Commuting

I commute 100miles/day. When I'm ready to sell my bike, she'll probably go for scrap. 24k miles JUST commuting, 15k miles in the last 7-8months. She was brand new when I got her!

Personally, I don't wash it as often as I should, and she's showing a few spots of rust But things like services are always on the button (I'm exactly 299miles from the 15k service right now), and every week, she's up off the floor & the chain is properly looked after.

I've gone from 130 miles a day to now 80 miles a day, and I did put a collection of my views together on my blog. The link is on my Sig, below.

Also get some long wearing tyre's... Z6's or Conti Road attacks, keep a oil change and filter ready for when you need it if you change the oil yourself. Plus 20 quid in your wallet/tank bag for that one day when you forget your debt card or it don't work.

Originally Posted by BLK SV

I've only recently started a 40 mile a day commute and after 3 months i'm still lovin it! Just be sure to keep your chain lubed up as mentioned above and keep ontop of the cleanin so you can keep an eye on anything that needs attention. I don't think 80 miles will be too uncomfortable, will give the bike a chance to warm up nicely each way.

What kind of roads will you be riding on??

Half will be A/B roads the rest M25.
I have BT020 tyres so they should last ok, I haven't got a scottoiler yet but I do check and lube my chain every weekend and give the bike a once over.....
Thanks for the comments.

Originally Posted by Born again

I do check and lube my chain every weekend and give the bike a once over.....
Thanks for the comments.

TBH this will probably have to change to everyday once you start the miles.

Before I gained the luxury of becomming a Weekend Warrior it was a 90 odd mile round trip each day for me.

It killed my Kwakka 400 - just too touchy an engine that wanted too much attention all the time due to the miles... but it was the bike I had at the time I started the job and was loathed to sell it.

I then went a more sensible route and got a solid GS. Thumping old thing just ate the miles and barely needed a glance in the garage.

I reckon an SV definately has it in 'em with no trouble. But I would second the suggestions of a Scottoiler or similar and robust tyres.

Likewise keep on top of regular oil/filter changes - if anything do them more frequently than the book says. Sorry if I'm teaching you to suck eggs here, but oil is the lifeblood of your engine's internals - I learnt that the 'almost hard way' with a classic car, but the guide runs true with any engine I feel.


Oh yeah...


... and get a car for winter.

I have a car, my days of riding in snow, ice, force ten's etc are long gone.
Did my time through all types of weather in my younger days, (long long ago) on a 250 stroker. Now, that thing ate tyres and chains/sprockets, could have been coz chain lube was something only wimps used, or so us ignorant apprentices thought. Young and stupid back then, when the rear sprocket teeth started to hook it would get turned round to prolong the life a bit and was only changed when the chain would jump the teeth.
Older and wiser now or maybe I now realise how dangerous our bike maintenance was back then.

[Red ones]

As other peeps say...(I do 60 a day)...Scotoiler is a must - I can't be bothered to do the chain every couple of days. Oil changes - you get very good at them (7 miuntes for a change now!) and keep an eye on the tyres.


TBH I find the bike stays in better nick than it did on the 5 miles commute, probly because it now gets warm and the battery gets a decent charge.


Oh - and it is ok for comfort and the engine is more than big enough (afterall 0-60 in 3.something and a top speed of 130something should be enough for anyone!)

If you're a builder, plumber or carpenter, I've only got one word to say to you:
SCOTTOILER!
Jon.

I think the scottoiler is the way to go, I know they are about £70, how long does it take to fit one.
Also how often do you need to top them up.

I had mine fitted by the dealer before the bike had turned a wheel. Not sure how long it takes, but quite a few of the lads on here have done it themselves. Refill about every four weeks, depending on miles ridden and flow rate you've set. I like mine set so you can see the chain is moist, but not spraying everywhere. There will be a few drops on the number plate. Have not had to adjust the chain once (7600 miles on the clock now).
Jon.