London commute bike suggestions

[Wilco500]

Hi all,

None of my bikes I like to commute on as they’d be stolen faster than you can say Ducati!

Any suggestions for something with decent power, sub 5k, that I can not worry about being pinched or scraped in tight parking spots.

Not worried about age, just a good work horse really that thieves won’t (might not) notice.

Was thinking R1100 S?

Cheers in advance,

[roboxm3]

Smaller budget but I ended up with a ‘98 VFR 800 for dry-weather commuter duties after considering the other options...

[KTMsm]

Old Fazer 1000

I bought a Guzzi Griso off a Londoner - he left it on the street for 3 years without a problem - his reasoning was that most scumbags wouldn't know what it was, I suspect he was right so anything older and left field really

[V1nce Fox]

Old vfr pre-vtec.

[Art Keller]

Any old bike really...........just get some plastic dowels..........removes the front caliper mounting bolts and refit with just the plastic dowels holding them in position after you park it up...........wont stop it getting nicked , but at least you know the thief will be in a hospital nearby

[olliete]

Watch for ulez

I have a 98 BMW GS and it's ideal. Cheap, reliable, doesn't attract any attention

[916]

Don’t forget it will need to be ULEZ compliant so motorbikes generally after 2006.

I think the Fazer 1000 is a good shout. I remember riding a 2007 model that replaced the old carbed one. I was really impressed how quick it was.

[jm8403]

Art Keller said:

Any old bike really...........just get some plastic dowels..........removes the front caliper mounting bolts and refit with just the plastic dowels holding them in position after you park it up...........wont stop it getting nicked , but at least you know the thief will be in a hospital nearby

Love this thinking. No injury is bad enough for these theives.

[Wilco500]

Some great bike tips and thanks for the ULEZ comments, saved me a costly mistake!

[SteelerSE]

I used to commute 35 miles each way on a VFR800 but the forward riding position became a pain in town. I ended up with a Crossrunner but anything more upright would be my suggestion. I like a bigger engine if you plan on piling on the miles. Most of the more upright twins like the VStrom 650 would be good shouts, it just depends on how far you plan on riding each day and what style of bike fits you personally.

[Wilco500]

SteelerSE said:

I used to commute 35 miles each way on a VFR800 but the forward riding position became a pain in town. I ended up with a Crossrunner but anything more upright would be my suggestion. I like a bigger engine if you plan on piling on the miles. Most of the more upright twins like the VStrom 650 would be good shouts, it just depends on how far you plan on riding each day and what style of bike fits you personally.

About 6 miles so not too far. I saw you can get some shims to lift the bars so perhaps a good fix. I'l take a look at the Vstrom too. Cheers

[bsidethecside]

I'd consider a CB500 (or variant) - enough poke for town, not too heavy or big to thread through traffic and should be reliable. Don't know if they're especially thievable, but I'd presume pretty low-key.

[Stig]

Yamaha TDM 900 - my commute is almost 100 miles to Euston and back and have had quite a few TDMs. Unbeatable for this purpose IMHO, though good ones are getting harder to find as they're no longer in production.

[okenemem]

honda x adv

[klootzak]

Unstealable (again).

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-details/20220808...

Thank me later.

k

[Dr Jekyll]

Deauville is a bit heavy and not particularly fast, but very comfortable and shaft drive.

[spareparts]

A couple recommendations above for the VFR. I have had two: a 2001 FI-1 pre-vtec, and a later A6 VTec, both were used for commuting across London as I loved the VFR. But in truth - neither were great because they had poor turning circles, ran hot, and have a lot of plastic fairings which will get scratched etc. I would not recommend.

Instead, I would aim for something like something naked, or with a half fairing. The NC700/750 is the current couriers bike of choice. Frugal, easy to ride/comfortable, good turning, quite practical, relatively cheap, and it's Honda reliable.

[gavsdavs]

I've been on a 2015 vfr800 for a year, commuting in from st albans, seems to be doing what i need

[V1nce Fox]

Fair points re the vfr, although i run one as a commuter and am glad of the fairing and zero g screen when it rains.

Upgrade the rr and wiring and theyre incredibly usable.

[DjSki]

You aren't going to be the coolest guy on the road by a long shot but a NC750X I think is perfect for my 7 mile into the city commute. Its a commuter bike and I commute. Tired it before on a zx6r and Hornet but they were just not comfy enough for all weather, every day riding.

As long as its a few years old it won't be on the radar for thieves, you'll get cheap insurance, bombproof reliability, very good mpg and good torque. Just don't expect it to be fun at the weekend....