Cambridge to London daily commute - What Bike?

[Nickb65]

Ok so severn years ago I used to ride from Cambridge to London and back every day on my trusty R1200GS and I loved it - come rain or shine frost or heat I was on that bike. I then changed job four years ago so did not need the bike so sold it but now I am about to go back to working in the City.

So which bike and do I go for a new bike or a cheaper older one? Like the look of the V-STROM, TRANSALP and VARADERO in the 650 and 1000 variants but open to suggestions.

I am six feet four tall so it needs to be a big bike also doing those miles a more upright position is definitely a must. Heated grips were great on the R1200 so a real desire......

All suggestions welcome......

[ScaredyCat]

Varadero will drink fuel like there's a free bar. Fuel costs not an issue? I'd go for something with a bit of protection but still let you filter without much trouble. Yamaha Tracer? It's 65 odd miles though, might be tempted to go shaft drive. I've taken a fancy to the Tenere , might be a bit bulky though.
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Honda CBF125 ➝ NC700X
Honda CBF125 ↳ Speed Triple

[Beehive Bedlam]

Why not buy another GS?

[Nickb65]

[Vracktal]

If you're commuting anywhere close to central London you'll want a bike newer than 2008 to avoid the incoming emissions pricing.

If I was looking for a big bike with an upright riding position to do a mix of city and motorway riding I'd be considering a triumph tiger 800 or tiger sport. Smoother engine than the twins and reasonably reliable for long hauls.
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2007 BMW R1200R: On road
2009 BMW G650X Challenge: On road
1975 Norton Commando 850: Off road, awaiting recommissioning

[Alpineandy]

Transalp isn't a great bike for the Motorway (yes it'll do it but it's not happy there). Have you considered a Deauville? Not a fun bike but a very good bike for the M11 trudge...

As for getting a pre-08 bike. I assume you'll change it after a couple of years due to mileage. Or if you plan to use it 'long term' you'll have Congestion charge problems.
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The above comment isn't necessarily the truth and anyone that says it is, is only correct if it's the truth or they're bigger than me.

[Polarbear]

Vracktal said the Tiger 800.

I had the Tiger Explorer 1215. When I was test riding them the Tiger 800 was wonderful. The motor sang. They should put it in the STR it was so good. Way better than the Tiger sport 1050 IMO.

The only reason I didn't go for it was chain drive. I do single side shaft drives now. Life is so much easier,
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[ZRX61]

I used to commute Camb-> London. Guy around the corner drove the same route every day in his car. His company paid for petrol, he'd drop me at a tube station... Saved a bunch of wear & tear on the bike.
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They're not one night stands, they're auditions.

[Pete.]

Cambridge-London daily? You need a 125.





















An Inter-City 125
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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

[Doink]

I do an 80 mile round trip into London and back most days on my Deauville, only bought it cos it has tons of storage and is shaft drive.

They're quick enough and will sit at 90 mph happily, not an exciting looking bike but a great commuting tool.

[Ed Case]

Deauville ?..check out 'Honda 650 Deauville Circuit Gross Gaz a Croix enTernois' on YouTube and see how a bloke who knows how to ride can make one go !.

[Samsbike]

Honda nc750 or 700.

[gorillaonabik...]

I do a 75 mile round trip on a K1300 GT but you'll need an aftermarket screen. An engine to die for, all the touring bits that make motorway miles a pleasure and when I take off all the luggage, it's fine for filtering and because it's a bit ugly, no-one wants to nick it. A bit like me.
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FZR400 (blown engine), ZXR750 (blown engine), ZX6R (accident), CBR600 which had engine issues after which I learned to change gear..., CBR900, CBR924 (stolen), CB600, CB1300 (everything blew up), BMW K1300GT (written off, hit from rear while stationary), Bandit 1250 for a couple of months, Triumph Sprint ST 1050 (nicked) and somewhere in there, I wrote off a Ducati 748 at Cadwell.

[Alpineandy]

[Ed Case]