Any on here also run a Motorbike to work?

[kevin_cambs_uk]

After getting in today after 1 hr. and 20, the guided bus way is flooded the roads are a nightmare and I am still shivering from the cold.

I wonder if any on here have made the transition from bike to motor bike for some or all of their commute, or is going from 2 wheel cyclist to 2 wheel biker a complete waste of time and effort?

I have been toying with the idea (as you know we cyclists have a lot of thinking time!) on mornings when its so cold I could get to work quicker by motorbike and still park at work, rather than the car which in Cambridge is a waste of time, or am I just talking and thinking total crap?

Am I being as naïve as I was as a 13 year old teenager who thinks he knows it all already !!!

 

[Drago]

I used to, but with fuel, insurance and road tax it cost rather more than my Peugeot 107 to run.

 

[MattHB]

I used to as well. A year ago I sold it to go self power transport dependant. Surprisingly never missed my big old triumph trophy 12.

 

[Drago]

Mine was an R6, but I don't miss it cos its still in the garage nestling alongside my even older FZR600.

 

[Rafferty]

Yep, run a Triumph and a Honda.
Raff.

 

[Monsieur]

Trek 7.5, Reebok Voyager, Audi A4 and a Honda Varadero, though I'm buggered if I'm going out on anything with only 2 wheels in the icy conditions we've got at the moment

The Audi was lovely and warm this morning at 6.30am

 

[MattHB]

Trek 7.5, Reebok Voyager, Audi A4 and a Honda Varadero, though I'm buggered if I'm going out on anything with only 2 wheels in the icy conditions we've got at the moment

The Audi was lovely and warm this morning at 6.30am

So were my odlo base layers and my gore cold system gear and I was on the bike for half the time than I would have been in the car. I'd not swap the bike for anything.. It's my second winter commuting and I still think this

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Used to own a fleet of 5 but got bored of getting soaked

 

[Drago]

So were my odlo base layers and my gore cold system gear and I was on the bike for half the time than I would have been in the car. I'd not swap the bike for anything.. It's my second winter commuting and I still think this

And you were getting trimmer and leaner with each pedal stroke.

 

[MattHB]

And you were getting trimmer and leaner with each pedal stroke.

And killing the planet less

 

[BlackPanther]

I swapped motorbike for bike 3 years ago. I've still got the CBF1000S, but I only use it once a month to give her a run out. If it wasn't for the odd trip down to family in M.K. and the knowledge that if I feel really rough I can resort to it, I'd get rid. Motorbike just don't do it for me any more.

I've had snotty sniffles this week, but I feel a lot better after cycling in to work.

 

[Crankarm]

I used to have a motorbike and commute a few years ago now around London as well as up here, but not in heavy snow or really icy conditions as it was too dangerous plus the motorbike and me used to get covered in crap, crud and salt which would kill the finish on the bike. It was great fun in fine weather but not snow and ice. Motorbikes a Suzuki GS750 then a Bandit then a Honda VFR are long gone. Though I still have all my gear, Kelvar jacket, trousers, helmet, boots and gloves but haven't worn them for years. The trousers are super warm thick padded ones. I keep telling myself that one day I will, but I don't think so, not in the crap UK climate. Plus I've totted up the costs and it is more expensive than running my car. I'd rather be driving half way to work then cycling the rest on the GBW. It's the safest. Anyway the GBW has been a Godsend for cycling to work. It is not quite so flooded as it was, there are only two long stretches remaining at the moment. To pass these you just ride along the top of the grass bank. I guess if you have a road bike then this will not be possible so you have to push/carry it and walk, but with a MTB it's no problem. just a bit slower and more concentration needed in the bike handling department to avoid falling ar$e over tit into the water.

The contractors that have been digging with a huge digger just east of Swavesy have left a lot of mud and stones on the road which pees me off no end as hitting this crap at night that they should have cleaned up can be lethal causing to you crash or puncture plus in the wet it makes one hell of a mess of your bike. Plus the stupid prats at Cambridgeshire Council have been cutting the vegtation and hedges adjacent to the road and left all the cuttings and thorns on the road. I got a puncture in my front tyre from a one and half inch thorn on wednesday morning so when I cam to ride home the tyre was flat so had to stick in a new tube which made me late home.

 

[Tommy2]

Maybe consider a 125cc, they are cheap to fuel and insure, though I must admit I still have a Honda CG 125 in the garage that I haven't ridden for years and keep meaning to sell, tried putting it on eBay classifieds but keep getting to the last stage and the site keeps crashing out, maybe that's a sign to keep it....

 

[fossyant]

After getting in today after 1 hr. and 20, the guided bus way is flooded the roads are a nightmare and I am still shivering from the cold. I wonder if any on here have made the transition from bike to motor bike for some or all of their commute, or is going from 2 wheel cyclist to 2 wheel biker a complete waste of time and effort?

Couple of points you are maybe missing:-

1. Clothing - why were you cold and shivering ? That suggests poorly thought out kit. I have cycled in minus 15 for a number of days in falling snow and was dry and warm. Do a rethink - if it's really cold I would suggest an air-block type cycle jersey - I have a Decathlon one that was about £50, but it is fabulous once temperatures reach down to zero and below. Too warm above that, and I use an Aldi winter jersey. Under these two I just have a compression base. Yes, just two layers of technical clothing, none of it mega bucks either. Legs again I would suggest winter tights - again I have some Decathlon ones with strategicly placed air-blocking material.

2. Ice/Snow - I am afraid a motorbike would be just as dangerous in these conditions. If you still have to cycle, then invest in studded tyres. I have a nice warm car on the drive, but still cycle in these conditions - it's a small investment that lasts a long time - on my 4th winter with these tyres. An additional pedal bike with these tyres fitted is a cheapish option.

I would have a re-think of your equipment and clothing. Even with a few hundred pounds investment, it's going to be cheaper than a few months running expenses of a motorbike. Given a choice, if I had a motorbike, I'd be using it as a play thing for nice weekends, but I know I'd stuff it into a brick wall, I am bad enough on a pedal bike.

 

[Acyclo]

Yes, you won't believe how cold you get on a motorbike even with elaborate expensive kit. You will also get huge shock when you find out how expensive it is to run even a modest motorbike. I speak of which I know.