Question for the high milers

[Ceri JC]

I have just applied for (and in all likelihood, will get) a job that involves a fair bit of travel, all over the UK. Now, having gotten used to bikes, there is no way I'm going to sit in a slow, gridlocked cage for a couple of hours a day when I can be flying past laughing my head off.

So, it looks like even if I keep my car for when I need to move kit round, I need a bike that is a great long distance machine and cheap to run. My car (PUG 106) is cheap to run/insure, so even if I sold it, I don't think I could afford to keep 2 bikes (especially as I may be parking on-road in a city overnight).

I'm reluctant to get rid of my beloved SV, but I imagine after a few weeks long journeys, I'll be prepared to sacrifice some fun for comfort.
I know Carsick and The Mass have both used K4s as big mileage bikes, what're you finding the servicing costs likes (I know you do your own Carsick)? Bear in mind that whilst simple things like oil changes, etc. I'm comfortable with, I'm no master mechanic. Also, how hard is it to learn to do the majority of servicing tasks yourself?

Once you factor in servicing costs, longr service intervals (important if I'm self-servicing), the conveniance of integrated hard luggage (gah, topboxes!) and comfort, do you reckon I'd be better off selling the SV and buying a workhorse like one of these:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=9915&item=4558616960&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

or

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=9915&item=4558115654&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW?

or should I keep the SV? Before you snigger at the beemers, a guy in work has a 750 version of the second one and having done all self servicing (bugger all bar consumables like oil, pads and sparkplugs, by the sounds of it) since 12K miles and it's now 100K+.

I also fancy a proper fairing and even heated grips. Does the full fairing on an SV make a lot of difference to weather protection? I know I could fit heated grips to my SV too.

Any suggestions of other bikes to consider, bearing in mind they need to be comparatively cheap to buy, service, reliable and comfortable? As I'm 23 with 1 years NCB, insurance cost is also a factor.

VFRs look tempting as a nice real 'sports tourer', but they seem pretty pricey to buy and I read that some servicing tasks can be really costly, particularly on the VTEC bikes, they're also fairly pricey to insure.

[Carsick]

I don't do a very high mileage anymore, just coming up to 16k.
Servicing is pretty simple, apart from pads, I've only had to do the stuff listed in the manual.
Heated grips are very nice in the winter, obviously.

If you were prepared to get another bike just for the long distances, you could look at a divvy. They're cheap to buy, cheap to insure and I think they're a shaft drive so maintenance is that much easier.

[Biker Biggles]

I'd keep the sv and use that rather than take an instant hit if you sold it now.It's cheap to run when you consider fuel chains tyres brakes and other consumables,and insurance is competative.Servicing can mostly be done by you,such as oil /filter changes,and if you do that it will be well up to it.More difficult stuff you may have to farm out but how often is that?
The only thing is your bike will become your transport more than your toy,and will have to be thought of as such and replaced from time to time.

[Patch]

Buy a low milage VFR 800 Fi (pre Vtec). They will run forever, with minimal looking after, you can change the oil and filter yourself in about 20 minutes and you'll be able to ride it right through the winter.

An early low (for a honda) milage bike will cost you about £2-2500 but yu can get them cheaper if you look.

The VFR is one of the few "sporty bikes" that you can genuinely do 1000 mile days day after day after day, although if you are going to be doing more than 500 miles a day I'd change the seat.

Above all they are a blast.

Based on 60,000 miles in 18 months on a 1998 VFR Fi-W for which I paid £400.

I also have a BMW GS, if I have a long haul to do I always take the VFR.

[ijeffery]

I'd agree with Patch that if you do change, have a look at a VFR. I had two, a '98 800 and a '92 750 and they were both fantastic bikes.

I used to commute (only 40 miles) on the 800 and it was perfect for the job. They are quick bikes too, and I actually used to like the linked brakes.

[Ceri JC]

I'd agree with Patch that if you do change, have a look at a VFR. I had two, a '98 800 and a '92 750 and they were both fantastic bikes.

I used to commute (only 40 miles) on the 800 and it was perfect for the job. They are quick bikes too, and I actually used to like the linked brakes.

If I can afford the insurance and find a decent model in reasonable nick, I may well go for the vfr as it seems an ideal cross between a fun and work bike. Looks like I've really got three options, in order of cost from cheapest to most expensive:

1. Make the SV into a more touring-friendly bike (full fairing, comfier seat, heated grips, maybe hard panniers)

2. Get rid of the SV and get a VFR.

3. Keep the SV purely as a toy and get a cheap but reliable dedicated old tourer which I would use for 'work' (BMW/Divvy/etc.) I think I'd definately have to get rid of the car to afford this.

I'll probably start by using the SV as it currently is, then based on the mileage I find I'm doing, I'll consider doing one of the above. It could be I end up having to move lots of kit all the time and have to use the car (boo hiss!).

Thanks for your advise folks, all things I will consider.

[minky]

2. Get rid of the SV and get a VFR.





I can put you in touch with a couple of cheap VFR's if you fancy one mate. IIRC it's a 93 @ £1k and a 97 @ £1.5k but I'll check if you're interested.

[Ceri JC]

2. Get rid of the SV and get a VFR.





I can put you in touch with a couple of cheap VFR's if you fancy one mate. IIRC it's a 93 @ £1k and a 97 @ £1.5k but I'll check if you're interested.

Cheers, I wouldn't be looking to buy till August, probably not even September, but is it okay if I PM you around then if I am still looking?

[Jelster]

Would have to agree that a pre Vtec VFR would be the right price, comfortable and economical. Should also offer you around 200 mile tank range too....

.

[mysteryjimbo]

VFR's are an excellent touring bike and commuter. I'd love one.

My only comment is that i've heard they chew through their chains a bit quicker than an SV

[Cronos]

If you're looking at a bike from a purely practical perspective, the Honda Deauville is built for practicallity and pretty much nothing else.

It's a 650 V twin, so it has that in common with the SV, but there the similarities end. :o

Built in panniers, reasonable protection from the elements, Honda build quality & reliability, shaft drive and cheap to run. On the practicality stakes, it ticks a lot of boxes.

Only problem is it's duller than a dull thing and has about as much street cred as Val Doonican! :shock:

[Ceri JC]

If you're looking at a bike from a purely practical perspective, the Honda Deauville is built for practicallity and pretty much nothing else.

It's a 650 V twin, so it has that in common with the SV, but there the similarities end. :o

Built in panniers, reasonable protection from the elements, Honda build quality & reliability, shaft drive and cheap to run. On the practicality stakes, it ticks a lot of boxes.

Only problem is it's duller than a dull thing and has about as much street cred as Val Doonican! :shock:

The Deauville is one I've considered, but have been a bit put off by the way most mags describe them as the dullest bike ever. I also imagine it's a bit underpowered (although I'm basing that on the looks and the shaft drive, I don't know any stats) Does it have enough oomph for prolonged, comfy, 90mph motorway cruising (erm, on the Autobahn officer)?

[mysteryjimbo]

If you're looking at a bike from a purely practical perspective, the Honda Deauville is built for practicallity and pretty much nothing else.

It's a 650 V twin, so it has that in common with the SV, but there the similarities end. :o

Built in panniers, reasonable protection from the elements, Honda build quality & reliability, shaft drive and cheap to run. On the practicality stakes, it ticks a lot of boxes.

Only problem is it's duller than a dull thing and has about as much street cred as Val Doonican! :shock:

The Deauville is one I've considered, but have been a bit put off by the way most mags describe them as the dullest bike ever. I also imagine it's a bit underpowered (although I'm basing that on the looks and the shaft drive, I don't know any stats) Does it have enough oomph for prolonged, comfy, 90mph motorway cruising (erm, on the Autobahn officer)?

Yes. Thats what its intended for. But dont expect to be out working on your cornering speed and drag racing at the lights at the weekend.

[Biker Biggles]

The deauville is best described as adequate.Thats why the mags say its boring,cos it does everything without fuss.It is a bit underpowered though and its not cheap.You pay for all that built in bodywork.
The VFR is a great bike and well worth it if you can get a good one cheap.
Running costs are higher though.

[Ceri JC]

Yes. Thats what its intended for. But dont expect to be out working on your cornering speed and drag racing at the lights at the weekend.

As opposed to the VFR which by all accounts would excel at those things too? :)

Hmm, it could be a matter of cash- VFR if I can afford it, Deauville if I can't.

*prepares to haggle hard for higher salary* :D

[mysteryjimbo]

Yes. Thats what its intended for. But dont expect to be out working on your cornering speed and drag racing at the lights at the weekend.

As opposed to the VFR which by all accounts would excel at those things too? :)

Hmm, it could be a matter of cash- VFR if I can afford it, Deauville if I can't.

*prepares to haggle hard for higher salary* :D

As said above. Remember the higher maintenance costs on the VFR.

If you want the best of both worlds, go for the VFR. It's a great all round bike and it goes pretty quick too.

[Mogs]

Ceri, compared to the SV, The Deauville in performance terms will be a disappointment to you. The practicality of them is it's selling point. it's max speed is quoted as 115 mph (Bike). It should cruise at "70" easy enough, but may take it's time to get there. Shame to give up your SV for this, run it until it dies then change.

[Mogs]

I'm sure a new Deauville comes with a Cardigan, Pipe and Slippers - These Honda Gentlemen think of everything :D .

[Ceri JC]

Ceri, compared to the SV, The Deauville in performance terms will be a disappointment to you. The practicality of them is it's selling point. it's max speed is quoted as 115 mph (Bike). It should cruise at "70" easy enough, but may take it's time to get there. Shame to give up your SV for this, run it until it dies then change.

So you reckon fit hard luggage and heated grips to the SV, then rag it till it falls apart? :D

I suppose the SV is a possible 'high mile machine' judging by Randyo and Rictus' bikes. Just depends on the comfort factor. One of the key factors is how many miles I'd be doing a year, so long as it's <20,000 I could probably stick with the SV (I can only see myself staying in this job for 2-3 years, if I get it)

[mysteryjimbo]

Ceri, compared to the SV, The Deauville in performance terms will be a disappointment to you. The practicality of them is it's selling point. it's max speed is quoted as 115 mph (Bike). It should cruise at "70" easy enough, but may take it's time to get there. Shame to give up your SV for this, run it until it dies then change.

So you reckon fit hard luggage and heated grips to the SV, then rag it till it falls apart? :D

I suppose the SV is a possible 'high mile machine' judging by Randyo and Rictus' bikes. Just depends on the comfort factor. One of the key factors is how many miles I'd be doing a year, so long as it's <20,000 I could probably stick with the SV (I can only see myself staying in this job for 2-3 years, if I get it)

I used mine for 18 months without a problem. Averaging 500 miles per week. Regular services are the key. Invest in a chain loobing device too (if you havent already).

As for increased comfort. I always found the seat quite comfortable. Heated grips and handle bar muffs work a treat. Legs and feet are the next to feel it in winter. You'll need to think about carrying a change of clothes with you if you're seriously considering doing this all year round too.

[Supadan]

I know nothing about serious high mileage. What I do know is those beemer's look dodgy. :shock:

[RandyO]

I ride about 800 miles a week on average but it varies quite a bit, onther than my vacation I don't do any real long trips, weekdays I do my run around work errands, that could be just the 35 mile round trip to the office & back, or I could be out checking jopbsites and put 300 miles on in a day, I don't ride much on Saturdays, worse day of week for traffic, and I have my household errands. Sundays is a sport or leisure ride, usually between 300-500 miles,

[ijeffery]

As opposed to the VFR which by all accounts would excel at those things too?


Defo - although the figures 0-100 aren't hugely different between a SV and a Viffer 800, they feel miles apart.

I used to love going from 40 zones to derestricted areas in 3rd, open it up leaving it in third, and it would be at 100 in what seemed like not very long at all (officer I'm obviously talking kmh....).

Damn good in the twisties too, even though they are a fair bit heavier than SVs - 208kg as opposed to 169.

[mysteryjimbo]

Damn good in the twisties too, even though they are a fair bit heavier than SVs - 208kg as opposed to 169.

You only notice that when you're pushing it around. I barely noticed the weight difference when moving.

[Patch]

VFR's are an excellent touring bike and commuter. I'd love one.

My only comment is that i've heard they chew through their chains a bit quicker than an SV

My VFR is on its second chain and sprocket set, I changed the first at 27,000 miles the bike is now at 68,000 and the current chain is still good.

Scottoiler was tailormade for the VFR and gives an amazing chain life.

[Ceri JC]

What's the stock suspension like on pre-vtec VFRs? I take it there's preload adjustment and rebound damping (like the new ones) so you can soften it up for 'work' then firm it up for saturday afternoon blats? Is it a spanners/screwdriver job or are there remote preload adjusters?

Also, any recommendations from the (ex-)viffer owners here of the best websites for info/messageboards relating to it?

[mysteryjimbo]

VFR's are an excellent touring bike and commuter. I'd love one.

My only comment is that i've heard they chew through their chains a bit quicker than an SV

My VFR is on its second chain and sprocket set, I changed the first at 27,000 miles the bike is now at 68,000 and the current chain is still good.

Scottoiler was tailormade for the VFR and gives an amazing chain life.

To be fair. I bought the cheaper and simpler Loobman and i haven't had to change a chain since.

Chain oilers are a great investment.

[Patch]

What's the stock suspension like on pre-vtec VFRs? I take it there's preload adjustment and rebound damping (like the new ones) so you can soften it up for 'work' then firm it up for saturday afternoon blats? Is it a spanners/screwdriver job or are there remote preload adjusters?

Also, any recommendations from the (ex-)viffer owners here of the best websites for info/messageboards relating to it?

Stock suspension is "basic" at best and normally passed its best before date by 20,000 miles. Adjusting the standard suspension is done with a C-spanner but is a 30 second job, frond suspension is done with a coin or screwdriver on the top cap adjuster.

The absolute best mod you can do on a VFR is fit ohlins. Fitting Ohlins is not cheap, about 500 quid front and rear but entirely possible if you have the basics of mechanical knowledge. There is also a good discount from Harris Performance for members of the VFR forum at BikersOracle.com

The only other thing to bware of is the exhaust collector box. on the 98 and 99 models it is made of mild steel and rots like a good un. 2000-2001 have stainless ones. aafter market collectors are about 350 quid but a bugger to fit, I have done three and every one of the gave me problems.

www.bikersoracle.com/vfr

An example of one for sale on the forum there

http://www.bikersoracle.com/central/forum/showthread.php?t=619