Ideas for reasonable distance commuter bike

What do apprentices get paid these days? It would want to be good because just off the top off my head I reckon the trip to and from work is going to cost around 4000 pa (~80pw) on a relatively inexpensive mid-range (500-650cc) bike... providing nothing goes wrong. Beyond that things start to get more expensive. A litre class bike can easily push the bill upwards by 20%.

Cheers

I vote Dullsville. Having owned one I can tell you, it munches the miles without thought. Shaft drive means not even having to think about a chain (or scottoiler refilling). Touring screen and you would be able to travel over the speed limit with the visor up. Smooth, comfortable and still agile enough to filter through traffic. It will do around 250 miles to a tank of petrol. They have rock solid engines that will go forever. Servicing is simple, easy and basic. Only downside is the exhausts tend to rust quickly due to them being so low to the ground. I bought a stainless steel full system for around £150 which eliminated that problem. I threw mine down the road (twice) and the worst that happened was cracked plastics and bent foot levers (which I just bent straight again because they are made of steel). As far as I am concerned it is the perfect commuter hack.

[embee]

I've got a 2002 Deauville as well as the SVS.

Deau forum here

Just a quick run down of specs, introduced around '98, based on the NTV650 sort of (3 valves + 2 plugs per cylinder). Panniers were small, Brembo brakes, some front brake "warping" reported, otherwise decent finish.
At 2002 it was updated a bit, clear (better) headlamp, lighter engine internals, clutch improved, linked Nissin brakes (no ABS option on 650), no power change. Panniers modified, slightly bigger left hand pannier but still won't take a helmet. Paint finish went downhill generally, paint falls off engine cases.
One or two slight mods later (04?), like headlamps on and hazards.
Fuel pumps can give problems (common with Africa twin and other Hondas) but easily fixed (diode solves problems if caught early enough, otherwise Facet replacement £30ish). Many fit higher touring screens, Honda do one, or MRA vario is liked. Fuel tap has a reserve.

NT700 (actually 680) introduced at 06, engine becomes a 4-valve and fuel injected (no fuel tap), a bit more power and a lot more torque, oil cooler. Sort of pointy styling.
ABS option (but most have it), screen has 2 positions, need to unbolt it to change. Panniers better, with "baguette" hole joining the two sides (can be useful). Dual headlamp, fuel gauge (sort of). Screens have been modded and 08 have variable settings. Can get higher aftermarket versions.

All are very reliable and durable, comfy, and decent weather protection, built for commuting/touring. Handle surprisingly well, decent brakes, reasonably smooth if set up correctly, very light controls (especially clutch). Economy typically 50-60mpg depending, range around 200mls before thinking of refuelling. A bit heavy to move around. Need decent tyres (Avon Storms/Metz Z6 etc)

Top box needed for helmet, but it goes with the bike well.

Recommended for commuting/touring.

Originally Posted by MattCo

What do apprentices get paid these days? It would want to be good because just off the top off my head I reckon the trip to and from work is going to cost around 4000 pa (~80pw) on a relatively inexpensive mid-range (500-650cc) bike... providing nothing goes wrong. Beyond that things start to get more expensive. A litre class bike can easily push the bill upwards by 20%.

Cheers

£80pw for a first year when we move onto placement it goes up the apprentices last year are getting around £250pwlive with my parents so im not paying much to live Dueville thingy seems to be getting a few recommendations so I might have a look at trying to find a decent one. That fazer thats for sale needs gone now I don't know if I'm gonna have to travel the distance yet so I dont want to buy anything now and then find out theres a job closer to home.