Commuting Bike

[andrewiz]

Please forgive another bike virgin.........

Will need to commute twice a week between Harrogate and Manchester,60 miles each way across the wild and windy M62.

Don't want to spend hours in a car, so considering taking the bike test and buying a bike suitable for the job. Last bike I rode was over 20 years ago, and even that was only a moped!

Anyone able to offer any advice about bikes and necessary gear etc?

Thanks in advance for any help offered.

[gsxrblue]

Im not into commuter bikes so I would have thought a comfortable sports bike would be the way forward, maybe CBR6 or ZX6R. I reguarly do 30 odd miles a day on a GSXR and they are supposed to be totally focused. I must say Ive got no complaints though it is a bit of a pain in traffic. Thing is it more than makes up for it when on a nice sweeping A road.

A "sensible" choice would be a CB500 or GS500 or possibly a SV650 or something, but I know I would get bored after a very short time.

Best thing is to get a short list, then ride a few and see which you like. Oh and get some decent warm kit as 60 miles in winter will be f*****g cold.

I'd be tempted to get some advanced training after passing your test and what ever you get give it a bit of respect until you have got used to it.

[Whoozit]

quote:
A "sensible" choice would be a CB500 or GS500 or possibly a SV650 or something, but I know I would get bored after a very short time.

I've got an SV and while it's pretty good around town, I wouldn't want to do long distance motorway commutes on it. As well as the sportsbikes, you might consider supermoto style bikes like the BMW R1150GS - which you can fit with heated grips and those hand protector thingies to keep the wind off. Or a Honda VFR, which is always mentioned in the context of long commutes.

[dennisthemenace]

You could try a kawasaki GT550 (ducks) No image but bullet proof ,shaft drive so no chain to lube cheaper tyres than sports bikes plus insurance .

[andrewiz]

thanks very much for feedback - i'll let you know how i get on.

[mhibbins]

quote:Anyone able to offer any advice about bikes and necessary gear etc?

Get what you like, buy privately, take a mate who knows bikes and if you find you don't like it as much as you thought then sell it and buy something else. As long as you don't buy a lemon (difficult with newish jap bikes) and don't buy from dealers you shouldn't lose very much money at all. Don't forget to factor in the price of tyres, chain and any forthcoming services... mind you, if you do 120 miles a day you're going to get through plenty of consumables. Maybe tank range might be an issue to you, are there plenty of petrol stations on your route?

Whatever kit you get make sure you get decent waterproof stuff, get Ride mag tests... there's nothing worse than being wet.

The best thing I got for my 45 mile commute was a waterproof top box. I can carry all my waterproofs in it and also all my stuff for work. It's much better than a tankbag or soft luggage although it does look pretty odd on a fireblade.

Mark

[sbyatt]

Can't go wrong with a Fazer 600. Capable of playing with the big boys, but mighty sensible too. I've had two, but now want something a bit more stupid.