Looking for a 'mile muncher'

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HisNibbs · #1 Post by **HisNibbs** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 11:21 pm

I am hopefully changing my job in a month or so.

That’s good news except that my fun back roads 45 odd mile round trip blast on the Falco will become 80 miles each way of mostly motorway.

I reckon that’s something like 40,000 a year of annual mileage. My car does over 50 mpg but will get stuck in the rush hour traffic and will take ages. The Falco would be pretty quick but I'll have to stop for fuel too bloody often and my sticky tyres will get ruined. Plus I could do with more weather protection and some thing that doesn't encourage me to tuck in and......

Money is a consideration and I need to keep the costs down. I was thinking about a BMW R100RS or the like as I've got loads of bits from my BMW days. Any one got anything suitable lurking in the garage or suggestions?

Oh and don't worry I'm still planning to keep the Falco for the days when I have the time and inclination to take the 'scenic' route.

#2 Post by **Kwackerz** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 5:32 pm

Old style Pan Euro sounds the job.

I know Gio used to have one and Im sure I remember him waxing lyrical about it's abilities.
I also know Jorge (renegade Exhausts) swore by his.

40k Miles? Shouldnt prove any probs for a Pan, even an old one. Change the oil regularly and thats about it.

They still filter too..

snapdragon · #3 Post by **snapdragon** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:34 pm

80 miles???? each way???? in winter???? how long will that take?

ok don't mind me, I'm old and creaky and couldnt do that sorta mileage, I just refused a 50 each way move - and look forward

to no job or rubbish job rather than travel that on a daily basis (half back lanes (untreated in winter) half dual cabbage or Mway)

BikerGran · #4 Post by **BikerGran** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 10:26 pm

Too right Snap! I wouldn't do that either! But I guess ten years ago - or even 5 years - I might have!

I remember the days when I rode to work all year round, rain or shine or frost, even tho I had a car sitting on the drive. I don't do that any more, can't imagine why I did? Tho I guess I'm still proud to say, been there, done that!

Yep, a Pan sounds about right unless you want to go even further and get a Kwak GT550, there are some good low-mileage ones about sometimes. But that sort of distance, a Pan will get you there quicker.

HisNibbs · #5 Post by **HisNibbs** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 9:05 pm

Thanks for the suggestions.

I'd not thought about a 'Pan' I'll check prices and specs. I suppose the Yamaha XJ or Honda Deville could be considered too. It'll be the right bike at the right price decision. The BMWR100Rs I looked at was nice but too much money for what it was.

The trip itself took 1 1/2hrs on the Falco when I went for interview. Yes it was cold and I had not intended taking the bike but the car wouldn't start.
I don't expect to do all year on the bike, as these days I usually avoid riding those mornings when I can barely keep my footing walking the dog.

BikerGran · #6 Post by **BikerGran** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 9:39 pm

A friend on another forum was thinking of replacing his Pan and this is what he eventually posted:

My requirements are;
Good torquey tourer
upright comfortable riding position
realy good weather protection
carrying capacity, must have hard luggage
the ability to cover 500 miles in comfort
economy must be 50+mpg at "normal speeds"
Total reliability (Big one this in my book)
NO jiggery pokery electrics or braking systems
must be "self protected " from the weather (sits outside all year)

Having read that over again, I think I might be keeping the Pan for a bit longer then

Ps DONT even mention getting a "new" 1300 Pan, design by Toblerone, electrics by some mad scientist and a brakeing system that they run evening classes to enable you to understand. Total pile of poo in my opinion and yes, I have ridden one for 1/2 a day. my old 1100 felt bl**dy fantastic when I got back on it afterwards.

sidestand · #7 Post by **sidestand** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 10:00 pm

Thought about a TDM 900 ?.........ticks most of the boxes Bikergran's friend mentioned

back_marker · #8 Post by **back_marker** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 10:47 pm

How about a Suzi GSX600F teapot (or better still the 750 version). Not the prettiest bike in the world but reasonably cheap, 750 is pretty quick and comfy as hell. Only thing that lets it down is good old Suzuki build quality (or lack of it) means they look tatty quite quickly, but otherwise bulletproof.

HowardQ · #9 Post by **HowardQ** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 10:49 pm

A Pan is OK, but you would be better finding something like a low mileage CBR1000F, I have seen some superb ones fail to meet low reserves on eBay. It is probably the best long distance commuter you can get and dead cheap cos they ain't trendy. I've had one for more than 5 years, and it has done quite a few winter miles. Look for one of the last ones made in around 1998 and if the price is high beat them down as they do not usually fetch high prices.
Others to consider are late VFR750s or VFR800s, none VTEC.
These three bikes were probably the best built bikes ever to come out of Honda after the chocolate cams in the original VF750s.
All three will be perfect for long daily runs on motorways and A roads, although the CBR1000F is not as nimble in heavy city traffic.

Gio · #10 Post by **Gio** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:09 am

Go for a Pan, no chains to change and rusty crud. I'm looking for one now, preferable one of the last ones of the 1100 class.

But I'd not write off the 1300 as a friend has had one and its done 45k in 3 years and never missed a beat, plus of course its 30MPH faster and thats good on the continent where speeding doesn't seem to be so much of an issue (France, Germany and Italy that is)