Road bike options for commute

[gsp0702]

I thought I would check in with Kiwibiker for a bit of advice.

Had a recent change of job location and with parking being a royal pain in the backside, I am going to be commuting by bike, current one is a 2001 Guzzi V11 Sport, yes it can do it but not it's forte and hell maybe I fancy a change.

Current thinking is :-

1) KTM 690 Duke - Fun when not commuting, reasonable service spacing, 2014 bikes not bad money, engines great and would seem like a good option for commute. Superficially looks like a good option but maybe a little fragile for commute purposes.
2) Aprilia Shiver - Fun but again how solid is this for long term day to day commute?
3) Kawasaki Z900 - Jap so assumed reliability, would be interested to know what they are like.
4) BMW F800R - Again 2014 bikes look good money, well spec'd but again any known issues?

Any other suggestions would be interested to hear, not to keen on Adv Bikes, had gen 2 Tiger 955i and frankly didn't really gel with it.

And anyone interested in a 2001 V11 Sport Rosso Mandello drop me a line, happy to discuss.

Andy

[FJRider]

The sad fact of commuting by motorcycle is that it is actually more expensive than a car. Parking costs is a small part of the equation. The Rego isn't cheap for the bigger bikes, Tires (tend to wear the center bit out pretty quickly), servicing costs (doing it yourself may save a bit), Km's on the clock rack up pretty dam quickly and unless you intend keeping it until you die ... high km's don't help resale. Storage of your riding gear, and an (easy) ability to change into work gear/mode is desired. Taking "stuff" to/from/for work is an added issue. Probably a few more (like increased insurance costs if you bend it) ... maybe ..

Although a fun idea, for one that can ride in all weathers anyway ... the actual thing may not be that much fun. There have been a few threads on the subject here already. Search them out and have a read.

[Mike.Gayner]

You can commute on anything, and the cost of running a motorbike is offset by the joy of not sitting in traffic, and the unbeatable feeling of riding home on a hot sunny Friday. My choice of those bikes would be the Duke. I used to have a Husky 701 with the same motor and it's possible the perfect motor for a commuter bike. It's also a seriously light weight bike.

[gsp0702]

It's not the cost of parking it's the finding somehwhere to park near the office to park a car, where as the bike I can fit in the office car park in an area which doesnt fit a car, parking close to office is a mix 15min/1hour to 2hrs max or about a 15 min walk for all day if you are in early enough.

So whilst Car mightbe cheaper, it takes twice as long, and is more hassle having to move car all the time, and as said bikes more fun.

[sidecar bob]

I'm saving $100 a week on fuel by riding an 850 scooter instead of driving a 4.8 litre V8.
both require tyres & servicing, one holds 2.5 litres of oil, the other holds 9 litres of oil.
One has two tyres that cost $150 each, the other has four that cost $478 each.
One cost 10% of the price of the other one to purchase.
Not sure how a bike works out more expensive.
High KM's also destroy the resale value of a car, but hey, if you like driving cars, I'm sure there's a forum for that too.

[F5 Dave]

Don't you have a TMax for sale SidecarBob? Under 600cc rego.

A mate commutes on a 690, but why so big? You won't need endless acceleration.

[gsp0702]

I know if it was just commute then it's probably overgunned, but it also needs to provide evening/weekend fun as well.

[sidecar bob]

Don't you have a TMax for sale SidecarBob? .
Ahh yes, Mighty Max. (my tmax) the easiest commuter i ever had. Completeley changed my attitude towards that style of bike.
Click the link.
Also check the link in that thread to see happy Dutch scooter folk that made a song.
https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/187274-T-Max-500-for-sale?p=1131145573#post1131145573

[jellywrestler]

I'm saving $100 a week on fuel by riding an 850 scooter instead of driving a 4.8 litre V8.
.
Greta Thunberg will love you, she 's already helping the world too, everytime she appears on TV thousands switch theirs off.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I thought I would check in with Kiwibiker for a bit of advice.

Had a recent change of job location and with parking being a royal pain in the backside, I am going to be commuting by bike, current one is a 2001 Guzzi V11 Sport, yes it can do it but not it's forte and hell maybe I fancy a change.

Current thinking is :-

1) KTM 690 Duke - Fun when not commuting, reasonable service spacing, 2014 bikes not bad money, engines great and would seem like a good option for commute. Superficially looks like a good option but maybe a little fragile for commute purposes.
2) Aprilia Shiver - Fun but again how solid is this for long term day to day commute?
3) Kawasaki Z900 - Jap so assumed reliability, would be interested to know what they are like.
4) BMW F800R - Again 2014 bikes look good money, well spec'd but again any known issues?

Any other suggestions would be interested to hear, not to keen on Adv Bikes, had gen 2 Tiger 955i and frankly didn't really gel with it.

And anyone interested in a 2001 V11 Sport Rosso Mandello drop me a line, happy to discuss.

Andy

I have just paid a deposit on: https://www.cycleworld.com/2019-husqvarna-svartpilen-701-first-ride/

which I think would fit your bill - they were stupidly overpriced but they are now $11500 including ORC. the Vitpilen (lower bars) is $11k.

Its your KTM 690 motor in a weird ass chassis. Having said that I dont like the look of the KTM

[husaberg]

i'm saving $100 a week on fuel by riding an 850 scooter instead of driving a 4.8 litre v8.
Both require tyres & servicing, one holds 2.5 litres of oil, the other holds 9 litres of oil.
One has two tyres that cost $150 each, the other has four that cost $478 each.
One cost 10% of the price of the other one to purchase.
Not sure how a bike works out more expensive.
High km's also destroy the resale value of a car, but hey, if you like driving cars, i'm sure there's a forum for that too.

rego.............
My new utes doing nearly 900km on a tank. pretty sure if i tried i could get it to 1000km
It would be great saving if i didn't get free diesel anyway. :)
Not sure if it still applied but 50cc scooters used to be cheap rego.

[F5 Dave]

I have just paid a deposit on: https://www.cycleworld.com/2019-husqvarna-svartpilen-701-first-ride/

which I think would fit your bill - they were stupidly overpriced but they are now $11500 including ORC. the Vitpilen (lower bars) is $11k.

Its your KTM 790 motor in a weird ass chassis. Having said that I dont like the look of the KTM
Wow. That's very brave. Saw one in the shop. They are very confronting.

[sidecar bob]

rego.............
My new utes doing nearly 900km on a tank. pretty sure if i tried i could get it to 1000km
It would be great saving if i didn't get free diesel anyway. :)
Not sure if it still applied but 50cc scooters used to be cheap rego.

Rego, Lol.

[Blackbird]

I have just paid a deposit on: https://www.cycleworld.com/2019-husqvarna-svartpilen-701-first-ride/

which I think would fit your bill - they were stupidly overpriced but they are now $11500 including ORC. the Vitpilen (lower bars) is $11k.

Its your KTM 790 motor in a weird ass chassis. Having said that I dont like the look of the KTM

Surely it's the 690 motor, not the 790?

[HenryDorsetCase]

Surely it's the 690 motor, not the 790?

Sorry yes you're right - typo. I've fixed it in the original post. Its actually your fault by the way for buying that KTM. I do have a bob each way in that I havent sold the Street Triple

[Blackbird]

Sorry yes you're right - typo. I've fixed it in the original post. Its actually your fault by the way for buying that KTM. I do have a bob each way in that I havent sold the Street Triple

Haha - mea culpa :cool: I must agree with you that the KTM isn't a particularly good looking bike but its handling and overall performance still makes me laugh out loud. A mate has a Husky 701 with lots of trick stuff and he feels exactly the same about that.

[husaberg]

Rego, Lol.

to us mere plebs its part of the running costs of a bike.
Its more expensive for a bike than a car.
343717
i had a suzi carry 660 on a farm rego pretty sure it would beat the running costs of most bikes
likely more economic on fuel as well.

[gsp0702]

Yep Rego is just a fact of life, I do like the Husky's.and the price is very appealing, test ridden both models and they are great bikes marginally prefer vitpilen I think, just unsure what effect the importer abandoning the models after one year will have, also with price drops on the FE/FS701's wondering if Husky road bikes are being dropped from NZ market altogether.

[Mike.Gayner]

Imagine riding a Guzzi and worrying about manufacturer support :blink:

Buy a FS701, about the most fun you could possibly have on a commute.

[gsp0702]

Good point well made, but previously wasn't my primary transport so didn't worry me so much, V11 is not really supported by factory anymore so reliant on Guzzi specialists to source parts and that is frustrating at times but generally most things are available for a cost with delivery from EU/GB or US so require some patience. And that's part of my reason for a change along with having had the bike 10 years and feeling like something new.

[Navy Boy]

I thought I would check in with Kiwibiker for a bit of advice.

Had a recent change of job location and with parking being a royal pain in the backside, I am going to be commuting by bike, current one is a 2001 Guzzi V11 Sport, yes it can do it but not it's forte and hell maybe I fancy a change.

Current thinking is :-

1) KTM 690 Duke - Fun when not commuting, reasonable service spacing, 2014 bikes not bad money, engines great and would seem like a good option for commute. Superficially looks like a good option but maybe a little fragile for commute purposes.
2) Aprilia Shiver - Fun but again how solid is this for long term day to day commute?
3) Kawasaki Z900 - Jap so assumed reliability, would be interested to know what they are like.
4) BMW F800R - Again 2014 bikes look good money, well spec'd but again any known issues?

Any other suggestions would be interested to hear, not to keen on Adv Bikes, had gen 2 Tiger 955i and frankly didn't really gel with it.

And anyone interested in a 2001 V11 Sport Rosso Mandello drop me a line, happy to discuss.

Andy

From your list I'd say that the Shiver and the Z900 are the better commuting bikes. The F800R is also an option but they are more of an acquired taste whereas the Shiver and Z are more conventional in the way that they look, sound and feel.

I took a Z900 for a ride a year or two back - I liked it a lot but at that price the lack of TC on what was a new model at the time made me look elsewhere. It's up to you how significant this is though.

As for the money aspects versus commuting by other means - It all depends on what price you place on the benefits a bike brings to you personally.

Have PMd you ref the Guzzi.

[gsp0702]

Cheers have responded to your DM. And yes the Shiver is a good option (must ignore the Dorsoduro) and lack of electronics on Z is odd considering it's not the budget option

[Berries]

Although a fun idea, for one that can ride in all weathers anyway ... the actual thing may not be that much fun.
I commute 15km each way in all weathers on my 2016 GSXR750. Perfect. And on a nice day when I decide to go the long way home it is a bit more fun than a GN125 would be.

Anything can commute. It is all in the mind.

[HenryDorsetCase]

One of the things OP should consider is an e-pushbike. No rego, quick AF across town (they will do 32kph) and entry cost $5k maybe more maybe less..... and cost to operate is functionally zero because you're already paying for power and you won't notice the "extra" of charging an ebike battery.

[gsp0702]

That's a far to sensible suggestion, have to say I wouldn't be able to bring myself to sped 5K on bicycle (e-assisted or not) but thanks for the suggestion.

[Mike.Gayner]

One of the things OP should consider is an e-pushbike. No rego, quick AF across town (they will do 32kph) and entry cost $5k maybe more maybe less..... and cost to operate is functionally zero because you're already paying for power and you won't notice the "extra" of charging an ebike battery.

I'm seriously considering this myself. My commute is about to drop from 100km each way to 12km each way, so I'm motorbike shopping. But I'm also seriously considering upgrading my mountain bike to an ebike, and test rode one yesterday (Giant Trance E+, somewhere around $5k). I was seriously impressed with it.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I'm seriously considering this myself. My commute is about to drop from 100km each way to 12km each way, so I'm motorbike shopping. But I'm also seriously considering upgrading my mountain bike to an ebike, and test rode one yesterday (Giant Trance E+, somewhere around $5k). I was seriously impressed with it.

I'm a super evangelist for them - I have a Trek Powerfly LT7 Monster Truck. Its great. Makes me feel young and fit again. The only thing it isnt great for (which is something its not designed for) is Adventure Park laps. But, that feeling of whipping up hill at 20kph cannot be beat. Plus on the trails it rides like a (big, long travel, very slack geo) mountain bike.

[Odakyu-sen]

I found the KLR650 to be an excellent commuter. The main disadvantage will be the high annual registration costs.

[Berries]

CBR 300 going cheap -

https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/117793320/police-still-looking-for-motorbike-after-pursuit-near-inglewood

[Mr. Peanut]

CBR 300 going cheap -

https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/117793320/police-still-looking-for-motorbike-after-pursuit-near-inglewood

What kind of asshole does that? I wouldn't dream of wearing fingerless gloves on a sports bike.

[Mr. Peanut]

I quite like the SWM Silver Vase.

22 litre fuel tank could take you some pretty cool places.

https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20%20A/SWM%20Silver%20Vase%20scrambler.jpg

$6000 new. Seems like a good deal to me :yes:

Royal Enfield Continental GT would also be a fun daily.

[F5 Dave]

How did that come out of the same factory? It's cool. Tyres might not suit the commuting duties but you'd be the dude so who cares if you topple off at wet roundabouts?

[HenryDorsetCase]

I quite like the SWM Silver Vase.

22 litre fuel tank could take you some pretty cool places.

$6000 new. Seems like a good deal to me :yes:

Royal Enfield Continental GT would also be a fun daily.

22 hp I believe. I thought I could cope with that (my SR400E). You won't - its dire.

[Mr. Peanut]

22 hp I believe. I thought I could cope with that (my SR400E). You won't - its dire.

30kW 40hp. You believe wrong.

[The Pastor]

I'm saving $100 a week on fuel by riding an 850 scooter instead of driving a 4.8 litre V8.
both require tyres & servicing, one holds 2.5 litres of oil, the other holds 9 litres of oil.
One has two tyres that cost $150 each, the other has four that cost $478 each.
One cost 10% of the price of the other one to purchase.
Not sure how a bike works out more expensive.
High KM's also destroy the resale value of a car, but hey, if you like driving cars, I'm sure there's a forum for that too.

a scooter is not a bike, but it is suitable to ride one in timaru with a KB T shirt.

[The Pastor]

How did that come out of the same factory? It's cool. Tyres might not suit the commuting duties but you'd be the dude so who cares if you topple off at wet roundabouts?
back in it sideways, no problem

[The Pastor]

I quite like the SWM Silver Vase.

22 litre fuel tank could take you some pretty cool places.

$6000 new. Seems like a good deal to me :yes:

Royal Enfield Continental GT would also be a fun daily.


http://www.experiencemotorcycles.co.nz/motorcycle-brand/swm/

try 8k brand new. also you were both wrong its 30hp
http://www.swmmotorcycles.co.nz/silver-vase-440/

[Gremlin]

Commuters should be super reliable and cheap to run as it will rack up the km.
For those basic reasons alone, I wouldn't contemplate the Shiver, F800 etc.

Of course, you're probably thinking one bike... naaah, keep the other bike for fun.

I'd look at something like the CB600 Hornet if you wanted it a bit bigger, otherwise the newer 500 etc are more fuel efficient. Top box for gear. Used a CB900 for years, doesn't exactly sip on gas being a Fireblade engine, but maintenance wise, it's been very cheap.

[Mr. Peanut]

Commuters should be super reliable and cheap to run as it will rack up the km.
For those basic reasons alone, I wouldn't contemplate the Shiver, F800 etc.

Of course, you're probably thinking one bike... naaah, keep the other bike for fun.

I'd look at something like the CB600 Hornet if you wanted it a bit bigger, otherwise the newer 500 etc are more fuel efficient. Top box for gear. Used a CB900 for years, doesn't exactly sip on gas being a Fireblade engine, but maintenance wise, it's been very cheap.

Which is weird, because my carburetted fireblade gets 5.5l/100km.

[Mr. Peanut]

http://www.experiencemotorcycles.co.nz/motorcycle-brand/swm/

try 8k brand new. also you were both wrong its 30hp
http://www.swmmotorcycles.co.nz/silver-vase-440/

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-2396213388.htm?rsqid=0132c14413b5444c92c9cbf5c91d5 cb8-003

Yup 30hp.

It's a cool bike for the money regardless.

[gsp0702]

I quite like the SWM650R but small italian factories seem to go bust at an alarming rate and it would concern me that I would end up with an orphan and one that doesn't even have any name recognition.

KTM 690 Duke is still in the list I do think that maybe an Yamaha MT09 might be a better commute option as the Fazer 600 I had in the UK for commuting was tough as old boots, and cheap to run.

[TheDemonLord]

I used to commute daily, was initially a 49 Km one-way trip, then was a 35 Km one-way trip. Bikes used were:

GSX650-FU (De-restricted). - Really Comfy, great bike, Had enough power to keep a learner entertained but after a while, didn't have a wow factors
GSX1300R. This is the one I used for several years - ridden all year round. I had comfort bars on it, Pack Rack and a Scott Oiler. Once you got used to it, I found it more than sufficiently nimble for filtering, obviously capable of lots of fun (especially if you had a Motorway section and left before traffic picked up) - Oodles of lazy Torque, it was quite happy pottering about at 3,000 RPM and below and with the exception of a few issues (at least one of which was self-inflicted) was very Relieable - the 'Busa engine is practically bullet proof.

But TL;DR - You can commute on anything.

[Gremlin]

Which is weird, because my carburetted fireblade gets 5.5l/100km.
Yep, Hornet would be 5.5-6L/100km.

An NC700S, with 100km on the clock, I recorded 3.3L/100km, I bet it would get even better once run in, so 5.5L is quite high compared to the new crop.

That said, my Tuono is always above 6L/100km, so that's comfortably worse :laugh:

[mrchips]

Been commuting into Welly for many years now .. some of my commuters have been 1987 + 1991 Honda CBR1000F, 2001 BMW R1150RT, 2004 Suzuki GSF1200s Bandit, 2003 + 2007 Suzuki SV1000s, 2004 + 2012 Suzuki Burgman 650

I'd advise keeping your bike & getting another as designated commuter.

here's some food for thought...
Out of all my commuters, i personally found the 650cc Burgman the most efficient commuter... i realise some on here wouldn't be caught dead riding one but it works for me for storage of all weather gear, fairing for weather Protection & heated grips, electric mirrors (great for lane splitting), electric screen, heated seats, automatic /manual trans, no chain & it laughs at 130km/h winds & horizontal rain. It's heavy & planted at motorway speeds & stays upright parked out in the wind & rain all day.

[gsp0702]

Unfortunately I need a do everything bike, as cost of running two in terms of insurance/rego etc just doesn't work for me, so keeping the Guzzi and adding something else as a dedicated commuter just wouldn't happen at this point.

I suspect that big scooters like the Burgman are probably the ideal for a commuter, and thousands of Parisians can't be wrong with the amount large capacity scooters hacking around Paris on a daily basis. But not what I am looking for.

Cheers

Andy

[pritch]

here's some food for thought...
Out of all my commuters, i personally found the 650cc Burgman the most efficient commuter...

Welington is tricky. If you live in the hill suburbs a dirt bike is ideal. If you live out the Hutt somewhere a road bike would be betterer.

As for the Burgman, that could be the go for people with an open mind. Mat Oxley was a TT winner and lap record holder, and a former GP rider and endurance racer. Last I read he was riding a Yamaha T Max scooter.

[eelracing]

Can't beat a cheap n cheery classic. I have my eye on one of these Suzuki TS90's. It's got a screaming 10 hp(11 on a cold morning) and good for 100-115kmh flat out. Cheap classic rego and definitely a shit load of fun for the daily commute.

[The Pastor]

my c50 boulevard is pretty OK at commuting - little bit wide, but still can filter enough. The saddle bags are great - no need for a backpack.

[Mike.Gayner]

I've just bought a 2016 GSX-S1000 which is going to be my daily transport for now.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I think this is perfect. PERFECT

https://www.ubcobikes.com/

[F5 Dave]

Hmm, from the pictures; No gloves, shit helmet, no armour, knobbly tyres on the street, great in the rain at 50kph. Let's hope these stupid fucks don't get classed as motorcycle accidents.

[Vinz0r]

Hmm, from the pictures; No gloves, shit helmet, no armour, knobbly tyres on the street, great in the rain at 50kph. Let's hope these stupid fucks don't get classed as motorcycle accidents.

Is this any different to the multitude of scooter riders you see every day?

[F5 Dave]

You know? In the Hutt we dont see many scrooters.
Was like the Hardley rider yesterday lunchtime wearing 'barbeque wear,' belly bouncing off down the street turning at intersection both feet out.

Yeah bro. Serious biker..

[Bonez]

You know? In the Hutt we dont see many scrooters.
Was like the Hardley rider yesterday lunchtime wearing 'barbeque wear,' belly bouncing off down the street turning at intersection both feet out.

Yeah bro. Serious biker..I thought HDs were referred to as scooters?

[Roki_nz]

Welington is tricky. If you live in the hill suburbs a dirt bike is ideal. If you live out the Hutt somewhere a road bike would be betterer.

As for the Burgman, that could be the go for people with an open mind. Mat Oxley was a TT winner and lap record holder, and a former GP rider and endurance racer. Last I read he was riding a Yamaha T Max scooter.

When I was still riding I always found a bike with a fairing and wind shield best for Wellington. I used to commute from Newtown then later from newlands for several years.

Every naked bike I've tried out I get blown around to much and you know what that wind can do on a bad day.bNot sure that a dirt bike would fair any better than a naked bike in the wind

[HenryDorsetCase]

When I was still riding I always found a bike with a fairing and wind shield best for Wellington. I used to commute from Newtown then later from newlands for several years.

Every naked bike I've tried out I get blown around to much and you know what that wind can do on a bad day.bNot sure that a dirt bike would fair any better than a naked bike in the wind

When I was a Welly commuter I used to use my Kwaka GPz750A3. 1983 model. One of the best bikes I have ever owned.... at that point THE best bike I had ever owned. I have never gotten another because i have such fond memories of it. I traded it on a GPz500 which was a little cracker too. Boyle Kawasaki FTW!