Commute tourer advice
Discussion
A change of job role means now I could be doing a 60 mile a day commute by bike. May also involve some longer trips working off site.
I currently have a BMW K1300R which although I love it, it’s not gonna cut the mustard for the sort of usage. Being a naked I’m pretty sure that sort of daily mileage is going to get tedious pretty quickly.
So, I need a tourer. Add into the mix a slightly temperamental back and I’m struggling on options.
Do I go full on comfort tourer and head for a GS/Africa Twin type bike? I’m not sure if I’m ready to go down that bike route yet..
A VFR V-Tec is a strong candidate.
Basically I need a comfy commuter with an upright bias, that’s still going to make me smile on a Sunday afternoon.
Budget circa £5k. Some fresh ideas would be great!!
ETA my bike history to give you an idea -
Thundercat
Firestorm
Blackbird
Fazer8
K1300R
I currently have a BMW K1300R which although I love it, it’s not gonna cut the mustard for the sort of usage. Being a naked I’m pretty sure that sort of daily mileage is going to get tedious pretty quickly.
So, I need a tourer. Add into the mix a slightly temperamental back and I’m struggling on options.
Do I go full on comfort tourer and head for a GS/Africa Twin type bike? I’m not sure if I’m ready to go down that bike route yet..
A VFR V-Tec is a strong candidate.
Basically I need a comfy commuter with an upright bias, that’s still going to make me smile on a Sunday afternoon.
Budget circa £5k. Some fresh ideas would be great!!
ETA my bike history to give you an idea -
Thundercat
Firestorm
Blackbird
Fazer8
K1300R
Edited by wiliferus on Tuesday 2nd July 22:32
wiliferus said:
A change of job role means now I could be doing a 60 mile a day commute by bike. May also involve some longer trips working off site.
I currently have a BMW K1300R which although I love it, it’s not gonna cut the mustard for the sort of usage. Being a naked I’m pretty sure that sort of daily mileage is going to get tedious pretty quickly.
So, I need a tourer. Add into the mix a slightly temperamental back and I’m struggling on options.
Do I go full on comfort tourer and head for a GS/Africa Twin type bike? I’m not sure if I’m ready to go down that bike route yet..
A VFR V-Tec is a strong candidate.
Basically I need a comfy commuter with an upright bias, that’s still going to make me smile on a Sunday afternoon.
Budget circa £5k. Some fresh ideas would be great!!
ETA my bike history to give you an idea -
Thundercat
Firestorm
Blackbird
Fazer8
K1300R
FZ1?I currently have a BMW K1300R which although I love it, it’s not gonna cut the mustard for the sort of usage. Being a naked I’m pretty sure that sort of daily mileage is going to get tedious pretty quickly.
So, I need a tourer. Add into the mix a slightly temperamental back and I’m struggling on options.
Do I go full on comfort tourer and head for a GS/Africa Twin type bike? I’m not sure if I’m ready to go down that bike route yet..
A VFR V-Tec is a strong candidate.
Basically I need a comfy commuter with an upright bias, that’s still going to make me smile on a Sunday afternoon.
Budget circa £5k. Some fresh ideas would be great!!
ETA my bike history to give you an idea -
Thundercat
Firestorm
Blackbird
Fazer8
K1300R
Edited by wiliferus on Tuesday 2nd July 22:32
I mean my money would be going into an NC750x, not sure you will get a decent AT for £5k
That said 30 miles each way is a short commute, I would probably be on my R1 instead of something upright, slim and perfect for traffic. Maybe get some bar risers for it
K1300R is a "sports tourer", perfect for 60 miles a day.
I commute a 50 miles each way year round on my K1300R, I use it for 140 - 170 mile per day Rapid training days four or five times a month, weekend blasts and multi day touring with absolutly no issues at all.
I used a VFR800 for about 4 months before the K1300R, the VFR is a only better due to slightly longer tank range is kept below the 7,000 rpm VVTi polava.
Save your money, keep the K!
I commute a 50 miles each way year round on my K1300R, I use it for 140 - 170 mile per day Rapid training days four or five times a month, weekend blasts and multi day touring with absolutly no issues at all.
I used a VFR800 for about 4 months before the K1300R, the VFR is a only better due to slightly longer tank range is kept below the 7,000 rpm VVTi polava.
Save your money, keep the K!
For comfort go AT /GS . AT is on 0% new and some cheaper ones around go DCT too!
For economy NC750X extremely cheap to run, high MPG low servicing cost. Tool to do a job
Middle ground VFR 800X cross runner but not a cheap bike to service although I think valve clearance has been moved to 24k now? New one now reduced to £10k . Sports tourer with upright riding position for comfort
For economy NC750X extremely cheap to run, high MPG low servicing cost. Tool to do a job
Middle ground VFR 800X cross runner but not a cheap bike to service although I think valve clearance has been moved to 24k now? New one now reduced to £10k . Sports tourer with upright riding position for comfort
I used to commute 92 miles each way on a Speed triple and 70 miles each way on a Benelli TNT so it is possible. My favourite was when I bought an old £1500 VFR750 for the job. Very comfy, well built and a good weight for manoeuvrability through traffic. VFR800?
Firestorm is a terrible idea.
Firestorm is a terrible idea.
Assuming the seating position on the K1300R works for you and all you feel you need is a fairing then a K1300S with the headstock and bars from a K1300R will be exactly that.
wiliferus said:
It was a terrible idea
The only bike I’ve had that I just couldn’t get on with. Owned it for about 3 months and 2k miles. Hateful thing that didn’t seem to do anything well.
The only real issue I found with the Firestorm was tank range. I fitted a Harris 24l tank and toured and commuted for 7 years on one. Loved mine! It was never mega fast or blessed with breathtaking handling but it could be hustled, had character by the coach load and never failed to put a smile on my face.The only bike I’ve had that I just couldn’t get on with. Owned it for about 3 months and 2k miles. Hateful thing that didn’t seem to do anything well.
I had a similar decision to make a few years ago. Had never had an ‘adventure’ style bike and couldn’t ever see myself doing so.
Given I also needed something ‘back friendly’ I tried a KTM 990 Adventure. I loved it - comfortable and much more capable on both a long run or Sunday fun ride than expected. Can be had for reasonable money - may be worth a look?
Given I also needed something ‘back friendly’ I tried a KTM 990 Adventure. I loved it - comfortable and much more capable on both a long run or Sunday fun ride than expected. Can be had for reasonable money - may be worth a look?
black-k1 said:
The only real issue I found with the Firestorm was tank range. I fitted a Harris 24l tank and toured and commuted for 7 years on one. Loved mine! It was never mega fast or blessed with breathtaking handling but it could be hustled, had character by the coach load and never failed to put a smile on my face.
This is where motorbiking has gone a bit wrong for me personally. I've spent the last 15 years going faster on ever lighter and more powerful bikes. Want to get back to fun road trips where its not all about speed.If it helps add perspective, I commute on a VR750, 50 miles each way every day. Slim enough to filter and comfy for longer distances and I paid £1000 off ebay.
Had to replace the rectifier, a 10 amp fuse went recently and I just replaced all the fuses with new ones and just usual maintenance. By todays standards its not eh fastest thing in the world, but for commuting it is very well suited.
Had to replace the rectifier, a 10 amp fuse went recently and I just replaced all the fuses with new ones and just usual maintenance. By todays standards its not eh fastest thing in the world, but for commuting it is very well suited.
I have an Africa Twin, and I'd sooner commute on your BMW.
Regardless of how many use them, big adventure bikes are built for distance, on the worst roads and conditions. For your purposes they're expensive, bulky, harder to move around at low speed, more difficult to park, and don't have enough of a road bias (GS is probably the exception to this last one).
Regardless of how many use them, big adventure bikes are built for distance, on the worst roads and conditions. For your purposes they're expensive, bulky, harder to move around at low speed, more difficult to park, and don't have enough of a road bias (GS is probably the exception to this last one).
Prof Prolapse said:
I have an Africa Twin, and I'd sooner commute on your BMW.
Regardless of how many use them, big adventure bikes are built for distance, on the worst roads and conditions. For your purposes they're expensive, bulky, harder to move around at low speed, more difficult to park, and don't have enough of a road bias (GS is probably the exception to this last one).
Agreed. 30 miles each way should be done on a sportsbike. No way i would be riding an adventure bike.Regardless of how many use them, big adventure bikes are built for distance, on the worst roads and conditions. For your purposes they're expensive, bulky, harder to move around at low speed, more difficult to park, and don't have enough of a road bias (GS is probably the exception to this last one).
The only thing I'd add is what are the roads like for your commute?
I bought my Crossrunner for a commute into Central London which was 35 miles each way. I changed from a VFR800 because it was causing my back some grief with all the slow round town stuff. The upright position on the Crossrunner was much better. And it still did 200-215 to the orange light which meant I could do three days without having to fill up.
If you're not having to deal with the joys of big city traffic then to be honest my suggestion would be anything with some sort of fairing and a decent size tank range. V-Strom 650, NC750, Versys, CB500X, Triumph 800 etc.
The Crossrunner is my only bike so I needed it to do mountain passes, long tours, as well as the daily commute which is why I went for a bit more bike than I needed. If you're keeping the K1300R then buy something disposable that suits your ride. If it's London then make sure that it passes the ULEZ standards.
I bought my Crossrunner for a commute into Central London which was 35 miles each way. I changed from a VFR800 because it was causing my back some grief with all the slow round town stuff. The upright position on the Crossrunner was much better. And it still did 200-215 to the orange light which meant I could do three days without having to fill up.
If you're not having to deal with the joys of big city traffic then to be honest my suggestion would be anything with some sort of fairing and a decent size tank range. V-Strom 650, NC750, Versys, CB500X, Triumph 800 etc.
The Crossrunner is my only bike so I needed it to do mountain passes, long tours, as well as the daily commute which is why I went for a bit more bike than I needed. If you're keeping the K1300R then buy something disposable that suits your ride. If it's London then make sure that it passes the ULEZ standards.
wiliferus said:
It would appear I need to take some man up pills 
I suppose I’m knee jerking a little bit - I’ve never used a bike for that sort of purpose and am worried it’ll be a chore rather than a pleasure.
The best is to probably keep the K and see how it goes.
Man up pills might be a bit much but at least give it a crack on the K first. I suppose I’m knee jerking a little bit - I’ve never used a bike for that sort of purpose and am worried it’ll be a chore rather than a pleasure.
The best is to probably keep the K and see how it goes.
Commuting can be a chore that’s for sure, especially the winter months depending on where you’re commuting to.
Some things to consider for commuting;
Parking - especially London, is it secure?
Mileage - it will devalue your bike long term
Luggage - rucksack is easy, but you’ll have a wet rucksack with you all day
Kit when at work - is there somewhere to hang it and let it drip dry? Also, somewhere to get changed?
Tank range - you’ll get bored of petrol stations. Make a plan and try to fill up on your way home for daytime working and your way in if/when on nights as near to home/work as possible.
Breakdown cover/tyre repair kit - have both, it’ll happen one day!
Kit - warm and dry for the winter. Rukka and a heated jacket have kept me riding everyday.
Worst thing, it can “ruin” biking. There’s a chance you’ll find yourself doing less ride outs. Trying to keep the bike clean wash week becomes a ball ache. Getting a weekend or annual leave service appointment so it doesn’t miss a commute etc. I tried two bikes for a while so I could keep commuting and social riding separate, it’s sort of works and will go back to it again at some point. Likely keep the K as the commuter hack and Rapid work then get something “nice” for the rest of it.
Looking at your profile, it says you’re in Berkshire. I just moved (as in Monday) to Bracknell so keep an eye out for a ‘11 plate Matt black K1300R, with Akropovic exhaust and normally has the Motörrad tail pack on the back. Happy to RV at some point for a spin, get some dual K1300R phots and talk bikes if you fancy it.
I’ll give it a crack.
I’ll be commuting across A and B roads, from central Oxfordshire to Reading. But subsequently from there I could be all over Berks, Bucks or Oxon in a day.
Parking won’t be an issue, all secure parking at sites.
I have the hard luggage for the K so carting kits about shouldn’t be an issue.
I am marginally concerned about devaluing the bike. It’s a early 2010 model, but only 14k on it and previously owned by a BMW employee so it’s wanted for nothing and it’s pretty perfect tbh.
I have some decent textiles for when the weather turns so that should be ok.
It’s certainly food for thought. That said I am slight predisposed to changing bikes, I like a bit of variety
I’ll be commuting across A and B roads, from central Oxfordshire to Reading. But subsequently from there I could be all over Berks, Bucks or Oxon in a day.
Parking won’t be an issue, all secure parking at sites.
I have the hard luggage for the K so carting kits about shouldn’t be an issue.
I am marginally concerned about devaluing the bike. It’s a early 2010 model, but only 14k on it and previously owned by a BMW employee so it’s wanted for nothing and it’s pretty perfect tbh.
I have some decent textiles for when the weather turns so that should be ok.
It’s certainly food for thought. That said I am slight predisposed to changing bikes, I like a bit of variety
Prof Prolapse said:
I have an Africa Twin, and I'd sooner commute on your BMW.
Regardless of how many use them, big adventure bikes are built for distance, on the worst roads and conditions. For your purposes they're expensive, bulky, harder to move around at low speed, more difficult to park, and don't have enough of a road bias (GS is probably the exception to this last one).
That’s a really valuable insight, thank you. Certainly aspects of commuting i’d not considered. Regardless of how many use them, big adventure bikes are built for distance, on the worst roads and conditions. For your purposes they're expensive, bulky, harder to move around at low speed, more difficult to park, and don't have enough of a road bias (GS is probably the exception to this last one).
wiliferus said:
I’ll give it a crack.
I’ll be commuting across A and B roads, from central Oxfordshire to Reading. But subsequently from there I could be all over Berks, Bucks or Oxon in a day.
Parking won’t be an issue, all secure parking at sites.
I have the hard luggage for the K so carting kits about shouldn’t be an issue.
I am marginally concerned about devaluing the bike. It’s a early 2010 model, but only 14k on it and previously owned by a BMW employee so it’s wanted for nothing and it’s pretty perfect tbh.
I have some decent textiles for when the weather turns so that should be ok.
It’s certainly food for thought. That said I am slight predisposed to changing bikes, I like a bit of variety
Please take note on any points raised to you about kit. I commuted for years with sub par kit, getting wet and annoyed as i could feel water seeping down my crotch. Stump upfront for some goretex pro kit rukka/klim/dane and when winter comes pair it with a keis heated under jacket. It is much more of a pleasurable experience! I wish i had forked out years ago. I’ll be commuting across A and B roads, from central Oxfordshire to Reading. But subsequently from there I could be all over Berks, Bucks or Oxon in a day.
Parking won’t be an issue, all secure parking at sites.
I have the hard luggage for the K so carting kits about shouldn’t be an issue.
I am marginally concerned about devaluing the bike. It’s a early 2010 model, but only 14k on it and previously owned by a BMW employee so it’s wanted for nothing and it’s pretty perfect tbh.
I have some decent textiles for when the weather turns so that should be ok.
It’s certainly food for thought. That said I am slight predisposed to changing bikes, I like a bit of variety
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