Pick a Commuter for me - sorted!

[Mav617]

Okay, the list so far is:

Yamaha TW200 (funky, but I'd need to avoid the M23/M25)
Suzuki RV125 Van Van (as above, sloooooow)
Yamaha MT-07 (could also use at the weekend - bit pricey right now)
Honda NC750 - hmm, bit dull?
Yamaha MT-03 - bit underpowered but prices from two grand
Kawasaki ER6 - meh
Suzuki SV650 - loads of cheap ones, potential
Honda Transalp 650/700 - good ones with ABS available at good value (thanks BSABloke)

What else haven't I seen that would give decent mpg and be capable of motorway speeds (even though the M25 is more of a 50 zone in rush hour)?

[bsabloke]

Transalp
Punchy twin, good riding position. Luggage capability
Decent fuel economy

[Mav617]

Good shout, thanks mate - I'm a shortarse (5' 7") but the Storm and TRX are fine, any idea on seat height?

Google was my friend, 841mm apparently - we have a contender, thanks BB

[bsabloke]

No idea. Dual sport type but meant for normal people. Newer ones 700cc & older 650. You may be stretching a bit but you could always lower suspension or have seat sculptured. Get in a bike shop & have a sit on
Looked at maybe swapping storm for 1. Still might
Don't fancy winter commute on storm, but if i had transalp no excuse

[fabiostar]

if your a short butt, as i kinda am. and im only saying this as i just got one for peanuts , a yamaha 600 divvie. bit dull but cheap to use as a runabout.. or if you can find a 900 they have shaft drive, both seem to go on for huge milages

[midlifekrisis]

don't take the piss but have a look at an ntv650, shaft drive, tough, handle well and brakes are 'ok', loads of cheap bits n not too tall!

[Watty]

Er6. Amazing fun bike and good for short arses as I'm one!

[grumpyfrog]

Should have bought Jamoes ZZR hack.

[Jamoi]

Should have bought Jamoes ZZR hack.

Lol that made me chuckle! I wouldn't have sold that heap to anyone I know

I really enjoyed my SV650n, just as much fun as the storm and pops epic wheelies! Just need to keep a close eye on corrosion.

[TravisZack]

The SV would get my vote but I've got a thing for them at the moment.

I've also got a thing for an 848 so maybe throw that in the mix

[turbo_billy]

When I got back into biking I had a steel framed CBR600 F3. Absolutely loved it. Rode like it was on rails, 55-60 mpg, was happy to sit at at motorway + speeds all day long but was equally at home round town. I`m even shorter than you and seat height was just fine. Forget the injection models but look for an older F2 91-94 or F3 95-98. Loads around and not silly money.

[Mav617]

The SV is looking likely now, but I like the look of the TU250 Suzuki, good consumption, bit different (and also a bit low powered). I don't really want an old Divvie and the CBR sounds good but I want something totally different from the TRX....just got a loan through for £5K, so now thinking MT-07 and sell the TRX!

[Wicky]

This one's 5 minutes from me... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yamaha-MT-07- ... 3aa287e985

[Jamoi]

I had a short blast on the MT-07 recently, great bike and very comfy, but I think the TRX is a more "involving" ride if that makes sense?

Sometimes I think some bikes are too refined or too compliant, we are all different but I think I'd miss the character of the TRX.

You change your bikes more often than my ex missus changed her shoes!

[Mav617]

I had a short blast on the MT-07 recently, great bike and very comfy, but I think the TRX is a more "involving" ride if that makes sense?

Sometimes I think some bikes are too refined or too compliant, we are all different but I think I'd miss the character of the TRX.

You change your bikes more often than my ex missus changed her shoes!

Good point Jamie - the TRX is a keeper. So, the 5K is going to pay off my credit cards and that leaves 3.5 for a decent MT-03 to commute on

Thanks for the help fellas, I'll give you the heads up and piccies when I source it. There's one in Bridgend with an Akra system and low miles for 3.3K