Backup commuter bike?

[Jefr0]

Hi all

I've been riding into London since May now, 5 days a week, don't mind what weather.

I currently ride a CBR 600 F ('91) into work. My only back up at the moment is my Ducati 916 lol - which is not an option, not worth the risk.

I'm after a bike, ideally sub £7-800 which I can have as a back up if the CBR can't be used for whatever reason, like this morning when the alarm went off and I couldnt start it....I thought I disabled the alarm 3 years ago, never had problems till this morning :\

I'm after something, that hasn't got wide bars or wider than the CBR. If it drops (I.e. in snow) I can pick it up on my own, if it drops, doesn't do too much damage, mainly reliability!

I'm thinking of a Honda XR125, my bro used to have one and I used that, great bike, reliable and with another exhaust on there I can be heard more commuting, it's just finding one for a good price.

Any suggestions? I thought of the CG125, but not sure I'd like it (I know similar or same engine as the XR)
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Rides: Honda XR 125 ('03) Honda CBR 600F ('91), Ducati 916 Biposto ('95)

[pits]

ER5
XJ Diversion
ZZR600

Why is not using a 916 an option? I know someone who used a 748 every day for a year or so, only problem being you rack up to servicing miles quickly, I would have no problem riding my Duke everyday if I had to and was insured for it.
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[JoeDougieDoug...]

As Pits said, the XJ Diversion is a good bike. I know someone with one and they love it. Nice smooth ride, fairly good MPG, an all-around good commuter. If you can find one for £800, then go for it!
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[instigator]

I'm looking for one too and will probably buy a cheap scooter. Although, knowing me, I'll find it too tempting to use (because it sips fuel) and it will become my main commuter. I'd love an XT125 but prefer the simplicity of a scooter, hope on and go (and look like a ponce at the same time but mneh)

[Jefr0]

Thanks Pits.

Many reasons for not using the 916:

Had 2 non fault accidents within a month, would hate it to be the Duc.
Riding position not comfortable for start stop.
The clutch will kill my hand.
Will overheat and overheat me.
Can't see nothing in mirrors.
Not wise to ride in wet/snow.
Would hate to drop it.
Hard to look over shoulder.

Otherwise it's a great bike

I'll look at the bikes mentioned, can't deal with having a scooter again I think.
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Rides: Honda XR 125 ('03) Honda CBR 600F ('91), Ducati 916 Biposto ('95)

[Teflon-Mike]

Sub £800, you are going to be fighting with no-nothing-newbies for Learner-Legals like the CG or XR125's. Same money gets you a lot more in the big-bike world; but, commuters you want reliability. Wont earn it's keep if you have to take the CBR becouse it wont start in the morning, or its sat for a week waiting for a new battery to turn up, or whatever.
I think I would be looking for something like a CB500, or a Kawasaki GT550/750 'shaft'; Honda NTV.... or an SLR650/Dominator; maybe an MZ250, or even a Ural 650 shaftie.
But off the wall... I don't 'Do' London, & avoid the place as much as possible.... but a (shhhh) scooter!
If I had to battle that chaos every day I MIGHT just be tempted to hunt out something a 'bit' different to what I'd normally go for, and just for the laugh, a propper, classic and made of metal, Vespa or Lambretta 200... just big enough to have a bit more balls than the plastic fantastics, and a bit of 'class' in such company.
Dont know how long it might take for the novelty to wear off and want to be back on a 'propper' bike would last though!
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Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

[pits]

[Paris2]

Just like Mike said, you will get more for your money with a bigger bike.

I recently sold my 05 XR125 for just under £1k, which is a lot of money for a learner bike, that sort of money would easily get a good condition commuter. ER5, GS500, Divvy etc..
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Current Ride: Daytona 600

[bassmastergen...]

[Paris2]

[Seb]

I'm surprised you're not considering the middleweight commuters, you'll easily get a GS500 or earlier NTV650 for that sort of money,
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[Teflon-Mike]

[Cheeseybeaner]

[Jefr0]

Thanks Mike I'll have to look into the bikes you suggested. My dad has a MZ250, nice sound to them.

Not interested in a scooter although recommended by many, thanks though.

Pits, wish I did have termis but they are quite pricey, standard are loud anyway! I'll have a look at the bikes mentioned.

Thanks Seb, will look into.

Cheesey, it's 44 mile round trip per day, MPG isn't a issue as I only spend about £100 per month with the CBR.

But yeah, tyres and C&S will be a bonus cheaper.

Reason I thought of a 125 was:

Very lightweight, if it falls I can pick up.
Easier to control in snow.
Cheap and easy to maintain.
Brother had one and enjoyed riding it.
Girlfriend will be learning this year so ideal bike to learn on.
CBR is used every day, 125 would just be a backup.

But now got to weigh up the options of a bigger bike, mainly price by the looks of things.
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Rides: Honda XR 125 ('03) Honda CBR 600F ('91), Ducati 916 Biposto ('95)

[Ingah]