Commuting by motorbike

Lizling

In a few months time, I'm going to have to start commuting to work in central London from zone 3 during the rush hour. The trains from my area are so packed at that time that I'd normally have to let 3 or 4 pass before I could squeeze into one and I'm dreading that.

I think my best option might be a motorbike. Nothing fast or sporty, just a forgiving, beginner-proof 125cc thing.

Can anyone give me a rough idea of how much that's likely to cost per year? I don't drive at all, so although I know petrol is expensive, I'm clueless about how much I'd need, and also insurance, road tax, maintenance, central London parking etc.

So far, I reckon I need £150 for the CBT, £100 for bike boots (have the helmet, protective jacket and trousers already from riding pillion but I want to be as well protected as possible for doing this regularly) and about £1,500 for a 2nd hand bike in good condition to get up and running, but after that I'm lost!

paddedjohn

Cbt £65/£100 depending on area and offers, insurance for a 125 £65/£125, tax £16 and the bike depends on what you want to ride, a scooter can be bought for between £800 for a brand new direct bikes chinese scoot or £1200 for a 30yr old vespa which will retain its value year in year out, mileage should be about 90mpg

Lizling

Cheers Much cheaper than I thought, although I'm really struggling to find a training school for less than about £120-130, and I might not pass first time either.

I'd prefer a bike to a scooter though, unless the cost difference is absolutely huge. I've had a little go on both around a car park and felt much safer on the bike.

marlot

I passed my CBT in a day with no previous motorbike experience. There was one chap in our group (of about 12) who needed an extra day.

Before people shout that a group of 12 is too many, there was more than one instructor - about 6 in fact.

Lizling

Can I ask if you had previous driving experience? I don't and I'm concerned that it's going to make it a lot harder.

no_more_cards_for_me

I've commuted by car, tube, motorbike and cycle into london.

From the costs indicated previously then between £900 and £1,500 to buy a motorbike or scooter. My first 125 was a kawasaki KMX - great riding position and more then enough power for city commuting. Cost £1,000. I eventually ended up with a 600cc sports bike but that's overkill for London.

How far do you have to go, distance in miles ?

Could you cycle ? Far cheaper than getting trained up on a motorbike. If your company has cycle to work then even cheaper. London is pretty flat and you might find a cycle just as effective.

forgotmyname

Be lucky to get 90mpg, I would say more like 45/50mpg. Insurance for £120/130? Maybe a couple of years back but i think
that will have gone up. My sisters lad just got a quote of £480. Not a good area though her ex had 3 bikes stolen.

How many miles will you be covering each way? Maybe OK in the summer but what about rain & snow?

Lots of cheap nasty 2nd hand bikes out there. If reliability is the key point it maybe worth looking at a bit
extra for a well known brand and buy new.

marlot

Lizling wrote: »

Can I ask if you had previous driving experience? I don't and I'm concerned that it's going to make it a lot harder.

I did. So most of my CBT was about handling the bike. It might take you a bit longer; I'd start by reading the highway code

Rolandtheroadie

I had a limited use of a bike some 18 years previous (semi auto Honda C90 step thru in fields), done my CBT, 5 lessons, then passed my test on a 500cc.

Where I went taught me until they were confident I was ready. She said it could take a day or a week, it was the 1 off payment.
A mate went to another place who wanted extra cash as a damage waiver incase he dropped the bike. Avoid a school like that.

paddedjohn

forgotmyname wrote: »

be lucky to get 90mpg, i would say more like 45/50mpg. Insurance for £120/130? Maybe a couple of years back but i think
that will have gone up. My sisters lad just got a quote of £480. Not a good area though her ex had 3 bikes stolen.

How many miles will you be covering each way? Maybe ok in the summer but what about rain & snow?

Lots of cheap nasty 2nd hand bikes out there. If reliability is the key point it maybe worth looking at a bit
extra for a well known brand and buy new.

Sorry, my estimates were for scooters rather than bikes.

asbokid

don't do it. not worth the risk. i've witnessed two serious motorcycle accidents in the space of a few days on the mile end road.