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......
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 :smiley:
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 :shit: :shit: :shit: 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.
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
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. :wacko:
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 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130636030305?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649)
ZZR 100/1200 its a no brainer :wink:
an old zzr1100 , ive got a cheap one going .
Quote from: viper on February 28, 2012, 07:39:17 PM
an old zzr1100 , ive got a cheap one going .
They were an absolutely fantastic bike I had this one in 1994/5
(http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n326/oldeconey/bikingpics009.jpg)
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 :smiley: another one, I've regretted selling :sad:
(http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m474/02zx7r/2003zrx1200s-1.jpg)
im with you on the rex, mine has the sweetest sounding engine ive ever heard, nice and nimble and easy to handle.
(http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/2640_1132307746741_1198692779_390521_5264274_n.jpg)
The 'Rex' is a great bike, solid construction and cast iron running gear
My mate bought this one which I collected for him
(http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n326/oldeconey/PICTURESIMPORTED5189.jpg)
And set about converting it into this...awesome....
(http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n326/oldeconey/PICTURESIMPORTED6480.jpg)
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.....
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.
cheers Nigel, havent got details have you, (not sure I can be bothered to register for (yet) another forum......, I know lazy git itess
[qoute] from kawrrgtr the zrx100/1200 option I hadnt considered (or even know anything about...) before you spend your hard earned cash :smiley:
here is some info on the kawasaki zrx1200s..http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/2001-kawasaki-zrx1200s-15106.html
there a good allrounder, I had the 2003 model for 5 years. excellent strong motor, the sod could move when it wanted to as well! never let me down in the 5 years I owned it, infact I sold it to someone I knew in 2008. and he still owns the bike, infact was speaking to him last month, he said it's never failed to start and as not give him any trouble whats so ever. still handels and rides as good as when I had it, mind you there holding there price well. I sold mine in 2008 for £3,250.00 with 14,000 miles on the clock in the very condition as pictured in this topic, you would be lucky to get 2003 model with similar mileage for less than the price I got for mine 4 years ago, infact there demanding more money now. "another bad move by yours truely" :cry:
If it doesn't have to be a Kwack I'd recommend the Suzuki GSF 1250 Bandit.
The engine is a real torque monster and virtually bullet proof.
I had one for nearly 3 years before I traded it in for the GTR - best street bike ever and unbeatable on price! :clap:
Here here :yes:
Oh yesssssss... El Bandito, is cast iron.....and can be easily/cheaply 'improved' if you wish :yes:
If you are travelling 350 miles a week I'd suggest something economical with a smaller engine e.g. http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/BMW/BMW-G650GS-2011-current/ (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/BMW/BMW-G650GS-2011-current/) speed isn't a issue on the M25... :smiley:
quite by coincidence I've just had this link sent to me
What a stunning bike and not a lot of money
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260969166803&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en
That looks lovely Roger
I was actually seriously looking at a Versys the other day as a winter bike.
But since I don't need to commute I couldn't really justify the expense.
Looked like a lot of fun, though. :biker3:
But if I find a better paid job I might be tempted. :yes:
Cheers chaps - Andy, ta but the 650 gs is too expensive, only 650 and its a bm, apart from that it ticks all the boxes haha, but ta anyway. Nigel the gtr1000 is pehaps a 'little too' last year....
Roger - that is indeed a nice looking bike for little money. Shame its in the back of beyond :grin:
Actually spotted a very tidy rex (few usual knocks and scrapes) but only £2500 and in Essex. So I am gonna make that the first serious contender and hope to see it soon.
What about the Suzuki VStrom?
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on March 02, 2012, 08:29:39 AM
What about the Suzuki VStrom?
now thats a cracking suggestion......
As someone pouring 15k a year on commuting too, I can understand where you are coming from, but don't forget about the extra insurance/tax/servicing etc of the second bike. Then there is the hassle of having to get a 2nd bike MOTd each year, plus space to store it. A bike cheap enough to make financial sense is not necessarily going to be as key-in and forget as the GTR, with seals, sprockets, bearings, fork oil etc. all potentially needing replacement at some point.
Most importantly, are you *really* going to open the garage door each morning, walk past that lovely GTR, and get on some old/small/budget/unexciting alternative bike?
I vote for keep putting miles on the GTR.
Martin.
Hi Martin, yeah i do know where your coming from. To be honest - this could be one of those things that the more I think about it.... the more I confuse myself. Walking past the gtr is not too much of a problem, there is actually joy in just looking at it, of course not as much as riding it.
I actually got the gtr late last year and if im honest - i only got it because i was in a position that... I could, I love the idea of having multiple bikes - even though from a pracical sense... as you say, it doesnt make any!!!
But - I know I am bloody lucky, I really have simple (read cheap) tastes - apart from motorbikes, and iam pretty sure, that now will be the only time in my life where I will be in a position to get another bike. And my (ridiculous) justification... well.... not only a cheap (ish) commuter, but I'll have a big incentive to do my own servicing and farkling. The gtr will go to the dealer, cos I'd hate to cock up with that beaut.!!!
Ps - someone else suggested a vfr.......
Oh no more thinking and not enough (any) brain cells left.......
Quote from: kwarrgtr on March 02, 2012, 02:45:00 PM
..., I love the idea of having multiple bikes - even though from a pracical sense... as you say, it doesnt make any!!!
Now this makes much more sense to me. Don't do it to save money (you won't really, with second bike costs/hassle), do it to have another option for hopefully the same money that you save on the GTR. But I would strongly recommend something different, rather than a cheaper commuter.
Aprilia Tuono. Supermoto. Anything with a KTM badge. Something you can go off-road or green-lane on. Old Ducati monster. Stupid litre sportsbike. Some naked guzzi thingy.
I am lucky enough to be able to have other bikes than the GTR. Make it count, buy something you actually would desire though.
Martin.
I am lucky enough to be able to have other bikes than the GTR. Make it count, buy something you actually would desire though.
Martin.
ahhhh so the truth will out!! :rolleyes:
So... something I desire.... ummm I actually desire the new Triumph explorer
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on March 02, 2012, 08:29:39 AM
What about the Suzuki VStrom?
I had Kawasakis re-badged version ( KLV 1000) for a while
It was :shit:
Quote from: olde coney on March 02, 2012, 09:32:33 PM
I had Kawasakis re-badged version ( KLV 1000) for a while
It was :shit:
The 1000 wasn't as good as the 650 (or the wee as its affectionately known as). The Vstrom was my first adventure tourer and it was a fantastic bike. Until some twat pulled out infront of me and wrote it off.
where does all the maths sit with not getting a bike saving GTR v the hit on the continual use of your Gtr v the cost saving towards a new gtr when yours hits a certain milage or age
in other words would the running costs and depriciation and capital outlay on the new bike save you money on the additional milage and wear on the GTR, could the saving help you replace your GTR sooner than planned
Quote from: viper on March 03, 2012, 07:19:04 PM
where does all the maths sit with not getting a bike saving GTR v the hit on the continual use of your Gtr v the cost saving towards a new gtr when yours hits a certain milage or age
in other words would the running costs and depriciation and capital outlay on the new bike save you money on the additional milage and wear on the GTR, could the saving help you replace your GTR sooner than planned
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure that out.
The answer is NO :smartass:.
cant argue with that logic (BUT I did have to read that post about ten times)!! Haha
But now you mention it... logic and sense doesnt really come into the equation does it (if we're honest), biking per se, doesnt really make sense, costs, risks, crappy uk roads, too much bloody traffic, with mostly numpty drivers...
Most of us are bikers cos we love it and them, there's only a few bikers who's only form of transport is a bike...
Hum .... that's reasonable :smiley: