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Second bike for commuting

Fugly

Fugly

Joined Nov 2014
875 Posts | 38+
Cambridgeshire
Hi all,

Looks like I am about to be changing jobs which will mean my daily commute will go from 36 miles to 60 all of which is either on congested single carriage ways and city traffic (Cambridge).

Not sure my Alfa or my patience would survive this route and don't want to use the T for such a daily grind so looking for a second bike purely for commuting and thought I would ask the collective for recommendations based on actual experience (please).

My initial thoughts are as follows:
- Don't want to saddle myself with debt (£4K max in case the job doesn't work out or I decide commuting on the bike year round isn't for me)
- Ideally don't want chain drive but would fit a scottoiler if I end up with a chain driven bike
- Doing 60 miles a day means I need good economy

Current thinking in terms of bike:
- CBR600 (Could double up for track days
- Divvy 900 but too old now I think
- Honda Deauville
- Bandit
- ER6 / Versys
- F800

So let me know anything I've missed or should have considered

Fugly
 
If ya not likely to get out of second or third gear I would look for something smaller & more economical. As ya gonna rack up sum miles (15k pa) I would start off with sumat cheaper & see how the job pans out....
Kinnell ide even consider a scooter !
 
When I thought I wanted a cruiser, I bought a Yamaha vStar. Kinda heavy and underpowered (at least the 650 I had), but it had a driveshaft and was comfy.
 
I know the traffic will be heavy but don't want to be fighting for my road position with trucks so would like a bit of punch so struggling with the idea of something less than a 500 (Mad I know)
I did consider a T-Max but need to investigate them further as I don't know a lot about them, but a cruiser - NEVER!
 
I had a 650 dullville for commuting about 12 years ago (2 days a week from Durham to Bradford and 3 days local) and TBH it was great and I even used it on the odd occasion at weekends for a bimble and camping trips to Olivers Mount, they actually handle quite well (even 2 up with jnr) and have enough power to keep up and pass most traffic.
I have also commuted on the following:
ZZR 600 - handles well and decent mpg but a bit cramped
Bandit 600 - bit wallowy when trying to push on with decent mpg but ***** in the rain _ no protection and the water collects around the spark plugs causing the bike to miss a bit.

if I was in the market for a commuter now I would go for the Honda and its shaft drive
 
Hi Brooksy,

Many thanks, I am coming to the idea that a shaft drive and fairing could be a good thing.

As it will be all year round (unless it's really icy / snow) commuting a degree of weather protection would be good, if I wasn't bothered I would probably go with a CB500.

The BMW F800 (belt drive) is also on the radar but they are a lot more money and all seem to have a lot more miles on them.
 
yes but a bit pricey still and no weather protection but I agree with you on the economy point.
 
I have a Honda Dominator for commuting and general running about.

It's a 650 single, air cooled big traily.

Punchy enough in traffic. Nice and tall to see and be seen.
 
Should be on your list Fazer 600 good little bike, highly recommend Fazer 1000 great bike plenty about [ have had 5 ]
Some time wish I had got a Fazer 1000 instead of my T :dunno
 
Titter ye not
... but I did a few hundred miles in France tother week on a yammy Tmax scoot... 500cc rev and rip... quite enjoyable
 
I could do you a really cheap price on this , its full carbon fibre fairings mind !!!DIY-Fairings-1.jpg
 
I've got a suzy burgman that i use all the time , its great for short trips into and around towns, good storage under seat and good weather protection
 
s1imster said:
I've got a suzy burgman that i use all the time , its great for short trips into and around towns, good storage under seat and good weather protection
Click to expand...

Hi S1imster,
What sort of economy do you get from the Burgman?
 
Street triple R 675 , ive been commuting on one for seven years, also done a bunch of track days etc. commuting doesn't have to be boring ;)
 
Choadman said:
Street triple R 675 , ive been commuting on one for seven years, also done a bunch of track days etc. commuting doesn't have to be boring ;)
Click to expand...

Cheers for that Choadman but also guessing you don't get the weather we do here which would make a naked bike a much easier consideration, don't fancy leaving puddles wherever I go in the new office
 
Fugly said:
Cheers for that Choadman but also guessing you don't get the weather we do here which would make a naked bike a much easier consideration, don't fancy leaving puddles wherever I go in the new office
Click to expand...

Ah , yes. You make an excellent point sir! .
 
sv650, cheap to run cheap to buy and damn quick still too if you push harder. Fun to ride.
 
gspy4u said:
sv650, cheap to run cheap to buy and damn quick still too if you push harder. Fun to ride.
Click to expand...

I can second that. 50 to 60mpg too if cruised in higher gears, so good on economy (based on my SK1 experience). The full faired version keeps wind and weather off quite well, although you might need to fit a higher screen for better upper body protection. In fact the guy who bought my SK1 was a seasoned biker who wanted it for commuting in London. The S version has a more upright riding position, and more like a mini Tuono, but you won't get the weather protection unless aftermarket fairings deployed.

The v-twin torque is ideal for commuting.
 
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