Commuting Bike?
Discussion
Asuming I pass the licence, which should work, what would you recommend for commuting? It would be within London, probably from Greenwich to Covent Garden (no idea what the exact distance is), 5 days a week. One complication (potentially) is that I need to wear a suit to work. One colleague uses a Vespa and claims it's not a problem there. How about on another kind of bike (as in not scooter)? Any kind of recommendations are welcome 
Btw. how much does a bike cost to run in this country (insurance, tax, etc.)?
Btw. how much does a bike cost to run in this country (insurance, tax, etc.)?
Edited by KM2 on Thursday 24th August 15:39
KM2 said:
Btw. how much does a bike cost to run in this country (insurance, tax, etc.)?
Edited by KM2 on Thursday 24th August 15:39
Afraid that's a case of "how long is a piece of string?" really. Depends on all the usual insurance factors - Bike, age, where you live, where it's kept......you know the drill!
I do the Barnes to Temple run every day (just round the corner from Covent Garden). I change into suit at the office no probs - I just fold it in my backbox in a bag.
I run a Fazer 600 which is fine but I am getting a bit bored / wondering what a v twin would be like so likely to change. Take a look at the SV650 as it seems to be an ideal all rounder according to reviews. Cheap to insure (£250 pa 3rd party fire and theft, £10 a week petrol for me which is a 15 mile round trip each day).
Don't get something spanky panky new - it will be nicked... £2k should get you a decent 600 that you won't worry about leaving.
I run a Fazer 600 which is fine but I am getting a bit bored / wondering what a v twin would be like so likely to change. Take a look at the SV650 as it seems to be an ideal all rounder according to reviews. Cheap to insure (£250 pa 3rd party fire and theft, £10 a week petrol for me which is a 15 mile round trip each day).
Don't get something spanky panky new - it will be nicked... £2k should get you a decent 600 that you won't worry about leaving.
OK, the first hurdle is passing the licence. The only bike I've riden was a 125 Peugeot scooter, years back. I've ridden on a Ducati Multistrada last summer and it seemed nice (but I was being driven, so nothing much I can say about it).
As for displacement, I am not sure. On the one hand 500 or so will make the machine more relaxed, on the other hand trashing the wheels off a 125 sounds like fun, too
Thinking of looks, purely, I love stuff like the Benelli TnT, which doesn't work, as it's naked, so forget about the suit and commuting. Mondial bikes all look cool but getting one is out of the question (even if they are still around). I love the looks of the Kawasaki Z1000, KTM Duke II and Super Duke, Triumph Daytona 675, Speed Triple. Royal Enfield bikes look cool (the ones from India can still be had, right?)...
As for displacement, I am not sure. On the one hand 500 or so will make the machine more relaxed, on the other hand trashing the wheels off a 125 sounds like fun, too
Thinking of looks, purely, I love stuff like the Benelli TnT, which doesn't work, as it's naked, so forget about the suit and commuting. Mondial bikes all look cool but getting one is out of the question (even if they are still around). I love the looks of the Kawasaki Z1000, KTM Duke II and Super Duke, Triumph Daytona 675, Speed Triple. Royal Enfield bikes look cool (the ones from India can still be had, right?)...
Greenwich to EC4 for me, done on a CBR600F which makes it lots of fun.
As far as the suit thing goes, keep spares of everything in the office, and change when you get in. Much easier, and avoids the inevitable "cold mess tin" comments when its a bit hot in the rain gear, and you've tried to keep the shirt uncreased.
Gumtree currently has a P plate CBR6 for £1150, which I may investigate for spares..
As far as the suit thing goes, keep spares of everything in the office, and change when you get in. Much easier, and avoids the inevitable "cold mess tin" comments when its a bit hot in the rain gear, and you've tried to keep the shirt uncreased.
Gumtree currently has a P plate CBR6 for £1150, which I may investigate for spares..
Not much in the way of road presence with a Honda Zoomer!
I'd second the SV650S, which will tackle everything from commuting to track days. Needs to be kept clean to avoid rust in the depths of winter - no problem if you're reasonably fastidious.
Personally, I go for a 500 or 600, probably with Honda or BMW build quality. E.g. a faired CB500S/CBF500/CBF600 or a CBR600. The CBR will do everything too, but you can get ABS on the CBF (reassuring for leaf-strewn rides home in the rain).
Alternatively, how about a BMW F650?
Whatever you get, I'd then add the following:
- A Scottoiler (automatic chain oiler - utterly brilliant)
- Fender extender (to keep your front end clean)
- Hugger (to keep your rear end clean)
- ACF50 spray (utterly brilliant at keeping winter rust at bay)
Good luck in deciding!
I'd second the SV650S, which will tackle everything from commuting to track days. Needs to be kept clean to avoid rust in the depths of winter - no problem if you're reasonably fastidious.
Personally, I go for a 500 or 600, probably with Honda or BMW build quality. E.g. a faired CB500S/CBF500/CBF600 or a CBR600. The CBR will do everything too, but you can get ABS on the CBF (reassuring for leaf-strewn rides home in the rain).
Alternatively, how about a BMW F650?
Whatever you get, I'd then add the following:
- A Scottoiler (automatic chain oiler - utterly brilliant)
- Fender extender (to keep your front end clean)
- Hugger (to keep your rear end clean)
- ACF50 spray (utterly brilliant at keeping winter rust at bay)
Good luck in deciding!
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