Who uses a bike for work? [Archive] - SV650.org

MisterTommyH

31-12-11, 05:47 PM

MisterTommyH

31-12-11, 05:48 PM

MisterTommyH

31-12-11, 05:48 PM

Mods - please delete this copy!

Fruity-ya-ya

31-12-11, 06:18 PM

Commute to work on mine all year round. Only use the tram when the snow/ice gets silly.
I'm lucky as the bike saves me time in the rush hour (city centre) traffic.
I don't mind the x4 changes of clothes a day (leathers>uniform>leathers>normal clobber) but I can appreciate the trepidation.
Have a massive (x2 helmet capacity) top box as I often take a laptop, full change of clothes/uniform and wet gear. I found a 40l rucksack a bit bulky to carry everyday :)

I love riding it everyday but tbf it's only a 15min journey. My mates at work also commute, one rides 40mins everyday.

MisterTommyH

31-12-11, 06:34 PM

Cheers fruity. It's only 20 minutes to and from work, and I have a 46l box x panniers if needed - it's easy enough if I get up late to kit up and beat the traffic and arrive on time anyway.

I'm more concerned about the days when I might have to get to a site or a meeting or several times a day - potentially making it 8 changes a day(!)

SV Mad

31-12-11, 08:05 PM

+1

Commute all year but have the luxury of a locker and changing room at work. Changing is a pain but is made up by the enjoyment of riding...and whizzing past the traffic.

leebex

31-12-11, 08:05 PM

Use the bike daily, but its only 15 mins across town so no big deal really, dont gar far or fast enough for the rain to be a problem, being able to cut through traffic or past the cautious colins etc makes it all worth the cold or wet.

Do get fed up of al the gear, but then once im at work it stays put until I go home.

only used the car for about 2 weeks the whole of the past year, it made a nice change, but then I found out its got a cracked block today, so its bike time again from tuesday for me.

N77

31-12-11, 08:27 PM

I am thinking of doing the same thing as well, used the bike the one morning as it was end of the month and skint with no petrol due to a bit of an over spend on something :oops:

I actually enjoyed it though, made me feel a bit more awake when I got to work than I would of done in the car.

Its as you say keep changing for getting there and back, especially if I went to the gym after work. I would be waiting until the icy weather was out of the way first though before I did it. Its bad enough in a car, let along 2 wheels.

leebex

31-12-11, 08:33 PM

depends where you are in the country, been only a few air frosts here in the south east, and very warm, only seen the roads gritte about 2 or 3 times this winter, and by chance was in the car 2 of those times.

As an aside, even the waves or nods you get from the very few bikers commuting this time of year, they seem to make more of an effort to look over and wave, probably thinking, oh look another fool :p:p:p:p

Ian P

31-12-11, 09:42 PM

use the bike every working day, in the spring come summer i love it. In the winter when its cold, icey, dark and raining i some times wish i was in the wifes car.
using to be a 2 car family but having the the SV saves me money on tax, insurance, a little on fuel and gets me to work alot quicker (is that a good thing?).

mister c

01-01-12, 10:05 AM

I sold my car because it was doing about 1500 miles a year. The bike is used every day, 35 mile round trip to work & have also met a girl that lives 15 miles away, so use it to commute there too.
I love riding, it's my drug fix, if you like, so I don't mind the cold too much. I do, however refuse to ride in snow. I am in the comfortable position that I work for a car & van hire company, so can knick a vehicle whenever I need 1, but, up to now, this year I havent needed to.

dave_mito

01-01-12, 10:09 AM

I used to use my gixxer to ride to work every day for 3 years. was fine and didnt bother me, until I was going out for leisure and then it took a while for me to get into it.

Then when I was using the car I vowed to never have a bike as my only form of transport. But credit crunch ect has meant her car is going up for sale and she will be using mine and I will be using the sv.

Its not as bad this time round as its abit more of a run out and when I do get to work I can put it in the workshop next to another lads R1 I know there is allways some one keeping an eye on it even if I have to go out in the van. Plus having a steam cleaner always set up to blast the salt of is handy.

steveg

01-01-12, 12:01 PM

Don't have access to car to get to work so its a bike everyday

Distances change depends what I'm up to , normally only 200 miles a week , but can be 500 miles per week

Only time I don't ride is in snow , trouble is when there is no snow & then 100 miles away from home its starts snowing , this is the only time I wish I was in a car ...

The bike makes journey times consistant where in a car the M6 etc can be a lottery , also parking a bike is a lot easier / cheaper

Big top box is a must & good gortex gear

If I do commute 500 miles a week , it does take the edge of weekend riding

Cheers Steveg

dizzyblonde

01-01-12, 12:10 PM

I used to use the bikes for work, up at 4.30 am through winter in the freezing cold, playing slaloms with speed bumps when the road was frozen solid. I never had a car, so didn't have much choice.
I don't work now, but Pete uses the bikes more often than not, as its cheaper than our car. Although not at the mo, as the ZZR needs a service, and after last weeks shennigans, I'm not too keen on Suzy being used as a winter hack. Shes not seen weather so wet and crappy in years, and I haven't spent a bomb on her rebuild for her to rot!

The M62 over to Oldham is apparently rather an experience, getting up to the highest motorway point in the UK on an SV, is a bit hair raising at times! Pegs not too bothered about how cold it is, as he has a full Rukka kit, and don't feel it :)

missyburd

01-01-12, 01:41 PM

I don't drive so bike is the only option, tis a good thing I enjoy it! People always ask me about changing in and out of kit, doesn't it annoy you etc. but to be honest, it's a few minutes of my time a day, it means my commute to work is only 20 minutes (as opposed to an hour on public transport) and I actually look forward to getting back on the bike at the end of the day, whatever the weather. Yeah it's not overly pleasant when your kit is soaked from a ride but now I've managed to buy myself actual waterproof kit it makes the whole experience much more enjoyable knowing I'm nice and dry underneath.

bigbill

01-01-12, 01:57 PM

never had the option of a car so its always been the bike and it doesent bother me in the slightest and i do and 80 mile round trip 3 days a week.

NTECUK

01-01-12, 02:22 PM

I specifically chose a SV so I could use it for the work run.
It's quicker, by 1/2. uses 1/2the petrol and 4x the grin factor.
But do suffer from detour syndrome on sunny day ride home .
:)
Only use the mini or Juke if I need tools at home or its icey.

timwilky

01-01-12, 03:05 PM

I only use the bike for work in the summer months as there is nowhere to get changed, store/dry kit. I make a point of parking in my reserved bay in front of the CCTV just to P off the idiots who think bikes should be parked out of sight.

Ensure your insurance includes commuting. But normally it is only to a single place of work. If you need to travel between sites you really should have business use.

My biggest problem when commuting is having to use my pass to open the gates, stop, gloves off, fish out wallet, extract card, insert in, type in number, extract card, back in wallet, put wallet away, gloves back on and ride up to the office. It is not unknown for our security officer to ask you to also remove your helmet so he can check you ID as well.

Sir Trev

01-01-12, 03:19 PM

Ensure your insurance includes commuting. But normally it is only to a single place of work. If you need to travel between sites you really should have business use.

+1. Easily forgotten. I have commuting on my bike policy in case I feel like spending more on fuel (have a fuel card for the car so it's perversely cheaper to use the car) but as I carry a laptop all the time and commute outside of the rush hour mainly I normally use the car. Sure I could detour home on nice days but it's so damn crowded between Wycombe and Bracknell and the options for crossing the river are all rammed with cars so I don't win much anyway.

My biggest problem when commuting is having to use my pass to open the gates, stop, gloves off, fish out wallet, extract card, insert in, type in number, extract card, back in wallet, put wallet away, gloves back on and ride up to the office. It is not unknown for our security officer to ask you to also remove your helmet so he can check you ID as well.

Had a similar problem when I used to commute on the bike. By the time I'd get the card to open the gate there would be a car behind me waiting to get in. And the gits would just go round me tripping the gate to close again before I could move forward... Then your card won't open the gate a second time because the systen says you're already inside!!!!

MisterTommyH

01-01-12, 04:00 PM

Ensure your insurance includes commuting. But normally it is only to a single place of work. If you need to travel between sites you really should have business use.

Class 1 business doesn't make too much difference to the policy. I might give it a trial run in the next couple of weeks see if i can stomach it in what's supposed to be the 'worse' weather then make a decision after that. If nothing else I'll save on car fuel. Suppose the real decision cut-off point is March when the tax and MOT are due.

matt_rehm_hext

01-01-12, 06:33 PM

dizzyblonde

01-01-12, 06:45 PM

Ensure your insurance includes commuting. But normally it is only to a single place of work. If you need to travel between sites you really should have business use.

My biggest problem when commuting is having to use my pass to open the gates, stop, gloves off, fish out wallet, extract card, insert in, type in number, extract card, back in wallet, put wallet away, gloves back on and ride up to the office. It is not unknown for our security officer to ask you to also remove your helmet so he can check you ID as well.

TBH its not much of a change of premium price for commuting to work either.

As for the gloves off at the gate to swipe a card.....my Halvarrsons jacket has a see through pocket on the sleeve, super easy to see my clock card, and no cars have to get peed off waiting to get gloves on and off:D

SV Mad

01-01-12, 06:50 PM

Showing ID/passes at security is a pain so I use these or put the cards in the see through top of a tank bag.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VIPER-ARMBAND-ID-CARD-HOLDER-SIA-Security-Badge-/370259288474?pt=UK_Collectables_Memorabila_RL&hash=item56352c619a#ht_1074wt_932

DJFridge

01-01-12, 09:32 PM

I only have about a mile to do each way and I use the bike unless I have to use the car - if I'm running the youngest to school for example. I'll go out in the rain unless it's actually cats & dogs and I don't mind cold but I draw the line at icy roads.

missyburd

01-01-12, 10:22 PM

I only use my CG to goto work, I don't have a car licence let alone a car.

Only time I don't use a bike for any travel is if I'm deliberately walking somewhere, want to go drinking or it's just too icy to ride safely.
Exactly the same for me, anything to avoid using public transport, I did it for TOO long :rolleyes:

TEC

01-01-12, 10:46 PM

I'm more concerned about the days when I might have to get to a site or a meeting or several times a day - potentially making it 8 changes a day(!)
As others have pointed out, make sure your insurance covers you

As for commuting, been doing it for over 10 years now, 30+ mile round trip, only time I don't go out on the bike is when the white stuff is down, good kit and dressing properly before the trip starts is all it needs :)

Mrs DJ Fridge

01-01-12, 11:07 PM

Oh gosh have to agree with hubby, we work together about 1 mile from home so it is bikes whenever possible, never both on same bike thought, his SV just wakes up and goes my Monster takes waking, nursing and then at least a 2 mile ride before she will consider going to work, and I ride Ducati why?

Lozzo

01-01-12, 11:08 PM

I do - a 70 mile round trip every day in all weathers. Like MrC I sold my car because it never got used and I'm totally reliant on 2 wheels now.

Good kit helps lots - proper waterproof gear (preferably Goretex but not really necessarily, my jacket and trousers are by Held with their own linings which are 100% waterproof) with removable thermal liners and good ventilation options for summer, decent winter gloves (I've got Ixon Pro-Apex, highly recommended) and something appropriate for summer. Base layers are a good idea in winter, as are things like heated grips and handguards (I've lobbed some old handlebar muffs on the FJR, not pretty but very effective). Keep on top of maintenance, correct tyre pressures are vital in poor conditions, and so are brakes. In winter it doesn't take long before your brake calipers start to gunge up with road dirt and salt then suffer a reduction in efficiency, so give them a good clean up now and then and keep an eye on them.

Getting kitted up/unkitted takes 5 minutes at each end, so I don't see that as a problem when the saving in time is about 40 minutes each way.

There's not been one day since last winter's snows that I haven't been able to ride in, but when the roads turn to ice I'll be borrowing the works van to commute. There's no point in risking a dropped bike or worse just to get to work

cb1000rsteve

02-01-12, 06:32 AM

Commuting in summer is mint. Lots of girls to look at on the way in ;^) dry grippy roads. Then for the other 364 days its shi*e!!! TBH winter is horrible on a bike, this year is the exception as its more like spring than winter so far. But last year was a nightmare. even with 20 layers and heated grips i couldn't feel my fingers and took 2 hours to thaw out when arriving at work. I sold the SV last year and bought a car and now i'm just a fair weather biker!
Now that i've moved jobs i commute in the car and use the bike when weather nice.

kiggles

02-01-12, 07:39 PM

- I can't drive
- currently a student but worked in an office for a year, with a 25-30 min commute to uni (motorway A3 25miles each way), and for work 30-50 minute commute to work (A24 dual carriageway and some build up area's, and some country roads, 30miles each way)
- when its sunny its great! when its wet its a love hate thing. traffic in chessingston area is a joke and saved some much of my time using the sv650, which made it a pleasure to use in the wet as i dont have to wait around.
- for motorway journeys it is defo not fun and defo dangerous in wet condition's as people commuting to work in the car are careless and forget in the wet longer gaps are needed and its less visible.

overall if you like riding your bike, commuting to work is great rain or shine. if your just a sunny weekend rider, commuting really isn't for you.

personally i love it

Jayneflakes

02-01-12, 08:22 PM

My job requires me to be patient, kind and understanding to other human beings so after a long hard day, it is nice to pull on Bike gear, snap the dark visor down and ride off like a hooligan. If I drove, I would end up using our car for carrying clients, which would result in it clocking up lots of low mileage journeys and getting covered in dribble.

Another aspect to working in the caring profession is how young people in care treat us. I am treated differently because I am a biker, my clients think I am cool because I ride a bike and some of them have been pillion on Sylvie with me. My colleagues also enjoy the occasional pillion ride when I am off to training events.

Riding a bike to work is more than just a daily commute for me, it sets up my day, it gives me an image that works well for me in my job and it keeps me sane. In truth, I wish I could commute on my pushbike, but that can't happen anymore. So riding the motorbike is the next best thing.

As for insurance, I have almost never had a problem getting insurance for riding to work or even carrying clients as pillions, despite working with people with learning difficulties. The only time I have had problems was in dealing with MCE, who are an absolute bunch of Twunts!

GagginForraPint

03-01-12, 10:44 AM

Bike all year round for me, unless it's really icey. It's only a 20 minute ride for me so the rain isn't a problem. Get a pinlok thingy for your visor if you don't have one and stop being a wuss.

mister c

03-01-12, 11:05 AM

ophic

03-01-12, 12:28 PM

The M62 over to Oldham is apparently rather an experience, getting up to the highest motorway point in the UK on an SV, is a bit hair raising at times!
Twice a day every day for several years, Manchester to Leeds and back. Well worth investing in good kit for this type of run. I froze my knackers off waiting for HG discounts to get some decent goretex stuff - and heated grips are more of an essential than a luxury.

I don't miss it.

dizzyblonde

03-01-12, 12:32 PM

Twice a day every day for several years, Manchester to Leeds and back. Well worth investing in good kit for this type of run. I froze my knackers off waiting for HG discounts to get some decent goretex stuff - and heated grips are more of an essential than a luxury.

I don't miss it.

Hence expensive Rukka kit, if Peg didn't have that, he wouldn't brave it.
If the ZZR wasn't needing a service he'd be on that today, its weight keeps it from blowing away slightly better than the SV.
However........its WAAAAAAAYYY too windy to even contemplate being brave over there, so the poofwaggon is wobbling its way there and back instead:)

ophic

03-01-12, 12:36 PM

Hence expensive Rukka kit, if Peg didn't have that, he wouldn't brave it.
If the ZZR wasn't needing a service he'd be on that today, its weight keeps it from blowing away slightly better than the SV.
However........its WAAAAAAAYYY too windy to even contemplate being brave over there, so the poofwaggon is wobbling its way there and back instead:)
I hope no lorries blow over. That causes a right tailback.

Badeye

03-01-12, 12:44 PM

I ride to work everyday unless the weather is being very silly like ice or snow, apart from that i ride. My Journey is about 30mins each way and ok changing is a pain but like alot of the other have said, the riding is defo worth it.

Have fun

You'll be laughing in the summer when you don't have to wait in the traffic jams.

dizzyblonde

03-01-12, 01:43 PM

I hope no lorries blow over. That causes a right tailback.

I 'think' he may have gone over the backway over Saddleworth.......you can see the M62 tailback before you get to the slip road, so can carry on through without making the mistake of getting stuck. Can't be sat on there in tailback, you may as well stick a screwdriver in the tank and watch it spew out if you made that faux pas!

Last week the weather was so bad up there, it was like white water rafting, and he was on Suzy too :(

Owenski

03-01-12, 02:15 PM

bike everyday now for 3years be it wind rain snow sleet or hail Im on it, and today for good measure we've got all 5 to thier extreme.

Yeah of course there are days when i wake up and think " :( crap this i'll be horrid!" truth is once you've got all the gear on its never that bad. You've also got the bonus of been covered head to toe from door to door so you can laugh at all the car drivers then running across the car park in nothing more than a shirt and tie.

SUPERSTARDJ01

03-01-12, 02:46 PM

I commute everyday and still have a car but wife now uses it, TBH because my kit is good I don't mind the small commute of 4 miles each way, but given the option I do prefer to take the car just because it's easier, having said that I miss the bike way before the car.

missyburd

03-01-12, 06:14 PM

I agree with Lozzo. If you can afford it, buy some decent quality kit to ride in. I used to buy cheap stuff thinking that I was saving money. Last year I decided to splash out & now have Goretex kit, it's expensive, but I am warmish on the colder days & dry when I get to wherever I'm going.

Very similar for me. I've pretty much always bought stuff off Ebay, but this winter I splashed out on some hein gericke goretex textiles, they're bloomin fab. Managed to get a Weise textile jacket off Ebay for just a third of the original price - new - and it makes SUCH a difference. It's taken me a few years to bother to get decent kit but it makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable.

However........its WAAAAAAAYYY too windy to even contemplate being brave over there, so the poofwaggon is wobbling its way there and back instead:)
Poofs the lot of ya. I was out in this

and today for good measure we've got all 5 to thier extreme.

today, it ain't as bad as folk make out as mentioned before, if you're in decent kit you hardly notice. I admit I will have looked pished today though, was weaving pretty much all the way to work and back today :smt120

theboatman

03-01-12, 07:11 PM

Poofs the lot of ya. I was out in this

Me too....

today, it ain't as bad as folk make out as mentioned before, if you're in decent kit you hardly notice. I admit I will have looked pished today though, was weaving pretty much all the way to work and back today :smt120

Lol, yeah, going to work today was fine(wind behind me), going home was more fun.

I have a transit, SV and my 125, I tend to use the 125 for short town stuff, the SV for longer runs, with the van only used if I need to carry large amounts of dive kit. If I was not carrying dive kit around, I would probably get rid of the van. So if you can manage without it, do it :D

Jayneflakes

04-01-12, 12:03 AM

It's taken me a few years to bother to get decent kit but it makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable. I have always had good kit, if you are riding all year round it is essential. My current Weiss jacket is a bit duff for water proofness, but a rain suit keeps me dry when it is really foul. :D

Poofs the lot of ya. I was out in this Yes, big Dykey dyke here and I ride in all weathers. I really enjoyed riding today, especially at ten to nine this morning (on pleasure ride I should add, yes I got up extra early on a foul day to go for a ride for fun!), when I had to go through a flood. The bike was steaming a treat! :smt077

I admit I will have looked pished today though, was weaving pretty much all the way to work and back today :smt120 The wind I was riding in this morning was pretty nasty and blew me across my lane a little. However, I was not blasting along and the road was pretty quiet, so no harm done. :smt120

ophic

04-01-12, 08:44 AM

Yes, big Dykey dyke here and I ride in all weathers. I really enjoyed riding today, especially at ten to nine this morning (on pleasure ride I should add...)
er... we're talking about motorbikes here Jayney :rolleyes:

MisterTommyH

04-01-12, 08:49 AM

Well trying it out today and it doesn't seem too bad (although neither is the weather). This is probably the coldest I've been to work on it in and the textiles were fine over just shirt and trousers.

Weak spot is my 'winter' gloves and probably the misting of my glasses (not the visor). The foggy doesn't really fit this helmet too well.

SoulKiss

04-01-12, 10:32 AM

Everyday ride to work.

As for the hassles of changing, well thats what Draggin Jeans are for, and in bad weather I just wear my leathers all day :)

Stig

04-01-12, 10:56 AM

I used to commute every day regardless of the weather. Circumstances have now changed. Going to see my kids twice during the week means I need to take the car. Then there is every other Friday when I pick them up for the weekend. Add to that the fact I can make the 80 mile return journey just as quick in the car as I can on the bike. There really isn't much point using the bike. Riding the bike along dual carriage ways and motorways isn't really exciting. I'd rather be sat in the warm listening to the radio. Moved to where I currently live in March last year and I think the bike came out of the garage twice. One of those times was to take the bike for an MOT. It's more exspensive for me to ride the bike. So I have gone from riding the bike nearly every day of the year, to riding the bike hardly ever. Don't get to ride the bike at weekends as family life has priority.

Hopefully the situation will change a bit this year and the bike see's a little more daylight than it did last year. As for riding in all weathers. So long as you have the right kit, it doesn't really make all that much difference what the weather is doing.

Fizzy Fish

04-01-12, 12:20 PM

I've commuted by bike for virtually all of my working life, tho did have a stint in the car when my bike at the time was off the road for 6 weeks while I got a part shipped from Japan. I actually got used to the car and was happy using it, until I got back on the bike again and it was like OMG I feel alive!!

In my book there's little contest as the bike is always more fun, even in crappy weather. And it's a whole lot quicker and more reliable around somewhere like London where there's a lot of traffic, and it's way easier/cheaper to park. The downside is that if working off site/going to meetings there often isn't anywhere to leave your stuff/get changed.

TBH on a shortish run you never get too cold/wet, even in the very worst of weather. My current 60 mile round trip does see me getting cold on very frosty days despite some decent Goretex kit, tho I reckon heated grips/jacket would do the trick. I have ridden in snow/ice, but generally wouldn't do if I can help it, especially on a proper road bike that I would care about dropping. A bike like the DRZ400SM is great for very tough conditions, but when you're doing unlit country backroads covered in ice and even cars/4x4s are skidding around, it's nice not to have to take the risk!

I guess everyone's situation has different pros and cons, so why not just give it a go and see what you think?

So I have gone from riding the bike nearly every day of the year, to riding the bike hardly ever. Don't get to ride the bike at weekends as family life has priority.

It's so weird isn't it - when you have virtually lived on the bike and yet suddenly you barely get to ride...tho as you say it becomes a matter of choices and priorities, and I wouldn't trade Jake for anything!

metalangel

04-01-12, 02:22 PM

Especially those that are used to having a car - how do you find it?

I'm considering getting rid of the car to clear the finance and get something a bit better, but I'd have to be without one for a couple of months.

I've used it on the odd occasion but never when I've had to be anywhere other than the office (I wouldn't have to transport much except hard-hat and boots, and have a top box for that). Does it turn into a pain having to get into gear all the time? Does the weather put you off?

I found it takes a bit of getting used to, especially as you can pretty much dash out the door and be gone whereas bike means putting on all the gear, going to garage, removing all security measures, get bike out of garage etc etc... takes longer than I realize sometimes. Still, you get very good at putting the gear on very quickly!

I just wear my office stuff under my textiles, if it's hot out I might take off the shirt and wear a t-shirt while riding instead so I don't get slow roasted. The biggest faff then is putting the boots on whenever I want to leave my desk to go to the kitchen or washroom.

My CB500 had a topbox but I haven't bothered putting a mount on the Fazer, so I can't carry quite as much as I once did (backpack now). I do sometimes get carried away at the supermarket on the way home and regret it!

Don't ride every day (often need the car for stuff before or after work) and ride more in the summer than winter but there's not a month in the year I don't ride. In the summer sometimes the car sits and gathers dust because I ride almost every day, it's great.

Biker Biggles

05-01-12, 09:54 PM

I use the bike all year round,but do little riding other than commuting when weather is bad.Noticed some leaks in my kit this morning when it chucked it down.More expense coming I fear.

richwill68

05-01-12, 10:02 PM

Daily commute 34 miles come hell or high water... If weather is really crud, I take a 125 trail bike. Fall off, laugh, pick up, dust off, kick over, ride off!:thumbsup: All good fun!

Regards

Rich

dkid

06-01-12, 03:44 PM

Use the bike as often as possible, unless weather is silly. The clincher for me is being able to use bus lanes in and around Bristol to beat the traffic!
I understand this is not the case in many other parts of the country? I'll have to be careful on my travels.

MisterTommyH

06-01-12, 06:39 PM

Hmm, 3 days using the bike for work and tonight I got my first puncture :-(

Had to limp to a petrol station, blow it up then limp the last half a mile home. Made me realise that I couldn't do without the car.... Now I need a tyre for the car and a tyre for the bike. Expensive week......

leebex

06-01-12, 08:39 PM

thats crap luck on the puncture.

was nice to be on the bike today, sunny, dry roads, early finish= much fun :cool:

leebex

06-01-12, 08:40 PM

I understand this is not the case in many other parts of the country? I'll have to be careful on my travels.

youd be alright here in colchester, bikes allowed in bus lanes too ;)

dkid

07-01-12, 02:26 PM

youd be alright here in colchester, bikes allowed in bus lanes too

Happy days! Think this kind of scheme really would convince a lot more people to switch from the car to a bike if it were to be rolled out in large towns and cities nationwide. I know it was a factor for me.

Stenno

07-01-12, 09:20 PM

I've been commuting to work every since I passed my test in March. Had a bit of frost a fortnight ago but it's been fine really. I've kept my car though incase of adverse weather. Still need to get into work despite snow unfortunately.

A puncture three days in isn't good, you can't predict it though. I keep a repair kit in my tail for such an event, not had to use it mind so no idea how good it is.

DANINPLYMOUTH

08-01-12, 11:49 AM

As of tomorrow i am back to full time biking, bit of a pain for me though as my commute is only about 3miles its probably quicker in the car. But that is costing me stupid money to run so the car is going and i have just brought my bike back home. Quite looking forward to riding everyday again

NTECUK

08-01-12, 12:17 PM

What about a push bike. Get you fit as well as save mony?

Fruity-ya-ya

21-01-12, 12:13 AM

What about a push bike. Get you fit as well as save mony?

Forget that lark. 7 mile there wouldn'tbe that bad but it's through woodland and some rough estates. I'll stick to the gym instead ;)

Urbanfireblade

21-01-12, 11:43 PM

My car sits on the drive all week, i either use my GPZ500 or my Sv to get to work, it might seem a pain getting geared up, but after a while it is actually ok, whether wet or windy, dry or warm, the getting the gear on process kinda builds you up to the day. I enjoy riding, wakes me up more than sitting like a lemon in a cozy car. They laugh at me(at work) because more often than not i ride to work on the crappiest wet days, lol. They say if i ride in then its gonna rain cos i'm like a bad weather magnet when i ride! Feels like it's me vs the weather!
You'll be ok without the car, routine is the key, give yourself time in the morning to get ready and unlock/get the bike out, otherwise you'll be itching for a car when your running late and overslept etc.
I ride all weather except when its treacherous(ice/snow), never used to, but seem to just enjoy starting a day on the bike! Go for it!

AZZ3R

21-01-12, 11:49 PM

I've been using my bike for work for about 2years now.

I've got friends that choose not to use there bike so they don't get bored when we go out.

Only problem I have is the exhaust, I tend to get everything ready so I can just jump on the bike & go rather than wait around. "Had Complaints".

Big enough top box, right gear & can be botherd change twice a day as someone has said. You'd much rather be wet than in debt right?

MattCollins

22-01-12, 03:03 AM

My bike is my company vehicle. Some days I'd be in and out of site PPE 3 or 4 times which was easy enough... The only time it was a real PITA was when I had to put on a suit. The alternative was to drive a Toyota 4WD for weeks and months on end and hate it. I put up with a relatively minor inconvenience for something that I enjoy.

N77

25-01-12, 08:59 PM

Well I will let you know from tomorrow, my car is going and I haven't found a replacement yet.

So it will be the SV taking me to work in rain, shine or anything else :lol:

I hope the weather is kind to me as I think after a week, the novelty may very well wear off haha!

AZZ3R

25-01-12, 09:10 PM

My friend has just got rid of his car, bought a hornet for commuting and his SV for weekends, incase you didnt want to pile miles on your SV. (if its your only bike)

chrisinflight

25-01-12, 11:07 PM

Umm, today was mild here, I could feel a difference of the milder temps. The roads were dry and felt grippier! I seem to get feedback from the bike/tyres as to how slow to go around corners and roundabouts when the weathers kack. Anybody else ride to work and ride with more passion when the road feels good?

missyburd

25-01-12, 11:08 PM

Anybody else ride to work and ride with more passion when the road feels good?
Everytime, doesn't half make you appreciate the better days!

Fallout

26-01-12, 08:02 AM

The main problem I found when I commute on the SV is crappy weather on dark winter nights. If I left late and it was raining, it's flippin' dangerous. It's hard enough to see clearly with the crappy SV lights, without having your visor drenched and oncoming cars turning the road into nothing but a blur of refracted headlight. Some day I would literally have so little visibility that all I could do was aim for slightly left of the oncoming blurred light, and hope there was a road somewhere there. Couldn't ride with the visor up either as a lot of the time it'd be on 60mph roads.

For me it's not an option to commute on the bike in the winter if I'll be riding in the dark. Actually, I generally avoid riding the SV in the dark period, cos the lights are so bad. Really need to do something about that. Why did suzuki do that?

Badeye

26-01-12, 08:27 AM

you need to upgrade to a pointy :) i find the lighting on the pointy is great.

Fallout

26-01-12, 09:08 AM

You mean downgrade, right?! :D

Badeye

26-01-12, 09:10 AM

Nahh lol, its defo an upgrade pmsl

NTECUK

26-01-12, 09:24 AM

Get a PHILIPS bulb.
Have 2 in my s curvey.
But like you its glare off wet roads rain on visor that's more of an issue.

missyburd

26-01-12, 09:34 AM

Need a wiper incorporated into your glove. I have Held gloves with one of these very useful things, makes such a difference.

I had a slight rant in another thread about riding at night and dealing with the glare off other road users, you do get dazzled and you're right, in crappy weather with driving rain it all gets a bit much. But it's never stopped me riding at night, I have no choice so have to get on with it. Does make me appreciate riding in the day, and makes me look forward to spring!!

manicjazz

26-01-12, 09:43 AM

You give such serious posts with such a picture MissYC?! I ride whatever too, came home last night, bristol to burnham on the motorway, tipping it down at times, got very wet, stuff is still wet this morning I still enjoyed myself though.

Fallout

26-01-12, 09:50 AM

Get a PHILIPS bulb.
Have 2 in my s curvey.
But like you its glare off wet roads rain on visor that's more of an issue.

I was really close to buying new bulbs a few months back, but I remember haynes saying 35w and all the ones people were recommending were 45w. I'm just paranoid about burning out the circuitry. Electrical faults scare me, but I really do need to sort it. I do like night riding. When you get down behind the screen with the lit up console in front of you and the lights illuminating an empty A road, it's like you're riding a missile. :D

Need a wiper incorporated into your glove. I have Held gloves with one of these very useful things, makes such a difference.

I had a slight rant in another thread about riding at night and dealing with the glare off other road users, you do get dazzled and you're right, in crappy weather with driving rain it all gets a bit much. But it's never stopped me riding at night, I have no choice so have to get on with it. Does make me appreciate riding in the day, and makes me look forward to spring!!

I'll ride in the rain, or ride at night, but will avoid riding on rainy nights. It just aint fun .... especially if I'm a complete pleb and forget to change to my clear visor. Doh. :rolleyes: Proper wiper gloves sound like a plan though. My current ones are rrrrrrubbish. Just another thing to add to the shopping list. ;)

missyburd

26-01-12, 09:53 AM

I'll ride in the rain, or ride at night, but will avoid riding on rainy nights. It just aint fun .... especially if I'm a complete pleb and forget to change to my clear visor. Doh. :rolleyes: Proper wiper gloves sound like a plan though. My current ones are rrrrrrubbish. Just another thing to add to the shopping list. ;)
Someone's conveniently popped this up, might save you money :-)

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=174558

I've not switched to my tinted visor all winter, find it easier to not bother, less hours of daylight anyway, I just squint some more :p

Fallout

26-01-12, 10:00 AM

Someone's conveniently popped this up, might save you money :-)

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=174558

I've not switched to my tinted visor all winter, find it easier to not bother, less hours of daylight anyway, I just squint some more :p

Ahh, good shout that lady. I reckon if I switch to 2 weetabix instead of 4 in the morning, I could afford one of those in only a few weeks with the money I save. :D As for the squinting thing, that goes some way to explaining your avatar. :p

Edit: Bought!

NTECUK

26-01-12, 01:13 PM

There was a post on hear to fit relays for the headlamp circuit . That's going to improve even standard bulbs due to volt drops in the standard circuitry.

missyburd

26-01-12, 01:24 PM

YC uses a HID bulb in his, like a floodlight, certainly does the trick. Maybe drop him a pm although I'm sure he's talked about it on here. Bit dear to replace though as he's just found out.

mister c

26-01-12, 01:50 PM

I'm running the Triumph at the moment, but when I was using Custard I changed the headlamp to one off a CB500 Honda. It uses a 55w bulb & had no issues with the wiring at all & it was 100% better than the original SV's :)

NTECUK

26-01-12, 02:16 PM

On the sunny days you could use one of the lids with integrated sun visor.

Fallout

26-01-12, 02:45 PM

I think the naked is single bult though isn't it, but the faired is a dual bulb and that's where the problem comes in. I think the naked standard is 55w too. I did see that HID conversion too, but I am scared of electronic mods as I cannot solder. Whenever I solder stuff together, I blow the components and melt everything. :D

@NTEKUK - Got one of those. Can't remember the make, but is very bulky and the actual tint is rubbish. But they are a very good idea, I just hope the technology moves on so they're as light and slim as a normal lid

NTECUK

26-01-12, 03:05 PM

I have an HJC one . It's plastic light ,big buttons and up/down at flick .
Matt white though shows every mark .

Fallout

26-01-12, 03:10 PM

I think mine might be HJC too (it's up in the attic so can't check), with the flip of fascia. I did like it, but it was the large outer shell, and having looked in the mirror a few times, I realised I looked like the elephant motorcyclist. I currently have a Scorpion Exo, which aint a premium helmet, but its the medium outershell and just feels much less cumbersome. Changing visors does suck a bit though, so I do sometimes miss using that helmet, especially when I go with the clear visor and then the sun comes out.

ChrisCurvyS

27-01-12, 09:37 PM

Just going back to the original question - I commute about 50 miles every day, all busy 70 mph dual carriageways and motorways heading into Liverpool.

This probably won't sit well with many people but to be really honest, while I love riding the bike in fair weather I'm acutely aware of my own mortality in the dark, rain and ice.

The routes I ride are always busy so you've got no choice but to be shoulder to shoulder with traffic and I'm always aware that I'm just one slightly too vigorous front brake pull away from sliding down the M56 underneath three lanes of traffic.

Don't get me wrong - I'm a perfectly confident rider and think nothing of blasting along a dry A-road at healthy speeds. Just always have an underlying knowledge of my own vulnerability in certain conditions - don't know if anyone else is the same?

missyburd

27-01-12, 09:41 PM

J Just always have an underlying knowledge of my own vulnerability in certain conditions - don't know if anyone else is the same?
Yeah, I get that but then the image of being sat at a bus stop at night with a load of chavs smoking and freezing temperatures PLUS a big hole in my pocket from fares pops into my head and then #to the tune of Raindrops on Roses from Sound of Music# I don't feeeeeel soooooo baaaad doooo-be-do-dooobeee :wink:

N77

27-01-12, 09:54 PM

Well 1st day of using the bike and started off okay this morning, however it has been raining for most of the day. It did however stop for me when I come to leave work although the roads were still quite wet and standing water.

However I was quite surprised how much grip there is really, I was careful and perhaps too cautious on the roundabouts but better to be safe than sorry.

My only issue was I wear glasses for driving, I can still see and I am not blind if I don't wear them but this morning as soon as I breathed out it steamed them up and I couldn't see a blinking thing. I decided it was safer to leave them off than actually wear them and see nothing.

What do you guys use to stop it, whats the best stuff to get? As my visor was doing the same when I came to a stand still, was okay moving along as I had the vents open on the helmet, but come to a roundabout and had to stop and it steamed up, had to lift the visor up in the end when coming to a stop.

ChrisCurvyS

27-01-12, 10:01 PM

Yeah, I get that but then the image of being sat at a bus stop at night with a load of chavs smoking and freezing temperatures PLUS a big hole in my pocket from fares pops into my head and then #to the tune of Raindrops on Roses from Sound of Music# I don't feeeeeel soooooo baaaad doooo-be-do-dooobeee :wink:
Yep you're totally right - and that's one of the things I say to all the folks at work when they trot out the usual 'but bikes are dangerous rubbish ' - straight after they've told me of all the instances of random violence and chavvery they saw on the last train journey down to London.

Just a bit techy with motorways after four sudden losses of power at high speed in as many months - one down to a snapped chain and three down to a mystery electrical gremlin which I've still not got to the bottom of. Could always just play it safe and sit in the slow lane but something calls me!

Fallout

27-01-12, 10:12 PM

What do you guys use to stop it, whats the best stuff to get? As my visor was doing the same when I came to a stand still, was okay moving along as I had the vents open on the helmet, but come to a roundabout and had to stop and it steamed up, had to lift the visor up in the end when coming to a stop.

The visor comes up everytime I stop for more than a few seconds, and if riding at low speed, I leave it cracked a notch or two. It's the only fool proof way really. It's not ideal when it's really cold but a balaclava helps keep your face warm.

missyburd

27-01-12, 10:33 PM

Just a bit techy with motorways after four sudden losses of power at high speed in as many months - one down to a snapped chain and three down to a mystery electrical gremlin which I've still not got to the bottom of.

Yikes :pale:

What do you guys use to stop it, whats the best stuff to get? As my visor was doing the same when I came to a stand still, was okay moving along as I had the vents open on the helmet, but come to a roundabout and had to stop and it steamed up, had to lift the visor up in the end when coming to a stop.
I don't wear glasses but I have fairly recently invested in a Pinlock visor, I still get a wee bit of clouding from condensation but the complete fogging up and temporary blindness is non existent now and it's a blessing. £20 for an insert, definitely worth the pennies. It's lovely to just shut the visor down in crappy weather and know I don't have to open it again for some time :D

ChrisCurvyS

27-01-12, 10:49 PM

I used to wear glasses for driving but you've got to switch to contacts for riding if you can - glasses really aren't practical. Even if they don't mist up, you're still restricting your effective vision to a small section of glasses-shaped view.

Visor misting isn't a problem for me since I got a double-glazed Lazer helmet, complimented by anti-fog spray. Still lift the lid at low speed situations like roundabouts etc though just for the extra visibility, especially in the rain.

Don't think I'll ever forget riding to the west coast of Ireland on a 125 in an open face helmet with glasses on in torrential winter rain, with a dead phone which meant I had to get across the country asap in order to let people know I was still alive. You learn from your mistakes eh?!

nikon70

28-01-12, 05:38 AM

i ride to work every day, 20 miles both ways. 30mins door to door, much better than my local tube which is a 30min walk from my house...

good visor helps with the mist and fog, also windoleane for the visor to keep it nice and clean.

i ride in any weather apart from snow, unless caught in it on the way into work or on the way home....

only way to travel imho.

missyburd

28-01-12, 07:46 PM

Rode to work today after half an inch to an inch of snow fell last night and a frost followed...and experienced my first proper ice wobble! :pale: It wasn't so bad, no idea how I stayed on though!

Less than a mile into my 10mile commute I was on a lane that to my dismay hadn't been gritted. I'd been doing about 30mph, as soon as I saw no grit I rolled off throttle...too late, there's that ice...bike wobbles furiously (like a coin it reminded me of) but my hand didn't go near the brake (keep shocking myself with this!)...i looked down at the bars for a SPLIT second to see wobble wobble then consciously said to myself LOOK UP AWAY FROM STONE WALL, GRIP BARS! then bam, bike was on the straight again. I quickly (but smoothly) knocked down into first and as I was at the bottom of a slope the bike was naturally slowing down so I proceeded to crawl up the rest of (non-gritted) hill in first. Got back to a road I would be gritted and the rest of my ride was non-eventful thank goodness.

I actually think if I had been going slower than 30 I might not have been so lucky, the momentum the bike already had meant it outlasted the wobble and allowed me enough time to react and help steady the bike.

A bit hairy to say the least... I know not to do that road again if in doubt about road conditions! But to be honest, I'm glad it's happened, I've experienced a mud trail bike wobble and now an ice wobble on the SV, must be counting for something in the experience bank!

ChrisCurvyS

28-01-12, 08:17 PM

Yeah - must have shook you up but at least you know what to expect now. And you know that your instincts are good and you did everything right automatically ie don't panic, don't grab the brakes, stay loose on the controls and let it rectify itself.

I had a similar experience the other week - the 60 road I live on out in the sticks had been gritted (saw the gritter go past the night before) but ice had still managed to form by the morning - particularly in the centre of the lane which of course doesn't benefit from the warming effect of lots of car tyres going over it.

As a result, I was riding in the right-hand side car tracks and doing about 40. But when I came to a certain right-hander (which I'm always very careful with anyway as there's a House of Doom right on the bend - built straight onto the road) there was a van facing me waiting to turn right and he was well over on the white lines.

As a result, I had to move over to the centre of my lane where all the ice is. Next thing, the back end of the bike swung out from underneath me and I was all over the place. To top it all off, there was a car sticking out into the road while it waited to pull out of the house's drive - was like something out of Final Destination.

I went loose, forced myself to relax and the bike suddenly found grip again, with just enough time to lean enough in order to avoid the sticky-outy car. Said it before on here but I'd rather ride in snow than deal with black ice - at least snow is inherently detectable and spreads itself evenly.

Anyone got any particular tips for how best to fall off a bike if worst comes to worst in one of these low-speed wobbles? Might sound like a silly question but I expect there's a right and a wrong way to land if the bike goes from under you - my only off (too sharp with the front brake, on ice again) happened too quickly for me to think about it but I landed on my hands and needs anyway. Nothing but bruises, though the steel toe capped boots I had on almost cut my feet in half...

ChrisCurvyS

28-01-12, 08:19 PM

Hands and knees that should have been..hands and needs, lol

NTECUK

28-01-12, 09:53 PM

Times I fell off low speed . The worst hert was when I held on and ended up with the RD,s kick start jamed in my leg.

ChrisCurvyS

28-01-12, 10:02 PM

Can't imagine that was nice. Pal of mine who's a retired Kwak and trackday enthusiast tells me you're always best kicking the bike away from you if you feel it start to go, as much as it might pain you to do so.

Having said that, suppose every situation is different. Wasn't it said that Guy Martin probably only survived his 2010 TT crash because he held on until his bike was mostly through the corner, and therefore he was chucked down the road rather than into the wall?