in the shed, up on the bench, it's in a few too many parts to actually ride at the moment but it WILL live again!

Is there a Fazer with ABS? Within a £4k-ish budget?

Lots of BMW F800S and F800ST bikes in that range with ABS, heated grips, click on/off luggage etc. 60+mpg, belt drive and enough get up and go to be interesting.

[CAPP0]

Ah yes, those have also appeared on my radar, someone along the road bought one recently, seems a decent bike.

It'll be a case of what's relatively nearby, at the right price, and available when I can get to go and look at it, I think!

[cirian75]

SUZUKI V-STROM 1000

TRIUMPH TIGER 1050

TRIUMPH SPRINT ST 1050

HONDA XL1000V

[darkyoung1000]

A friend has one for commuting to the station every day.

A very capable machine, he has nevertheless had problems with the electrics. As previously mentioned, the stator windings and more recently the Throttle Position Sensor. Replacement ones from Honda are into 4 figures.....

I don't know if it's a common failure, but something to factor into your musings!

Cheers,
Tom

[Reardy Mister]

FZ1 is another good option, no doubt.

Certainly more exciting than a R1200RT, but without the weather protection or comforts.