View Full Version : To sell, or not to sell?
I've come to the conclusion that i don't need a car full time. In the family we have a 'pool' car, so i can use this when necessary.
I am considering using the bike on a daily basis for commuting and other business.
I am deciding between keeping the SV to use it for commuting, then get another bike for fun and touring. Or get a bike to use for commuting, weekend fun and touring. In essence, i am looking to 'cut back' my out goings on travel/transport where i can.
The bikes i am looking at would be along the lines of: VFR800, BMW (F800 & other models), Triumph (ST, Sprint, Tiger) etc
fizzwheel
19-03-12, 08:17 PM
I'd cost it up first. It depends how long your commute is, but you might find that commuting on the bike isnt as cheap as you think it is.
Also theres the thing where you commute on it and get fedup with riding and then you dont enjoy or dont feel like going out at weekends as well...
Fallout
19-03-12, 08:21 PM
Riding definitely loses it's edge when you're on the bike commuting all day, and don't forget about soaking rain, freezing hands, fogged up visors, icy roads, weather corrosion and depreciation (two good reasons to have a separate toy bike) .... but you won't be sitting in traffic as much, which is the main bonus, and going to and from work is more fun in good weather.
I'd cost it up first. It depends how long your commute is, but you might find that commuting on the bike isnt as cheap as you think it is.
Also theres the thing where you commute on it and get fedup with riding and then you dont enjoy or dont feel like going out at weekends as well...
Riding definitely loses it's edge when you're on the bike commuting all day, and don't forget about soaking rain, freezing hands, fogged up visors, icy roads, weather corrosion and depreciation (two good reasons to have a separate toy bike) .... but you won't be sitting in traffic as much, which is the main bonus, and going to and from work is more fun in good weather.
Fizz, currently it's 40 miles a day. On the Sv i can get 3 days out of the tank before i refuel (it averages approx 52mpg on the commute) and it is a heavily congested route, on a clear day i save 10 minutes. When there's traffic its a lot more. Running cost wise i think the bike will be cheaper all round-servicing, tyres, running equipment and insurance (can do it all myself)
Fallout, i did consider that, however everytime i'm on the bike i enjoy it. It's an occassion, exciting and it's different to being sat in the traffic with every other idiot box. As i said, i have access to a pool car, so on the days of really crap weather i have alternate transport. The bike will be used for the majority of travel where possible and practical.
The saving with the bike won't be huge over the car, however the small bits here and there will add up to a decent saving.
My rough figures atm i'll save about £50 a month approx, possibly more depending on how long the tyres last.
Most likely i think i would keep the SV for a bit and save up money, see if it is a viable option to bike it daily.
is the journey 20 there and 20 back?
yes. Although that's the longest route (12 miles of dual carriageway and motorway) Shortest route is 15 miles, and thats 40-nsp roads
at 15 miles i would get a cheep 125/250 scoot and avoid the DC and MW. shouldn't cost to much more on your insurance and if you drop it then your not breaking your pride and joy.
fizzwheel
19-03-12, 08:52 PM
Liz was doing 60 mile each way commute and by the end of the week she was tired and I was fedup with spending time in the garage trying to keep on top of the maintenance.
at 15 miles i would get a cheep 125/250 scoot and avoid the DC and MW. shouldn't cost to much more on your insurance and if you drop it then your not breaking your pride and joy.
Liz was doing 60 mile each way commute and by the end of the week she was tired and I was fedup with spending time in the garage trying to keep on top of the maintenance.
Tempting to do so, might consider it actually now you mention it. Still sell the SV and get a nicer bike to treat myself.
My commute on the bike is only 30 mins (max), the bike wakes me up when ever i get on/off it at either end of the journey. I'm a bit geeky and enjoy the maintenance bits and bobs. Easy for me to sort out especially as i have all evenings and weekends free to do it.
I did the same sort of miles on the curvey.
(18to work)
But when the sun shone I'd go the fun way home.
The Sv is very good at that.
Keeps the grin factor.
Took nearly half the time compared to the car.
My poor old bike....
Get a Fazer FZ1! Great upright/sporty bike for commuting/touring and with an R1 engine! What more could anyone ever want?!
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