Most Resilient Winter Motorcycle
Most Resilient Winter Motorcycle
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Discussion

TommyBuoy

Original Poster:

1,299 posts

197 months

Friday 29th January 2021
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Hi All,

Seen lots of articles about best winter bikes, but all come to different conclusions.

I've got a nice bike and its on tyres that probably aren't best for the grim weather / salt (don't want to ride the bike through the crap either)

I'm after something that will withstand the weather, give a bit of protection from the wind and cheap to fix / tidy up.

Let's say budget is 3-4k as I don't want something sitting in the garage that is going to deprecate too much and can sell on without too much of a loss if I don't want it anymore.

I used to use any bike I had through winter, but now want to have a bike specifically for poor weather. Problem is I start looking at rarer bikes and will end up with something else I don't want to ruin...

What do you run (if any) during the winter?

Tribal Chestnut

3,001 posts

212 months

Friday 29th January 2021
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One you don’t care about, with heated grips, ABS and either a centre-stand or Scottoiler.

loggo

475 posts

142 months

Friday 29th January 2021
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I'd go for a larger engined scooter. Super weather protection

Cylon2007

611 posts

108 months

Friday 29th January 2021
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loggo said:
I'd go for a larger engined scooter. Super weather protection
This exactly

TommyBuoy

Original Poster:

1,299 posts

197 months

Friday 29th January 2021
quotequote all
Cylon2007 said:
loggo said:
I'd go for a larger engined scooter. Super weather protection
This exactly
Never thought about that...

A500leroy

8,546 posts

148 months

Friday 29th January 2021
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Diversion

Stuart Fordyce

2,547 posts

91 months

Friday 29th January 2021
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Disagree on Diversion. The old ones with the shaft are now old bikes indeed, with corresponding issues being more likely around the electrics and corrosion. Plus air cooled as well so will take ages to warm up. The more modern one is chain driven and a budget Yamaha so will rot.

If it's a winter hack you want a big fairing, big headlight and big tank. Suzuki DL650 V Strom would be my shout for this, with a Scottoiler fitted.

Charlie Croker mk2

303 posts

130 months

Friday 29th January 2021
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Scooter like t-max etc are great -- if you have somewhere very safe to park at both ends of your journey . However best winter bike is Honda Deauville with its shaft drive etc .

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-HONDA-DEAUVILLE-NT...


boyse7en

8,201 posts

195 months

Friday 29th January 2021
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BMW F800ST
Big fairing, kevlar belt drive so no chain to lube, ABS, heated grips, centre stand, 60-70mpg

Mark-C

7,690 posts

235 months

Friday 29th January 2021
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Back in the day the answer to this was a Honda CD175 with handlebar muffs so I reckon a decent sized scooter is the modern equivalent

TommyBuoy

Original Poster:

1,299 posts

197 months

Friday 29th January 2021
quotequote all
I just found the aprillia maxi scooter.

Honda Integra looks interesting, the deauville seems a popular recommendation and the V Strom is a good shout.

Anymore suggestions would be great, with experience. A lot of websites suggest bandits etc, but do want some weather protection and alot of the suggested bikes are getting on.

I like the idea of a middleweight adventure bike or maxi scooter. Bit different to what I have too.

The other idea I had was to get a herald / mash etc as they are affordable and under warranty. Don't know how'd they stand up to salt and grime though.

boyse7en

8,201 posts

195 months

Friday 29th January 2021
quotequote all
TommyBuoy said:
I just found the aprillia maxi scooter.

Honda Integra looks interesting, the deauville seems a popular recommendation and the V Strom is a good shout.

Anymore suggestions would be great, with experience. A lot of websites suggest bandits etc, but do want some weather protection and alot of the suggested bikes are getting on.

I like the idea of a middleweight adventure bike or maxi scooter. Bit different to what I have too.

The other idea I had was to get a herald / mash etc as they are affordable and under warranty. Don't know how'd they stand up to salt and grime though.
I've got experience of the BMW. Had it 10 years, ridden through every winter, rarely washed and although it is a bit rough around the edges it keeps going despite a lack of care and attention. Nearly 60k miles on it now.

Harry H

3,765 posts

186 months

Friday 29th January 2021
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If we're talking about the drudge of a winter commute. I've got a BMW650 GT Scoot and it's perfect for the job. Not exactly exciting but a darn sight better than public transport.

Electric screen, nice and high when on a dual carriageway to hide behind, low when dodging wing mirrors in traffic. Heated grips, heated seat. Traction control, ABS. Feet forward, twist and go.

6k miles out of a set of tyres, 60MPG and 60hp so quick enough. Loads of plastic so dead easy to clean with a jet wash. Not that I'm too precious about it it's just a tool for a job. You can even get a full case of Fosters under the seat.

Had this one three years and I normally replace them every two but can't see anything that would do the job as well. Maybe the new Honda Forza 750 when it's out.

Edited by Harry H on Friday 29th January 15:53

Rubin215 QFSM

4,201 posts

186 months

Friday 29th January 2021
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loggo said:
I'd go for a larger engined scooter. Super weather protection
I have been very impressed by the Burgman 650 I bought recently.
If I was doing a decent commute I would keep it but I don't so it will be up for sale shortly.

TommyBuoy

Original Poster:

1,299 posts

197 months

Friday 29th January 2021
quotequote all
Should have said, not going to commute.

This is purely to get out and ride without worrying too much.

Harry H

3,765 posts

186 months

Friday 29th January 2021
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In that case something like a Yamaha xt660. Heated inner jacket and gloves. Then you can explore the odd lane as well.

Don't think I've ever gone out on my scooter just for the hell of it.

TommyBuoy

Original Poster:

1,299 posts

197 months

Friday 29th January 2021
quotequote all
boyse7en said:
I've got experience of the BMW. Had it 10 years, ridden through every winter, rarely washed and although it is a bit rough around the edges it keeps going despite a lack of care and attention. Nearly 60k miles on it now.
That's the treatment I would like something to deal with. Don't get me wrong, I'd clean the bike, but don't want to be detailing it to keep it perfect.

Seem to be a few for sale with 40k on them so sounds like they are a strong bike

the cueball

1,911 posts

85 months

Friday 29th January 2021
quotequote all
Honda Pan European.

Job Done.

Just watch the snow build up if it has the extended touring screen fitted, needs a wiper!

I use mine all year round, in all weather and it's got less rust than my mates "summer only" Italian machine...





Krikkit

27,938 posts

211 months

Friday 29th January 2021
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If it's a fun/cheap bike then VFR800? Sounds great whatever speed you're going.

Stuart Fordyce

2,547 posts

91 months

Friday 29th January 2021
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TommyBuoy said:
Should have said, not going to commute.

This is purely to get out and ride without worrying too much.
In which case don't get a Deauville. I test rode one once when I was an instructor - from a dealer we had a relationship with so I got a good shot. I cried when riding it that I had been reduced to considering it: a white van of a motorcycle.

If you are considering a BMW get one with factory heated grips - for me they are the benchmark and better than the Oxford or Honda ones.