Recommend a bike for city commuting: NC750x or else?

[Londoner2015]

I currently have a BMW F800R which I - unfortunately - use mainly for commuting in city traffic. Wanted to hear your thoughts on what a better commuter would be. My wishlist, with a budget of approx £6 to £ 10k if the bike is really worth it:

• Good for filtering: not too wide, mirrors shouldn't bang too much against those of cars, and a steering angle that should let me change lanes easily when cars are stopped at traffic lights. The width of the BMW is OK but changing lane when stopped is not as easy as on other bikes.
  
  
• Must not overheat my legs. The F800R is an oven: as soon as the temperature hits 25C, my legs risk getting burned and I am forced to ride in a lady-of-the-night fashion (with my legs wide open). I can't imagine what it would be like to commute in Madrid, Rome or Athens in the summer.
  
  
• Able to resist the strongish winds we often get in London, especially near and along the river. My F800r is rock solid when many 125s, unsurprisingly, struggle big time.
  
  
• I don't want to lean forward too much. I am 180 cm (5'11''). My BMW is great for countryside rides, but the continuous stop and go of city traffic puts too much pressure on my wrists. I also find that more upright position lets me 'dominate' traffic better: better view ahead, easier to make lifesaver shoulder checks, etc. Yes, I am aware of the cycle ergo website.
  
  
• Smoother power delivery.
  
  
• Must have ABS.
  
  
• Must be able to install my ugly but functional Givi Maxia 56 topbox.
  
  
• Must be able to fit touring tyres like the Michelin Pilot Road 4 or the Metzler Roadtec 01. So, no Africa Twin with its crappy, non-tubeless tyres.

Methinks the Honda NC750x would be a very good option.The DCT automatic transmission is very convenient in city traffic but I'm willing to consider sticking to an ordinary manual gearbox. The engine is a bit lacking, but it seems that a more powerful engine come at the cost of something else which would make the bike a worse commuter than the NC, plus it's hard to make much use of a more powerful engine in city traffic. Maybe the Kawasaki Versys 650 or the Suzuki V-Strom.

[G]

S1000RR and a high bar kit.

Though - spending up to £10k on a bike and going for touring tyres?

I'd prefer to have a cheaper bike that depreciates less and grippy rubber.

More upright bikes like the wannabe adventure bikes often have wider bars, which can be restricting in tight traffic.

[Londoner2015]

[Rogerborg]

[Londoner2015]

[G]

[Rogerborg]

[TheArchitect]

I've commuted through (not around) London for 6 years on the following:
Honda PCX125
Ninja 250r
Kwak ER6N
Suz GSR750
Suz GSXR600

And by far the most bestest (not necessarily most comfortable or economic) was the GSXR600. Surprising I know. Never had issues filtering, you just have to plan ahead and this becomes second nature after a few rides. Power, well yes there's plenty. Heat, some, but nothing unbearable. Top box, if you really must. The only downside is the position, which to be honest I got used to in about a week then becomes normal.

The 125 was cheap, comfortable and nippy, but it was never going to be a weekender.
The 250 made the most sense but was no fun. That and I crashed it.
The ER6N was great but not my thing.
The GSR750 was great and it ticked all the boxes for me. Only issue for me was that I didn't feel proud to own it, if that makes sense.
____________________
GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
GSXR 600 K6 - Stolen
MT09 - Almost stolen

[jakebrownbass]

Versys 650? Maybe even the 1000.

I got one for pretty much the same reasons that you have said in your criteria. Apart from being in London.

Top box for commuting, then I can throw the panniers on it and head away for the weekend.
____________________
Hyosung GTR 125 ---> Suzuki GSXR 400R ---> Kawasaki 636 ---> Break ---> Kawasaki Versys 650

[Doink]

I'm thinking about getting rid of the Deauville and getting a BMW F800st, that with the panniers and top box would be a decent commuter.

I do 80 miles a day into the City and back, though the Deauville is an ideal hack and it does the job well i would like a bike I can blast about with on the weekends too.

[Rogerborg]

[Nobby the Bastard]

[G]

- superbike .

Hyperbike would be a busa etc - a bit too fat and lardy for my liking... and not looking so appealing unless you're going to bolt on a turbo when the litre bikes have come on so much.

[Enduro Numpty]

I never really thought of it as a commuter but the top end of your budget would get you a new T120 Triumph. Effortless torque, lightest clutch I've ever known, ABS, TC, low seat height, 10k service interval and compared to my FJR1300, it's very maneuverable. Maybe ask Givi if they've got a rack for the Triumph to take the 56l box.

I'm not really a city rider but have went through some horrendous traffic and have done a fair bit of filtering and no problems. Have no idea at 25c as I live in Scotland

[Doink]

I see a few guys on supermotos, now they look great fun in the summer!

[G]

Wide bars slow you down if there's REALLY tight traffic (there was on my commute in Reading.)

[Londoner2015]

[Londoner2015]

[Doink]

[G]

[Rogerborg]

[Londoner2015]

[Rogerborg]

<Something about gearing>
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Enduro Numpty]

[DJP]

Unfortunately, I find myself commuting into London at the moment and my Yamaha MT07 is acquitting itself very well: Light, narrow, economical and with punchy power right where you need it. And with a nice, upright riding position and a big top box it's close to ideal.

I must admit that I do find myself looking (slightly) enviously at the NC750X but only the automatic version. The manual is no different to any other bike, except slower.

Of course, nothing beats a twist 'n go scoot through the traffic but then they're useless for anything else (and you look like a 24 carat gheyer riding one).
____________________
Suzuki Bandit 1250
https://deejayp999.atwebpages.com/index.html
That's http not https