Will I damage a VFR1200 with short commutes?
Discussion
After having my Suzuki GSR750 stolen a few weeks ago, I've been weighing up my options for a new bike. I haven't test ridden one yet, but I do like the thought of a Honda VFR1200.
I'd be using it every day to commute to and from work which is only 3.5 miles each way in central London, and then one or two trips per year where I can actually put some miles on - perhaps to Scotland or South of France - that kind of distance.
Unfortunately having two bikes isn't an option, but I will have secure parking at home and at work, so London bike bays aren't my worry (scooter riders have no respect for other people's pride and joy - but that's well covered rant on PH). My worry is that a 3.5 mile ride through central London won't be enough to fully warm up the engine, so I'm concerned that I could be doing damage to the bike on my short commutes.
Any thoughts from the forum experts would be appreciated.
Phil
I'd be using it every day to commute to and from work which is only 3.5 miles each way in central London, and then one or two trips per year where I can actually put some miles on - perhaps to Scotland or South of France - that kind of distance.
Unfortunately having two bikes isn't an option, but I will have secure parking at home and at work, so London bike bays aren't my worry (scooter riders have no respect for other people's pride and joy - but that's well covered rant on PH). My worry is that a 3.5 mile ride through central London won't be enough to fully warm up the engine, so I'm concerned that I could be doing damage to the bike on my short commutes.
Any thoughts from the forum experts would be appreciated.
Phil
Ouch - it was all going so well with the first page of replies (bar one) suggesting that I go for a nice VFR1200, and just increase the service intervals.
Then on the second page there are several replies about getting a scooter / CG125 / Yamaski which started to put a downer on things.
A bicycle is a non starter for me. 3.5 miles on a pushbike results in the need for a shower at the other end, and I genuinely believe that I'm more vulnerable on pushbike than a motorbike on the roads in London. I have no mirrors to see behind me, no power to get out of trouble should I need it, I can't keep up with traffic when it does begin to move, and I don't make a noise for people to hear me coming and then look, rather than just not look.
Getting dressed into my motorbike clothes at the start of the day takes less effort than getting dressed for work and a then all is needed is a quick change at work once I'm there. My motorbike clothes are suitable for all weathers, so I'm not particulary bothered if its raining and a top box carries all I need.
So - a motorbike is the way to go for me, and having two bikes isn't an option. I'll have no where to park a second bike, and having just had one stolen (and see my insurance premium go up by 3.5 times as a result) isn't something I need happening again. I will have secure parking at home (which I didn't before), and have always had secure parking at work.
As I try to take care of things I own, I'm happy with the advice of changing the oil more frequently and guess it's time to book a test ride on the VFR to see if i'm happy on it through congestion, and outside of London.
Thanks for all the replies! Can anyone point me in the direction of winter deals on new VFR1200's?
Phil
Then on the second page there are several replies about getting a scooter / CG125 / Yamaski which started to put a downer on things.
A bicycle is a non starter for me. 3.5 miles on a pushbike results in the need for a shower at the other end, and I genuinely believe that I'm more vulnerable on pushbike than a motorbike on the roads in London. I have no mirrors to see behind me, no power to get out of trouble should I need it, I can't keep up with traffic when it does begin to move, and I don't make a noise for people to hear me coming and then look, rather than just not look.
Getting dressed into my motorbike clothes at the start of the day takes less effort than getting dressed for work and a then all is needed is a quick change at work once I'm there. My motorbike clothes are suitable for all weathers, so I'm not particulary bothered if its raining and a top box carries all I need.
So - a motorbike is the way to go for me, and having two bikes isn't an option. I'll have no where to park a second bike, and having just had one stolen (and see my insurance premium go up by 3.5 times as a result) isn't something I need happening again. I will have secure parking at home (which I didn't before), and have always had secure parking at work.
As I try to take care of things I own, I'm happy with the advice of changing the oil more frequently and guess it's time to book a test ride on the VFR to see if i'm happy on it through congestion, and outside of London.
Thanks for all the replies! Can anyone point me in the direction of winter deals on new VFR1200's?
Phil
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