125cc motorcycle running costs

Norman_Castle

I'll be keeping the car for use in bad weather (mainly rain because having commuted in -30C in Canada for many years the cold doesn't affect me)

-30C in Canada is mild compared to motorcycling in a British winter.:)

westwood68

Please don't dismiss going with a larger bike and going for full direct access. The purchase price can be lower as there is less demand. My KLE500 cost just 400-500 (can't remember now) but will cruise at an easy 80 and returns 65mpg on my commute).

There are those that will quote their cars as achieving that, but they also get stuck in traffic and can never guarantee what time they will be home...commuting on a bike means you will get home at the same time every day if you want to

Richard53

I'd agree with that. A 30-mile commute on a 125 is not impossible, but I think it wouldn't be long before you were yearning for something a bit faster and weightier. My commute is 13 miles, and the usual bike is a 660 single, with a (everyday, realistic) top speed of about 80 and an easy cruise of 65-70. It's about ideal for the trips I do. Something in the 500cc region would be much nicer to ride, and probably a lot cheaper to buy than a 125.

BTW, the idea that steel-capped boots can chop your toes off in an accident is pretty much a myth. Most EU safety footwear can take an impact of 200 joules and stand compression of 15 tonnes before giving up. You are very unlikely to see that in a bike accident, and if you did the collapse of the toecap would be the least of your worries. Much more important is that the boot stays on your foot in an accident, and good bike boots have plastic inserts that protect your shin from impacts with the footrests etc and a cup over your ankle bone to protect against abrasion if you slide down the road with the bike on your leg. These are much more likely scenarios than a 15-tonne weight crushing your toes. My objection to safety boots is that they are very clumsy and make gear changing difficult. I occasionally wear mine with jeans in summer as it's convenient, but it's a bit like dancing in wellies.

Whatever you get, it must be strong, must cover your ankles, and unsecured laces are a bad idea.