[Closed] Motorcycle choices…..

I did 200 miles on my naked goldwing the other day, needed a new neck the next day.

I used to commute on a F660 single cylinder beemer all year round, it suited that job and longer rides well as long as you weren't in a massive rush. My mate has a Honda cb500x which is nice too for what you are looking for. I would say even though I live in the south I still needed a back up car as motorbikes and ice don't mix, I found that out the hard way! Heated grips are a must but knowing when to take the car is also a must.

Lots of nice, middle capacity (700-900cc) nakeds around just now, coming in just under £10k.
Just decide if you want contemporary, retro or adventure style bikes, then decide if you want 2, 3 or 4 cylinders. Maybe then look at how good the dealers near you are...

It's been a while but,

Some sort of fared Honda in about a 600 flavour? Does the CBF / Hornet-S still exist?

Have a car for the really bad weather, but don’t generally mind riding in the rain and cold.

No great rush either, so I could wait and see what Honda bring out to replace the Crossrunner and Crosstourer. There’s talk of a smaller and simpler (800cc?) Africa Twin - that could be nice.

Yamaha FJR1300 obviously:

I don't own one myself, 675R Street Triple is my bike,but going off what you say I would be looking at a Suzuki 650 VStrom,or if you want more power & weight the VStrom 1000.From what I've read a lot of people prefer the 650 as it's less top heavy than the 1000.
There's a few forums about the Vstroms,have a look at what the forum members say.
The Honda CB500X also gets a lot of love & you can buy a new one for 6K,but it only puts out 47HP.
I'm looking at getting one for a big trip to the Nordkapp & I have my doubts about the Street Triple behaving itself in the back of beyond...

In time-honoured STW fashion I'm going to suggest what I've got - a KTM 990 Supermoto. Does everything on your list without breaking a sweat. Huge amount of grunt from the V-twin engine, corners like a housefly and the noise it makes... 🤗
I've used mine for general pootling and multi-day trips, and it's going for a trackday at Knockhill in September. Recently went to Skye and had a few 5+ hour days in the saddle and it's supremely comfortable, although I have upgraded to the KTM ergo seat from the 990 SMT. Removable luggage racks means it'll carry a good week's-worth of stuff, but then you can ditch them and head off for an explore without worrying about looking like a Ewan McGregor/Charlie Boorman wannabe. There are very few rider aids and they're getting a bit long in the tooth now if that's a concern, but they're insane value for the money - you're looking at about £4500-5000 for a decent one at the moment. If you want newer then the 790 Duke is almost as good. I test drove one before deciding on the 990 - just preferred the look of the older bike - but it gave me the same feeling of joy that my SM does.
The only gripe I've got is the fuel economy isn't stellar: on the Skye trip I was getting 140 miles before the fuel light came on and then a fill-up with 150 miles done was close to £20.
[img] [/img]

Vfr, zx1200 or Big triumph?

I’ve had a few bikes (180), for that use I’d get another cb500x. Great fun bike that ticks all those boxes. If you want a bit more go I now have a tenere 700 that does the same. But I’d prefer a Honda for the miles you’ll do.

CB500x owner and I echo those who say it would fit your brief. Great fun to ride and performance is good considering it's only 47bhp. At a bit over £6K they are a bargain and can be upgraded with accessories/parts to suit your needs. The fuel economy is good too at over 70mpg without having to try.

Every time I think about changing it for something bigger, more off-road orientated or whatever I go for a ride and it wins me over again.

Here's mine

[img] [/img]
[url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/51249914750/ ]2021-06-15_03-33-50[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url] - [url= https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dariogf.flickr2BBcode_lite ]Flickr2BBcode LITE[/url]

Yamaha Tracer 7 GT ?

https://www.yamaha-motor.eu/gb/en/products/motorcycles/sport-touring/tracer-7-gt/

Taking the STW trope even further, I'm going to a) ingore your post about buying new, and b) recommend my actual bike. I'm not commuting anymore so it's sitting under-loved in the garage.

1996 CBR1000F Swims through its MOT every year, comfy, fast, can trundle through town as well. Lovely, smooth engine. Appreciating classic! 🙂

Tracer 9 or the older Tracer 900 comes in around 10k and is a decent all-rounder.

For longer runs you might want to consider more fuel range, better wind protection and comfort (which I think it has covered). The seat is mega uncomfy on my 2015 tracer, but mostly resolved with an Airhawk cushion 🙂

Failing that, Versys 650 is worth a look too...

Thanks for so many excellent suggestions!

Like I say, too much choice 😀

Tracer 7 GT is the one I keep coming back to, seems to tick all the boxes.

How about a Versys? It’s not naked or a street-style bike, but it would be good for the commuting part and you could easily tour with it. It’s also not a BMW GS, although the 800cc version might work with road tyres.

I reckon you need a Honda CRF250L, great for non motorway commuting, super reliable, peanuts to run, and you can go trail riding at the weekend, or a bot of light enduro.

As it happens I have a 2017 1700miles for sale..

The big one or the wee one? I do quite like Kawasakis. How do they compare reliability/quality wise with Yamaha and Honda?

Lots of Hondas for sale on here, what’s wrong with Honda? 😀

Nothing, I just only ride my other bike these days, don't need 2.

What’s your other one?

Having done the year round commute with no car as backup, in the SE, don't underestimate just how much it will ruin a nice new shiny bike.

I owned a 2001 Honda VFR800, did the daily commute on it, did the alps on it, brilliant thing and sounded epic with the V4 and straight cut cam gears.

Bought and sold for about £1800.

[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/4371/36212150974_767ba10e32_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/4371/36212150974_767ba10e32_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

Then I saw your new and £10k requirements... 🙁

For the commute you will want a fairing, and a scottoiler or similar, and not care when it looks like this after a week of commuting during the depths of winter.
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/4729/39219085301_92b88269ec_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/4729/39219085301_92b88269ec_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/4685/39191254342_acc31d4f09_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/4685/39191254342_acc31d4f09_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

Oh and forget heated grips. Get heated gloves.

Otherwise, first - decide what engine configuration you like. I'm a V4/Vtwin guy. Not a huge fan of IL3 engines. Other's are the opposite. That'll reduce your possibles by lots. Then decide if you want a sports tourer or an upright adv style.

There's simply far too much choice at that budget and with those few requirements. I mean do you want a 600 or a 1200? both will ride very differently. How long have you been riding? I wouldn't suggest a K1300s for a new rider, but for an experienced rider they're awesome.

I’ve got a Bonneville at the moment, so I know all too well how minging they get, and I don’t want chrome on the next bike. I like the torquey twin, but I feel a bit cramped on it, and my arse aches before an hour is up. Ridden a mates RT a few times, but it’s a bit high, and too expensive. Then I have use of a 1600 Thunderbird from time to time as well, and it’s awesome, but probably not the ideal commuter! Maybe I need the new 1100 Honda Rebel?!

1100 rebel would be a nice choice and you could have dct too. Honda build quality and reliability is still unbeatable imo.

And no chrome!

VFR is the obvious answer.

I’d be looking at a nice Ducati Multistrada though. Not even close to a naked but perfect for a lot of your requirements

10k

MT-07, MT-09 or the Tracer version either.

Cheap(ish) reliable and a lot of fun. I ride with a guy who has a few and they have been great. Also more importantly they are a lot of fun 🙂

Whats your budget and experience level?

Just saw your budget is 10K brand new MT-09

Or if you want something exciting and in the get what I have tradition, a second hand BMW S1000XR, though you did say reliable so maybe not 🙂

The S1000 engine is buzzer than one of those murder hornets. I’d avoid. As much as I loved my XR it was uncomfortable to cruise on at 75ish mph.

The S1000 engine is buzzer than one of those murder hornets. I’d avoid. As much as I loved my XR it was uncomfortable to cruise on at 75ish mph.

Heavy bar ends and a few miles on the engine and its fine. I have done 30K miles on mine, use it for European tours. Its not as relaxing as say a GS but a lot more relaxing than some of the other bikes I have had and still have 🙂

I think the whole XR vibrations thing is a bit over stated, that or some of them are far worse than mine. The fact little things go wrong is more annoying. I had no dash when I turned on the key in Wales the other weekend. Started and ran, no dash. Dash runs indicators too 🙂 So no indicators. Everything else was fine though 🙂

thegreatape
Free Member
What’s your other one?

Firestorm. Play bike.

I use to do a round-trip 90-100 mile commute in pretty much all weathers, 200 days in a year was the max I managed (mild winter).

Bottom line - you want to be safe & warm.

I went through a variety of bike types, all bought new and I put lots of miles on; superbike, sportsbike, adventure and sports touring and the one I had was probably the best - Triumph 1050 GT.

Utterly dependable in all weathers, and serious safe & secure and faster than pretty much anything else you'll meet on the road (even gave Sunday-riders a shock as it's ability off the lights was up there with previous superbikes in the real world). Big fairing, loads of room and 60mpg.

Oh, and avoid panniers, use a top box.

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/triumph/sprint-gt-1050/2010/

That ST looks good, not many of that type of sports tourer on sale these days - Ninja 1000SX, VFR800, R1250RS…..that might be it? Seems that ADV or road biased ADVs have replaced them for most manufacturers.

BMW F800 GT
Economical parallel twin engine. Belt drive, so no messing with chain lube. Well under your £10k price tag. Excellent dealer back up.

for that sort of use a mega scooter is ideal. a pal of mine has 750 scooter. Looks like a hoot.

Z900rs

No point in half-measures here... go straight in for a BMW1250GS.
If budget doesn't allow, or you want simplicity, go for an earlier GS (Anything from late 90's 1100 onwards).

Triumph Tiger 850 Sport could be worth a look.

Less than £10k new.

It's on my radar, just need a test ride.

No point in half-measures here… go straight in for a BMW1250GS.

Try commuting on one of those and you'll end queueing with the cars etc.

Does the NC700 series still exist? Is it the 750 now?

Seems like a motorcycle range designed for commuting

I used to commute year round on my Suzuki SV650s and then my Triumph Street Triple R - I ended up with heated grips and heated gilet for the depths of winter, that really helped

I was looking at the Tiger 850 Sport as well, that does look nice.

Triumph Tiger 850 Sport could be worth a look.

or a lightly used/ex demo tiger 900

GS isn't a bad shout actually. A friend of mine had one. Fantastic ride.

(And so was the bike.)

This is what you need

https://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/range/scooter/forza-750/overview.html

Heavy bar ends and a few miles on the engine and its fine. I have done 30K miles on mine, use it for European tours. Its not as relaxing as say a GS but a lot more relaxing than some of the other bikes I have had and still have 🙂

I think the whole XR vibrations thing is a bit over stated, that or some of them are far worse than mine. The fact little things go wrong is more annoying. I had no dash when I turned on the key in Wales the other weekend. Started and ran, no dash. Dash runs indicators too 🙂 So no indicators. Everything else was fine though 🙂

Owned from new and it was one of the early ones. Fitted the barends, got the handlebar mount warranty upgrade, did 17,000 miles on it all around the UK and Europe. It was just annoyingly buzzy at cruising revs. Apparently some were more than others.
The helpful BMW sales guy suggested I’d not run it in properly…

The dash issue is a concern!

– reliability and build quality are pretty important

I was looking at the Tiger 850 Sport as well, that does look nice.

Are you sure??

The dash issue is a concern!

At least the BMW will run with a dodgy dash. Good luck trying to get a modern Triumph running when the £1K dash has failed...

Z900rs

That’s a good call. Also a Monster. Lovely bikes that you’ll not lose money on.
Triumph Speed Twin, especially now the new ones been released.

A Kawasaki Z1000SX / Ninja 1000SX would tick a lot your boxes. I've got one and it's a great all-rounder.

Alternatively Yamaha TMax 560 ...

... what would you go for?

I haven't bothered to read the thread, because there was only ever one answer for me.

The fastest one. In black.

Try commuting on one of those and you’ll end queueing with the cars etc.

?
I don't. Not even on the GS Adventure.

Seriously, try any of the boxer-twin GSs. Price range of £2k to £20K. All good. You'll only wonder "What if" until you do. Anything after feels a bit flimsy and underwhelming.

I haven’t bothered to read the thread, because there was only ever one answer for me.

The fastest one. In black

For me it’s a Ducati 1098 in red. Genuinely my dream bike.

For me it’s a Ducati 1098 in red. Genuinely my dream bike.

That'll meet the OP's needs perfectly.

That’ll meet the OP’s needs perfectly.

What’s the worst that could happen?

Clearly the list of choices is not long enough as it doesn't include this one:

There's also a long-term owner review on the same channel, but the long and short of it is: this is the one you're looking for.

Try commuting on one of those and you’ll end queueing with the cars etc.

Nah. I ran them for 10yrs and never sat in a queue.

Just in from a 100 miler to Eyemouth for dinner and then over the Lammermuirs back home with Mrs Brads onboard.

Constant rib digging for flinging it about. It's a surprising bike that I love more every time I ride it.

701 supermoto tomorrow morning though, just to blow the old age away.

I could listen to that NTP guy all day.

I could listen to that NTP guy all day.

Same here, it's almost hypnotic.

Work out the exact bike that's perfectly rational and practical for the job you want it to do.

Then, buy one that's 20-50% less rational and practical.

Work out the exact bike that’s perfectly rational and practical for the job you want it to do.

Then, buy one that’s 20-50% less rational and practical.

There is a lot of truth in that.
A motorcycle should always excite you. That might be to ride, look at or just thinking about it!
Never, ever buy a motorcycle that doesn't do that for you.

I've had a few boring ones... they didn't stay for long!

What’s the worst that could happen?

exactly that.. .there's a long long thread if you wanted to read it about a guy who bought an 1199 and took it round the world after flying it to Europe so it could go back home, he wanted an 1199 and that was the tool he picked... it worked... he was happy as anything.

True. I need a commuter bike.
Now actively considering this:

A 250cc Fantic. Totally the wrong tool for the job, but it makes my tummy funny in a way a CB500X, TMAX or Versys never could.

Nah. I ran them for 10yrs and never sat in a queue.

I've sat behind loads of them as they just can't get through the gaps that 'normal' bikes can.

And their mirrors are just at the wrong height, which is why my 1050 Tiger only lasted a year.

Or maybe you just don't realise that these are 'gaps'?

Just in from a 100 miler to Eyemouth for dinner and then over the Lammermuirs back home with Mrs Brads onboard.

The bloke wants a commuter, not a Sunday special.

exactly that.. .there’s a long long thread if you wanted to read it about a guy who bought an 1199 and took it round the world after flying it to Europe so it could go back home, he wanted an 1199 and that was the tool he picked… it worked… he was happy as anything.

I have a Bandit 650 right now and it's a decent bike for what I want it for (some backroad thrashing, some commuting, gaining experience), but the 1098 just has _something_ that makes me want it. I have no idea if it will fit me, but it's rare a bike does. It just looks... amazing and sounds devine.

In red. Maybe the S model for the Öhlins, maybe not.

@intheborders

Nope I filtered with the rest on the beemer. Never been held up due to it's size but I suppose some can't ride bigger bikes through smaller gaps.
Mirrors at wrong height ? no idea what that is.
To be honest, there are loads of negative comments every time you mention big GS's but tbh I think most are from folk who have never owned one or even ridden one. Not sure what that's about actually ?

I should have mentioned that the run yesterday was on my Z900rs and I'm curious to what the difference is between a bike you ride on Sunday to one you ride on Monday ?

I'll just keep posting bikes that are on my radar.

The latest one that has caught my eye is the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2021 model.

Sports & tourer combined into one so might fit the bill. Might be able to find a nearly new model for under £10k.

I’m curious to what the difference is between a bike you ride on Sunday to one you ride on Monday ?

In my world the 'sunny Sunday Princess' gets used on special occasions,the 'Plain Jane' bike gets used for the everyday stuff,also it's less desrirable to light fingered scrotes so security isn't as much of an issue when you're considering where you're going to park it.

The difference between a Sunday bike and a Monday bike depends on having a job

Going on the OP's criteria, there's one bike so far that strikes me as the best tool for the job, and it hasn't even been mentioned yet...

The BMW F900 XR... Looks good, seems to tick all the boxes, and will undoubtedly do the boring commute well and yet provide enough fun come the weekend too.

Apologies for Rory Reid content...

The other would be the Tracer 9 of course...

Personally, I'd go with the BMW. I rode an older model Tracer 900 for nearly 100 miles when my MT-10 was in for warranty work, I loved the engine, but the overly light and wandery front end when pushing on was a concern!

However... Can I seriously suggest, as others have already, that if you're commuting on this seriously, a 20yr old Honda VFR800 is a much better prospect (and there's still plenty of good ones about to pick from!). It's probably the most comfortable bike to do distance on that I've ever owned, minor niggles aside (there's extensive knowledge on these bikes on the forums and facebook groups) they're as reliable a bike as Honda has ever made and they'll do huge mileage easily with little more than regular oil changes! Sure, you don't get ABS, but in all honesty the way that the dual-CBS brakes work on these bikes acts like a kinda ABS in sub optimal conditions anyway. My biggest criticism of them is that the suspension was pretty soft when new even, so at 20yrs old it will likely need a refresh. YSS do a rear shock for about £300 that transforms the bike, and you can re-spring the forks and change the oil and seals for £100 or so, so all is not lost.

The best thing about the VFR800 is that it just does everything really bloody well... The newer VTEC ones are still great bikes, though have added complications, hence the "5th Gen" with its gear driven cams is still regarded as the best. You can commute all week in comfort, the weather protection from the full fairing is second only to a proper touring bike like a Yamaha FJ or BMW RT, yet they'll scratch with the best super nakeds and sports bikes at the weekend (You can use almost all of the VFR800's 105bhp, where a 1000cc Superbike is barely using 50% of its capability even ridden quickly on the road!). But chuck some luggage on it, and go touring, and it'll embarrass pretty much everything else too... I've had 2, if I needed a bike for commuting on I'd buy another in a heartbeat. You can find really good ones for £2k, absolute minters for £2500... For me, I'd rather spend that on a commute bike and then use the remaining budget towards a fun weekend toy like a KTM Duke 890R or something similar.

As for me...

There is a lot of truth in that.
A motorcycle should always excite you. That might be to ride, look at or just thinking about it!
Never, ever buy a motorcycle that doesn’t do that for you.

I’ve had a few boring ones… they didn’t stay for long!

Exactly... I don't commute on a motorbike fortunately, but even if I did, my requirements are quite different... I spend 50% of my time on a motorbike 2up, so a big torquey motor and electronically adjustable suspension make a big difference! My SuperDuke 1290 GT might seem like overkill to many, but with 173bhp and 141Nm of torque on tap, it NEVER fails to excite, that's for sure!

Yep, VFR800 5th Gen is still an awesome bike. And the sound, oh the sound...

For me, I’d rather spend that on a commute bike and then use the remaining budget towards a fun weekend toy like a KTM Duke 890R or something similar.

Exactly what I would do. And did. VFR800 for the commute/touring. Tuono factory for the weekend
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/790/39205012970_bf21f03eb2_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/790/39205012970_bf21f03eb2_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

Will be a sad day when the Tuono gets sold but I've had my fun on (motor)bikes and have moved on now.

I'd be happy with anything with a sidecar attached :D.

Great things, though they look a bit 'last of the summer wine' just having all your stuff safely with you, not affecting balance or making it unsteady and difficult to get on/off. Great 😀

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/202106143821571?advertising-location=at_bikes

Naked, classic looking and under £10K 😉

I saw one of them Yam XSR700XTributes today.... oh, I want one!

Naked, new and easy under £10k