What commute bike do you have or suggest?

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Gulf Coast said:
I hear you but right now with engine cut outs, flaming fairings, oil leaks, etc I personally haven't got the confidence in my 1199's reliability for heavy traffic commuting. W/E rides no problem but not mon to fri in heavy traffic. Sure on a Friday just to impress the guys!! Lol
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I just passed the 5,000 mile mark and other than having to bleed the front brake once and the clutch twice, my Panigale has been ultra reliable. Ridden through some horrible storms, awful heat (NV and UT at 100+), long traffic jams and high altitudes....hasn't let me down yet (other than the high speed instability thing).
 
I have a 749 n 1199 n commute on both....don't experience any problem in doing so either
 
I use my Vstrom 650 for commute-duty. Nice upright seating position, 19" front wheel for riding over the crap Bay Area rodes, 50mpg, cheap oil, pokey little motor, Givi luggage (2xE21 side cases and a V46), and tires that can last over 10K miles. What's not to love? As much as I'd love to replace it with a Multistrada or GS, it just makes too much sense to keep it.

Once you fix the brakes and the front suspension it's probably one of the best all-rounder bikes you can find. Oh yeah, did I mention I got it brand new for under $7K OTD? That's like an exhaust and some rearsets for the Panigale LOL :D

Good luck!
 
'78 Kawaski Z400, rebuilt cafe racer style by a dude up in Cheshire, England...
 

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iiiofiv said:
Hey Gulf Coast - welcome.

I commute most days on my 2008 Tiger 1050. Fridays will usually change it up with the Monster or the Pani.

I'm curious where you finally landed and what route you're taking. I've been here more than 25 years and have learned quite a few short cuts. If you're in the Danville/San Ramon area you are about at the worst of the commute spectrum to and from Richmond. But, we may be able to figure something out for you...

Maybe I'll have a BBQ at my place in the next few weeks so all of the Bay Area 1199ers who want to can meet and tell lies.

Cheers
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+1 on the BBQ .. Or I will meet you at the dealers. Ideally before the 21st Aug as that is when the America's Cup sailing starts.
 
honestly don't think you can do much better than a BMW r1200gs...easy to find new or used, good wind protection, smooth, multiple pannier systems, sits high to see over traffic, handles really well, reliable, and great for all weather riding.

pm me if you need any connections for one and/or want commute tips...i've lived or worked in the same areas as you.

cheers!
 
i love the bmw scooter series.. and the k1600gt (although thats a little hard to lane split)

i used to get one of those 125-200cc bikes to do this job. they have great fuel economy, they do about 80-100kmph so its decent for me and they have fc of 40km/l thats about 86mpg?
 
picked this up last weekend as a new daily commute, that 186 mph top speed of the Panigale is no match for this in the city, i am AVERAGING 13mph in the city, with traffic lights on ever block!
Pro:
$0 spend for gas/parking ticket/ maintenance
keep rider in shape
never got stuck in traffic
no under seat heat issue :D

Con:
car dodging is a .....!
no thumping L-twin sounds
$0 for gas, but hundreds for granola bars haha
 

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I rode a Tmax 530 as a commute bike..is great actually more pleasure to ride around the town.
 
I commute on a BMW 1200GSA,
If you want something unburstable for the job without spending a fortune.
Kawasaki KLR650.
That's what I'd buy.

J.
 
duckyduc said:
picked this up last weekend as a new daily commute, that 186 mph top speed of the Panigale is no match for this in the city, i am AVERAGING 13mph in the city, with traffic lights on ever block!
Pro:
$0 spend for gas/parking ticket/ maintenance
keep rider in shape
never got stuck in traffic
no under seat heat issue :D

Con:
car dodging is a .....!
no thumping L-twin sounds
$0 for gas, but hundreds for granola bars haha
Click to expand...

Dont forget the cost of gatoraid !!!!
 

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