Dilemma

[Guzzirider]

The location of my job has moved to Leeds which is 22 miles away, and the commute in a car takes about an hour and a half in rush hour because the M62 motorway is chocka with traffic.

 

Having done this commute before I am considering travelling by bike each day- I dont mind a bit of rain and sleet if I am wearing the right gear.

 

The question I have is should I use my Guzzi as a daily winter hack?

 

I used to ride my old 1000S as my daily transport (did not take a driving test for a car until I was 26) and was often up till midnight fixing and maintaining the thing so it would stay on the road, and I have a funny feeling that I would be doing the same on my V11, which has had its, errmm, quirks.

 

So the question is, should I use my Guzzi and live with the hassle or should I buy a bike just for commuting- I was thinking of a big single cylinder trailie like a Pegaso or an XT660?

 

What do you reckon?

 

Guy

[mdude]

I'd buy a bmw 650 and keep the guzzo for the funrides

[Guzzirider]

I'd buy a bmw 650 and keep the guzzo for the funrides

 

I was thinking of the BMW- a mate of mine uses one daily but they are so expensive compared to the Aprilia which shares the same motor.

 

Guy

[Baldini]

Get another bike for the commute.

 

Nothing fancy or delicate: I fancy a DZR400 meself, w/supermoto & trail wheels....but then I guess you'd still probably need a commuter as well! so something dull a plodding but then you get no fun atthe end of the day...mind - i enjoyed a C50 & a cj125 - even dull bikes can be a laugh - not a cd200 benly tho....

 

Wide bars aren't the best for lane splitting but you can sort that...

 

KB

[jihem]

Get another bike for the commute.

 

 

yeah, get something else for commuting or you'll ruin the Guzzi.

Doesn't have to be a mono, could be a twin Honda 500 or a Kwack, these are good commuters.

[Mal]

Hi Guy

 

surely a monkey bike would be suitable

 

I like the idea of a trail bike with sticky tyres or one of my faves, the SV650 but where the hell will you keep it? your garage is chokka already, actually maybe the monkey bike is the best idea.

 

Mal

[Martin Barrett]

You've seen mine- used daily. You might prevent yours looking like mine if you wash it down daily, but it's not what you will feel like doing every day, Perhaps it's not so bad working normal hours, but I definatly don't when getting in after nights. My collegue managed on his BMWs using a spray bottle of "muck off" and a hose. So perhaps it me.

 

Your garage is looking a bit snug, Have you got room for another in there?

 

Big traillie would give you another string to your motorcycling bow. A hack would just be a hack.

[mike wilson]

What do you reckon?

 

Guy

 

With the garageful you have, you manifestly just want to buy another bike. Why ask us to validate?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8-)

[Guzzirider]

Hi Guy

 

surely a monkey bike would be suitable

 

I like the idea of a trail bike with sticky tyres or one of my faves, the SV650 but where the hell will you keep it? your garage is chokka already, actually maybe the monkey bike is the best idea.

 

Mal

 

Hi Mal

 

I've just had a ruthless clear out and chucked away loads of crap, and boxed up tidily all those bits of bike that were lying about. So I reckon I can squeeze in one more small bike with a little organisation.

 

I have seen a Ducati Monster replica monkey bike on the internet which looks cool!

 

Guy

[antonio carroccio]

Ask TX about the Solex.

[belfastguzzi]

Don't forget you'll need two more bikes. One for when you fly over to the sister office.

I'll look after it for you. Or leave the Ducati here, then you'll have a proper bike on both sides of the water.

Sorted?

[TX REDNECK (R.I.P.)]

Ask TX about the Solex.

 

I dunno , 22 miles one way is a bit much especialy in the rain. If your friction wheel gets worn you might have to push it more than ride it .

 

I was thinking my latest acquisition would work alot better

[Guzzirider]

Decided- gonna use the Guzzi and see how I get on. If it turns out to be too unreliable or too much hassle then I may get a hack.

[luhbo]

I wouldn't do so. It's an italian bike, not made for salt spray testing.

 

In Germany you can get Jap bikes for around 2000 Euros. Not that I'd want one, but ruining such a far east product instead of the V11 could bring you some green-white-red Karma points at least.

 

I think you could need them, because condemning the Guzzi and not this desmo thingy probably already has cost you enough!

 

Hubert

[big J]

Go for it.I havent been using mine quite so much this year due to a job change,but last year I used it for work every day (80miles),then every two or three weeks shoot over to Scotland to see the kids.Riding down the glens at 4am in November/December wasnae much fun,but the bike coped no prob.

 

I've had more hassle since I've stopped using it regularly.

 

If it gets weathered,so what?It's a motorbike,it's supposed to be used.