Stick or change? And longer commute advice needed.

[stephen_o]

Hi, For 14 years I have been self employed but my retail business has collapsed and will be ceasing trading in July. I have a contract offer on the table from the NHS which I have accepted and they are doing the DBS checks etc so I have a little bit of time before changes happen. So -

My current bike is a YBR250 which has been excellent for me and ticks every box currently but the new commute is going to be 20 miles including 18 on the motorway each way. The bike will happily do 70mph but how will it be held at this for 38 miles a day? Also and more importantly its a light bike, I wanted a light bike because I am 65kg and need to move it around without the engine on at home but when I do 70mph I am tossed around like a rag doll. The bike has a givi screen I am unsure if this actually provides anything for me because I am 6ft1. I am not looking forward to the ride but needs must.

Do I change for a twin cyl? I would really want to keep the kerbweight the same or not much more, my old GPZ500 was officially 225kg and that was a maul every-time.

Also what are the music apps people use these days where I can either download from a pc or off the internet with no cost? I would want to convert some Cd's but a lot of stuff is on youtube these days.

Cheers
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current scoot 2009 Yamaha YBR250 + Current Pootle 2013 Nissan Leaf

[fatjames]

For the bike, you have plenty to chose from. I'd go and sit on a few, wheel some around and see what takes your fancy. Although (as usual) Id suggest a cbr 600f + top box.

[pompousporcup...]

if you want lighter than a gpz500 you're going to struggle..
my old 500 felt light and nimble. It also got knocked around on the motorway a bit.

Ninja 300 or a little KTM of some sorts ?



Spotify. Few quid a month and you can save offline playlists.

[stephen_o]

Thanks. I had been reading poor reviews of KTM's on here. I can't remember if I looked at a Ninja 300 when I was hunting around before buying the YBR. Will have a look online.
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current scoot 2009 Yamaha YBR250 + Current Pootle 2013 Nissan Leaf

[DrSnoosnoo]

Isn't the CB500 exactly for this? Nippy if you want it to be, cheap to maintain, good mileage?

A good thing to remember is that a heavy bike does not always mean a difficult to move bike, dependant on "where" it holds its weight. For example, my mate's FZ6 is much of a muchness in weight with my ZZR, according to the book, but the ZZR is a complete lardy pig to move about.
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I'm Sam; Northern, Ginger, Lover
Did have: '95 ZZR600 '83 CG125 '97 ZZR1100 '15 Hypermotard 821 SP Do Have: '10 ZX10R

[Tdibs]

Yup CB500 comes straight to mind.
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Previous : 09 Vanvan 125| 02' Sv650s || Current: 1999 Xj600n | 1992 DR650 RSE | 2005 Fazer 1000

[Baffler186]

Can you not change anything at home to make moving a bike around easier? Then you could choose the right bike for you, rather than limiting yourself to small, light and enough poke? What are your limitations at home?
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Current: 2009 SV650 S, 1990 Kawasaki GT550
Previous: 2009 CBF125, 1998 GSF600, 2004 FZ6 Fazer, 1978 CB400a Hondamatic

[stephen_o]

The bike is kept at the side of my house tucked in between the back door and shed locked behind a side gate, the width of the drive at that point is about that of an old mini, the other side of the gate (which is a half gate - half panel) the drive slopes up to the road (the house is on a hill and the gardens are split level. The drive from the front of the house was widened by me after I bought the house so I could get a car on there. What I have to do is turn the bike around at the front on the wider part of the drive (3 point turn) then reverse it down, wiggle it through the side gate and down the side of the house to its parking spot. Not helping matters is that my wheelie bins and 4 recycling bins are kept behind the panel, and all of this is due to get cleared out in due course to make way for tool cupboards.

I used to get the GPZ through the gate easier than the YBR because the bars were narrower but had to have the engine running up the slope - not enough width to push the bikes with the grab handles. The YBR I can sit on it to control it and scoot it along with my feet until clear of the house to start it up.
.
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current scoot 2009 Yamaha YBR250 + Current Pootle 2013 Nissan Leaf

[DrDonnyBrago]

Deauville would be ideal if it fits down your path.

Comfy, can hustle if need be, shaft drive, fuel efficient and loads of storage.

[Wonko The Sane]

what about one of the older Hornets, not too expensive to pick up, the FS model has a little fairing, weight is supposedly under 200kg

I use mine for a similar commute to you, I do notice in gusty wind on the motorway that the bars do jiggle slightly but I've put this down to being wind catching my arms and it's me causing the movement (doesn't happen in calm conditions) no issue, just a bit odd first time I realised.

I used to use a 125cc varadero for the same commute, finding routes parallel to the motorway that didn't add much time wise (were actually less likely to clog up than the motorway) made the journey more pleasant and gives me options if I'm on the motorway as it grinds to a halt

A smaller bike can be a benefit on a clogged motorway, being able to get through the traffic and speed isn't an issue as you're in a traffic jam - what's traffic like at the time you'll likely be using the route?
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They're also on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Focus-Rider-Training/196832923734251

[Val]

I'd get the Yamaha MT03 after 2015 IMO it's best quality 300cc:

https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/yamaha/yamaha-mt-03-first-ride

FYI there is new Ninja 400 which is lighter tnen tnen the old one:

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/kawasaki/ninja-400/2018/
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Adrian Monk: Unless I'm wrong, which, you know, I'm not...
Yamaha Fazer FZS 600, MT09, XSR 900

[stephen_o]

I live in Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffs and will be commuting to Stafford. The A34 runs right next to (literally) my house and goes all the way to the workplace but their are so many roundabouts, T Lights and speed cameras that it's a slow route although I expect it would be pleasant on the YBR. The Alternative is to take the M6 from Junction 15 to 14 which would cut possibly 10-15 mins off the time each way. The work times are 7am to 3pm 3 days a week plus extra days as overtime as and when so I will be missing the peak potteries gridlock. I will start to look at the suggestions but I really need to try and make it work with the YBR unless I can save some cash changing - which I doubt as until I have had a few pay packets there's a list of higher priorities at home.
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current scoot 2009 Yamaha YBR250 + Current Pootle 2013 Nissan Leaf

[Rogerborg]

[andyscooter]

was going to suggest a burger but rog beat me to it

loads of space for carrying stuff

comfy
weather resistant
cheap to run

happy sitting at 70 on motor way with a bit left over for overtakes

if I had my old job I would have another like a shot
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gilera runner vxr200 (chavped)
if its spelt wrong its my fat fingers and daft auto correct on my tablet

[stephen_o]

I was thinking about those because I saw someone post on here a few months ago about a super scoot and I thought wow. I will take a look because weather protection and comfort will be big ticks!
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current scoot 2009 Yamaha YBR250 + Current Pootle 2013 Nissan Leaf

[Fin]

Why don't you put on some weight and muscle? Genuine question, I guess it's because you're old?

[kgm]

Total weight isn't the only story. My crossrunner is a heavy beast at circa 245kg buts it carries it low so it's not hard to move around.

[stephen_o]

I used to be 94kg and in 2014 was diagnosed with ibs after 25 years of weight gain and chronic constipation, there are a number of related ailments all linked to my stomach and guts being unable to process anything. I have low absorption of nutrients and am anemic in winter so I am now on an nhs diet. I lost 35kg (got it up by 5 through pigging myself) went from a 42 chest and 38 (with gut overhanging on top) waist bloke who farted every couple of minutes to a 37 chest and a 30 waist with a flat gut farting once or twice a day and from toileting once every 4 days tearing my rectum and blocking toilets to usually twice a day in comfort. I lost muscle mass especially my upper body which looks skeletal sometimes.

My parents thought I was dying. I am 46.
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current scoot 2009 Yamaha YBR250 + Current Pootle 2013 Nissan Leaf

[Rogerborg]

Torn rectums normally indicate Harleys, but I would definitely consider a scootay as an alternative.

You can get Tucanu Termoscud invalid blankets for most scooters that do an great job at increasing the already excellent weather protection.

I didn't love my Burgman but it was undeniably a very practical machine.
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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

[stephen_o]

I like that suggestion Rog thanks - The cover not the Harley - My rectum was stitched and is now fine and I don't generally stink of sweat so I won't be going near a Harley besides far too noisy.
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current scoot 2009 Yamaha YBR250 + Current Pootle 2013 Nissan Leaf

[BusterGonads]

[Baffler186]

Another thought - where you park the bike, can you not park on a turntable and spin it around? Then you can ride it forwards to where you want it, spin it around on it's axis and ride out again?

I have the same problem as you, at the moment have to get off the bike and push it backwards up a pavement, jump back on and paddle backwards downhill between two cars on uneven surface with nearly no clearance. My Dad is making me a turntable so I can just ride in, spin round and be ready to ride out next morning. Lazy Susan off Amazon was £13. Easier if you have a bike with a centre stand.

It seems backwards and a bit sacrificial to get a bike that suits your parking needs rather than one you like that will do a better job at commuting?
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Current: 2009 SV650 S, 1990 Kawasaki GT550
Previous: 2009 CBF125, 1998 GSF600, 2004 FZ6 Fazer, 1978 CB400a Hondamatic

[stephen_o]

That is a very good idea and if I had a heavier bike then that would be the only way possible because of the slope on the drive and steep camber up to the apex from the road to the boundary. I don't think I would have room for it though, the max width at the side of the house is 6ft and I and visitors need 3ft to get through on foot so the only place it could be is on the wider part of the front drive which is 9ft but is only 1 car length long to the kerb at that width. Tight house ex council.

The YBR doesn't have a centrestand which tbh is a damn nuisance especially when I do maintenance. I need a paddock stand at some point.
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current scoot 2009 Yamaha YBR250 + Current Pootle 2013 Nissan Leaf

[temeluchus]

I can definitely recommend a midi or maxi scooter for this kind of commuting, easy to handle, comfy and great weather protection.
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[tactical_pancake]

Just to throw a potential spanner in the works:
https://highwaysengland.co.uk/projects/m6-junction-13-to-junction-15-smart-motorway/

If it's anything like their 'masterpiece' of work above Nantwich you'll want to give the motorway a wide berth.