Frugal, Reliable, Short Distance Commuter!?

iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

Right, I did have a Honda CG125 lined up for myself but its been sold from under my nose to someone else, I know I should have put a deposit down straight away on it!

Anyway, I am looking for a cheap, reliable, short distance commuter bike, basically just to get me to and from work each day which is only 5 miles and I cannot no longer justify the expense of running a 600cc bike just for that journey.
I am no longer using my bike for pleasure purposes as again I don't have the cash for that as it now goes on other more important things.

So I am wondering what people suggest could be my next bike, I am not arsed on engine size but it must be between 125 and 500cc, though would prefer something smaller than 400cc, and the newest possible and lowest mileage bike I could afford, be excellent on petrol and have cheap insurance.

Basically I have whatever my L Reg 21,000 GSX600F is worth, plus a few hundred more if need be.

Anyone got any ideas, I don't care if its a bike or scooter though would prefer a bike with gears though!

Paracaine · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Karma :

I would strongly recommend a Honda XR125, this is a dirt bike style 125cc (4 Stroke). They have 5 gears, a top end of around 65mph and they seem very reliable (2 of my friends have them). They are also very economical.

They share the CG's engine and gearbox but they look nicer imo.
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strag · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Oct 2004 Karma :

kawasaki GT550, shaft drive and loads around.
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dodsi · Dirty Carny Joined: 06 Aug 2004 Karma :

A 125 is the cheapest option.

SR/CG125

tatters · Exxon Valdez Joined: 05 Jan 2004 Karma :

Honda CB250/CB400N Superdream

there’s little else that can beat reliability and is so dam cheap to run, l have a 1985 CB400N which l use to get to work and back the bike and its engine is so simple to work on, uses hardly any fuel and tops out at 110mph great bikes.

https://www.larsenmotorcykler.dk/Billeder/HONDA/cb400n.jpg
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Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV

yambabe · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

I shall make some enquiries for you tomorrow Craig, see what's around at the moment.
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iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

CB250.

As cheap to run as a 125 with a little more power and without the silly inflated 125 prices. Possibly cheaper to insure than a 125 as well.

Nath · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Jul 2004 Karma :

Get a knackered old c90 and keep the gsx. Maybe you don't have the time or money for pleasure rides right now, but your circumstances could change in a matter of months and you might be wishing you still had the 600.
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iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

mchaggis · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 May 2004 Karma :

You'll get very tired of a CG if you have to do any significant amount of NSL roads though. A CB250, so long as you get the right one, would do all you're asking without needing to be ragged to keep up with traffic.
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Aikman666 · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Dec 2004 Karma :

Get a honda C90, i saw one down at my local dealer this week. I was SO tempted to get it to see how long it takes me to destroy it Laughing

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Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

Id get the CB400 if possible. Pick up a copy of Used Bike Guide and have a quick flick through the calssifieds. Honda reliability, very fuel efficient and reasonably quick for what they are, my Mum and Dad toured on one many moons ago. He reckons it's the best bike he's ever had.

And if you did decide to take up those longer rides again the CB400 wouldnt require you buying another bike. They are also well within your price range, avoid the 125's. Gearboxes will most likely be shagged and inflated prices as mentioned.
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stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

tootall · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Karma :

I'd go for CB400/500
Solid bikes which will still give you enough thrills if you fancy a weekend blast.

TheShaggyDA · Repost Police Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

TOM M · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2005 Karma :

TOM M · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Mar 2005 Karma :

impaler · Crazy Courier Joined: 04 Sep 2004 Karma :

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

On a slightly different tack to the 125 route how about the likes of an old Kawasaki GT550 or Honda CX500. Shaft drive so little maintenance and as cheap as chips to buy. Engines will (generally) run forever. Parts available at any local breaker for peanuts. Insurance is pennies as well. That way you can commute and also take in longer trips if needed.

As for not being able to justify commuting on a 600 I'd better not show the missus this thread. I'm having fun commuting on an 1100 at the moment Very Happy

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