Cheap commuter bike to replace...

[MKH9130]

I'm currently running a 125cc Gilera Runner scooter which I use for my work mileage - mainly 'cos it is cheap and probably the fastest way to get from one side of a congested city to the other. Plus of course I can park it anywhere which is an enormous bonus.

However, I'm doing more and more out of town mileage where the 125cc just about copes, but does struggle a bit on dual carriageways. MPG returned isn't as good as I had hoped when out of the city (currently averaging 70mpg, was expecting 80+).

I have a full bike licence already, and am considering changing to a 'proper bike'. I don't want to spend any more money than I could sell the Runner for, so lets work to a budget of somewhere between £1500-£1750.

It needs to be cheap to run (more so or at the same level of the Runner) and reliable whilst providing me with a bit more power than the scooter.

What would you recommend?

[rsv gone!]

Mid to late nineties Thundercat

[Mr OCD]

rsv gone! said:

Mid to late nineties Thundercat

Defo... at that budget there is nothing better imho.

You will get 50mpg +

[AndyDRZ]

Along the same idea as Thundercat... I'd go for a G model (1998/99) zx6r...

[dern]

AndyDRZ said:

Along the same idea as Thundercat... I'd go for a G model (1998/99) zx6r...

I replaced my cat with a g 6r and the cat was a much better commuter (I thought).

Edited by dern on Thursday 17th April 11:48

[AndyDRZ]

I think I'm blatently ignoring the "Commuter" part and thinking "Good but cheap sportsbikes"

[dern]

AndyDRZ said:

I think I'm blatently ignoring the "Commuter" part and thinking "Good but cheap sportsbikes"

You could definitely commute on either though... I used to commute on my 6r until I got pissed off cleaning the green wheels

[black-k1]

BMW F650, Kwak ER500, Honda CB500, Bandit etc. are all good commuter bikes with the bit of extra "get up and go" and can be easily purchased within the budget.

Any of the older "sports" 600's would be fine if in budget and would offer more fun but probably at a slight increase in running costs.

Try a few from each group and see what works for you.

[y2blade]

Mr OCD said:

rsv gone! said:

Mid to late nineties Thundercat

Defo... at that budget there is nothing better imho.

You will get 50mpg +

+1 for the t/cat

very under rated bikes