Operation: Commute
 

For the past 3 years I've been fortunate enough to live between a 5 and 15 minute walk from the office. But life is not like a vending machine, change is inevitable and so the news as expected was poorly communicated that we were moving office. Initially I was a little bit miffed but if the great philosopher Homer has taught me anything its that the Chinese have the same word for crisis as they do opportunity; crisitunity. I'm going to have to go back to commuting, but how?

Yes I could walk, but it would take to long. Yes I could cycle but I'm lazy. Yes I could drive the cage, but there is little to no parking at the new site. So its back to the bike for me. I used to ride all the time, for 10 years my only transport was my bike but I was starting to tire of it and not having to ride all the time, initially by learning to drive and then by not having a real commute made my time in the saddle far more enjoyable again so I don't want to loose that enthuasum for riding that I have regained these past few years.

The next consideration is the bike. Strechie has the same issue as me. For the distance that I have to travel (approximately a 4 mile round trip) I have to ask is the SV the best bike for this? Stretchie summed up his commute by Blackbird as a waste of tyre, and he's right. No real corners and a fair bit of unused potential in the bike. His solution was to buy a cheap Chinese 125. He plans to see if the reputation of these machines is deserved. I think this is a good idea, not the Chinese bit, but the 125 to commute on.

So the search was on, which 125 to get... I considered a fair few machines while helping Strechie with his choice. Something like a CR125 or DT125 - a trailie or off roader light and tall but having sat on one I decided it was not really what I'd wanted. I thought about the bikes I idolised at 16 and 17, an Aprilia RS125, a Cagiva Mito, I even thought of the 50cc versions and things like the Derbi GPR, the Sachs Madass. Then off to comedy like a Honda Melody. But sense took hold.

The Yamaha YSR80 is a bike I quite like but any would need a lot of work to bring it up to scratch, as would my TZR125, or a later model. I don't think using my TZR250 would be sensible and other 250 2Strokes would end up going the same way, but a RS250 is a bike to covert.

I think its time to rule out the strokers, 4 stokes are what i'm looking at. The Honda CG125 would do the job perfectly but doesn't have any style. Something like a VT125 has the style but isn't what I would call a commuter bike. Things were getting tough. Test riding bikes gave me a go on the Peugeot Satelis 250. Great bike for commuting and really useful, but it didn't really appeal at this point I want some fun.

A left field idea due to the distance was the Yamaha EC-03, an all electric bike. But Stretchie pointed out that this might be a bad idea due to the history I have of electricity falling out of my bikes.

More thought and KTM Duke 350 was my next idea, trouble is price is also a consideration so the 200 and the 125 was ruled out. But their racer styled one is cracking. I could always buy a 450cc crosser and convert it to one of those single cylinder road race bikes. But I need some thing to use from day one and not another project. And this is a hunt for a 125.

Then it dawned on me. There is one bike that fits the bill perfectly. I couldn't believe how long it took to reach the decision. I remember when it came out I thought it was just the greatest bike that had hit the street in the last 5 years. But it needed time to mature and have a second hand market. I did think about new as it is a cheap bike from the off, but some salesmen really know how to talk themselves out of a sale.

With the decision made on the make and model it was just a case of finding the right bike. So the search was on. I had chosen the colour I wanted, yellow, trouble is I couldn't find one all I could find was white bikes and I didn't fancy that. But then I had an idea... and white would fit.

So this thread is to document the evolution of a simple commuter bike as I intend to make a couple of modifications, planned or unplanned.

"But what bike?", I hear you ask.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps369dc9b2.jpg

"I recognise that" you say.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps0621a37a.jpg

Yes, its a Honda. But which one?

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps7d813f7b.jpg

Its the most awesome Honda MSX125.

Operation: Commute
 

Was the LHS bar grip an optional extra you didn't want?


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Re: Operation: Commute
 

Me likey. I think these are a great idea, a bike designed around a small engine rather than trying to be something it isn't.

Jambo

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Re: Operation: Commute
 

Not come across one of those before. Looks like a decent bit of kit, almost certainly more fun, faster and cheaper than getting on the bus. Good luck!

Re: Operation: Commute
 

Aye not to bad looking, maybe a bit hornet like.

Re: Operation: Commute
 

Wow a quick Googlefu for images of this little beasty and a few people out there have gone to town on these bikes, please say you'll do the same....

Re: Operation: Commute
 

Hopefully you don't look quite like this sat on it though....now wondering what I used to look like on my YBR..

Re: Operation: Commute
 

Last one, maybe one mod too far...she is a 125 after all.
This bad boy reaches a stonking 60 mph flat out...can't wait to see what you do to yours.
Loved the last project.

Re: Operation: Commute
 

Sometimes your newsfeed just provides the right thing at the right time.

Should save some time on the trip the the desk...

Jambo

Re: Operation: Commute
 

I see one most days - they are tiddly! Ooozes cool though :)

I had your dilemma for my 16 mile round trip commute and went for the cheap as possible option (tired old GS125) - which is working out well for me - 210 miles on £12 of petrol - cant help but smile when I ride it either :)

Re: Operation: Commute
 

After seeing that I think your commute could be quite fun, hope you have an off road section too!

Re: Operation: Commute
 

So then Mr Stee-retch - what Chinese bike did you go for? I was tempted by a brand new Sinnis Trackstar as I think its the best looking of all the Chinese machines... but I can feel "clean" riding my Japanese(ish) Suzuki lol :)

Re: Operation: Commute
 

and i was thinking i was the laziest feker in the UK. 2 miles there and 2 miles back and you get a motorbike to do it. did it even cross your mind that getting a pushbike might actually make you fitter in the long run but wait for it... save you money as well.

lets just put this into perspective.... i have coronary heart disease that required a 5 graft by-pass and i also have vascular disease in the legs and i would still cycle there and back. if you keep going with the attitude towards fitness you will end up in the same state as me.

Re: Operation: Commute
 

Except presumably not so short....?

Mick..

Re: Operation: Commute
 

The first thing to say is yes modifications are planned, how far it will go who knows, but I have a vision of what I want from the bike. Depends on what funds I have for it.

As for size yes it is small and yes it does look a little odd, like a giant on a bike, but then that's half the fun. Plus it reminds me of:

The Grom Escape is good show case of why I've bought the bike. As I get more used to it I think the fun factor will only climb. But I can say already it handles the turns really well and is stable at speed. For the record 64mph on the flat and 75mph down hill flat out in top gear is what the clocks have shown me.

As for the exercise aspect I did consider it, but time and fun was against effort. Besides I personally think that peddle bikes are too dangerous. But I did do a 30 minute walk each day for the last 3 1/2 years, however I admit I need to do more.

Re: Operation: Commute
 

That is exactly how he looks (only not so thin :-D )

We went to a dealer in Gloucester and I just couldn't stop giggling, I told him to buy it, then started chanting "By it, Buy it" and we left..... By the time we got back to my house he'd already found that they do all sorts of add ons and optional extras for it...

Can't wait to see it, just waiting for a chain and sprocket set for mine to be delivered then to find out if my insurance company will even recognise my Chinese bike and insure it then it'll be like Sleazy Rider.

Well matey, Abergavenny awaits us (soon) :mrgreen:
OR we could set off early (who am I kidding) from mine and do the AR10 route :)

Re: Operation: Commute
 

Will be watching with interest here :)

Re: Operation: Commute
 

Can I please borrow the Blackbird then if I can get it off the sidestand:smt040

Or...the Triumph is nice. Or...the other blackbird??? Please :smt040

Re: Operation: Commute
 

My partner just bought a brand new one to learn to ride on. She got me to take it out on a test ride after seeing the salesman on it. He looked totally ridiculous at 6ft 7.

I found it light and easy to ride but cornering felt weird after the SV as the bike felt top heavy with my 13 stone on it. Acceleration was fine and the gearbox was as slick as snot.

Re: Operation: Commute
 

Me and you Squirrel

Nitrous Muscle Truck and Mini Bikes! - Roadkill E…: http://youtu.be/yGjMIjNkwhc

Operation: Commute
 

"Gas it w###a".........

Re: Operation: Commute
 

It's a mini GSR! Looks nippy. I can't knock my old YBR125, had it for a year with a 10 mile commute. It managed an easy 200 miles to a tank and we sold it for the same price we bought it despite it having had 3 crashes!

Re: Operation: Commute
 

I passed one of these on the motorway the other day, how will this do you?
http://www.diseno-art.com/images/Carver-One-tilt.jpg
http://forums.sv650.org/data:image/j...NJc11dVZf/2Q==http://forums.sv650.org/data:image/j...NJc11dVZf/2Q==

Re: Operation: Commute
 

What on earth is that?

But its reminded me, I cant believe I didn't consider the Piaggio MP3...

Re: Operation: Commute
 

Rode the SV today after last being on the MSX. My what a difference. Yes the SV is bigger and is far more powerful, but compared to the MSX its steering is slow and heavy.

And this reminded me I haven't done a ride report yet...

So I picked the bike up from Basingstoke on the evening with a plan to take it straight home up the A339 and then the M4, roughly 45 miles. At Chieveley services I filled up before heading to the motorway, £5.50 brimmed the tank from 2 bars from empty. As I approached the M4 I was careful to make sure I took the exit towards Swindon. So I joined the M4 in the direction of London. 15 miles later I reached an exit and turned round finally heading in the correct direction.

Speedwise it will do about 64mph on the straight and I did see 75mph on the downhill section of the M4 into Swindon. Acceleration from the line is a little disappointing at first but it does pick up enough once rolling and can hold its own on A roads and Motorways but that is a little boring on a bike such as this. Where it really comes alive is in the town, tight turns and roundabouts you can just flick it side to side with ease.

The seat isn't built for long journeys but the mirrors are good, just need to find their correct location as I keep changing my mind on where I should position myself on the seat. Instruments are fine and so are the controls, just need to get used to the indicators and the horn being the other way round.

The gearbox is interesting. There are only 4 gears and if you are in first and tap it down it doesn't have a stop, it just looks for another gear which is odd. Out riding I really need to remember there are only 4 gears or I need to get a slipper clutch. You see I have a slight problem. Listening to the engine revs it feels like I'm in 6th, so as I approach a roundabout I stick it down 2 and power through the turn. Only on the MSX I'm not going from 6th to 4th, but 4th to 2nd. The consequence of such is I keep locking the rear wheel when leant over, this is fine in the dry but I must get out of the habit before the rain comes.

Now my bike has some issues.

The first is someone got a little happy with the stickers. This should be an easy fix. The second is the Tyga Maggot exhaust that is on there. Its a full system that adds a whole 1hp, which if you think about it on a bike that only has a claimed 9.6hp as standard is a fantastic gain. The only problem is its a little loud as there is no baffle in it. So my solution is to order a different exhaust, just waiting for delivery. Besides its style doesn't match my plan.

And the third problem is my bike has dual nationality. Its European at the back and American at the front. To clarify what I mean, the indicators are always on at the front unless flashing and always off at the back unless flashing. I didn't notice this while picking it up or it only started on the way home. I need to investigate, but my first suspicion is the R&G tail tidy that has been fitted, its possible that there is a problem at that end or its at least a good place to start investigations.

Re: Operation: Commute
 

Firstly " I stick it down 2 and power through the turn" ha haa haaaaaa, should be in the joke thread

Keep the exhaust on I want to hear it :)

Re: Operation: Commute
 

Back in the day I did some miles on a Honda Bros 400. Being a Japanese market item it had the same indicators on at the front unless turning feature. If I'm honest I like that as it helps separate the headlight from cars when you're filtering. The gear selector on that also had no stop on the selector mechanism when you hit 1st. So would push down and return freely without engaging anything. You get used to it and I got in the habit of pressing down a little and seeing if there was any resistance. If not, I was in 1st.

Glad you're enjoying it!

Jambo

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Re: Operation: Commute
 

It's a Carver One, I'd never seen one before either then I've seen two more today!Bizarre three-wheeler bike/car hybrid thingy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carver_%28automobile%29

Operation: Commute
 

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/18/mejehavy.jpg

Saw this yellow one at bike night and thought of you mate. First one I've seen in the flesh up close. Looks like it's be a hoot!


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Re: Operation: Commute
 

That indicator thing is right, for USA the front indicators illuminate for 'position' but not the rear ones. Same on my USA imported Serow

Re: Operation: Commute
 

That's interesting to know. So would that imply I have an import bike? I think it was originally from a main dealer, odd, but not had a chance so far to check.

And my god that top box looks bigger than the bike!

On the plus side I have a replacement exhaust. Will be fitting that shortly as I want to get out on it...

Re: Operation: Commute
 

Slowing down for roundabouts!? :smt011



Thats just not the 125 way!



Get a grip man! Where is your inner idiot!? :smt064



Nice choice bytheway.

Re: Operation: Commute
 

**AHEM**

http://msxsport.com/index.html

**AHEM**

Giz a go Mr

Re: Operation: Commute
 

Twin exhaust full system mmmmm

Re: Operation: Commute
 

These little groms are everywhere at the moment. Great work from the marketing dept. look like great fun never the less, I fear at 6' and 17 stone I may look a little odd on one though!

Re: Operation: Commute
 

Well between us me and Squirrel can test this for you, him on the height basis and me on the weight basis :)

See Squirrel, it's a matter of customer service, now gimme the keys

Re: Operation: Commute
 

The twin system does look good, but it is a single cylinder engine... Other things are on the wish list.

On the size subject I think I'm just under 6' and it fits ok. Might look a little big on it, but then most people would. Down force is Stretchies department.

Re: Operation: Commute
 

So I got on to the to do list tonight and the first order was the exhaust.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps1c86f5d2.jpg

The can of the full system that is on there now is to loud to the point of offence and not my style so that needed to be replaced. A quick call to Jap 4 Performance the UK importer for Tyga Performance and a small box arrived a few days later. I have a feeling this might happen more than once.

Within the box was a stainless steel oval exhaust. I chose this one as it has a removable baffle. They do a carbon version as well, but knowing that carbon exhausts cant cope with VTwin pulses I fear a single might go the same way. Besides carbon isn't really my thing. Interestingly I weighed the new and old exhaust on my notoriously accurate cheapo scales, the new stainless steel is 1350g and the old maggot is 690g. To make up for this difference I need to loose weight elsewhere on the bike.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps07b72c05.jpg

Replacing the exhaust was fairly simple. Removed the springs unbolted the pipe from the hanger and then wriggled it off. Installing the new one was a reversal of the process with the addition of a little persuasion to lines the pipe up with the hanger.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...psff5b1841.jpg

I had to take the carbon tip off to install the baffle. Surprisingly there was no bolt supplied for this. I didn't really have the right length so added a nut in between to space it out and provide something to grip against. If you are installing an exhaust like this I strongly recommend a spring puller tool. These can be had for less the £10 and make the job very easy. I bought mine when I did the 2MA its one of those things that pay for themselves, yes you can use a pair of pliers and I have in the past but this was so much easier and I didn't scratch anything.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps92b465ab.jpg

The final thing I did was to remove the stickers that the previous owner put on it. I warmed them up using a heat gun for a few seconds then pilled them off. Any remains of glue was then removed with a little WD40 on a rag.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps55783428.jpg

After that it was to take the bike out for a bit and see what the new exhaust sounds like. And I must say I'm relived and happy. The new exhaust note is deeper and not piercing with a nice little rasp. The Grom is on.

Operation: Commute
 

That looks so much better mate. Really like the new exhaust, it goes with the bikes looks much more than the previous one. And if it sounds better to then its a win/win!

From the pics the finish looks to be fairly matt for stainless, almost like a titanium finish? Maybe it's just the lighting, not sure but I like it.

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Re: Operation: Commute
 

So about 3 weeks ago, this happened:

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps70293162.jpg

I hit the first service mark. I wasn't overly bothered about being spot on, but as chance would have it I got home to find I was bang on 600 miles. The first service is relitivly straight forward, some simple checks, change the oil and then check the valves.

But reading online I decided that I wanted to do a little more. So I ordered some gaskets in readiness and waited. And waited. And then waited some more. For a current model bike I was less then impressed with nearly a 3 week wait for parts. And simple parts at that, the clutch cover gasket was what took the longest time.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps5f17ccbb.jpg

But with all the bits I wanted I set about my work. First off I drained the oil over my exhaust.

My Tyga system runs directly under the drain bolt. Which has the added problem of preventing a ratchet from getting in there. Luckily I had some crows feet sockets that I bought while doing the 2MA, and the 17mm fitted in there nicely. Saved me from taking the header pipe off.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps3bef89f3.jpg

The next thing I wanted to do, was to clean the internal oil strainer and the spinner. The engine doesn't have an internal or external filter but uses a strainer and spinner to deal with the oil and I read that contaminants from the original engine build can be found here after the first service.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps0b7db65a.jpg

Getting the clutch cover off was a bit of a faf, had to remove the right footpeg to get clearance for the cover. I had read that some had been able to reuse the cover gasket. But not me, it split as I took the cover off. However it is also the toughest gasket I've ever faced. An absolute pain to remove from the old faces but eventually I cleaned both faces off.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...psba49f359.jpg

More cleaning then followed, the strainer had some bits in it but nothing to worry about and the spinner was relatively clean. So that all went back together nicely and the engine refilled with oil. However it would have been easier to have had a sight glass to work from as opposed to a dip stick.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps9636f4f9.jpg

The valves were both within tolerance. And not to bad to do, access to the intake valve is a little restricted thanks to the air box, but isn't difficult. While I was down there I stuck a new air filter and a new spark plug in.

Then it was a final check of everything else on the bike. So I took the opportunity to try and locate some buzzing on the left of the bike and removed the panel.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps9e10d687.jpg

Turns out the lug had broken and the panel was flapping about a little. I tried some Plastex to glue it back on but I don't think its held. Might look at getting a replacement.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps2d36f80b.jpg

Service over and I'm back out on it. I think I put 30 miles on it the other night going for a little fun ride. Strangely though I did all that without leaving the confides of Swindon...