Anyone commute from Whitstable to London?

[Kerry Knievel]

I am in the process of getting my license and wanted to know what the road/commute is like from Whitstable all year round.
I'm 39 year old female and confident on a bike but haven't done this distance before.
Also any advise on a bike for someone shorter like myself. I was hoping for the KTM Duke but may not afford it.
Thanks

[P.addy]

The guy who owned my Varadero previously rode from Broadstairs to Catford every single day on a 125. Big respect to him

I ride from Maidstone to Orpington so around 50 miles round trip on a 125, it will get dull, fast.

Don't let shortness push your choice of bike. I know of short people who ride larger sports bikes with no issues. My TL is fairly ok for shorties.

[Kerry Knievel]

I'm looking at anything above 400 cc as it's Monday to Friday 100 miles a day.
Broadstairs to Catford...WOW!
I suppose the earlier you leave the better.

[P.addy]

100 miles a day isn't overly bad, but it will get mundane as its mainly motorways. I know the M2 is as fun a sitting on barbed wire..

Anything remotely powerful so 30hp+ would be fine.

[Rogerborg]

What's your budget, and have you ruled out any particular style of bike?

For starters, and higher/lower comparison, how about the Honda Deauville?

Shaft drive, fairly economical, reliable, quite heavy but not tall, made for comfort, holds its value, build in storage for your handbag and knitting and whatever you chapettes carry around.

Look, this fellow likes his:

https://lightningpass.com/sites/default/files/images/Honda%20deauville.jpg

Do you want to go sportier than that? More "adventure"? Smaller? Lighter? More economical? Not care about shaft drive?
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Kerry Knievel]

haha knitting I'm from a motorcross background so looking
For something similar to the ktm duke style bike
My budget is around 2500
Ps that guy looks really happy

[yen_powell]

I ride 100 miles per day, I'd agree about the Honda shown above. I used an Africa Twin for at least 12 years of the 16 I've done it and it's the same basic engine as the Deauville, pretty unbreakable and quick enough for everyday use on motorway or in town. My ATs were easy to service and I think cheap to run for the miles they served me.

Also Transalps, again same engine base.
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[barrkel]

[chris-red]

A KTM duke is probably the worse choice for a bike to do that kind of daily distance.

You want something like a Dullsville.
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[Pete.]

Damn right 100 fast road miles a day on a Duke is going to be punishing. Wind blast, catching all the road crap, white knuckle syndrome and a 2500 miles a month loads of regular servicing and expensive chains.
That Dullville is looking like a very attractive proposition.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Rogerborg]

The Dullsville was more of a basis for comparison.

An Africa Twin or Transalp would work and tick the "offroad stylee" box, but I'd add a taller screen (and heated grips and muffs) for motorway work. There are plenty of aftermarket ones, but I just buy an appropriately sized piece of 4mm perspex and get to work with a heat gun. It's really not hard to make a custom screen, it just takes a bit of patience.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[j.silvs]

If you like sports bikes then don't rule them out.

I now do around 100 mile round trip for work 4 days a week. Mainly motorways and my gsxr eats up the miles.

Use to do town riding 40 mile round trip through london and was amazing for filtering.

What about th ktm adventure? Not everyone's cup of tea but still ktm heritage

[Kerry Knievel]

Well I went to my local dealer on Saturday and you are right the KTM Duke will be a very uncomfortable ride for the distance.
They have a great offer on the Yamaha XJ6 which I am looking at the moment. I just need to figure out how much petrol I'll use per week.
It's 0% finance and the seat lowers for my height.
I need to decide by Saturday as the deal ends soon.

[Rogerborg]

We've got a few happy XJ6 owners on here, you can't go far wrong. Looking at the faired one?

Oh, just be sure that you're getting a 2013 model bike, or if not, that it's appropriately discounted. There's loads of old stock kicking around.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Kerry Knievel]

Apparenlty it's the semi faired but will double check that it's 2013 Thanks I am jotting down all the questions I need to ask.
My last bike was a monkey bike so I have alot to learn!

[P.addy]

[barrkel]

[Pete.]

Get some heated grips and bar muffs thrown in on the deal. It's gonna get bloody cold soon.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[arry]

[yaigi]

Ello, welcome to the forums. What height are you if you don't mind me asking?
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