Discussion
I've just decided to take advantage of Kawasaki's great 0% finance offer on the ER-6n and start using a bike for commuting but previously I've only ever been a fair weather biker.
I'm hoping to use the bike for my 50 mile round trip to work in all weathers from April through to October.
Can any of you guys offer any advice or recommend any products?
I'm hoping to use the bike for my 50 mile round trip to work in all weathers from April through to October.
Can any of you guys offer any advice or recommend any products?
Get yourself a good set of waterproofs, decent boots, gloves etc. for the daily ride.
Once you start commuting it's an eye opener, you learn to become very aware of other road users sudden moves and them not seeing you.
I see guys with there high beam on, which personally I think is wrong as it not only blinds on coming traffic but also blinds the driver in front when they use their rear view mirror and just makes them brake and/or panic.
I've done close to 60,000 miles commuting and have learnt a lot in those years and I still enjoy doing it all year round.
Good luck & enjoy, good choice of bike also.
Once you start commuting it's an eye opener, you learn to become very aware of other road users sudden moves and them not seeing you.
I see guys with there high beam on, which personally I think is wrong as it not only blinds on coming traffic but also blinds the driver in front when they use their rear view mirror and just makes them brake and/or panic.
I've done close to 60,000 miles commuting and have learnt a lot in those years and I still enjoy doing it all year round.
Good luck & enjoy, good choice of bike also.
Andy Oh said:
Get yourself a good set of waterproofs, decent boots, gloves etc. for the daily ride.
Very true. Good kit is well worth the investment and will make the difference between enjoying your commute and making it very hard work, especially when it is either cold or hot.
While it’s not always true that you get what you pay for there is a fair correlation between price and quality of motorcycle kit so expect to pay a fair amount especially if you want the kit to last.
Well done on getting a bike and I hope your commuting goes well.
Ride safe and enjoy.
April to October? Why limit yourself to that?
I got my license in October and have ridden my Fazer (similar bike) every day (except Xmas day) since then for commuting and pleasure. I did have a problem with cold hands until I settled on Alpinestar's Jet Road goretex gloves which I have found waterproof and warm enough in all conditions. I know this winter has been very mild, and I know I'm newly qualified and enthusiastic, but I've found myself warm, dry and comfortable all winter. My only concern has been the idea of riding in the snow, which I haven't had to do yet.
Other than that, I really agree with the comments above, I couldn't recommend more spending whatever it takes to get equipment that you are comfortable with: you are wearing it everyday afterall. I personally am quite comfortable with my textile jacket with CE approved armour including back. My Alpinestars textile overtrousers have been waterproof and include knee & shin armour and are very convenient for work. I hear good things about the Aerostitch so I might look at something like that at a later date.
Corrosion inhibitor and a big tin of chain lube are probably a good idea too, or a Scottoiler I guess. Hein Gericke do deals on oil & filters (£25 for good oil and both filters) so try to take advantage of that to keep your servicing costs down. Some kind of luggage would be a good idea too rather than a backpack. If it's kept outdoors a decent cover will really help your bike. Get a good puncture repair kit.
I got my license in October and have ridden my Fazer (similar bike) every day (except Xmas day) since then for commuting and pleasure. I did have a problem with cold hands until I settled on Alpinestar's Jet Road goretex gloves which I have found waterproof and warm enough in all conditions. I know this winter has been very mild, and I know I'm newly qualified and enthusiastic, but I've found myself warm, dry and comfortable all winter. My only concern has been the idea of riding in the snow, which I haven't had to do yet.
Other than that, I really agree with the comments above, I couldn't recommend more spending whatever it takes to get equipment that you are comfortable with: you are wearing it everyday afterall. I personally am quite comfortable with my textile jacket with CE approved armour including back. My Alpinestars textile overtrousers have been waterproof and include knee & shin armour and are very convenient for work. I hear good things about the Aerostitch so I might look at something like that at a later date.
Corrosion inhibitor and a big tin of chain lube are probably a good idea too, or a Scottoiler I guess. Hein Gericke do deals on oil & filters (£25 for good oil and both filters) so try to take advantage of that to keep your servicing costs down. Some kind of luggage would be a good idea too rather than a backpack. If it's kept outdoors a decent cover will really help your bike. Get a good puncture repair kit.
I was thinking of wearing my Draggin jeans and Alpinestars leather jacket mainly for the daily commute as I have one piece Texport leathers but it's a race type suit and I was thinking a little OTT for everyday use.
I'm considering the Alpinestars El Nino waterproof suit to keep under my seat. Anyone got any experience of this piece of kit?
I'm definatley investing in R&G crash protectors for the bike and possibly some uprated bulbs as my return journey will be after dark but I'm not sure which ones to go for as there seem to be so many different types. Can anybody recommend any or for that matter anything that may be useful?
The prospect of using a bike as my main mode of transport is exciting but theres so much to consider and it's not made easier by the fact I lost interest in motorcycling a couple of years ago and haven't really read any magazines or visited any shows or dealers so have lost touch with what products are available and that are any good.
I'm considering the Alpinestars El Nino waterproof suit to keep under my seat. Anyone got any experience of this piece of kit?
I'm definatley investing in R&G crash protectors for the bike and possibly some uprated bulbs as my return journey will be after dark but I'm not sure which ones to go for as there seem to be so many different types. Can anybody recommend any or for that matter anything that may be useful?
The prospect of using a bike as my main mode of transport is exciting but theres so much to consider and it's not made easier by the fact I lost interest in motorcycling a couple of years ago and haven't really read any magazines or visited any shows or dealers so have lost touch with what products are available and that are any good.
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