New commuter thoughts please.

Vandervecken · Derestricted Danger Joined: 17 Feb 2015 Karma :

Hi all, looking at trading in my trustee Hornet in the spring for a new bike. So far I am split between an Africa Twin, a TransAlp or possibly a Triumph Tiger can anyone give me an idea on which would be a better purchase. I do about 25000 miles a year mostly major A roads and Motorways. Any comments would be appreciated.
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CB600F Hornet.
Previously many a Fazer

bamt · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Dec 2013 Karma :

Of those, I'd go for the Tiger Explorer - because it's shaft drive.

I do similar mileage and similar roads. I went for a 1300 Pan European as the right tool for the job; it is designed to eat fast miles in comfort. I was very tempted by the Explorer, but ended up not doing as they are still relatively new so no low-miles but a several year old bargains. Depreciation would be massive on it due to the mileage (it would be getting towards end of life in four years from new).

Alpineandy · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Karma :

Annual mileage of 25k is a fair amount.
Any specific reason you want a Dual Sport bike instead of a Touring bike?
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Vandervecken · Derestricted Danger Joined: 17 Feb 2015 Karma :

Thanks geez actually that widens the field a bit too, The Tiger is a nice ride had one of these as a loan once and also the direct drive also is a bonus ( my current is chain and sprocket). Also Pan European I just didn't think of that. Thanks for your time.
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CB600F Hornet.
Previously many a Fazer

kgm · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2015 Karma :

Africa Twin has issues with the spokes rusting so that's worth considering since you'll be riding all weathers.

Any of the big adv bikes really would work but I think I'd also be looking at something like a Pan or a Triumph Trophy for that kind of mileage on those roads. Shaft drive would be a definite advantage IMO.

bamt · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Dec 2013 Karma :

Something else to consider - the size of the fuel tank. I looked at things like the VFR1200 and the GSX1250FA, but on both of those the range wasn't enough to do two full days of commuting without a fill up. When I take the Bandit 600 to work I have to fill it every day, which is irritating.

My Divvy 900 could comfortable do 200 miles on a fill, the Pan 250 (more if ridden like a granny) - so the Divvy got filled every other day, I can do the Pan at home at weekend, then at work on Wednesday.

Alpineandy · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2015 Karma :

kgm · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2015 Karma :

Yes, it's a bit of an oversight given the intended purpose of the bike. It does seem that they are aware of it so I would like to think it will be resolved with newer machines. Great bike otherwise though from what I've heard from a couple of owners I've spoken to. Every new model has it's issues but a bit of a bungle from Honda!

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

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

kgm · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2015 Karma :

The BMW shaft setup does have a bit of a reputation compared to others though. The general advice for my CX500, which is a very early shaft setup, seems to be oil changes every 10k plus it's worth lubing the splines every so often. Both area very easy. I find chains a pain in winter, even with a properly functioning oiler they still get crudded up with salt and I hate cleaning them.

I think it depends on the application which suits best. For a year round commuter doing big miles shaft makes a lot of sense to me, despite the fact I'm still running chains. I want to try a belt driven machine but there's not many to choose from. Shame the F800GT is so expensive.

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

kgm · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2015 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Belts are ace, I still miss the quiet, clean one on my '305. The ostensible reason that the 800GSes got chains rather than belts was that it's easier to replace or repair a chain in Outer Elbonia, because, you know, Adventure. Rolling Eyes

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bamt · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Dec 2013 Karma :

Shafts are just easier in bad weather. Yes, a chain oiler works (and I have one fitted on my other bike), but it is easier to just wash the shaft outer with the rest of the bike, and change the oil in it every few oil changes of the engine - rather than cleaning, oiling and adjusting regularly.

I find whipping off the back wheel for a tyre change easier and cleaner too (especially replacing it). Not a big deal, except I do it 2-3 times a year for tyre replacements. And I'd be changing chain and sprockets at least once a year, which again isn't difficult but dirtier, more time consuming and more expensive than a shaft oil change.

Everything else being equal (i.e. not using a modern BMW with their magical disintegrating final drive) a shaft drive is easier for year round commuting. I'd still use a chain drive if the rest of the bike made more sense to me.