My Sensible Commuter.

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Well with a new job starting on Monday, I've been on the look out for a new bike to cover the commute. I've been bikeless for the last few months as I haven't really needed one, but with a 65mile a day commute, with a lot of town riding, it seemed a good idea to save some time and money each day. So I started this thread, where I got a lot of good advice on sensible bike choices:

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=286312

With all of that in mind I set about trying to source a decent 500 twin. I spotted a very nice example at the local dealer, with every extra I would need and at a fairly reasonable price. Thread here:

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=286312

I test rode it, and thought I'd be ecstatic to just be back on two wheels. However, I was completely underwhelmed. It was boring, slow, sounded dull, and I didn't like the ride a single bit.

Soooo, I upped my budget and widened my search to include those bikes that were a little more exciting (read IL4 engine). I was specifically looking for a ZZR, Thundercat or similar. But then I found this bike. It was local, a good price, and in great condition.

I changed the exhaust from the micron carbon can that came on there due to it being on it's last legs. See this thread:

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=287055

I've since put a Fuel can on there, and it's nice and loud. I'll also be attaching a top box and sorting out some extra security. So here it is, my sensible commuter bike

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/13427215024_24a12ceef0_b.jpg

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2901/13426900335_83141f5272_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/13426987273_5983a80c0c_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/13427266234_4077762ac5_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/13426997253_aa06447e67_b.jpg

I always liked the front end of these, but it does look a bit guppy front on.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5317/13426851915_d1b7d67991_b.jpg

The new Fuel exhaust. For anyone interested this is the Oval Mini. It's loud, well made, and looks good.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/13427183114_3920e56373_b.jpg

This is the Datatool immobiliser, which although useful, can get a bit annoying every time!
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Current bike: ZX6R J1
Previous bikes: CLR 125 | GS500 | ZX6R G2 | SV650

[sensi5446]

Nice!

[garth]

A much better choice.

If that immobiliser is wired the same as my old Fazers, it doesn't actually stop you bump starting the bike. It just stops the clocks / starter button and lights working.

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[chickenstrip]

It's such a shame to have to put a top box on it - that's a very pretty bike. Still, needs must I suppose. I really ought to stop being such a soppy twat about mine and do likewise, what with all the distance rides and kinds of destinations I visit. All so bloody expensive these days though

[UnspeedySam]

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[recman]

Nice looking bike.

A mate of mine has just ordered a new Fuel can for his GSXF, its got to look and probably sound better than the stock battleship cannon can he has on now.

[Monkeypony]

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[STONEY!]

Just bought 3 of these lol, good bikes be gentle with the gearbox, keep chain adjusted well and if your going to try some wheelies have consideration for the box again.

we have about 6 g and j model engines all with knackered boxes at a mates breakers yard, they seem to be the bike weak spot.

[Rigga]

Looks lovely op, enjoy it
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Current bike: Honda CBR 1100xx

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[recman]

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Mine is the Oval Mini. I couldn't decide between the Mini or the Midi, but went for the Mini because I wanted a little more noise. With the baffle in it's quite sedate and sounds smooth. With it out it is obnoxious lulz
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Current bike: ZX6R J1
Previous bikes: CLR 125 | GS500 | ZX6R G2 | SV650

[Carvel]

Dat ain't no commuter, that's lovely that. Always liked that shape 6/9R especially in a colour other than green.

Also I have a mini Fuel end can on my Cbr600 and it sounds the tits.
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2002 Aprilia RSV1000R, Cbr600Fs, Mk1 B12, Vfr400 NC30...

Matt B: I can deal with crushed nuts to beat Ollie.

[evoboy]

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[STONEY!]

meh lol perhaps he's got all the dodgy boxes in his yard! mileage is inconsistent ranging from 7,000-60,000 but all have gearbox issues.

[bikertomm]

That looks the nuts. Very tidy.

I wish I could take photo's like that too, I know complete fuck all but would love to start somewhere

Also, is that a camera I see on your lid? Secret vlogger?

Well in
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07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

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[Irezumi aka Reuben]

Really good bikes. Probably my favourite one I've had thinking back!

Be careful when you do oil changes though. They are known not to regain pressure and this fucks the bearings requiring a strip and rebuild or a new engine (speaking from experience). There's a gallery hole on one side of the casings you can fill from too so use it!
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[geordiecbrblo...]

[UnspeedySam]

Thanks for that. I've never heard of this problem. It sounds like it's fairly obvious when it does happen as the engine becomes extremely noisy and the big red oil light comes on. I've done a few changes and never had it happen to me though.
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Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88