Commuting on a bike - Battersea to Reading

kookapunk · L Plate Warrior Joined: 16 Mar 2011 Karma :

I have just got a new job which is going to be based on a business park in Reading. I am living in Battersea and I dont have my full licence (yet) but have always ridden. Just had a day blasting round the desert on KTMs 450s - AWESOME !

I am in the process of getting my licence BUT am I mad to consider making the commute along to Junction 10 of the M4 on a bike everyday ??? Does anybody else out there do it ?? How long does it take ?

Also, any recommendations on suitable bikes - heated hand grips a must no doubt! Any suggestions gratefully received. Cool

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KOOKAPUNK

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

You'd be going the right direction. I work just near junction ten of the M4 and its not too bad these days. They've recently re-worked the junction and its pretty easy going.

The London end might be a bit of a pain though but as I said you'll be going the right way. My advice though would be move out of london as quickly as you can. I don't know why anyone would want to live there really, especially if they've got a job outside of London.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

Straker · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 08 Oct 2009 Karma :

Ideal mode of transport for that distance, once you pass your test. Would possibly get a bit tiring on anything less than a midsize.

I'm in Battersea also, whilst I don't commute in that direction or that far I know some that do.
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Current: CBR 900 RR3 (954 Blade)
Previous: CBR 600 FY (01),
09 Triumph Street Triple R (nicked), R6 (04), CBR 600 FX (00), GPZ 305 (lol)

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

Not mad at all. Going against the flow of folk going in, it should be pretty cushy.

I do Junction 12 into Picadilly Circus once a week or so and it takes about an hour. It's the town bit that takes the time so if you can find a good route from your home to the M4, the rest'll be easy and probably take you less time than that.

Suitable bike, I'd put mpg quite high up the list as you're looking at what, 70 - 80 miles a day? Heated grips and muffs for the winter and I'd want a fairing for some weather protection. If it were me, I'd probably get a CB500 with a fairing - cheap to run but still enough poke for motorway use. Bit more money to spend... maybe a VFR800 for comfy motorway cruising.

All that said, I see all sorts of bikes commuting on the M4 so it's really up to what you like and what you're prepared to put up with.

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

kookapunk · L Plate Warrior Joined: 16 Mar 2011 Karma :

Thanks guys for all your responses thus far.
Moving out of town may still be on the cards but its all useful stuff.
It seems that its pretty much a goer then, and especially with the warmer weather sort of heading our way could be nice

As for bikes, maybe I am dreaming but I am thinking BMW F800 GS - bit more on the money front but they seem to be a pretty sensible choice ??
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KOOKAPUNK

0l0dom0l0 · World Chat Champion Joined: 21 Oct 2009 Karma :

Nothing wrong with that commute as everyone has said.

In terms of bikes, don't get anything special. Your using it as a tool not a toy.

I would go Fazer 600. Cheap to run, insure etc. Will easily hit 100k miles with good service history.
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CBT Passed: 30/08/2009, Theory Passed: 31/08/2010, Mod 1 Passed: 6/9/2010, Mod 2 Passed: 13/09/2010. Restriction ended 13/09/2012.

Bikes: 2007 Derbi GPR 50, 1998 Yamaha Fazer 600 (written off), 2002 Yamaha Fazer 600, 1994 CBR 600F, 2003 Triumph Daytona 600, Kawasaki ZX6R J1.....Current: 2006 Yamaha FZ6, 1998 Suzuki TL1000R and a Honda VFR 400 NC30.

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

Might be using it as a toy at the weekends though. Smile

This is why it's a rather bigger question... the perfect bike for that trip is one thing, but what else do you want to do with it? Touring holidays? Trackdays? Change the wheels and go green laning?

0l0dom0l0 · World Chat Champion Joined: 21 Oct 2009 Karma :

ajbsmirnoff · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Dec 2009 Karma :

kookapunk · L Plate Warrior Joined: 16 Mar 2011 Karma :

Again all good stuff. Thanks for the bike tips too.

I'll get the licence nailed and then come back to you all with further bike queries?
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KOOKAPUNK