Commuter - wot to buy?

[sinned]

I am thinking of a second, low cost bike for commuting. Will still keep the SV1000 or its upcoming replacement for the real rides.
My commute is Johnsonville to the city 10km - 50kph all the way unless I venture onto the motorway. So open road speed and power is not an issue.
It will be parked in public areas and may get get knocked over, so something that doesn't easily damage
Cheap to buy so something a bit older is okay
Low running costs - especially petrol
I don't want a scooter
The two wheel equivalent of a toyota corolla - reliable an frugal

I was thinking of a 125 - 400cc bike that is easy to ride in traffic

Any ideas

[Phurrball]

Based on my experience, an FXR 150 would be ideal...depending on your size of course.

Mrs P's one has no problem hauling me around, all the while getting around 30km/L!!

[hXc]

My Spada mate. Cheap as chips to run, a decent bike to ride - and not low on grunt for the occasional blast after work.

[jrandom]

FXR150 or GN250.

SG350 Goose.

Suzuki singles all the way.

[FROSTY]

I'd suggest maybee an older XJ series bike --maybee a 83-87 900
not too far down on grunt for commuting
Or a revere 600/650
Best bet could be a suzuki 500 twin or kwakka 500 twin

[jrandom]

older XJ series bike --maybee a 83-87 900... revere 600/650... 500 twin

We don't all 'commute' the way you do, Frosty!

:lol:

The man asked for < 400cc options, which I agree make the best pure commuters.

[FROSTY]

We don't all 'commute' the way you do, Frosty!

:lol:

The man asked for < 400cc options, which I agree make the best pure commuters.
well I still think he's limiting himself--the 500 twins are light /easy to ride and stop on a dime

[jrandom]

well I still think he's limiting himself--the 500 twins are light /easy to ride and stop on a dime

Fairy muff. How much could you buy one for and what sort of gas mileage would it get?

[riffer]

I reckon this (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=118704709&key=613233)would be a bloody excellent commuter.

NT400BROS.

Honda reliability. 400cc Vtwin. No fairings.

$2400 buynow

or an XJR400 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=118697803&key=613233)for $2300 buynow.

[sinned]

well I still think he's limiting himself--the 500 twins are light /easy to ride and stop on a dime

I don't mind going up to 500cc so long as the bike is easy to ride etc and doesn't drink like the SV

[HTFU]

My commute is Johnsonville to the city 10km - 50kph all the way unless I venture onto the motorway

A GN 250 would be the ticket. A second hand 2004-2006 model can be had for around $2000-2500. Even though they are now chinese made they are still reliable, just finish is not as good. Mine did over 20000km of open road at 100-110km/hr. I did 210km on 5L at 80km/hr so at your speeds would be even cheaper than that.

Enough power for lane splitting at the lower speeds and it has no engine lash when you throttle off (new bike is not as good in slow moving traffic as GN was). Bonus is everything is easy to get at so easy to do oil and filter yourself and adjust the chain etc so that would keep costs down and air cooled so less hassle than older water cooled bikes.

I would have kept mine if I didn't need the $2100 I sold it for to buy my gpx.

[FROSTY]

Mate take it froma bloke who was commuting 60km a day in 50km and 100km zones. The GS is bikeing perfection. Its light ,it runs on the smell of an oily rag it really handles commuting perfectly.
I did that 60km trip for 3 years on a range of bikes and the GS was best at it bar none
er besides a rather INSANE FJ1200 but we really wont go there --aye Sarge??:devil2:

[shafty]

Whats your budget range Dennis?

[sinned]

Mate take it froma bloke who was commuting 60km a day in 50km and 100km zones. The GS is bikeing perfection. Its light ,it runs on the smell of an oily rag it really handles commuting perfectly.
I did that 60km trip for 3 years on a range of bikes and the GS was best at it bar none
er besides a rather INSANE FJ1200 but we really wont go there --aye Sarge??:devil2:

Hi Frosty - GS are you referring to this bike: http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/suzuki_gs_500_e_1999.php

GS500 naked or faired - guess that doesn't matter except naked costs less if dropped. :buggerd:

[MacD]

I use a Yamaha SRX400 for commuting, the engine is based on the standard Yamaha XT400/600 single and is pretty bulletproof. Maintenance consists of regular oil changes and not much else. Tyres don't wear out (BT45s), chains don't wear out (well certainly not at the rate of 1000cc machines) etc.

I'd considered both a Suzuki GS500 and a Honda Bros 400 as options, but having had an SRX600 previously I was keen on another single.

Another option is some sort of dual purpose bike as they seem to be called now. That way you can do some gravel riding on the weekends too (which is my next plan).

[FROSTY]

Hi Frosty - GS are you referring to this bike: http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/suzuki_gs_500_e_1999.php

GS500 naked or faired - guess that doesn't matter except naked costs less if dropped. :buggerd:
Yep thats the one -they've been around since 1989 but you can still get em almost new -2005

[HTFU]

Yeah those GS 500s look nice. Shame they don't bring them in anymore like the Kawasaki 500s. Thats why I went to the 250 again, wanted something new but it was either cheap 250 or expensive 650. Really wanted the mid priced 500 that does not exist. Can not believe I am the only one looking at mid sized bikes in the $7500-9000 retail bracket. Good power and economy ratio and cheap start up cost. Guess it comes back to the Kiwi demand for bikes (and cars) with big engines.

Still think for a cheap commuter the GN will be good. Put some straight bars on it and a rack and you are away. Advantage over a 500 etc is that they are also easy to move around as they a pretty light. Guy that bought mine has a 900 Duke and wanted my GN for commuting. After first ride he rang to say it is perfect especially with new bars.

[rogson]

Do you enjoy your job?

If so, commute on your SV (or something else that spins your wheels more) - and revel in the "Joie de vivre"
If not commute on your SV (or something else that spins your wheels more) - and get something out of the day.

Why choose tedium?

[xwhatsit]

Do you enjoy your job?

If so, commute on your SV (or something else that spins your wheels more) - and revel in the "Joie de vivre"
If not commute on your SV (or something else that spins your wheels more) - and get something out of the day.

Why choose tedium?

I'll be keeping my RS after I `upgrade'. For pragmatic reasons as well as sentimental ones.

It's not only the usual economic reasons to use it as a commuter. If I were to commute on a GSXR600/SV1000 every day I'd get fscking bored. Big, heavy, fast bikes; great for dragging Skylines at the lights, but 50kph comes up pretty quickly.

You can have a hell of a lot of fun chucking a small light skinny bike around roundabouts, flicking it around 90-degree corners onto side-roads and nipping between cars parked nose-to-tail like you're on a push bike.

You can also give it full throttle and wind it up through all the gears and never break 60kph.

Much more fun than bumbling through traffic on a big expensive thou. I also hear that riding a diminutive oldish 250 takes a big load off the back of your mind -- if you forget to put your foot down at the lights, or lose the front on a tar-snake, you're not looking at paying the insurance excess for a $10,000 gleaming piece of technical art; more likely just a night spent in the gargre with a crowbar and a hammer.

[sinned]

I'll be keeping my RS after I `upgrade'. For pragmatic reasons as well as sentimental ones.

It's not only the usual economic reasons to use it as a commuter. If I were to commute on a GSXR600/SV1000 every day I'd get fscking bored. Big, heavy, fast bikes; great for dragging Skylines at the lights, but 50kph comes up pretty quickly.

You can have a hell of a lot of fun chucking a small light skinny bike around roundabouts, flicking it around 90-degree corners onto side-roads and nipping between cars parked nose-to-tail like you're on a push bike.

You can also give it full throttle and wind it up through all the gears and never break 60kph.

Much more fun than bumbling through traffic on a big expensive thou. I also hear that riding a diminutive oldish 250 takes a big load off the back of your mind -- if you forget to put your foot down at the lights, or lose the front on a tar-snake, you're not looking at paying the insurance excess for a $10,000 gleaming piece of technical art; more likely just a night spent in the gargre with a crowbar and a hammer.

Exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[breakaway]

Exactly right Tom. I'd rather commute on a rough as bike than my 'main' ride. It might get stolen etc.

[xwhatsit]

Exactly right Tom. I'd rather commute on a rough as bike than my 'main' ride. It might get stolen etc.

That's true, too. Take that guy who got his RSV stolen from uni, leaving it parked on Symonds St. What does he turn up on next week, but a nice shiny R1! @_@

In terms of suggestions, get a single ;) I might be slightly biased, but a single seems the cheapest and best way to commute. Thumpers are great for crawling along at low speeds; you want all the torque you can get when you're down on cubes.

GB400/500 has to be the best commuter in existence. Huge tank, skinny long-lasting tyres, lightweight and chuckable, reliable. Kickstart as well as electric. Fork gaiters (!!!) and a drum rear mean that maintenance is next to nothing. Nice torquey single, lots of engine braking so you'll never wear the front pads out. Definitely has all the characteristics I mentioned in my post above. Cheap as chips, too -- as little as $1500 will nab you a nice enough 400.

Lots of people here on this site like the Suzuki NZ250. Lots of horses for a 250 single, 35 or something. Revvy though. GB400/500 just as cheap though, running costs too, and the choice for me is easy.

[MaxCannon]

I commute on a GN250 and can't wait to get off the thing.

The brakes suck, the ride sucks, the mirrors suck, the engine sucks (are we seeing a pattern here).

Good points are no one wants to steal it and it gets 25km per litre.

I guess my two main issues (the brakes and engine) only come up on the motorway section of my commute.
Around town it's pretty easy to handle and isn't going to bite when you peg the throttle to jump through a gap in the traffic.

[Grub]

In terms of Bangs for your Buck, I agree with those who've mentioned a 400. The 250's are waaay overpriced because of the demand whereas a 400 is a sort of in-between, a bit of a vacuum bike. Too big for the learner/restricteds and too small for those who've just got their full.

[HTFU]

In terms of Bangs for your Buck, I agree with those who've mentioned a 400. The 250's are waaay overpriced because of the demand whereas a 400 is a sort of in-between, a bit of a vacuum bike. Too big for the learner/restricteds and too small for those who've just got their full.

I agree, in theory a secondhand 400 is a great allrounder, but bang for buck? I spent a month trawlling through trademe waiting for such a gem and nothing. Heap of bikes on there but a 400 or even a 500 thats not 10-15 years old and with low ks is a rare species indeed.

As soon as they were priced around the $6000 mark the gpx for me still represented better value as a commuter bike, considering it was new and had a two year unlimited Ks warranty, I looked past its smaller engine size, especially as its performance is pretty good, for my commuting needs. Also helped I am the target size for the bike. If I could have got a new 400 or 500 twin for 7000-8000 new then this would have been great.

The 250s being overpriced in the sports market has changed in the last year as there just isnt anything between them and the 650cc to compare them with.

You can get a 160-170 km/hr 0-100 6sec 250 bike for $6000 new. If you want a bigger bike you are looking $11000 for a 650, the $5000 difference is a biggy for some of us poorer folk. No value for money 400-500cc bikes in sight except the older secondhand ones.

250 twin crusiers still seemed overpriced because you can still get 650 singles and 500 twins for only a $1000 or so more, that buying decision for a full licensed rider is a no brainer.

I reckon a semi naked 500 twin with a sports/touring position would still sell well in NZ. Especially if it retailed around that $7000-8000 mark.

[Paulusgnome]

I commute on my old CB250RS, and I love it to bits. Its no faster than a GN250, but it has good brakes, sporty handling, and its very cheap to run. It seems to be totally in its element in town traffic with a nice combination of light weight, small size, nimble handling and just enough power.
They are getting a bit rare these days though, and the wreckers are running out of spare parts...
I saw a bike the other day that I reckon would be a pretty good alternative to the CB : the new Yamaha Scorpion 225. A sporty 225cc single that looks like it should have most of the qualities that I like in my old CB. I'd suggest giving these a good look.

[Nat]

Get a scooter, they're actually loads of fun. I've got a 100cc and it goes pretty well, and its good fun to go everywhere on full throttle! At least don't write it off completely until you've given one a go.

If you're really anti scooter 10kms isn't too far to cycle (unless there are some big hills) and that's the most fun way to commute. (and cheapest, and good for the environment and good for your health etc etc)

Me, I've got the best of all worlds - cycle, scooter and big bike too, each is more fun (and more practical) than the other in its own way.

:scooter:

[geoffm]

Commuting is hell on bikes - I use the Beemer and it is noticabbly worse for the experience over the last few years. I just can't make the economics of a second bike work with rego, insurance, etc. This would change if I ever got a new bike.
I would look at a trail bike/ dual purpose bike - say Honda XL250 or equivalent or one of the many clones. With the crap roads, the suspension helps, they are cheap to run and fix, tyres last forever and maintenance labour won't kill you. You can also use it in the dirt as well for a hack, although then you come back to the risk of bending something that has to get you to work the next day.

Geoff

[marty]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?bikead=yes&p=1128483

[b1g-fuLLa]

Get a Suzuki Rg150, cov ive got 1 and im cool :cool::niceone:

[Badjelly]

I bought myself a Yamaha Scorpio a couple of weeks ago. It's a bit of a stretch to call a 225 cc, 15 kW bike "sporty" but it is great fun to ride round town. The only drawback is that I nullify the low fuel consumption by always trying to find the longest way to work so the ride lasts longer.

Ideally I'd have a 400-500 cc twin/single but they don't exist new and the prices for 10-20 year old ones are just ridiculous! A brand new bike at $3800+ORC was just too good a deal to pass up.

[Hitcher]

Scroters make excellent communters. There is a range of models in the 250cc class, all four-strokes, all generally excellent and cheaper to run than an African orphan.

[rphenix]

I see a few GN recommendations only thing I've noticed is GN riders seem to struggle way more than other riders with high wind (e.g. going over harbour bridge) so if your going to be dealing with wind I would be thinking about a slightly heavier frame?

Of course the GN's might be struggling more with rider confidence since its often purchased as a first bike..

[NZsarge]

I reckon this (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=118704709&key=613233)would be a bloody excellent commuter.

NT400BROS.

Honda reliability. 400cc Vtwin. No fairings.

$2400 buynow

or an XJR400 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=118697803&key=613233)for $2300 buynow.

Damn....that XJR is an awesome little bike!

[Bonez]

You could buy an anceint 500 twin for less than a grand. I also second the GB400/500 series. Great wee bikes.

[sinned]

That 400 BROS is a nice bike and would do the commute very well.

I am now very seriously looking at changing the SV1000S for a naked female bike. If I do that is may also make a good commuter, even if it is a hooligan bike.

[doc]

I am thinking of a second, low cost bike for commuting. Will still keep the SV1000 or its upcoming replacement for the real rides.
My commute is Johnsonville to the city 10km - 50kph all the way unless I venture onto the motorway. So open road speed and power is not an issue.
It will be parked in public areas and may get get knocked over, so something that doesn't easily damage
Cheap to buy so something a bit older is okay
Low running costs - especially petrol
I don't want a scooter
The two wheel equivalent of a toyota corolla - reliable an frugal

I was thinking of a 125 - 400cc bike that is easy to ride in traffic

Any ideas
you are really looking for a scooter aren't you. Go on get one,you know you want too. Seriously tho. Scooter would be ideal, when you start trying to use old bikes for regular workhorse type stuff ,you are going to be spending more time than you want keeping it going. In your situation a scooter/nifty 50 type setup would make me appreciate my "real" ride when I got on it even more.

[Finn]

In your situation a scooter/nifty 50 type setup would make me appreciate my "real" ride when I got on it even more.

Yeah, it makes me feel better about myself when I'm on my bike and I see some poor student on a scooter.

That's what you meant right?

[doc]

Yeah, it makes me feel better about myself when I'm on my bike and I see some poor student on a scooter.

That's what you meant right?
So very true, I imagine it's like when you drag the Repsol out, to give it a run, pull up to the lights and are next to Burgman and think "I wish I bought my other bike"

[twinkle]

The brakes suck, the ride sucks, the mirrors suck, the engine sucks (are we seeing a pattern here).

Good points are no one wants to steal it and it gets 25km per litre.

I guess my two main issues (the brakes and engine) only come up on the motorway section of my commute.

Re the brakes on the gn, if you move the whole brake cylinder/clamp/lever unit about 25mm further along, you get 25mm more leverage with your stronger fingers on the brake lever, it makes a HUGE difference, all your fingers will still fit on the lever too.
Beware if you have that chengshin tyre still on the front though, you will lock it up so much more easily in the wet.

[sinned]

I am thinking of a second, low cost bike for commuting. Will still keep the SV1000 or its upcoming replacement for the real rides.
My commute is Johnsonville to the city 10km - 50kph all the way unless I venture onto the motorway. So open road speed and power is not an issue.
It will be parked in public areas and may get get knocked over, so something that doesn't easily damage
Cheap to buy so something a bit older is okay
Low running costs - especially petrol
I don't want a scooter
The two wheel equivalent of a toyota corolla - reliable an frugal

I was thinking of a 125 - 400cc bike that is easy to ride in traffic

Any ideas

Now I am quoting myself - is that a sign of madness? :crazy: On Saturday I take possession of a bike that will meet my hooligan desires ;) and serve as a commuter. Nice upright riding position, flexible motor, easy to maneuver, no fairings to scratch. So I now don't think I need a second bike or a scooter. :clap:

Thanks for all the posts, really interesting stuff posted here. :2thumbsup

[xwhatsit]

Well what is it, you great tease?

[sinned]

Well what is it, you great tease?

This is a pic of the demo bike. Mine is same color of black with standard cans high up and new.

[Pwalo]

Very nice. The new Triples look stunning. I'm not too sure that you'll be making huge savings in petroleum or commuting times though!

[xwhatsit]

Ho ho ho ho!

Sure he'll make savings in commuting times! By wheelieing across the median strips when the cars are stopped :yes:

[SVboy]

You are a rider who has the commute thang sussed-hope you have somewhere safe to park it during the day-like next to your desk, in the office!