Besy commuter bike for newbie lady?
Discussion
You won't get much support for the MP3 round here, and for good reason.
As tasty as those 400s look, for a complete beginner it's a bit of a stretch. Not just experience-wise, but also you'll be doing your CBT, theory, and then the A2/DAS. A twist-and-go 125 should see you nicely and you'll be able to work out if you actually enjoy it or not, and tax, insurance, fuel will all be cheap as chips.
As tasty as those 400s look, for a complete beginner it's a bit of a stretch. Not just experience-wise, but also you'll be doing your CBT, theory, and then the A2/DAS. A twist-and-go 125 should see you nicely and you'll be able to work out if you actually enjoy it or not, and tax, insurance, fuel will all be cheap as chips.
You go on the A316 but I'm not clear where in London your destination is.
I'd consider the train. I'm guessing you may be on South West Trains, which does indeed suck but I'd still consider the train. Commuting in peak hour London traffic is just taking an unnecessary risk IMHO. The time savings from biking it also aren't as much as you might think due to the time it takes you to put your gear on and take it off. Also bikes get stolen a lot in London, so you have to consider where you will park it in London personally I wouldn't park a light bike anywhere except a secure car park. Parts of the A316 also have a busted up central section which makes for tricky filtering/overtaking. The A316 also now has a long section of average speed cameras.
To top it off, if you commute, for much of the year you will be commuting in the hours of darkness. Filtering in London traffic at night is asking for trouble as it is harder to judge distance and your headlight can get lost in a sea of other headlights which makes it harder for you to be seen.
I wouldn't get an electric car either. Traffic in London is a total disaster area except during school holidays.
I'd consider the train. I'm guessing you may be on South West Trains, which does indeed suck but I'd still consider the train. Commuting in peak hour London traffic is just taking an unnecessary risk IMHO. The time savings from biking it also aren't as much as you might think due to the time it takes you to put your gear on and take it off. Also bikes get stolen a lot in London, so you have to consider where you will park it in London personally I wouldn't park a light bike anywhere except a secure car park. Parts of the A316 also have a busted up central section which makes for tricky filtering/overtaking. The A316 also now has a long section of average speed cameras.
To top it off, if you commute, for much of the year you will be commuting in the hours of darkness. Filtering in London traffic at night is asking for trouble as it is harder to judge distance and your headlight can get lost in a sea of other headlights which makes it harder for you to be seen.
I wouldn't get an electric car either. Traffic in London is a total disaster area except during school holidays.
Edited by creampuff on Friday 19th August 10:54
creampuff said:
You go on the A316 but I'm not clear where in London your destination is.
I'd consider the train. I'm guessing you may be on South West Trains, which does indeed suck but I'd still consider the train. Commuting in peak hour London traffic is just taking an unnecessary risk IMHO. The time savings from biking it also aren't as much as you might think due to the time it takes you to put your gear on and take it off. Also bikes get stolen a lot in London, so you have to consider where you will park it in London personally I wouldn't park a light bike anywhere except a secure car park. Parts of the A316 also have a busted up central section which makes for tricky filtering/overtaking. The A316 also now has a long section of average speed cameras.
To top it off, if you commute, for much of the year you will be commuting in the hours of darkness. Filtering in London traffic at night is asking for trouble as it is harder to judge distance and your headlight can get lost in a sea of other headlights which makes it harder for you to be seen.
I wouldn't get an electric car either. Traffic in London is a total disaster area except during school holidays.
I dunno, I started riding in December last year as the train wasn't an option (1.5hrs) car a pain in the arse (50min+) and bike is awesome (30mins always). Rain is dealt with care and goretex, night is no biggie (get a skwal and some reflective gear if you want to standout). Depends where she's going I agree as parking gives me nightmares unless I know its chained up in a secured CCTV limited access car park but I ride a street triple so something cheaper is less of a concern. I would definitely try it, at the very least it's a new skill/hobby! I'd consider the train. I'm guessing you may be on South West Trains, which does indeed suck but I'd still consider the train. Commuting in peak hour London traffic is just taking an unnecessary risk IMHO. The time savings from biking it also aren't as much as you might think due to the time it takes you to put your gear on and take it off. Also bikes get stolen a lot in London, so you have to consider where you will park it in London personally I wouldn't park a light bike anywhere except a secure car park. Parts of the A316 also have a busted up central section which makes for tricky filtering/overtaking. The A316 also now has a long section of average speed cameras.
To top it off, if you commute, for much of the year you will be commuting in the hours of darkness. Filtering in London traffic at night is asking for trouble as it is harder to judge distance and your headlight can get lost in a sea of other headlights which makes it harder for you to be seen.
I wouldn't get an electric car either. Traffic in London is a total disaster area except during school holidays.
Edited by creampuff on Friday 19th August 10:54
I ride 316 pretty much every day.
There are bits which are awkward where they've squeezed too many lanes into not enough space but the average speed cameras through large stretches of it have actually made the congestion slightly better even though it's criminally boring to ride.
I would take a look at two bikes for what you want. The bigger wheeled scooters (like the Honda SH Mode 125) or a Honda CG125.
The small wheeled scooters don't inspire confidence as they are much worse on changeable road surfaces. The bigger the wheels the better they manage with the crap roads that we have to ride on. Scooters will have better weather protecton too as you can add one of those Tucano covers that covers your legs. Good during the winter as it can get very cold.
Otherwise a proper little commuter like the CG would be ideal. Small enough that you'd be confident on it but large enough to be seen. It does 110mpg whatever you do to it and is designed for exactly what you want to do. If you want a newer bike then the CB125F would be the equivalent. The older CGs also don't lose money so it'll be worth whatever you paid for it as long as you clean it and keep it working.
And IMO traffic speed is pretty much irrelevant. You'll be lucky to get to 50mph on your route so a 125 will be absolutely fine.
If you really feel the pull of a bigger bike then maybe a Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 (the 400) or a Yamaha MT07. Both have benefits in that there's a bit more acceleration to get you out of trouble, and you might want to ride them other than on your commute. They also have ABS which is a decent thing to have. Obviously they're a bigger investment and you didn't give an idea of budget. They'll be heavier too so worth trying them out to see what you're comfortable with.
There are bits which are awkward where they've squeezed too many lanes into not enough space but the average speed cameras through large stretches of it have actually made the congestion slightly better even though it's criminally boring to ride.
I would take a look at two bikes for what you want. The bigger wheeled scooters (like the Honda SH Mode 125) or a Honda CG125.
The small wheeled scooters don't inspire confidence as they are much worse on changeable road surfaces. The bigger the wheels the better they manage with the crap roads that we have to ride on. Scooters will have better weather protecton too as you can add one of those Tucano covers that covers your legs. Good during the winter as it can get very cold.
Otherwise a proper little commuter like the CG would be ideal. Small enough that you'd be confident on it but large enough to be seen. It does 110mpg whatever you do to it and is designed for exactly what you want to do. If you want a newer bike then the CB125F would be the equivalent. The older CGs also don't lose money so it'll be worth whatever you paid for it as long as you clean it and keep it working.
And IMO traffic speed is pretty much irrelevant. You'll be lucky to get to 50mph on your route so a 125 will be absolutely fine.
If you really feel the pull of a bigger bike then maybe a Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 (the 400) or a Yamaha MT07. Both have benefits in that there's a bit more acceleration to get you out of trouble, and you might want to ride them other than on your commute. They also have ABS which is a decent thing to have. Obviously they're a bigger investment and you didn't give an idea of budget. They'll be heavier too so worth trying them out to see what you're comfortable with.
lindrup119 said:
Slightly OT, but even if the train/tube was quicker than taking the bike, I'd still take the bike.
I'd rather be sat in the pouring rain filtering through traffic, tucked up in Goretex, than sharing half a square foot of space with three other people.
And this is why I've just shelled out for another bike, one with a bit of weather protection. Yes, commuting in the dark, wet & cold is not quite the same as riding along the French Riviera in August, but it's preferable to the train every second, minute & hour. Even if you slow down a bit in the winter, it still beats UK trains into a cocked hat.I'd rather be sat in the pouring rain filtering through traffic, tucked up in Goretex, than sharing half a square foot of space with three other people.
ZesPak said:
SMar said:
Nerdontoast said:
Wouldn't a 600 cc be a bit too much to begin with? I can imagine myself looking at it and thinking "this is like riding a dragon, GoT style" 
Well that's difficult to say, depends on you own experience. The SV650 and the MT are not exactly fire breathing dragons!A very good entrance and pretty cool in the geared bike market is the MSX125. It'll suit a smaller rider just fine. Don't be alarmed by the pictures, it's actually bigger than it looks.
tom_e said:
I wouldn't recommend the SV650S for general commuting duties if it's going to involve a lot of slower inner city work go for the N model. The riding position of the S is much better suited to higher speed stuff which you can get down into a crouch.
My thinking was anyone who is 5'3 isn't going to be in a crouch on many bikes at all. Edited by tom_e on Friday 19th August 09:29
ETA: What did we all do before the proliferation of chinese 125s? By the time you've got your full license, you will have passed your test on a ER6N or MT-07 (or similar) anyway. Why on earth would you pass your test on that and then rush out to buy a 125?
Edited by 308mate on Friday 19th August 13:00
308mate said:
tom_e said:
I wouldn't recommend the SV650S for general commuting duties if it's going to involve a lot of slower inner city work go for the N model. The riding position of the S is much better suited to higher speed stuff which you can get down into a crouch.
My thinking was anyone who is 5'3 isn't going to be in a crouch on many bikes at all. Edited by tom_e on Friday 19th August 09:29
ETA: What did we all do before the proliferation of chinese 125s? By the time you've got your full license, you will have passed your test on a ER6N or MT-07 (or similar) anyway. Why on earth would you pass your test on that and then rush out to buy a 125?
Edited by 308mate on Friday 19th August 13:00
Out of my car, my street triple and my scooter i use my yamaha scooter mostly, so frugal, easy to ride, easy to filter in heavy traffic and i don't worry about leaving it places as i only paid £800 for it.
Also to note, in my experience modern 125's cope with 60 limits just fine in the real world, on big long hills it will drop to about 55 but you only have to do a quick search on here to find hardly anyone actually does the speed limits these days!!
I average about 100mpg, pay about £70 insurance and i think tax is £17 a year.
Also to note, in my experience modern 125's cope with 60 limits just fine in the real world, on big long hills it will drop to about 55 but you only have to do a quick search on here to find hardly anyone actually does the speed limits these days!!
I average about 100mpg, pay about £70 insurance and i think tax is £17 a year.
Get a MSX, I got one for a laugh as a few mates had them. I commute on it now about 15 miles each way. Sometimes I go the A roads, sometimes the motorway.
It costs me about £4.20 a week in fuel, £90 a year to insure and £17 to tax. I would be happy to throw it away after 3 years when its due an MOT if Im honest and buy a new one. I ride it more than my grown up bike these days.
It costs me about £4.20 a week in fuel, £90 a year to insure and £17 to tax. I would be happy to throw it away after 3 years when its due an MOT if Im honest and buy a new one. I ride it more than my grown up bike these days.
It's worth mentioning that the A316 now has average speed cameras all the way up, so keeping up with the flow of traffic on a 125 will be a non issue.
As much as I'd like to encourage someone to do their full A Licence and get a bigger bike, I think it might be a bit pointless in this situation, I'd probably go for a decent 125cc scooter, easier to ride a twist and go in traffic and you can store your helmet and gloves under the seat.
I'm afraid I can't advise you on what model to get though as my biking knowledge outside of sports bikes and motocrossers is rather limited!!.
As much as I'd like to encourage someone to do their full A Licence and get a bigger bike, I think it might be a bit pointless in this situation, I'd probably go for a decent 125cc scooter, easier to ride a twist and go in traffic and you can store your helmet and gloves under the seat.
I'm afraid I can't advise you on what model to get though as my biking knowledge outside of sports bikes and motocrossers is rather limited!!.
raddish said:
Get a MSX, I got one for a laugh as a few mates had them. I commute on it now about 15 miles each way. Sometimes I go the A roads, sometimes the motorway.
It costs me about £4.20 a week in fuel, £90 a year to insure and £17 to tax. I would be happy to throw it away after 3 years when its due an MOT if Im honest and buy a new one. I ride it more than my grown up bike these days.
Keep looking at these myself to replace my scooter but i think i might care for it too much and start thinking hmmm rain, salt, dirty roads i'll take the car!! It costs me about £4.20 a week in fuel, £90 a year to insure and £17 to tax. I would be happy to throw it away after 3 years when its due an MOT if Im honest and buy a new one. I ride it more than my grown up bike these days.
Might have to get a test ride though, could be an expensive one though!!
Walter Sobchak said:
It's worth mentioning that the A316 now has average speed cameras all the way up, so keeping up with the flow of traffic on a 125 will be a non issue.
As much as I'd like to encourage someone to do their full A Licence and get a bigger bike, I think it might be a bit pointless in this situation, I'd probably go for a decent 125cc scooter, easier to ride a twist and go in traffic and you can store your helmet and gloves under the seat.
I'm afraid I can't advise you on what model to get though as my biking knowledge outside of sports bikes and motocrossers is rather limited!!.
I've got a Yamaha BWS125, it's got quite wide and chunky tyres on there which give it quite a planted, stable feeling ride compared to some of the smaller wheeled 125's. As much as I'd like to encourage someone to do their full A Licence and get a bigger bike, I think it might be a bit pointless in this situation, I'd probably go for a decent 125cc scooter, easier to ride a twist and go in traffic and you can store your helmet and gloves under the seat.
I'm afraid I can't advise you on what model to get though as my biking knowledge outside of sports bikes and motocrossers is rather limited!!.
MrGman said:
raddish said:
Get a MSX, I got one for a laugh as a few mates had them. I commute on it now about 15 miles each way. Sometimes I go the A roads, sometimes the motorway.
It costs me about £4.20 a week in fuel, £90 a year to insure and £17 to tax. I would be happy to throw it away after 3 years when its due an MOT if Im honest and buy a new one. I ride it more than my grown up bike these days.
Keep looking at these myself to replace my scooter but i think i might care for it too much and start thinking hmmm rain, salt, dirty roads i'll take the car!! It costs me about £4.20 a week in fuel, £90 a year to insure and £17 to tax. I would be happy to throw it away after 3 years when its due an MOT if Im honest and buy a new one. I ride it more than my grown up bike these days.
Might have to get a test ride though, could be an expensive one though!!
If they made a 200 (Suzuki have just launched a Van Van 200 but you need to be a hippy to ride one), it would be ideal.
However, at £2700, they aren't cheap.
My main gripe has been the shocking candle headlight - this may be answered by the new, uglier but LED headlamped new MSX.
I'm about to change mine for a Suzuki SV650S (for better lighting and a bit more power) which can be had for around £4.5k brand new and have a fairing to keep car spray off you.
MrGman said:
Also to note, in my experience modern 125's cope with 60 limits just fine in the real world, on big long hills it will drop to about 55 but you only have to do a quick search on here to find hardly anyone actually does the speed limits these days!!
I wish I could get away with having a little scooter for getting to work. Sadly, they would just be too small and s
tty for the A roads. The longest stretch of A road is very fast, even slow movers do 70mph and most cars and vans do 80mph. On my CG125, I kept the throttle pinned the whole time. Overtaking was a job. I didn't much mind being overtaken by every lorry on the road, but I don't miss it either!I'd happily get a bigger scooter for work, something like a Silverwing, but they're not bloody cheap!
308mate said:
My thinking was anyone who is 5'3 isn't going to be in a crouch on many bikes at all.
ETA: What did we all do before the proliferation of chinese 125s? By the time you've got your full license, you will have passed your test on a ER6N or MT-07 (or similar) anyway. Why on earth would you pass your test on that and then rush out to buy a 125?
If you do your full test it makes sense to get a 600 / 400 whatever, not a 125. But if you do your CBT and want to give biking a go without too much expense, a 125 is a good option. If you're short, getting used to handling the weight of the bike balanced on your toes not feet flat is a big part of gaining confidence, and 125's are shorter and lighter than 600'sETA: What did we all do before the proliferation of chinese 125s? By the time you've got your full license, you will have passed your test on a ER6N or MT-07 (or similar) anyway. Why on earth would you pass your test on that and then rush out to buy a 125?
Edited by 308mate on Friday 19th August 13:00
I've only biked through London once, but regularly ride in brum.
If you get stuck in a slow moving queue, with no hope of filtering, then you'll be glad that you're on something low enough to get both feet comfortably on the floor with bent knees.
Based on my limited experience, I'd go for something low and light with a flat seat. The new (900cc) bonnevilles handle traffic nicely. The older models should be fine too.
If you get stuck in a slow moving queue, with no hope of filtering, then you'll be glad that you're on something low enough to get both feet comfortably on the floor with bent knees.
Based on my limited experience, I'd go for something low and light with a flat seat. The new (900cc) bonnevilles handle traffic nicely. The older models should be fine too.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff