LAMS bikes for commuters - short and long distance

[5ive]

Hey! Seeing as my experience of road bikes is practically zero, I thought I'd ask some people who may have the experience of long distance commuting/travel.

I'm looking at buying a bike before the end of the year, just wanting any advice/opinions on decent LAMS commuter motorcycles.

I'm looking at spending my Learners licence and some of my restricted licence riding 3.3km to work every day, and some long distance weekend rides, just for the experience/fun.

After that, I may be looking at a commute of up to 113km each way, mostly motorway and open road. Not a sure thing, but I'd like to prepare myself if it does eventuate.

I'm thinking maybe just a cheap second hand bike to start off with, and then buy a NEW suitable bike, ready for when the time comes.

Is it possible to comfortably achieve this on a LAMS bike?

If so what do you think could be a suitable bike for a trip of up to 113kms twice a day on motorway and open roads, and mostly flat with only one hill to speak of? If it helps, I'm 174cm short, and 84kg wet.

Failing that, once I have my Full licence, what would you recommend as a suitable non-LAMS bike be for the long commute?

[blackdog]

Here's a couple off the top of my head to whet your whistle.

ER6n/f.

http://motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/kawasaki/kawasaki_er-6%2012.htm

http://motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/kawasaki/kawasaki_er-6f%2012.htm

DL650 (wee strom)

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_dl650V%20Voyager%20pack.htm

Both have LAMS variants I believe.

A lot will come down to the style of bike/riding you like. Standard (upright naked), cruiser, sprots, dual purpose?

[tigertim20]

few good 650 twins on the list. several of them have some really good luggage options too. start by talking a wander down to a few dealerships, and have a look at/try sitting on a few different bikes.

I can imagine a commute of 226km per day getting pretty fuckin tedious on a 250 so I would scratch those from your list. theres the suzuki 500 (model name escapes me right now) which could be a good option, but they are a bit boring IMO.

start by going and looking at and sitting on a few, get a feel for the seating position of a cruiser and a sporty bike, and a more tourer-style bike to help narrow down your preferences.

Ideally you should narrow it down to 3-4 different bikes, then come on here and ask for info on each specific bike and its suitability for your needs based on the experiences of those who have owned those models

Hey! Seeing as my experience of road bikes is practically zero, I thought I'd ask some people who may have the experience of long distance commuting/travel.

I'm looking at buying a bike before the end of the year, just wanting any advice/opinions on decent LAMS commuter motorcycles.

I'm looking at spending my Learners licence and some of my restricted licence riding 3.3km to work every day, and some long distance weekend rides, just for the experience/fun.

After that, I may be looking at a commute of up to 113km each way, mostly motorway and open road. Not a sure thing, but I'd like to prepare myself if it does eventuate.

I'm thinking maybe just a cheap second hand bike to start off with, and then buy a NEW suitable bike, ready for when the time comes.

Is it possible to comfortably achieve this on a LAMS bike?

If so what do you think could be a suitable bike for a trip of up to 113kms twice a day on motorway and open roads, and mostly flat with only one hill to speak of? If it helps, I'm 174cm short, and 84kg wet.

Failing that, once I have my Full licence, what would you recommend as a suitable non-LAMS bike be for the long commute?

[Glowerss]

Here's a couple off the top of my head to whet your whistle.

ER6n/f.

http://motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/kawasaki/kawasaki_er-6%2012.htm

http://motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/kawasaki/kawasaki_er-6f%2012.htm

DL650 (wee strom)

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_dl650V%20Voyager%20pack.htm

Both have LAMS variants I believe.

A lot will come down to the style of bike/riding you like. Standard (upright naked), cruiser, sprots, dual purpose?

The wee stroms are not LAMs approved in any forms, and the ER6n/F are only LAMS approved if you've got a specifically restricted model, which don't come up used often, and run 12k+ new.

My suggestions would be things like a DR650/Honda Cb400superfour/Suzuki GS500/Kawasaki ZZR400.

Theres some rarer LAMS bikes which are great if you can find em cheap enough or in decent condition. Things like GSR400/SV400/Gladius400 would all be pretty decent bikes.

If you don't mind the sportsbike crouch, my pick would be the RVF400. Unique, great little bikes, and they'll hold their value extremely extremely well. They're hard to find at a reasonable price though!

Fair bit of choice out there depending on your style :) You might need to narrow it down to what kind of bike you want though. IE Fairings or naked. Sports standard (upright) or cruiser. Normal road bike or dual sport. Heaps of options out there :)

[5ive]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I don't have a set preference just yet, I'm going to try out a few different styles before I buy. The learner bike will be part of the trial process. Not sure if a sports bike will do the trick long distance, however I'll be travelling light and am short so might it not be too hard... I like the look of those ER-6 bikes, I was originally thinking of getting a Ninja300 from the start, but don't think it would stand up to the task long term.

As for naked/fairings, still undecided. Slightly leaning towards having fairings from a fuel conservation/protection aspect.

I won't know for sure exactly what bike I will end up getting, but I'm approaching every suggestion with an open mind, and I really appreciate your input :niceone:

[Icemaestro]

the non restricted er6-f was a brilliant commuter (good power, cheap on gas, 320km to a 12-13L tank every time), not sure about the restricted variety , I'm now on a BMW f650 which is also good for commuting and is on the LAMS list as is. I'm told my one (the carbed variety) are cheaper to maintain etc, and with an upright posture, heated grips, screen and hand cover things I'm on it for around 1-2h/day without any problems. Good on gas too from what I can tell (waiting on a new speedo cable :-P)

[chasio]

the non restricted er6-f was a brilliant commuter (good power, cheap on gas, 320km to a 12-13L tank every time), not sure about the restricted variety , I'm now on a BMW f650 which is also good for commuting and is on the LAMS list as is. I'm told my one (the carbed variety) are cheaper to maintain etc, and with an upright posture, heated grips, screen and hand cover things I'm on it for around 1-2h/day without any problems. Good on gas too from what I can tell (waiting on a new speedo cable :-P)

In a similar vein to the F650 (coz they ripped it off) the Suzuki Freewind has a much better seat and luggage rack than a DR plus it is a bit brisker too, whilst being LAMS approved. Givi do a taller screen for it as well.

I commute on mine all year and it is perfect for the job. Usually pretty cheap, provided you can find one.

[Tricia1000]

I would suggest the BMW650 that is on the Lams list.. If you are going to be commuting that 100k+ for work, you will need something that can comfortably sit at 100kph.. A sports bike for a 100+km may not be very comfortable on your wrists due to the amount of weight that often sits on them.....
A small bikini fairing , or bigger fairing, would probably be more use than a naked bike if you are going to do that long commute.
Sit on heaps of bikes, try out the different sitting positions... Have you considered a Hyosung??
They have a nice 650 model that comes with factory fitted restrictor. Then when you get your full licence, just have the restrictor removed... they hold their price really well too...

Tricia1000
RoADA (Dip)
Consultant to NZTA

[ducatilover]

You said cheap?
None of the restricted bikes will fit in that category and they're all yuck to ride (wheezy and lethargic)
I would pick:

Suzuki GS500, very solid and reliable. Comfy, roomy for me and I'm similar height to you. Cheap to buy, cheap to run.

Kawasaki ZZR400, bit more poke up top than the GS500, very comfy and excellent on long trips, expect around4.5-5l/100km, early ones will rot out the collector on the headers (there's a retarded baffle in the collector that corrodes off and flops around too). Smooth to ride, handle well enough, good brakes and fairly solid motors that will last 100k+ with the right treatment. I enjoyed mine.

Honda CB400 Super Four, very good little bikes these. Turbine smooth, look great, go well, stop well, super reliable, cheap to service/run, don't eat tyres. No common problems that I'm aware of. I loved mine and should never have sold it :girlfight:

Kawasaki ZRX400, basically a Kawasaki version of the CB400 but with a gorgeous braced tube swing arm and elliptical adjusters :drool:
These run a de-tuned ZZR400k motor with more torque and a better mid range (different carbs/cams). No common issues with them really, only thing I dislike is the 18 inch rear wheel. Like the ZZR400 you can slot a ZZR600D-E motor in them (bolt up) but you won't be able to run a factory airbox on the ZRX

Yamaha FZ400 (not the FZR, which is LAMS legal but uncomfy), nice smooth 4 cyl in these. Early models did decide to eat CDI units, but apart from that they're sweet machines.

Suzuki RF400, nice wee bikes. I don't know a heap about them, but I do think they run the motor that the GSF400 Bandit runs, and they're great little mills.

Honda NTV600 Revere, comfy shaft drive V-twin, the least powerful out of this lot but the most relaxed engine. Great solid motors in them and a nice low maintenance shaft drive :niceone:

Kawasaki EX500/GPX-Z500 most of them are LAMS legal and about the same to ride as the GS, but I think they feel a little lighter and peppier. I'd pick the GS over one, but they are often overlooked and very good bikes. Don't buy one with an aftermarket exhaust and no jet kit, they can burn exhaust valves


If it was my money I would be looking for a tidy '93 onwards ZZR400N, by far the comfiest bike on a trip out of the rest and the '93 onwards model is a wee bit nicer than the earlier K model.
Second equal on that list for me are the GS500 and CB400, both very good bikes, the GS is more relaxed but the CB is leaps and bounds ahead in build quality and refinement.




I wouldn't bother with the 300 Ninja, it's still fairly pricey for a small cheaply built bike.

[SPman]

Honda CB500 - we know a couple of people with them and they think they are brilliant.

[Glowerss]

I would suggest the BMW650 that is on the Lams list.. If you are going to be commuting that 100k+ for work, you will need something that can comfortably sit at 100kph.. A sports bike for a 100+km may not be very comfortable on your wrists due to the amount of weight that often sits on them.....
A small bikini fairing , or bigger fairing, would probably be more use than a naked bike if you are going to do that long commute.
Sit on heaps of bikes, try out the different sitting positions... Have you considered a Hyosung??
They have a nice 650 model that comes with factory fitted restrictor. Then when you get your full licence, just have the restrictor removed... they hold their price really well too...

Tricia1000
RoADA (Dip)
Consultant to NZTA

Not to be pendatic, but I'm confused. You say don't buy a sportsbike, and that a bike with fairings is probably a good idea ( I agree!).

But then you reccomend the hyosung 650, which is either a very extreme sportsbike riding position, or a naked! :scratch: Hyosung paying you or something? :weird:

Anyway, DL is usually right about these sort of things, I'd listen to what he has to say :second:

[newbie2012]

Mate

I've been on a L plate for 6 months, ridden about 12,000 absolutely glorious kms. Commuted every day since Christmas, rain or shine, for about 40kms each way. I'm about 181cm, 87kgs. I am a sports-touring type, in between a sport rider and touring rider (i.e. I'm more confused than both).

Started on a GS500F, which I found to be a cracking bike. Good on gas and easy to maintain. Light to handle, enough grunt for an easy ride. A very nice bike, although slated by many. Would buy another one tomorrow.

After about 6,oookm on the GS, I upgraded to a new GSX650FU in April. I'd describe it as the bigger brother to the GS500F.

I've never looked back on the GSX purchase. Great fun in the twisty bits, easy and solid on the straight bits, not bad economy on the go-go juice, plenty of room, great brakes. However as for money, the GS500 is better vale on a cost per km, but for sheer delight the GSX is my first choice even though it put me back about $14,000.

The GSX is heavy at 240kgs but doesn't miss a beat in high wind, whereas the GS500 certainly did get blown around. I've also found that with practice, it is possible to perform decent low speed control and u-turns. It will also set you up with 'grown-up bike' experience when you go full licence as it is effectively a standard GSX650F in all ways except slightly lower HP. Enough stroking myself over the GSX.

I also looked at the 650 Ninja, plus but I did see a 650 LAMS restricted Yamaha at the weekend in Red Baron in Auckland - it looked similar to the GSX but at a $13,500 price tag. The BMW GS650 is also a nice bike, but I went for the 4 cylinder GSX for smoothness and riding position.

I'd suggest that you test drive a few, as the reviews and other people's comments seem to be laden with both extreme insight and absolute ignorance. My opinion is no different, but I only know, what I know :-).

The main thing is there will be plenty of bikers who can only ride at the weekend, sitting in their cars watching you cruise past with envy in your daily commute. Good news is that they will give you room on the road, wishing you well on your 240km return journey.

Good luck in your choice.

[newbie2012]

PS I reckon Ducatilover has the bases covered, so I'd read their review a few times.

[SPman]

Suzuki RF400, nice wee bikes.Wee? - the're the same size as the RF600! Comfy bikes though, and will easily do 100mph (Ok - 165kph indicated) 2 up - that's the V-tec model...

[Ransom]

I am biased but would say bmw f650 gs or CS
around $5000 for a decent one but they seem cheaper than the equivalent japanese and go for many more miles if you find a good one
just returned to riding on learner licence myself and no way could i go a smaller bike for distance
new laws are great so many options out there now
if budget is less than its a harder choice to find something long distance capable