Good or the best Commuter bikes

Bishbash · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Karma :

OK I am looking to swap my GS 500 for a different commuter bike as I fancy a swap.

So so far I am looking at a Honda NTV 650, CB 500 or a newer GS 500.

What are the NTV's like? Or are there any other better commuter bikes I should consider?

Opinions please!
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My current bikes are - YZF-R1 & GS 500 E

Trackday videos - https://www.youtube.com/user/bishbash13

Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

Out of all of them it has to be CB500 or NTV650.

The NTV650 can take more abuse due to shaft drive, I maintained mine for 2 years with just the tool kit that came under the seat, I never touched the valves after the first time, only now and again balancing the carbs and changing the oil and tyres.

As long as you don't rev it high in 1st and second it will last forever then some, mine lasted over 240K probably more due to the fact it was used as a tourer regularly and the clocks when I got it were not originals.

The zorsts rot though in the collector box but you can just stick chrome minis in the ends of the downpipes.

Otherwise unkillable, its why couriers use them. Subject to parts shortages and cannibalisation of other bikes for parts, in the end my NTV had a VFR radiator, a CBR600 starter relay, a ZX6R reg/rec a loom I had to rebuild due to fire (my own fault) Bars off a Hornet, brake levers off a CB600F and footpegs off a CBR600 (I made them fit). The guy who bought it off me stuck a transalp carb on it and airbox changed the tank to a bigger one, and replaced the zorst system with straight through pipes as, it weeped oil frim the cylinders, it ran like a dog and would shoot afterburner flames out the back sometimes. Clutches can be dodgy though, mine was fine even when my clutch cable snapped on the M6.

CB500 comes a very close 2nd I'm biased as I owned an NTV longer but due to chain needs more atten than the NTV650, but will have better parts availibility but it is a smaller bike and thus will suit smaller people.

Sickie has an anedote about the NTV requiring a big person to ride it.
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chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

I love my TDM for the commuter, there are other schools of though, zx9rs and what not.

Personally I think if you bike is running fine I fail to see the point of swapping it for a newer model or a similar bike.

The GS500 has remained for or less the same since the late 80's other than bodywork and the electrics I don't think much has changed.

and a CB isn't that different to it either.
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

njd27 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 14 May 2007 Karma :

Bishbash · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Karma :

I simply fancied a change of bike as this is a little small for me being 6'5" and it isn't great for the long motorway journeys I have to take.

The NTV really is looking good for me.

Itchy getting 240k out of a bike is unreal, kudos to you. Soundslike it was almost transformed into a whole new bike.
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My current bikes are - YZF-R1 & GS 500 E

Trackday videos - https://www.youtube.com/user/bishbash13

Welshd1k · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Oct 2006 Karma :

if your after a taller bike wouldn't a enduro style bike be better?
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Bishbash · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Karma :

Yeah I have considered them, but I have no clue with them at all, what's good on the enduro's?
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My current bikes are - YZF-R1 & GS 500 E

Trackday videos - https://www.youtube.com/user/bishbash13

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

If you are 6'5" you want a TDM, Tall, reliable, plenty of Poke and comfy, I can ride all day and not be uncomfortable. I'm 6'5"
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

Bishbash · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Karma :

Hmm, they don't look or sound bad at all, what they like on fuel consumption?
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My current bikes are - YZF-R1 & GS 500 E

Trackday videos - https://www.youtube.com/user/bishbash13

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

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

I normally get 50, but that is commuting into London and riding like a twat people on the forum say 55+

Over 200 miles to a tank is easily obtainable.

Another weak spot on the 900's is the autochoke, it can seize causing a dodgy idle, you either need to hit it with a hammer and abit of wood or strip it and clean it. If you get it dealer serviced just ask them to do it every 12-24k service interval 6k with every 2nd a medium service and every 4th a major, When I got my major done it cost £330 at a main dealer.
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

Reppyboyo · Nearly there... Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Karma :

Versys is a good option.

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

Bishbash · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Karma :

Yeah Versys are good bikes, but I just couldn't buy one, my parents recently bought a pair of these, 'his and hers bikes' is bad enough, but might look a bit gay if I got one too. Laughing

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My current bikes are - YZF-R1 & GS 500 E

Trackday videos - https://www.youtube.com/user/bishbash13

Luke_Retrofly · Silly Lesbian Joined: 05 Jul 2003 Karma :

Heres my fave commuter
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/13716-2008-10-28-18_06_56_1.jpg
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metalangel · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Feb 2009 Karma :

27cows · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Nov 2009 Karma :

Best as in most reliable and requiring least maintenance - which I consider essential in a commuter - is the NTV. But bits for them tend to be expensive. And lots of them have be despatched and tidied up for private sale to the unwary.

I'd go for an ER5, or maybe a GPZ500.
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Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

crazyjoyce · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 05 May 2009 Karma :

cbf 600, its far from an amazing bike, but commuting is probably the thing it does best.

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

Reppyboyo · Nearly there... Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Karma :