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Which commuter/multiuse bike to get? Which commuter/multiuse bike to get?
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 11 Aug 2008
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Which commuter/multiuse bike to get?
I want a new/used commuter and require advice,
30 miles minimum a day, on A Roads/Dual carriageway plus the odd trip anywhere ukwide in all weathers, all year round.

But I'm stuck with what to get, I need 60MPH without stressing it,
and gr8/good MPG,
minimum 55 MPG really, 55 is enough to offset the fuel saving from my T5 Car
and pay for itself within it's life.

I was thinking DR125/350/650 or XTZ125, XR125 ,
XL125 plus other XL, Suzuki EN 125, SLR 650, MZ Baghira, Serrow225
around £1000 to invest (800-1300 region)

I like the look of this though- Suzuki classifieds in Paignton : SUZUKI TU, 2000 (W), 249cc, 448 miles. ...
but realise it will rust and age with my allweather riding,
are ther any other 200cc-400cc with good MPG?

safety is important, and the roads I ride in yorkshire are dangerous if you can't hold 60MPH,
I just keep thinking a 125 will be underpowered for the job, and a 650+ will be Inefficient,
It is going to be a 3rd bike, (poss 2nd as my Kat400 may have to go)

any ideas apreciated, I really just wanted to give something back to the Hubb, as I have only voyeured so far and love the site :}
ks.


RF900 Kat400





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  #2  
Old 11 Aug 2008
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Forgot to say,
I always ride armoured up, so will I look like a huge prat on a 125?
;/
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  #3  
Old 11 Aug 2008
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
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Avoid 125s IMO.

Think more 400s. Any 400 should be able to hit 55 mpg, and some exceed it. My XR400R can acheive 75mpg as I recently found out crossing Germany.

Honda CB1 (NC27) or VFR400 (NC24) should both manage 55 consistently and give you more power to ride with. If you are on A roads and DCs you will no doubt want a bit more power to get you out of trouble at one time or another. 125s will not give you that added security. 125s will, however, well exceed 55mpg.

Travelling country wide on a 125 will also be really hard work: more than it needs to be.

My 2p
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  #4  
Old 11 Aug 2008
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I think you are spot on with your idea's. Having done similar use on an 18HP Bullet in West Yorks, you are right about really needing a true 60 mph bike to go with the traffic flow out of town. I don't think the 125's are going to do this. HP wise I'd say you need something in the 23-30 range which will push you over 250cc. My current "hack" is a 23 HP 300cc MZ but that's just silly

I wouldn't discount bikes on capacity though. I had a BMW F650 (48HP) that regularly turned in 70+ mpg, an XT600E that was similar and my dad had a Kawasaki ER-5 (30HP 500) that would do over 100 to the gallon. A 500 or 650 kept to the speed limit can give the performance you want and may be easier to get hold of than 400's. The downside is a little extra on the insurance, although I bet 400cc trail bikes are harder to cover than a commuter like the ER.

Good Luck,

Andy
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  #5  
Old 11 Aug 2008
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Blue Balloon
I have ridden my Honda 125 from Mexico to Tierra del Fuego and back to New York, 45000 Ks without mechanical problems other than replacing chain and sprockets. Up on the Altiplano, the Blue Ridge Parkway, crossing Patagonia I wear so many layers that I am mistaken for a BLUE BALLOON and a necessary part of my anatomy shrinks with cold and gets lost amongst the layers. 30 miles a day? I did managed 500 miles one day riding East to West in Brazil. 250 miles was a normal traveling day. I'm 75. You'll find 30 a doddle. Gas? 100 mpg. Go for it....

BLOG at home
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  #6  
Old 11 Aug 2008
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Cudos to you
I feel honoured to have such great responses from a multi-facetted set of... dare I say it..... friends.
I have travelled and have all but hung up my boots, but seeing the vigor from you all, gets me hungry for more.
I am only 30+ yrs, and sometimes feel I am slowing and have lost 'the edge'.
Possibly it's just maturity letting me slow down and take in whats around me!

I cannot get a grey import again (I've learned my lesson),
and luckily enjoy riding anything, even a lawnmower is goood enough -
(or a superdream)
XTZ125 and DR125 are on a shortlist with DR350, DR250 (import in UK),
all XLand XT what about MZ Baghira?
that nice dude rattles Canada - US to - SA on one.

Thanx for the responses, I hope this helps not just me but other visitors looking for similar info,
ks.
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