What eventually made you start/stop commuting by motorbike
Discussion
I'm in the process of looking at motorbike travel just for commuting to work and back. I go along the M6, M56, M62 and M60 all at rush hour so am often left sat in traffic with up to a 90 minute morning commute, approx 40 minutes if it's clear (Christmas was bliss!). I reckon I could slash a good 20 minutes off each way when I can do 10-15mph while cars are sat at a stand still. I see a few bikers going past now and I'm increasingly jealous of them. 40 minutes a day is time well saved when it'll be the vast majority of days. Even the roads I go on towards the motorway network are often jammed and a good 10 minutes could be taken off there too. I can leave the house later and get home earlier which is nice.
Prizam said:
I used to commute everywhere on my bike...
I'm not allowed another bike. And I'm not too sad about that.
Another one in this situation here. Got hit off my bike on the way into work on the motorway last October. Landed in the middle lane and then got hit by a following car, which thankfully had seen what was happening and slammed on the brakes enough to stop with me stuck under his front bumper instead of his rear!I'm not allowed another bike. And I'm not too sad about that.
The image of seeing a front bumper skidding towards my head, which at this point is at road level, is not one i particularly want to see again.
I do miss the convenience and cost though.
I live in Coulsdon (J7 M25) and work in Thurrock (J31). After 3 years of driving, absolutely ruining my car and it’s value there was a period of 2 weeks where there wasn’t 1 day which was a clear run! That’s when I decided I had to do my bike test!
I work just off the Lakeside roundabout (2 minutes from the M25) but due to the useless infrastructure here it has taken over 2 hours just to get to the M25 before!
So I passed in early November and I’ve used the car twice since then!
I’m looking out the window now and it doesn’t look great weather but at least I won’t be sat in any traffic!!
Most days I’m still excited about riding! I absolutely love it! With the right gear on the rain doesn’t bother me! Not a fan of ice but luckily I live 2 minutes from the A23 so roads are clear!
I work just off the Lakeside roundabout (2 minutes from the M25) but due to the useless infrastructure here it has taken over 2 hours just to get to the M25 before!
So I passed in early November and I’ve used the car twice since then!
I’m looking out the window now and it doesn’t look great weather but at least I won’t be sat in any traffic!!
Most days I’m still excited about riding! I absolutely love it! With the right gear on the rain doesn’t bother me! Not a fan of ice but luckily I live 2 minutes from the A23 so roads are clear!
I ride in year round: Beckenham - City (Bank)
I do it for 3 reasons:
Time - It takes me a maximum of 30 minutes each way (vs 1.15 min for the train)
Reliability - The bike is a constant, trains from my closest station were often cancelled (first of the day) and packed on the way back, if they're still running - my hours can be horrible.
Cost - My bike is only used for commuting (or Xmas eve shopping) with the all-in cost less than 50% of the train
I currently have a CBF600 which gets ~180 miles for about £22, equivalent to about 8.5 days of commuting. I buy each bike from salvage, costing me less than £1,200 and run them on TPFT policies (~£130 a year). I do the minimum maintenance necessary to keep them legal and never clean them - each time I have historically it's either been stolen/attempted. I'll run them until I think they're about to die then sell them on for 2/3 of what I paid.
I did commute by cycle but since I moved to current hours (from strict 9-5) I can't bring myself to do it, favouring the extra 25 mins a day in bed.
After getting married last year we are looking at moving out a little further - Petts Wood/Orpington and a consideration is being close to a station...still not sure if I'd give the bike up entirely but I may go to a summer/winter commute pattern.
I do it for 3 reasons:
Time - It takes me a maximum of 30 minutes each way (vs 1.15 min for the train)
Reliability - The bike is a constant, trains from my closest station were often cancelled (first of the day) and packed on the way back, if they're still running - my hours can be horrible.
Cost - My bike is only used for commuting (or Xmas eve shopping) with the all-in cost less than 50% of the train
I currently have a CBF600 which gets ~180 miles for about £22, equivalent to about 8.5 days of commuting. I buy each bike from salvage, costing me less than £1,200 and run them on TPFT policies (~£130 a year). I do the minimum maintenance necessary to keep them legal and never clean them - each time I have historically it's either been stolen/attempted. I'll run them until I think they're about to die then sell them on for 2/3 of what I paid.
I did commute by cycle but since I moved to current hours (from strict 9-5) I can't bring myself to do it, favouring the extra 25 mins a day in bed.
After getting married last year we are looking at moving out a little further - Petts Wood/Orpington and a consideration is being close to a station...still not sure if I'd give the bike up entirely but I may go to a summer/winter commute pattern.
I commuted by bike from Tolworth to Fulham (about 9.5 miles) most days for about 5 years and now into Kensington for the past two years.
I used to use the car a fair bit to Fulham as I had free parking but the traffic would get annoying quickly. Had a Honda SH125 for less than a year but it wasn't really strong enough on the A3 for me (I'm 100kg+) and I fell off into incoming traffic due to a road defect. Luckily fairly slow speed and the oncoming driver was alert so no damage done.
Used a Bandit 1250 and a Piaggio MP3 (engine seized due to oil pump failure) for about two years each and the past two years on a Yamaha XMax 300 which is pokey and fun to ride.
I'm moving to Tadworth in a few weeks which will make the commute about 18 miles each way. I think I'll still commute year round on the scooter, it's the most time efficient solution for me. If I'm having a drink or the weather's really bad I can always take the train in about double the time.
Got some bar muffs recently which have helped with cold hands but I don't need to worry too much about that as I only have five miles of dual carriageway and I don't seem to feel the cold too much. I wear chinos or jeans under the scooter blanket, Oxford Mondial jacket over normal work shirt and jumper.
I used to use the car a fair bit to Fulham as I had free parking but the traffic would get annoying quickly. Had a Honda SH125 for less than a year but it wasn't really strong enough on the A3 for me (I'm 100kg+) and I fell off into incoming traffic due to a road defect. Luckily fairly slow speed and the oncoming driver was alert so no damage done.
Used a Bandit 1250 and a Piaggio MP3 (engine seized due to oil pump failure) for about two years each and the past two years on a Yamaha XMax 300 which is pokey and fun to ride.
I'm moving to Tadworth in a few weeks which will make the commute about 18 miles each way. I think I'll still commute year round on the scooter, it's the most time efficient solution for me. If I'm having a drink or the weather's really bad I can always take the train in about double the time.
Got some bar muffs recently which have helped with cold hands but I don't need to worry too much about that as I only have five miles of dual carriageway and I don't seem to feel the cold too much. I wear chinos or jeans under the scooter blanket, Oxford Mondial jacket over normal work shirt and jumper.
I got taken out by a dopey f***wit driving the wrong way up a one way street and then I got taken to court for running a red light as a result...
I was riding along a main road (which is one way) towards a set of traffic lights with a junction to the right (2 way) and a private car park a bit further along the main road to the left. As I approach the lights, they change to green, so I carry on, check the side road, look forward to find said r's nugget had left the private car park and was going the wrong way along the main road so he could go up the side road.
Bang, crash and it's all gone quiet...
A day in hospital, a bust wrist, the other heavily strapped, knees fooked, trashed helmet and gear and a written off bike. Despite witness statements to the contrary, the police decided that I'd run the red light (I hadn't) and took me to court, which got thrown out - the other driver didn't even bother turning up! My legal claims solicitor then said that as I'd been taken to court '"there's no smoke without fire" so we wouldn't get anything out of the other parties insurance to cover any of my losses and promptly dropped my case.
So no money, no bike and a bashed up body meant that it was the bus from then on. I did however discover that I could go for a drink or 12 after work and catch a bus home so it wasn't all bad
I was riding along a main road (which is one way) towards a set of traffic lights with a junction to the right (2 way) and a private car park a bit further along the main road to the left. As I approach the lights, they change to green, so I carry on, check the side road, look forward to find said r's nugget had left the private car park and was going the wrong way along the main road so he could go up the side road.
Bang, crash and it's all gone quiet...
A day in hospital, a bust wrist, the other heavily strapped, knees fooked, trashed helmet and gear and a written off bike. Despite witness statements to the contrary, the police decided that I'd run the red light (I hadn't) and took me to court, which got thrown out - the other driver didn't even bother turning up! My legal claims solicitor then said that as I'd been taken to court '"there's no smoke without fire" so we wouldn't get anything out of the other parties insurance to cover any of my losses and promptly dropped my case.
So no money, no bike and a bashed up body meant that it was the bus from then on. I did however discover that I could go for a drink or 12 after work and catch a bus home so it wasn't all bad
Edited by S2r on Thursday 9th January 21:08
Before changing jobs I use to travel by train Newbury to Liverpool Str about once a week - the commute did my head in as you were packed in like sardines.
Now 3 months into a new job based in Farringdon where I commute in about 3 days a week. Decided to put the train costs (£8-9k/yr) into a bike instead and so far very happy I did.
My commute is ~60miles each way and takes about 1h30-1h45 each way. What I learnt so far, but proper kit (heated jacket & gloves rock!), ride the bike that puts a smile on your face, get a decent BT set for radio/music & take it easy.
Now 3 months into a new job based in Farringdon where I commute in about 3 days a week. Decided to put the train costs (£8-9k/yr) into a bike instead and so far very happy I did.
My commute is ~60miles each way and takes about 1h30-1h45 each way. What I learnt so far, but proper kit (heated jacket & gloves rock!), ride the bike that puts a smile on your face, get a decent BT set for radio/music & take it easy.
I do a 70 mile round trip on a Versys 650. Maidstone to Westminster.
Did this journey for 3.5 years on a PCX125 and racked up 34k miles. How I did this I don't know.
All year round.
Reason was the ability to come and go as I pleased at work and not to have to rely on the trains. Cost was factored in too when I got the Pcx. I recouped the season ticket and full years running costs in the first year after 8 months.
I just looked up this years season ticket and it's £5300!
Did this journey for 3.5 years on a PCX125 and racked up 34k miles. How I did this I don't know.
All year round.
Reason was the ability to come and go as I pleased at work and not to have to rely on the trains. Cost was factored in too when I got the Pcx. I recouped the season ticket and full years running costs in the first year after 8 months.
I just looked up this years season ticket and it's £5300!
S2r said:
I got taken out by a dopey f***wit driving the wrong way up a one way street and then I got taken to court for running a red light as a result...
I was riding along a main road (which is one way) towards a set of traffic lights with a junction to the right (2 way) and a private car park a bit further along the main road to the left. As I approach the lights, they change to green, so I carry on, check the side road, look forward to find said r's nugget had left the private car park and was going the wrong way along the main road so he could go up the side road.
Bang, crash and it's all gone quiet...
A day in hospital, a bust wrist, the other heavily strapped, knees fooked, trashed helmet and gear and a written off bike. Despite witness statements to the contrary, the police decided that I'd run the red light (I hadn't) and took me to court, which got thrown out - the other driver didn't even bother turning up! My legal claims solicitor then said that as I'd been taken to court '"there's no smoke without fire" so we wouldn't get anything out of the other parties insurance to cover any of my losses and promptly dropped my case.
So no money, no bike and a bashed up body meant that it was the bus from then on. I did however discover that I could go for a drink or 12 after work and catch a bus home so it wasn't all bad
That is ridiculous if true - I'd be lividI was riding along a main road (which is one way) towards a set of traffic lights with a junction to the right (2 way) and a private car park a bit further along the main road to the left. As I approach the lights, they change to green, so I carry on, check the side road, look forward to find said r's nugget had left the private car park and was going the wrong way along the main road so he could go up the side road.
Bang, crash and it's all gone quiet...
A day in hospital, a bust wrist, the other heavily strapped, knees fooked, trashed helmet and gear and a written off bike. Despite witness statements to the contrary, the police decided that I'd run the red light (I hadn't) and took me to court, which got thrown out - the other driver didn't even bother turning up! My legal claims solicitor then said that as I'd been taken to court '"there's no smoke without fire" so we wouldn't get anything out of the other parties insurance to cover any of my losses and promptly dropped my case.
So no money, no bike and a bashed up body meant that it was the bus from then on. I did however discover that I could go for a drink or 12 after work and catch a bus home so it wasn't all bad
Edited by S2r on Thursday 9th January 21:08
I've been riding for just shy of 20 years and have only this winter given up riding into London. My commute has a lot of unlit sections of motorway and country roads and I've started to struggle with being able to see (not helped by my current old bandit terrible headlights). In terms of costs if I ride to the station(free parking) there's not that much in it.
Used to do central Bedfordshire to Heathrow.
Circa 50 miles each way.
Did it on a bike for circa 5 years, everything from a 125 s wing to a varadero 1000. Mt10, nc750, sv650 etc etc.
Winter motorway commuting is noisy, cold and glum.
Tried a car for a bit - had a mk1 insight which was great on fuel but took ages with traffic.
Later followed by a 1.9 Passat as battery was going on the insight.
Last year got fed up with 100 miles a day and over 2 hours wasted in traffic and got a job closer to home outside of the London rush. No more m25 running the gauntlet of uber drivers and half asleep zombies. Best thing I ever did, back to enjoying bikes rather than viewing them as a tool!
Circa 50 miles each way.
Did it on a bike for circa 5 years, everything from a 125 s wing to a varadero 1000. Mt10, nc750, sv650 etc etc.
Winter motorway commuting is noisy, cold and glum.
Tried a car for a bit - had a mk1 insight which was great on fuel but took ages with traffic.
Later followed by a 1.9 Passat as battery was going on the insight.
Last year got fed up with 100 miles a day and over 2 hours wasted in traffic and got a job closer to home outside of the London rush. No more m25 running the gauntlet of uber drivers and half asleep zombies. Best thing I ever did, back to enjoying bikes rather than viewing them as a tool!
Simple...a
holes in vans driving like maniacs, a bike taking it easy in the pishing rain is just an obstacle that has to be punted out of they way these fkers would kill you and not give a toss.
I gave up commuting on bike from Fife into Edinburgh as the van-bds were out of control, almost daily you would see a smash on the Edinburgh Bypass usually involving a van
holes in vans driving like maniacs, a bike taking it easy in the pishing rain is just an obstacle that has to be punted out of they way these fkers would kill you and not give a toss.I gave up commuting on bike from Fife into Edinburgh as the van-b
ds were out of control, almost daily you would see a smash on the Edinburgh Bypass usually involving a van I moved to London for university in 2005. I went to the Royal School of Mines in South Kensington, but my halls were in Holloway. Caledonian Road is the last tube before King's Cross, and I quickly learned I had to get on a 730 train to make a 9am lecture, otherwise I simply couldn't get on the train. As I already had a licence I bought a 125.
When I graduated I was living in Stockwell and took a job in Slough, which also had a sister site in Chiswick Park. Taking the bike was faster and cheaper, even although I soon splurged my newly created wages on a Ducati Multistrada.
I now do Streatham Hill to Canary Wharf. Commuting by bike is still faster, cheaper, and I always get a seat. I'm asthmatic, and allergic to animals. Being stuck on the tube just means chest infections for me, and someone getting on with a dog means I have to get off. So I'm sticking with the bike!
When I graduated I was living in Stockwell and took a job in Slough, which also had a sister site in Chiswick Park. Taking the bike was faster and cheaper, even although I soon splurged my newly created wages on a Ducati Multistrada.
I now do Streatham Hill to Canary Wharf. Commuting by bike is still faster, cheaper, and I always get a seat. I'm asthmatic, and allergic to animals. Being stuck on the tube just means chest infections for me, and someone getting on with a dog means I have to get off. So I'm sticking with the bike!
I started using a bike to commute when it was the only way to get from work to my son's childminder by 6pm. From 5 years old he used to jump on the back of the trailie for the mile home.
I stopped when I changed jobs and realised it was taking as long on the bike as the car when you factored in changing. So I rarely use a motorcycle now, but cycle the 7.5 miles in summer.
I've subsequently done a concours restoration on the MTX80 I was using, so that has put paid to ever using it as a commuter again. If I did take motorcycle commuting up sgsin, I suspect an NC750 would be the default choice.
I stopped when I changed jobs and realised it was taking as long on the bike as the car when you factored in changing. So I rarely use a motorcycle now, but cycle the 7.5 miles in summer.
I've subsequently done a concours restoration on the MTX80 I was using, so that has put paid to ever using it as a commuter again. If I did take motorcycle commuting up sgsin, I suspect an NC750 would be the default choice.
I am seriously considering changing from train £5,300/pa (90 minutes door to door) or coach £2,900/pa (two hours door to door) from Tunbridge Wells to Holborn, to a motorbike. I hold a full licence but havent ridden for 20 years.
I've pretty much decided on a Piaggio trike, due to improved safety etc.
The route is about 45 miles each way, along A21/M25 and then through Blackwall tunnell etc into London. About an hour.
Has anyone done this journey? Any tips?
Thanks in advance.
I've pretty much decided on a Piaggio trike, due to improved safety etc.
The route is about 45 miles each way, along A21/M25 and then through Blackwall tunnell etc into London. About an hour.
Has anyone done this journey? Any tips?
Thanks in advance.
Edited by Pidsley67 on Tuesday 28th January 12:17
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