I wanna save my GTR......

[kwarrgtr]

for ride outs, meets, and tours.

My mega dull commute (70 miles of m25 and m40) seems like a real 'waste' to do on the gtr. I guess I kinda rather foolishly 'resent' cranking up the miles and therefore the depreciation on two daily rides that basically cant be enjoyable :-(  My thought on this is I aim to keep the gtr for a few years, so I dont wanna 'waste it'.

So I am thinking about a commuter hack (well, not quite a hack, but you know) I'll be putting on 15k miles every year, so I'd like something cheap to run, not under powered tho, cos when I do hit the m40 its generally clear (for two junctions). And maybe something easy to work on so I can tinker and try my hand at servicing – which will be the 1st time for donkeys years!!!
Before you all reply... ' the gtr's a great commuter'.. I know I have used it a few times, but as above, its just seems like such a waste to clock those miles up and knock down the value on crap journeys.
So, what would make it onto your short list...?

(My back to biking bike, was a Dullsville NT650, so I don't think the NT700 would be 'different/better' enough to consider......

[Andy]

It's surprising how quick the miles clock up when commuting. I had a NC700X as a loan bike when I had my 7.5k service last week. Only a 3 gallon tank so a range of supposedly 220-240 miles for 20 quid. Fine for M25 but different (only revs to just over 6k). ABS linked brakes wide bars small panniers available helmet cubbyhole under tank 

[Boomer]

If you want decent weather protection then you will need a tourer.
You can get used ST1100s and GTR1000s pretty cheap but they are pretty difficult to work on as almost everything requires the fairing to be removed. Also, be aware that the brakes are  after riding the 1400GTR.

If yer less worried about weather protection, a used CBR600, VFR800, RF900, ZZR600/1100, FJ1200 are all good reliable bikes but still have plenty of plastic to be removed.

If you don't give a stuff about weather protection, Bandit 600 or 1200, Hornet 600 or 900, CB1000R, GSX1400, XJR1200, ZRX1100/1200.

ZZR1100 has most of the performance of the 1400GTR and is a hoot to ride.
After the GTR1000 it would be my choice for commuting.

[BigAlan]

My mate here in Sunny Oxford has his Sprint for sale, 52 reg, not that many miles but cant tell you exactly how many as he never rides it now so have not seen him for a while but he's only around the corner, silver with panniers, all serviced, £2k

Thats if this floats your boat.

Alan

[mecki]

Looking at the prices for used GTRs I don't think that the milage is such a big deal.
They depreciate horribly anyway.
So what you spend on another bike will be most likely more than the difference between a high milage GTR and a low milage one when you actually sell it. 

[Lonewolf]

How much are you wanting to spend on another bike?

Not everyones cup of tea, but as a durable, long lasting machine & suitable for all weathers how about something like this.....


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130636030305?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

[O.C.]

ZZR 100/1200  its a no brainer 

[viper]

an old zzr1100  , ive got a cheap one going .

[O.C.]

an old zzr1100  , ive got a cheap one going .

They were an absolutely fantastic bike I had this one in 1994/5

[2kwacks]

if I was in the market for a commuter, I would most likely go for the zrx1200 either the "R" or the "S" model! the S model with the half fairing gives decent weather protection, dam good engine, plenty of power, comfortable seating position, decent m.p.g 45plus! and nimble enough to filter through the traffic. here is a pic of my 2003 model another one, I've regretted selling

[viper]

im with you on the rex, mine has the sweetest sounding engine ive ever heard, nice and nimble and easy to handle.

[O.C.]

The 'Rex' is a great bike, solid construction and cast iron running gear

My mate bought this one which I collected for him



And set about converting it into this...awesome....

[kwarrgtr]

thanx fellers, some good suggestions there. BigAl, ta but a sprints not for me, tried one a year back and found the front to heavy, probably just me, but not sure how i get on on busy m25 with that. Although having never owned a triumph, getting one is kinda appealing....
LW - ta, agian, It just feels 'wrong' to give bm my business, plus thats a heavy old bike to be getting in and out of garage every day - especially as it will have to go next to the cage.
the zrx100/1200 option I hadnt considered (or even know anything about...)
Found a nice looking zzr1100 for £2.5k on mcn (which is sorta ball park I'm aiming at), which looks like it'll be worth a look.
Once again thanx all and keep suggestions coming.....

[nigelp]

I know of a nice GTR1000 going for just over a grand, recet service as well apparently!

Go to GSUKers website and look under non- GS bikes for sale.

[kwarrgtr]

cheers Nigel, havent got details have you, (not sure I can be bothered to register for (yet) another forum......, I know lazy git itess