Small Commuter Bikes
Discussion
I'm seriously thinking about a small bike (250-500 range) to do the daily commute, My Guzzi is not the best thing in the ever busier London traffic. Will anyone own up to having one of the new 300cc bikes, BMW G310r, CB300 etc. What are they like in the real world?
My commute is about 30 miles each way and to tell the truth a 125 would probably be ok except for the first 10 miles of the A1 where it would drive you mad
My commute is about 30 miles each way and to tell the truth a 125 would probably be ok except for the first 10 miles of the A1 where it would drive you mad
My Dad has had two A2 machines in the last couple of years, a CB500 Honda and a G310R.
He(and i ) have enjoyed riding both of them, they have enough go to make them fun on the smaller roads and will easily keep with the flow of modern traffic, being so light makes them good fun to throw about and perfect for slicing thru the traffic..
That said, for your commute, i think i would opt for more relaxed and less buzzy twin over a single cylinder bike such as the BMW/ KTM and opt for something like the CB500, its more relaxed at speed and IMHO, will prove to be far more durable over the years than either the BMW or KTM.
He(and i ) have enjoyed riding both of them, they have enough go to make them fun on the smaller roads and will easily keep with the flow of modern traffic, being so light makes them good fun to throw about and perfect for slicing thru the traffic..
That said, for your commute, i think i would opt for more relaxed and less buzzy twin over a single cylinder bike such as the BMW/ KTM and opt for something like the CB500, its more relaxed at speed and IMHO, will prove to be far more durable over the years than either the BMW or KTM.
I’ll admit that between my R1 60th and Zx6r sits a 300cc Yamaha xmax scooter.
I was after a bike for commuting on and was originally looking at a duke 390 but I had to admit to myself the scooter makes so much more sense for me commuting, mostly due to the massive under seat storage, it does offer good protection from the elements too.
I was after a bike for commuting on and was originally looking at a duke 390 but I had to admit to myself the scooter makes so much more sense for me commuting, mostly due to the massive under seat storage, it does offer good protection from the elements too.
I've always had a smaller bike to help with commuting in London. Currently I have a 2015 Honda CBR 300R to complement my VFR 800F. It's fantastic through the London traffic. Lightweight, narrow, and mega quick through traffic jams. Rarely can other bikers keep up with it. Top speed of 109mph, good fuel economy and has a top box too. It's great!
I have a CB500F for my commute. Its great, cheap to run and enough power to make reasonable progress. It has the added bonus no one wants to steal it! Bought new, ultra reliable apart from two indicator bulbs (rusted) and two rear punctures. Cover 26k miles commuting only, its great!
I have owned 2 CBR500R's, they are very good capable commuter bikes, and the recent update makes them even better (lighter, gear indicator, amongst other things). I took the latest model for a test ride, but then also took out the latest CBR650R and ended up buying one of those instead!
stu67 said:
I'm seriously thinking about a small bike (250-500 range) to do the daily commute, My Guzzi is not the best thing in the ever busier London traffic. Will anyone own up to having one of the new 300cc bikes, BMW G310r, CB300 etc. What are they like in the real world?
My commute is about 30 miles each way and to tell the truth a 125 would probably be ok except for the first 10 miles of the A1 where it would drive you mad
My commute is exactly like yours... 30 miles into London with around 15 miles on motorway and A roads. I use a Ninja 650 for commuting which is basically an ER6f with a new frame and fairing and 15 kilos lighter or something like that. My commute is about 30 miles each way and to tell the truth a 125 would probably be ok except for the first 10 miles of the A1 where it would drive you mad
I get over 60mpg and thats after an ecu flash and a full yoshi pipe so stock fuel economy will be better. Highly recommend the little 650... its quite narrow so filtering is easy and it has more than enough power for the motorway. Put a top box on and its an excellent commuter in my view.
Edited by TheCommuter on Friday 17th May 16:56
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff