Re: Ideas for reasonable distance commuter bike
 

Why shaft drive? It limits your choices a lot.

A decent quality chain fed a diet of fresh Scottoil or chainsaw oil will need minimum maintenance. I haven't touched the chain adjustment on my Versys since I bought it new 4000 miles ago, and I've been using it fairly hard every time I get on it, including a fully loaded trip to Belgium last weekend.

I'd suggest something 1/2 faired, cheap and cheerful like a GPZ500 or CB500F would suit you better. At your age you've got to look at insurance and running costs as well.

Re: Ideas for reasonable distance commuter bike
 

+1 on Scottoiler, my SV's chain has barely needed touching. Much more choice if chain drive is included.

Re: Ideas for reasonable distance commuter bike
 

You're a bit young for insurance on an ST1100. If you'd be prepared to consider a maxi-scoot you'd easily pick up a Burgman 400 for 2 grand and it'll sit at 80-90mph all day and take a top box. Otherwise the Deauville was a good suggestion.

Also look at any of the half faired 600 commuters of the Bandit/CBF/Diversion/Fazer/Hornet ilk (but the latter two probably more on insurance), or why not just sell your Bandit and replace it with a bigger one 600 or 650, that way you'll have a bike to do both jobs.

TBH I don't think your going to find much with a shaft drive unless you are back in 1100cc territory.

Re: Ideas for reasonable distance commuter bike
 

Good afternoon all.

Ditto avoiding old ST1100's not only will the insurance be steep, old St's can be a money funnel! Exhausts, cambelts etc.

A good CB500 if you can find one is my recommendation. They knock the spots off anything else in their bracket.


Cheers.

Re: Ideas for reasonable distance commuter bike
 

What about an old Bandit? 600 or 1200.... can easily be kitted out with panniers and a topbox.

Re: Ideas for reasonable distance commuter bike
 

I'd have said a bandit too, parts are easy to get, there are millions of them. Ebay is full of bits. The do good mileage, and if you feel like it there a millions of places you can get hard luggage from.

Re: Should I??
 

How old are you? would you be confident with a bike that size?

The "Dullville" as its known has a manual adjustable front screen so you can set it at which ever point suits you best before upgrading to a different one (if you can) panniers are decent size but if you require them you can get extended (longer) pannier lids although im not sure what size they are.

Another option CBF600 or CBF1000 that is if you are going down the Honda route as they have fantastic build quality, get a scotoiler fitted and then chain will be fine, also if panniers and or top box are req then im sure your dealer may throw some in to sweeten the deal.

Re: Ideas for reasonable distance commuter bike
 

I'd be tempted to go for the Dullville. If you're commuting that distance you'll appreciate the fairing. They're not fast but should be sufficient for 'boring A roads'. I wouldn't mind one for my 80 mile commute from home to work, but I'd also want something a bit more exciting too.

Otherwise, what about the VFR, or similar sports-tourer?

Re: Ideas for reasonable distance commuter bike
 

dullvilles are awesome workhorses. but the have the name for a reason

+1 on the maxi scoot though. good weather protection, good mpg, cheaper (??) tyres, loadsa space under the seat.

Re: Ideas for reasonable distance commuter bike
 

He's 17 I think, which probably means he'll get raped by insurance companies on any litre + bike