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Best commuter bike.
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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I start a new job in January. It’s 45 miles each way commute. I have a 03 plate 600 Bandit and a Honda cbf 125. I only passed my test in 2019 so I am a relatively new biker, but did a combined 8500 miles last year on my bikes. I need a dead reliable economical bike for all year round commute. 20 miles motorway and then 25 miles “A” roads . I’m thinking Honda NC 700. Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Thanks for the advice. I am needing really good fuel economy. I can squeeze 65 mpg from my 600 Bandit, but am thinking 80mpg + from the 2 cylinder 700cc NC 700 and it’s better reliability may be the one to buy. I’ll keep my Bandit for my simple touring and camping trips. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Well I think you’re found the answer buy a
Nc700x 80 mph and keep or buy a weekend bike. "
That’s what I was thinking, just threw it out there to more experienced bikers in case I was missing something. Thanks. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Your bandit would do the job, how many miles are you going to have to do to cover the loss on another bike? You've got all the extra maintenance and road tax to add in also. |
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I do a 100mile round trip. About 20 on A/B roads, the rest on the Mway.
I use a CBR500R. Its no sportsbike I average about 75mpg, get 210- 230 on a tank.
Its only a commute bike, handles pretty well, fun on twisties and B roads.
6'+ I would recoment a test ride as its not the most comfy position but, you get used to it. Had mine just over a year and done 20k.
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Depends what you are looking for, as in a faired or unfaired bike.
Have you looked at adventure bikes, they can handle most roads comfortably.
Sports tourers, eat the miles up, but have a bit of poke for the fun times.
I had an old RF900, I managed to get 210 miles out of the tank regularly, ok I rode everywhere at 65mph. But it gave me the an extra day to and from work out of the tank. |
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"Triumph street triple all day, 3 cylinder so good on fuel, don’t need to rev its nuts off and so much fun. Really comfortable to ride aswell. I’ve got a 19plate 765 rs "
With you on this one. I use my OH’s old Striple 675 for commuting into Manchester. He used to use it for commuting Kent to London. It’s fun, light, easy to ride, economical and won’t cost you a fortune to insure. Plus built in alarms and immobilisers are helpful from a security POV.
I rode it for a year when I passed my test before I bought my Ducati, and I still use it now for commutes. Awesome bike. |
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Best bike I ever had was zzr600, loved that bike, traded it in for zzr1200, boring as hell, hated it.
Stick with about 600-750cc and enjoy it, work the bike and think about gear selection etc, instead of just twisting and going like a rocket is my advice, for what it’s worth |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Hi loads of amazing bikes out there depending on your height! I have to say I like adventure style for commuting as you’re sitting up and can see easier the numptys in cars who are still asleep! I had a Honda nc 750x for couple of years and brilliant 80 mpg wasn’t unusual yet plenty of pep. Also the handy helmet stow makes safe without load of boxes. Cb500x similar. But if you’re a bit shorter (I’m 6’1’) Kawasaki z400 awesome machine nipple and great flickable bike in traffic |
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know several folks with nc750`s and they love them for the fuel economy,not the most exciting of bikes but as yoiur still a relative newbie it would probably be the sensible choice.
i`m not saensible so use my fazer 1000 |
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Speed triple because its just bloody good on those roads, not good for fuel economy but got to enjoy the ride to work! The street triple has been mentioned and would definitely be fun as well as practical. |
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Have a look at the 2023 lineup from Royal Enfield, there's some cracking stuff, sensibly priced new, great warranty, retro looks with modern technology, and all great on fuel consumption.
Even something as small as the Himalayan, with a few mods (+1 tooth on the front spocket) would cope well with your commuting needs, I love mine, it's full of character, I've got another 2 bikes in my workshop, a K1100 and an MG California, the himmy is my one to go to daily.
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Deffo have a longer ride on an NC before you buy. The seat is really hard, if you are a little heavy you will find it painful after 25 miles...had one as a loaner and it was very uncomfortable for me. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Deffo have a longer ride on an NC before you buy. The seat is really hard, if you are a little heavy you will find it painful after 25 miles...had one as a loaner and it was very uncomfortable for me. "
Thankyou. |
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"I start a new job in January. It’s 45 miles each way commute. I have a 03 plate 600 Bandit and a Honda cbf 125. I only passed my test in 2019 so I am a relatively new biker, but did a combined 8500 miles last year on my bikes. I need a dead reliable economical bike for all year round commute. 20 miles motorway and then 25 miles “A” roads . I’m thinking Honda NC 700. Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks. "
I used to own a Honda NC700, it never failed me. And great fuel economy. I'd owned it for almost 10yrs. |
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"I start a new job in January. It’s 45 miles each way commute. I have a 03 plate 600 Bandit and a Honda cbf 125. I only passed my test in 2019 so I am a relatively new biker, but did a combined 8500 miles last year on my bikes. I need a dead reliable economical bike for all year round commute. 20 miles motorway and then 25 miles “A” roads . I’m thinking Honda NC 700. Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks.
I used to own a Honda NC700, it never failed me. And great fuel economy. I'd owned it for almost 10yrs."
Even took it touring to Luxembourg, lands end, Wales. Never missed a beat. The onboard storage is very helpful too. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I seem to remember royal enfield making a diesel bike, I bet that gives you good mileage."
Kawasaki made a diesel version of the KLR650 for the US Army. There was a recently released one for sale on the interwap not too long ago, and the price was stratospheric. |
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Whatever you chose, make sure its utterly comfortable.
I found commuting on my CBR600 a miserable experience because I was just slightly cramped and because I spent so long on it it just got awful.
I will be getting something more upright next time I need to do a bike commute of more than 20min |
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"Well I think you’re found the answer buy a
Nc700x 80 mph and keep or buy a weekend bike.
That’s what I was thinking, just threw it out there to more experienced bikers in case I was missing something. Thanks. "
That'll be a belting all rounder. Keep the worst of the weather off you too. |
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By *ondonerMan
over a year ago
London / Essex borders |
I used to commute on a bandit 650 then a Kawasaki Z1000, before realising it was a much better weekend bike then commuter in the city...
I fully recommend the NC750 having used it as a commute bike from Essex to West London for several years, and it's a
Go for the 750 over the 700 of you can afford it, and please do try the DCT version for a decent length test ride - don't dismiss it as an automatic - it's got the same type of gearbox as most sports cars now, so nothing like a aCVT or twist and go!
The false fuel tank gives you a full Size helmet space, and the fuel. Economy is easily up in the 70s of you ride it sensibly... That said the sports mode makes commute riding fun, and I have no issues taking it out for a weekend blast and hanging with friends on litre bikes.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I used to commute a similar distance on my xj900f. 135000miles now ad still starting well. Cheap to buy (mines was £550), mid 50'mpg.
Think about maintanance costs. The tyres were 110 for a set, shaft drive, and put an k&n filter on to keep the cost down. Simple bikes but go forever. |
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I used to commute in an R6, it was fun to ride on dual carriageways, but 30mph around town soon became a pain in the wrists.
Another thibg to think about with a sports bike, is the turning circle. The R6 was ok, for an artic lorry  |
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My main ride is a Suzuki V Strom 650. It would be perfect for a 45 mile commute. It’s frugal on petrol, the upright riding position is comfortable, and it’ll handle the twisty A roads as easily as the motorway. Plus, lots of carrying capacity for work gear. |
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great bike