Commuter - wot to buy?

**Badjelly** · 26th September 2007, 14:04

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** · 26th September 2007, 15:16

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** · 26th September 2007, 16:50

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** · 26th September 2007, 17:08

Originally Posted by riffer

I reckon this would be a bloody excellent commuter.

NT400BROS.

Honda reliability. 400cc Vtwin. No fairings.

$2400 buynow

or an XJR400 for $2300 buynow.

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

**Bonez** · 26th September 2007, 17:25

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

**sinned** · 26th September 2007, 17:43

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** · 26th September 2007, 17:45

Originally Posted by dennisr

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** · 26th September 2007, 17:48

Originally Posted by doc

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** · 26th September 2007, 18:05

Originally Posted by Finn

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** · 26th September 2007, 19:06

Originally Posted by MaxCannon

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** · 27th September 2007, 21:55

Originally Posted by dennisr

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?

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.

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