What bike for London Commuting?

[Andy_Pagin]

So with the £12.50 per daylight robbery looming I need to look for a replacement for my 2003 Fzs600 Fazer. A pity since I really like this bike. So what to go for with a similar riding position (I'm 51y/o with a stiff back so forget anything sporty), at least the same performance and reliability?

Apart from London commuting I also do regular trips out through the Chilterns, and would like to get some short UK tours in next year.

I sat on a CB1300F last year and it felt 'right' didn't test ride it though, other than that the only other bike I've thought about is the FZ1 but it doesn't look too comfortable. Suggestions anyone?
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They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa, hey-hey,
the men in white coats are coming to take me away.
Yamaha Vity -> YBR125 -> FZS600 Fazer -> FZ1-S Fazer

[woo]

Yamaha MT 07?
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Elen sila lummen omentielvo!

[ScaredyCat]

Inb4 G and GSXR1000


Also NC750

Versys 650
Tracer
Scootay
...
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Honda CBF125 ➝ NC700X
Honda CBF125 ↳ Speed Triple

[myvision]

I thought the charge wasn't due until 2020?
Shit i may need to change if it is due sooner.
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VFR800FI, YZF600R Thundercat and FZS 1000

[Andy_Pagin]

[Andy_Pagin]

[ScaredyCat]

[hellkat]

Remind me: Where are you commuting from?

Anyhow ... regardless.
You must've been commuting in and out of London for ?ages? now - and you surely have seen that there simply isn't a bike that you couldn't commute with ... if you really wanted to. I've certainly seen almost every style, and some proper sights
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Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[Amber Phoenix]

Charge will definitely be in place in 2020. But there are plans to possibly introduce it earlier in 2019.

Andy: I'm in very same boat as you, with a 2003 FZS600 as well. I guess it depends on a lot on budget, whether you're after another commuter hack for £2-3k. or want to splash out (or finance) on something more expensive.

At the lower end, the later FZ6's, Fazer8 and FZ1 are obvious choices. Otherwise CBF500/600, Hornets etc. are fairly sensible and similar.
I've also been looking at BMW F800ST or GT's too. Maybe even a later Suzuki SV650.

As for new stuff, the MT09, Tracer or CBF650 seem reasonable too.

A couple of things that seem to be apparent are:
Very few bikes have a tank range anything like the 2003 FZS600 (220-230miles).
Most alternatives in same class have much lower BHP than the FZS600 ~95bhp). (e.g. MT07, CBF600, F800ST etc)
Anything with similar or more power (on paper) has a fair drop in fuel economy (~40mpg vs the 50-55mpg the FZS600 achieves).

So, it appears to be a dilemma between something practical and sensible, but likely less fun vs something as fun (or more) at expense of economy, practicality and greater outlay. Little else seems to strike that happy balance the FZS600 did.
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Beginner Biker Adventures Blog
Yamaha FZ6 S2 2007

[Andy_Pagin]

hellkat, it's from Enfield to London Wall, basically a crawl down the A10. The fly in the ointment is the trips to Gt Missenden, mostly bad country roads and very hilly, so I need decent bhp/torque and reasonable comfort.

Arfa__ We've both been spoilt by owning perhaps the ultimate all-rounder, the nearest I can see to it is the CB1300 which feels similar to sit on and doesn't look a lot bigger albeit a fair bit heavier. The legendary 'pull away in 4th' torque appeals, finding one that's low mileage and new enough will be a challenge.
____________________
They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa, hey-hey,
the men in white coats are coming to take me away.
Yamaha Vity -> YBR125 -> FZS600 Fazer -> FZ1-S Fazer

[Loui5D]

Vstrom?

[Beehive Bedlam]

Keep the FZS and move out of the dump that is London. Win-win.

[Andy_Pagin]

[G]

[Andy_Pagin]

Brainstorming this, if I got a brand new budget scooter and fitted it with a 1950s 150cc 2 smoke would that sidestep the legislation and bugger up their emissions figures in one hit?
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They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa, hey-hey,
the men in white coats are coming to take me away.
Yamaha Vity -> YBR125 -> FZS600 Fazer -> FZ1-S Fazer

[definitelyinc...]

One thing - keep in mind your bike is NOT SAFE, especially if you get a liter bike or something... you most likely know this, but I'd never commute on a 600/1000 supersport or any nice bike to central London, even going there on my '13 Kawa ER6N is scary enough... got private parking for now, but company is moving offices soon enough.

[Andy_Pagin]

[Serendipity]

I hear most folk saying that the CBF1000 is too big and heavy for London commuting, but I do alright. And once you're on to the open road it's great. Seems pretty undesirable to tea leaves too.

PM me if you fancy a spin. I suspect our paths may cross on a regular basis.
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2007 CBF1000 & 2016 CBF1000F - Commuter heaven | 1994 CBR600FR - Awaiting defibrillation

[owl]

[TheArchitect]

[Andy_Pagin]

[TheArchitect]

[c_dug]

Funny enough I'm in the same position too, 1998 Fazer 600 - no idea what I'll replace it with.

Two thoughts occur.

1) I've never owned or ridden a bike that gets through gridlocked traffic as easily as my Fazer. I can get through gaps that I'd never have even considered on bikes which I thought were excellent commuters before owning this. The Fazer has an excellent turning circle, and is light weight, narrow and short.

2) At 12-15,000 miles a year I tend to go through a bike every 18-24 months, which means I'm probably 2 or 3 bikes away from 2020 still and so it isn't really bothering me much.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[definitelyinc...]

[M.C]

What's wrong with the FZ6/FZ8?