Commuting advice and bike recommendations...

chadwick · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 10 Nov 2005 Karma :

Hi,

At the end of the summer I'll be starting a new job, unfortunately it's about 40 miles away and I'm going to be commuting. (Its roundabouts Guildford to Portsmouth btw).

Not an ideal situation, and I'm slightly concerned by the distance, but I think it's just about doable for a year or two as I'm still young and stupid.

Anyone commuted that journey / that kind of distance and have any advise?

Also it's shopping time, and I need a new bike. I've been on a CB500 for three years since passing my test. I want something bulletproof as I'm going to be doing a heck of a lot of miles, looking to spend about £2000 tops, though £1500 would be nice.

I've mainly been looking at VFR750/800s but am open to recommendations - I'm looking for something with a pretty upright position and something that is faired.

Cheers!
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Chadwick

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

40 miles isn't that bad depends on the traffic, it will be better once they finish the Hindhead bypass, (2011 I think).

I like the TDM as my commuter, very upright and pretty bullet proof once you weatherproff the coils.

It's the perfect commuter if you are tall IMO.
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

My usual suggestion for people looking at VFRs is to consider a zx9 and possibly some bar risers - does it all better, from what I can tell.
I think Chris-red is getting decent fuel economy from his TDM, which definitely offers the 'upright' bit - and a lot of people like that style for general daily use.

Any reason not to keep the CB for commuting? Could always get a fairing for it - they're not that pretty, but do the job.

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

njd27 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 14 May 2007 Karma :

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

chillyman0 · Nearly there... Joined: 11 Sep 2008 Karma :

recently bought a vfr750, very nice bike and they are proven to be bulletprooof. After about a week of getting used to the riding position it is really comfortable (more upright than sports bikes but not as upright as nakeds) i have been doing 35-40 miles per day and with some faster rides i have been getting around 170 miles to a tank before the light (pressumably more than a zx9). The torque is the best bit, comes really low down so is ideal for commuting and overtaking Smile

keep us posted
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preivious : 2007 Skyjet 125 (died), 1991 gsf400 (problems, rotting in garden)
1996 gsf600n (sold)
current : 1996 VFR750 for sale, PM for info! 2000 E1 ZX-9r

chadwick · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 10 Nov 2005 Karma :

I'm getting rid of the CB, partly because I fancy the change, partly because it's getting a bit tired, partly because I don't find it very inspiring anymore, and I also don't find it the most comfortable thing in the world... Don't get me wrong, it's been a cracking first bike, eats up the miles, I've slid down the road with it, and I travelled to uni (Newcastle) with it fully loaded time and again at the beginning and end of each term, even while it was restricted and it's asked for nothing... Thumbs Up

I had briefly considered BMW GS, Africa Twins etc, and hadn't come across the TDM, which does look good... I shall add it to the list... Thumbs Up

My main issue about the sportier end of the sports tourers is their riding position, weight and handling in heavy traffic, along with the comfort issues, although I'm only 5'10" my back likes to whinge, and I have a skinny arse that tends to go numb pretty quick!
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Chadwick

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

GS and AT's are good bikes, but expensive your do not get much bike for your money, whereas TDMs I feel you get alot of bike for your money.
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

chadwick · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 10 Nov 2005 Karma :

Yeah tbh that's why I stopped looking at ATs and GSs, as it was proving pretty hard to find what I wanted for the right money, but having just scouted about for TDMs I definitely agree with you, will have to go and have a look at a couple.

After that I got pretty sidetracked with only looking at VFR750/800s - having always hankered after a VFR400, but I think it's pretty dangerous to get tunnel vision and only look at one model.
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Chadwick

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

Doing that distance will get tedious very quickly. You'll be doing 400 miles a week. So looking at a service every other month. With a chain you'll need to re-grease it daily, which after riding in sub zero temps whilst it's been raining on a friday night in the pitch dark whilst soaked isnt fun. Get a shaft driven bike, unless you get paid loads so the servicing wont matter.

Spending one weekend every 6-8 weeks servicing a bike yourself is also very very tedious.

You need to look for something hassle free, with long serivce intervals, reasonabl protection and luggage carrying space.

I find mine quite fun in a bizzare bouncy and slow way but the ideal bike for you is probably a Deauville. Or if you have more money a Pan/FJR.
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

Alex A · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Karma :

I've owned a VFR750 in the past and a '98 blade more recently.

The 'blade did everything the VFR did. Just as reliable, just as durable, just as comfortable, more practical (loads of space under the seat), brilliant fairing and weather protection, just as good fuel economy. Added to that, it was easier to work on, dead easy to service, didn't eat consumables too quickly. Much lighter, more powerful and a hell of a lot more fun.

The ZX-9R is very much the same story.

Don't get me wrong, I loved the VFR (especially for the silky smooth engine) but it was a heavy bugger, less capable, less nimble and less enjoyable than the 'blade.

For the price of a tidy VFR (difficult to find a mint one at a reasonable price), you can pick up an equally tidy 900 IL4 sportsbike that will do it all better and make commuting a doddle.

I'd probably also have the '92 GSXR I have now over another VFR. A little more power, a little less weight, built just as solidly and seems to be very dependable. But once again, it's much more fun - just begs to be thrashed, but will work as a runabout too.
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Current: Ducati Panigale R / Ducati Streetfighter S / Suzuki GSX-R1000 L5

Alex A · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Karma :

Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

Alex A · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Karma :

How often do you have to do a valve adjustment? Every 12-20k miles? Hardly every 6-8 weeks.

VFR750s aren't so bad in terms of dealer servicing costs. Pretty much on par with most large capacity 4 pot sportsbikes.

It's the VTECs where major services in particular are extremely expensive.
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Current: Ducati Panigale R / Ducati Streetfighter S / Suzuki GSX-R1000 L5

chadwick · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 10 Nov 2005 Karma :

I do all my own servicing, so that's not such a problem. But still, considering service intervals is a fair point, if its a case of doing an oil change etc every 6/8 weeks that's not a problem, but if the major services are at less than 10k then it would start to get to be a pain in the arse.
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Chadwick

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Not many bikes are more than 10k miles for minor services - however do consider that if your riding is reasonably gentle you may well be able to get away with laxer servicing.

For instance servicing on competition dirt bikes can be as little as every three hours, but it's well recognised that for gentle trail riding as opposed to competition in international competition, it's reasonable to extend it.

Nyarlathotep · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Karma :

Grosvenor · Nova Slayer Joined: 23 May 2010 Karma :

neatbik · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Karma :

LeeR on here commutes 80 miles a day a Suzuki Vstrom - seems to cope with it fine Thumbs Up

And i've just gone from a Speed Four to an F650gs - its so bloody comfortable, does 80mpg and is quick enough for what i want to do.
Plus i can play off road with it.
Thumbs Up

chadwick · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 10 Nov 2005 Karma :

Cheers guys ~ I love this forum, must be one of the most helpful on the internet! Thumbs Up

Definitely given me some different opinions, ideas, and perspectives to consider... will be most useful.
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Chadwick

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

multijoy · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Oct 2008 Karma :

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

I assume this is your first job. You're starting at the beginning of summer, which means you'll be very quickly riding through winter on a lot of roundabouts. Something cheap to crash is a bonus here.

You should also bear in mind that any bike at that sort of money will need some money spent on it soon - if you needs tyres, chains and sprockets and brake pads along with a service after a couple of months you're looking at £400, assuming you do the work yourself.

If you go for chain drive then a centre stand is desirable, seeing as you'll be lubing and adjusting the chain frequently. An alternative is a loobman or scottoiler, which would make sense. ATF in a loobman keeps your chain clean and lubed.

I would stick with the CB500 and throw some money at it. Decent tyres at the beginning on winter (deep tread is preferable to a super sticky compound in the wet), a screen, maybe heated grips or handlebar muffs. May also be worth buying some new kit. I bought a new helmet and gloves today, helmets have changed a lot in the last 4 years. Decent all-weather gear is cheaper than a fairing.

Be pragmatic. If you lose your job, you could have no money and a bike that needs something doing to it. Spending a little on the CB500 to fix any niggles is cheaper than buying something very similar to ride (deuville or any middleweight Japanese bike) and having to spend.

Check your steering head bearings too. If a bike is feeling tired and crap to ride, they're an obvious place to look and replacing them makes a significant difference.