Commuter Bike-Motorway and City

Speed19 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 18 Jan 2022 Karma :

Hey Guys,

Long time a member but don’t post much.

Anyways I know there are loads of topics on this but keen to get thoughts.

I currently own a 2104 Bonneville 865, I had grand ideas of being like Steve Mcqueen, but realized I am too fat and can't wear skinny jeans and need a bike for different reasons.

Anyways I commute Welwyn Garden City to London max twice a week, 52 ish round trip, but we are looking to move further out to Bigglewade or beyond.

The Bonnie is perfect for London but not great on the motorway (A1M)

I also prefer having a top box and a screen which both look Shite on the bonnie so I am after something for around 4-5k that would do the job long term.

I can’t do adventure bikes as I am 5ft7 and would like to be able to get both feet on the floor. I also have to man handle my bike out of a small front garden so size is a consideration for now but when we move we WILL have a garage

Just wondering what people use for around 80 ish mile round trip but also a little bit fun on the weekends? Also want somehting newish as I do not have the time or knowledge for any mechanical work.

I had a SV650 (17 plate) before the Bonnie and kind of thinking I should have kept it, put a screen on it and a box and that would have been perfect but happy for other ideas.

I like to think I ride for fun on the weekends but with a young child and another on the way in all honesty I only get to ride when I commute.

Should I just put a top box and a screen on the bonnie and stop being a pussy or get something else that better suites being a commuter

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

sounds like a job for a super scooter.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

Speed19 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 18 Jan 2022 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

I had this issue and worked out the best bike was probably a BMW F800ST or GT. However, I bought a GSX-S1000F instead as I wanted a bit more power. No real reason, I just wanted it. It's a great bike but it could do with another 30-50 miles range.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

Speed19 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 18 Jan 2022 Karma :

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

Routine answer, buy a Deauville.

Not great on petrol, 50ishmpg but very comfortable, VA8 onwards adjustable screen, great weather protection, easily adjustable preload on rear shock, cheap on tyres, cheap servicing, no chain, built in boxes, large side case lids if you want them.

Add a blanket, muffs, heated grips and a heated jacket and you will never get cold. Most have a top box so that will be three boxes for work luggage and a big chain. If it has a belly pan it even keeps your feet warm and dry.

Easy to fit spotlights to, mounts are pretty easy to fabricate, add a genuine Honda quartet harness and the electrics are already in place for the spotlight power and 3 other powered items up to 10 amps.

Easy to add an alarm and tracker to, the power points are there for the Averto alarm system that no one uses and it already has an immobiliser. The genuine rack even has a holder for a shackle type lock.

Everyone will tell you they're boring but its great fun riding around sports bikes if you're any good.

Greatest advantage in London is because of the boring reputation no one will ever try and steal it.

Everyone looks down on a Deauville but when its hammering with rain, mid January at 19.30 on the A1(M) there won't be a single motorcyclist that isn't jealous of you and you will arrive home warm and dry, not particularly tired and won't have to adjust your chain.

Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

^^^ Have to agree with every word^^^

Mate and I did all round Europe a good few years back. Me on my Goldwing and him a Deauville 650. Never missed a beat and he was as warm and dry as I was and this was mid winter. Fantastic bikes for what they are.

Saying that, nowadays for commuting I would go down the super scoooter route but maybe not such a good idea in London if you don't have secure parking.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

Speed19 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 18 Jan 2022 Karma :

Cheers both, I will have a look at the deuville.

Only thing that worry’s me is it’s an older bike and if anything goes wrong but then again it’s a Honda.

Scooter definitely ticks all the boxes but as I park in bike bays I know it go walking

Problem is I really like the Tracer 7 or a Tiger 660 but the night puts me off for getting around London

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

BRUN · Trackday Trickster Joined: 10 Oct 2020 Karma :

their must surely be an adventure bike you can fit onto ? their not all huge

or what about things like an NC750

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

Nobby the Bastard · Harley Gaydar Joined: 16 Aug 2013 Karma :

Evil Hans · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Nov 2015 Karma :

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

ThunderGuts · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Nov 2018 Karma :

NC750X is the uber-dull answer. Luggage area where the fuel tank should be, some weather protection, relentlessly reliable but boring engine, massive mpg and reliable. Downsides; it has a chain and it looks like a motorbike so will probably have theft attempts on it. It might also be a bit lofty for the OP's stature, but for commuting duties I'd suggest it is worth a look at least.
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TG.

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :