Commuting hacks

Shame really, because dirt bikes make brilliant city commuters. But yes,
they are indeed pure scrote magnets. In central London, it wouldn't last
a week. In your pikey home district, probably not even 48 hours.

 

GS500, yes, but the 400F is (a) an antique and (b) not a very good city
bike anyway.

 

Ours doesn't. We have one or two keen bikies and sometimes I think a
shower cubicle in the building would be *a very good idea*, IYKWIM.

 

There is a whole spectrum of condition between ratbike and winter hack.
There are some very smart commuter bikes out there at sensible money.[1]
I stand by my recommendation of something in the 250 to 500cc range and
as light and agile as possible. Cheap to insure, cheap to run, and
plenty of choice available within your budget.

Sod the macho image stuff, get the right tool for the job in hand and
enjoy your sportsbikes at the weekend. Even a 125 scoot is going to be
as quick as a sportsbike hacking through city traffic. Obviously more
horses are better if your commute includes some fast roads but you
are not going to need more than around 75mph during commute hours.

[1] You might not like them but a dealer in Taunton has a GS500K3 in
almost as mint condition as mine, 5600 miles, 1350 quid. Bargain.

 

My CB13 is the best commuter bike I've ever owned.

It almost certainly wouldn't be for Oggers, but it's near perfect for
my needs.

Arseholes.

 

wrote:

My commute is mostly stretches between traffic lights. He who gets away
first gets to be at the front of the next set of lights. I can assure
you that is never a 125 scoot. Nor is it ever a 500 commuter.

 

Not at that price, no. And then there's the badge of course.

Quite. I manage perfectly well on a litre sportsbike. It's quite
relaxing too.

 

I bought an 8k minter privately for £700.

 

I was thinking more of the seat height.

Ideally, I'd have something with the steering lock of the CBX, the
engine out the Wing, and the brakes off the 13.

 

Didn't Lady Nina have an old school VFR400 she was looking to get shot
of?

 

Just sold my GT750 - not much help I'm afraid - it would have been cheap,
reliable, minimal servicing and "Londonability".

It went for £620. Seems to be the going rate

 

*Nostalgic sigh*

That bike went to the South of France twice in my hands and once when I
lent it to a mate. Good old bus.

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180373806055

 

And provided much entertainment for the rest of us as you weaved your
way to the Bol.

 

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=196198

Another Yamaha twin that would be a good commuter. I can reach the ground
but you don't have the same suspension settling ability, so might be too
tall for you.

 

Hold on a late GS500 is a *really* good bike. Easy to maintain. Decent
brakes. Handles nicely. Good lock and very flickable. Comes with
optional GSXR type fairings. Rev them up and they make good forward
progress. Few rust points but easily sorted with a pot of silver paint.

You need a snotoiler though.

It's what I'd buy, I really enjoyed riding Blondie's GS500.

 

At last - someone who agrees <B-).
Add to that cheap to buy, cheap inn sewer ants, and excellent fuel economy.
Being unfashionable is also a big plus for a commuter that will be parked
in town, it cuts the scrote hazard so it will still be there at home time.

 

In that case he needs an XJR, very low.

 

I do, it has no keys atm and getting new ones is way down the list.

 

Good idea. Avoid a Honda Deauville. (If you thought an SV650 was
uninspiring)

P.