Best all round commuter bike?
Discussion
This has probably been asked but I’ll do it again. Which is the best commuter to cover country roads, motorway and London city centre riding?
I’m moving house shortly and my daily commute will involve a couple of miles of remote country roads, then about 10 miles of A-road, then 15 miles of motorway, then a trek across the centre of London.
My current steed (a 1993 TDM850) would be good but it’s getting a bit tired and a bit thirsty on oil, plus it’s a chain drive and a shafty would probably be best.
I had my heart set on a new Guzzi 1200 Griso but then found out that they do about 20mpg and when I went onto a Guzzi forum, they didn’t recommend a Guzzi for commuting.
The logical choice would be either a TDM900 or a VFR800 but both are chain drive and when I’m doing 90 miles a day I fancy a shaft drive.
The more I look at BMW GS’s the less I like them. Don’t mind the R1100 though but they’re really over priced for a very basic machine, plus it’s a big lump o be hacking through London traffic. I recon a 750 is the ideal size as a compromise between flickability in the city and motorway cruising.
Also, as I’ve been down the road so many times, it can’t be a sports bike because my wrists are shot, so it has to be a sit up style.
I was also thinking of a Buell 900 Lightning but they do look more of a toy than workhorse and I’m not sure where the top box for the laptop and site gear would go.
I’ll probably buy a used model the week before Christmas when everyone needs money and the budget is up to about £5k. I’d rather spend (much) less though
I recon it’ll end up being the TDM or VFR and I’ll live with the C&S adjustments and replacements, but thought I’d throw to you guys for some suggestions first.
Cheers
Paul
I’m moving house shortly and my daily commute will involve a couple of miles of remote country roads, then about 10 miles of A-road, then 15 miles of motorway, then a trek across the centre of London.
My current steed (a 1993 TDM850) would be good but it’s getting a bit tired and a bit thirsty on oil, plus it’s a chain drive and a shafty would probably be best.
I had my heart set on a new Guzzi 1200 Griso but then found out that they do about 20mpg and when I went onto a Guzzi forum, they didn’t recommend a Guzzi for commuting.
The logical choice would be either a TDM900 or a VFR800 but both are chain drive and when I’m doing 90 miles a day I fancy a shaft drive.
The more I look at BMW GS’s the less I like them. Don’t mind the R1100 though but they’re really over priced for a very basic machine, plus it’s a big lump o be hacking through London traffic. I recon a 750 is the ideal size as a compromise between flickability in the city and motorway cruising.
Also, as I’ve been down the road so many times, it can’t be a sports bike because my wrists are shot, so it has to be a sit up style.
I was also thinking of a Buell 900 Lightning but they do look more of a toy than workhorse and I’m not sure where the top box for the laptop and site gear would go.
I’ll probably buy a used model the week before Christmas when everyone needs money and the budget is up to about £5k. I’d rather spend (much) less though
I recon it’ll end up being the TDM or VFR and I’ll live with the C&S adjustments and replacements, but thought I’d throw to you guys for some suggestions first.
Cheers
Paul
Edited by m3psm on Monday 26th November 11:28
m3psm said:
I was also thinking of a Buell 900 Lightning but they do look more of a toy than workhorse and I’m not sure where the top box for the laptop and site gear would go.
There's always the Buell XB12X Ulysses.Stupid name granted, but, TDM style bike with added benefit of that maintainance free belt drive and somewhere for the top box.
aeropilot said:
There's always the Buell XB12X Ulysses.
Stupid name granted, but, TDM style bike with added benefit of that maintainance free belt drive and somewhere for the top box.
That is a nasty name but the shape is right. Not sure if a 1200 will be too heavy to be chucking around the city centre though.Stupid name granted, but, TDM style bike with added benefit of that maintainance free belt drive and somewhere for the top box.
blackburnbmw said:
Just a thought, and probably a bit under powered, but what about a Deauville? Cheap, reliable, shaft, fairing.., boring(?).
It's a bloody good suggestion and one that I shouldn't dismiss.Working on logic alone it's probably the best bike for the job. Shaft drive, mid-range engine, ample power for rush hour, Honda reliability and build quality...
They're just so very very dull
I'd have to cover it in Hammerite and gaffa tape straight away, even if it was mint Fair play! You used to be able to get O.E. hand guards and foot guards to keep more weather off. Matt black with a coupla Anarchy symbols on the pannier lids? Gotta be the way forward. Lack of huge power shouldn't be a problem if you can ride a bit. Mind you, what about an old Pan - Euro?
blackburnbmw said:
Fair play! You used to be able to get O.E. hand guards and foot guards to keep more weather off. Matt black with a coupla Anarchy symbols on the pannier lids? Gotta be the way forward. Lack of huge power shouldn't be a problem if you can ride a bit. Mind you, what about an old Pan - Euro?
Could soon rat it then just ride it like I ride the TeDiuM 
aeropilot said:
m3psm said:
aeropilot said:
Not sure if a 1200 will be too heavy to be chucking around the city centre though.
193kg isn't what I'd call heavy. 
Leadfoot said:
BMW F800?
Belt drive instead of shaft, but it's meant to be virtually maintenance free.
All the road tests I've seen reckon it's very economical & a good ride.
Great in theory but I not riding something called a funduro Belt drive instead of shaft, but it's meant to be virtually maintenance free.
All the road tests I've seen reckon it's very economical & a good ride.
My mates would never let me live it down
Edited by m3psm on Monday 26th November 14:37
tfm said:
XJ900s Divvy 
Too similar to the TDM but not as desirable (in my opinion) I've had a bit of a think about it and want something a little bit fun. I don't ride much for fun any more, but do like to be able to dispense with idiots on superbikes when the need arises.
If it was purely for commuting I think the Deauville would have to be the winner but I really can't get excited about it
m3psm said:
tfm said:
XJ900s Divvy
Too similar to the TDM but not as desirable (in my opinion) I've had a bit of a think about it and want something a little bit fun. I don't ride much for fun any more, but do like to be able to dispense with idiots on superbikes when the need arises.
If it was purely for commuting I think the Deauville would have to be the winner but I really can't get excited about it
m3psm said:
Great in theory but I not riding something called a funduro
My mates would never let me live it down
The F800 is not a Funduro! The old Italian built F650 was the Funduro, not the F800...My mates would never let me live it down
To the OP question, I would have though the decision on the bike depends on what part of the commute is the worse bit. If you have to go right across the city, top speed etc is completely irrelevant, what is relevant is how easy it is to shift around and speed off the lights. When I had to go across the city I did on an XT660R and, in my view, thats the best bike - turns in no space at all, quick of the lights, hardly uses any fuel, utterly bulletproof and takes knocks really well. It will also do the motorway if you want, it will sit at 80 albeit with a bit of a vibe with no probs.
Certainly would recommend something other than a sports bike as you need to be able to see up and over the traffic. Now that nearly all my commute is on the motorway round the city I use a 1200RT. That is a really great bike (best I've ever had) and could be used in the city if you accept the width issues.
Also, what about parking? If you have to park in the normal city parking bays then the bike WILL get battered about a bit so be prepared to live with that. If you are lucky and have private parking (I do - I'm lucky) then its not a huge issue. For your commute have a look at the XT or the new Tenere; may well do the job!
Twit said:
The F800 is not a Funduro! The old Italian built F650 was the Funduro, not the F800...
To the OP question, I would have though the decision on the bike depends on what part of the commute is the worse bit. If you have to go right across the city, top speed etc is completely irrelevant, what is relevant is how easy it is to shift around and speed off the lights. When I had to go across the city I did on an XT660R and, in my view, thats the best bike - turns in no space at all, quick of the lights, hardly uses any fuel, utterly bulletproof and takes knocks really well. It will also do the motorway if you want, it will sit at 80 albeit with a bit of a vibe with no probs.
Certainly would recommend something other than a sports bike as you need to be able to see up and over the traffic. Now that nearly all my commute is on the motorway round the city I use a 1200RT. That is a really great bike (best I've ever had) and could be used in the city if you accept the width issues.
Also, what about parking? If you have to park in the normal city parking bays then the bike WILL get battered about a bit so be prepared to live with that. If you are lucky and have private parking (I do - I'm lucky) then its not a huge issue. For your commute have a look at the XT or the new Tenere; may well do the job!
Some good points To the OP question, I would have though the decision on the bike depends on what part of the commute is the worse bit. If you have to go right across the city, top speed etc is completely irrelevant, what is relevant is how easy it is to shift around and speed off the lights. When I had to go across the city I did on an XT660R and, in my view, thats the best bike - turns in no space at all, quick of the lights, hardly uses any fuel, utterly bulletproof and takes knocks really well. It will also do the motorway if you want, it will sit at 80 albeit with a bit of a vibe with no probs.
Certainly would recommend something other than a sports bike as you need to be able to see up and over the traffic. Now that nearly all my commute is on the motorway round the city I use a 1200RT. That is a really great bike (best I've ever had) and could be used in the city if you accept the width issues.
Also, what about parking? If you have to park in the normal city parking bays then the bike WILL get battered about a bit so be prepared to live with that. If you are lucky and have private parking (I do - I'm lucky) then its not a huge issue. For your commute have a look at the XT or the new Tenere; may well do the job!
If it's not a "Funduro" it could be worth a look
Super triailies are good. Used to have a Dominator, then Husky, but too agricultural for the motorway sections.
The big tourers would be great for everything except the city work where they're too wide to filter.
Whatever I go for it'll be a compromise. I've just got to decide what I can live without and what I need. I slightly quicker, shaft drive TDM would be perfect
The F800 is not a trailie (the new F800GS is, but I meant the S or ST) - it's a sports/tourer.
http://www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/uk/en/index.html
http://www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/uk/en/index.html
If you'd consider a Deauville you ought to cast a weather eye over an ST1100. Big, check. Heavy, oh yes. Relatively economical though, more carrying capacity than an Antonov, room for a fat mate (or bird) on the back... and although your mates may snigger and call you grandad, you'll have the last laugh when you sell it and get back more than you paid (I did)...
Edited to add: cheap insurance and not a high theft risk either. And motorists get out of your way; they think you're the Plod
Edited to add: cheap insurance and not a high theft risk either. And motorists get out of your way; they think you're the Plod
Edited by Wedg1e on Tuesday 27th November 00:00
m3psm said:
Whatever I go for it'll be a compromise. I've just got to decide what I can live without and what I need. I slightly quicker, shaft drive TDM would be perfect
Stop thinking and go to Warr's and try the Buell, wear the stupid grin , then order the 'proper' filter safety exhaust system and enjoy.Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff