Tips: Motorcycle as primary mode of transport.

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matricz007

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Sorry if this has been posted before, I searched the forum and couldn't find it.

I was planning to get a Supersport as my primary mode of transport, that is to say I will not buy a car. (With Uber, Zipcar, Transit- I live downtown)

A friend and experienced rider suggested getting a Standard or Cruiser instead of SS because they tend to be more reliable, are more comfortable for the long ride and aren't an eye sore if I install a Givi.

What do you guys think. If you had only a motorcycle to commute with, would you pass on the crotch rocket?

Is there someone out there with an SS that disagrees and has no problem using it as a primary ride.

Bonus++ What are some recommendations for a cruiser/naked? I used to ride dirt bikes, this will be my first street bike. My budget is $7000 but would prefer to spend closer to 5 grand and I am looking for something newer than 2010 (plan to keep for a few seasons)

Thanks
 
Honestly, I can't see only owning a bike here in Ontario -- Not with our winters, and if you actually live on your own, with having to need to get groceries, supplies, etc. Maybe if you were willing to always shop light and had something with hard bags all over, but definitely not a SS.

Also if it comes down to money...know that for the cost to run and insure a SS bike, you could likely get a beater car and a more standard (eg. sports/sports touring, naked, dualsport, etc) bike for around the same cost per year.

EDIT: Also see in your post you said you live downtown...unless you have sentry guns or a mech guarding a supersport 24/7, it probably won't even last until the end of the season before you're taking the TTC.
 
Downtown condo + Supersport = Gone in 60 Seconds
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True, I was surprised to find an Honda CBR 600RR parked outside around King St E and Parliment. And I went by that area again and saw it there again, just parked outdoors.

Where are you commuting?
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Just general commuting, to work if I don't want to take transit. To the gym, to my friends that live in Mississauga, etc.
I live close enough to grocery stores etc, so I don't need it as a way a life. Also I have zipcar and uber for those rare instances like when I buy small furniture.

Honestly, I can't see only owning a bike here in Ontario -- Not with our winters, and if you actually live on your own, with having to need to get groceries, supplies, etc. Maybe if you were willing to always shop light and had something with hard bags all over, but definitely not a SS.
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The thing is my business is slow in the winter so I often travel or just pick up a bartending/chef job around the corner from me. But yes, I think the SS world isn't for me since I do need that versatility.

Also if it comes down to money...know that for the cost to run and insure a SS bike, you could likely get a beater car and a more standard (eg. sports/sports touring, naked, dualsport, etc) bike for around the same cost per year.
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I am tempted to get a dual sport since I come from dirt biking, but you're right. I think I would enjoy a 6000 bike more than a 6000 beater. I basically live a transit life but would love the freedom to ride.

EDIT: Also see in your post you said you live downtown...unless you have sentry guns or a mech guarding a supersport 24/7, it probably won't even last until the end of the season before you're taking the TTC.
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I'll leave a picture of my biceps on the bike, that should be enough guns to detour a thief. I would have to make sure I had a garage and hopefully something with a camera like my condo parking basement.

No sport bikes brother, think comfort.
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I think I will, I'm trying to track down a Nightrod but no luck at the moment.
 
To each their own, but for commuting, a SS isn't as comfortable. Great in the twisties, but a pain getting to them.
 
One word: layering

Actually, SM or wee strom/SV650 with detachable bags/panniers
 
@matricz007 there are a few members here that share your situation (@MattRain comes to mind) I would also vote more of a standard bike. @zx600 has posted many times that it is quite possible to ride almost all winter if you live dt. Cruisers are nice (love mine) but a smaller, more versatile bike (cbr500 for example) make be the thing you need. But, people have, and do do it on an ss.

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I say get an SV650S. It's not a thief magnet and it's a fun bike. My twin brother has one and he's fitted it with a set of Givi cases. Boom, sporttourercommuter.
 
Commuting around the city? Just get a Grom... You're not going much faster than 60km/h anyways most of the time, not paying an arm and a leg for insurance, and chances of getting stolen is a fraction of which an SS would be stolen in a condo. If you decide it's not right for you, sell it for around the same price you got it for and get something else.

Dualsports are also nice too ;) Large top/side cases for transporting goods with reliable enough power.
 
Get a klr. Unless youre vertically challenged then i wouldnt suggest it but for just commuting its the bees knees. Highway commuting maybe not but city for three reasons:
- dead reliable single cylinder
- good on gas and comfy
- no one wants to steal a klr

And coming from dirtbikes it will feel like a very natural transition due to the ergos.


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Skip on the SS is what my votes goes towards.
 
Man! How come no one has tried to beat into him the idea of a car that he doesn't need yet like it happened to... oh I dunno, a certain dude on a previous post?? ?

All jokes aside, in my opinion, if you want to use a motorcycle as a source of primary transportation, cruisers are known to be more comfortable. Groceries shouldn't be a problem as I'm assuming your grocery place is a walkable distance? The only thing you have to take in consideration,are you a lone wolf and most likely don't care about caring passenger do you have a significate other/friends who will be your passenger or you don't really mind those details for now?

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matricz007 said:
I was planning to get a Supersport as my primary mode of transport
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Seeing as how you're a new rider, insurance may be the determining factor on what you end up buying. You haven't called around for insurance quotes on supersports yet, have you? You could probably rent a zipcar for your commutes every day for less than what insurance may cost you. ;)

Sorry to be a bummer, but just sayin'....brand new rider + supersport = bend over.
 
Yeah start with the insurance.

psouth@surnet.net guys are great....saved us a ton.

I'd love to sell you my CBF1000 as it would fit your needs well but insurance might be too high. Easy to ride to commuter - light but goes when you twist it and well within your budget. You won't lack for thrills but it's easy in traffic....endless torque and under 500 lb.
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?requestSource=b&adId=1169892120
Long term review here http://www.visordown.com/road-tests/living-with-a-2006-honda-cbf1000/15631.html

Sounds like a Vstrom 650 might fit nicely and you can ride 10 months on a light winter. Lots around and very reliable.

Try for something with ABS if you are dealing with traffic. You are not far off a CB500x. There should be a number or bikes out there with factory luggage that is useful commmuting or touring and can be removed for local fun.

But start with the insurance.
 
Another 2 cents: maxi-scoot! It's been my primary transport for nearly 2 years now.

-$5000 gets you either a Burgman or Tmax in decent condition.

-insurance is very reasonable

-underseat trunk + topcase covers 90% of personal hauling

-better weather protection during shoulder months (early spring/fall/early winter)

-is happy to crawl in the ever-worsening traffic of Toronto

-will still do highways (lots of electrical overhead too)

-low/no desirability to thieves

-not considered sexy, but if you're ugly, no supersport was going to help anyway

Once the snow starts flying, I call it quits unless it melts quickly. Then you just learn to accept transit/uber/zip cars, or borrow from friends when you can.
 
The best commuter of all and no slouch in the twists plus superb weather protection. The only time my kid was jealous of my Burgman was crawling across the Peace Bridge in 35 degree weather.....he got seriously tired of clutching and the heat off his engine.

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Might be a bit too urban for the OP....CB500x is agile and fun and cheap insurance as it's 478 cc or some such.
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