Bike for commuting

[Crude Puddle]

I'm taking my CBT next week with a view of getting rid of the car (over £100 per tank these days is crazy) for a manual 125 to commute approx 13 miles each way per day to work.

What would you recommend for someone that's been driving for over 20 years but new to bikes (don't want a scooter as plan on going on to DAS later down the line)?

[ThunderGuts]

A Japanese 125. Not too old but not new either (little point buying brand new to then give it a hard life commuting). YBR125, CBF125/CB125F etc.. probably a few years old. Not much to choose between them really as they all follow a similar basic design.

If your commute involves getting above 50mph at any point though a 125 might be challenging on windy days (most will do mid 60s mph but not into a headwind, uphill etc..).

Stating the obvious, be prepared for rough days. Cold hands, getting soaked through, dark (and 125s don't tend to have great headlights) and ice/frost/snow. You don't notice this so much in a car, you properly will on 2 wheels, especially on a naked bike (which pretty much all 125s are).

Thinking further down the line though, 125s are very efficient and will do north of 100mpg quite easily, but unless when you pass your DAS you intend to have (either a sole bike, or a commuter only) a bike designed to be efficient (e.g. a NC750 that'll do 80 odd mpg), you might be unpleasantly surprised at bike fuel economy. Most big bikes will struggle to hit 60mpg and many will be under 40mpg. Obviously you still get the benefit of filtering, easier parking etc. and it can be more fun to commute depending on the roads, but the gap between modern efficient cars and bikes is surprisingly narrow. My wife's family car is more efficient than my VFR even with everyone on board.
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TG.

[Nobby the Bastard]

FZR 1000. Or GSXR 1100. Sports bikes are great for filtering and fucking off into the distance at traffic lights.

Expect around 40 mpg but it'll be really fun and save you loads of time.
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Sprint ST 1050

[Crude Puddle]

Thanks guys - someone told me to get a bobber bike but I think your ideas are more sensible until I get my DAS.

Unfortunately the A406 have cameras everywhere so it will be 50mph at best!

[ThunderGuts]

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

[A100man]

[c_dug]

A fucking bobber!?

Honestly .


I agree with the MPG thing.

Cars have really come on a long way in the past 10-15 years. If you're purely after cutting fuel costs I'd be more tempted by a proper little eco car.

Even better, maybe a first gen Nissan Leaf? Even an original with a shagged battery will do 26 miles a day.


Of course bikes are more fun, quicker, and personally I find the commute home to be a great stress reliever even if it is basically 20 miles of filtering. Just don't go into it expecting a massive fuel saving is all.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[A100man]

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

[Easy-X]