New 2-wheel Commuter

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srothman

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So the time has come for me to seriously consider a 2-wheel commuter for the Pretoria/Joburg stretch.

Keeping in mind I haven't had to balance for probably about 17 years, I'm open to suggestions on an easy ride that won't break the bank.

I was thinking in the BMW G310 R, perhaps more so than a Duke 390.

Mate of mine suggested a NC750XD as an easy-to-ride option with DCT and all, but it might be a bit much to start off on again after such a long break from riding.

My requirements are simple: it needs to be easy (I have to re-license) and reliable. I don't care about going fast or anything like that. A to B in peak traffic, that's it.

Thought, suggestions?
 
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Well, I'd take the baby beamer over the KTM.

If you're a taller guy or prefer the adventure look there is a baby GS and Kawasaki.

EDIT: There's also the Z300. If I was you I'd go to Fire it Up and get a decent second hand especially if you are going to trade it in for something bigger in the near future. They're all clean and come with 2 year warranties etc.
 
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Leave the 310 and the Duke for later. Get the Honda. It was my first bike (albeit the manual)
It has a very forgiving gearbox and engine. It's punchy enough for the most of what you ll need. It's got a clever design so you van stow your helmet and don't have to walk around with it. If you go for the touring screen and large top box you'll have all the space you need.
 
Yup the Honda. Fuel consumption is brilliant. The motor is easy and forgiving and will handle the distance with ease.
The 310 / 390 motors may be a tad small unless you're a small build guy yourself.

Honda reliability is second to none!
 
Get the Honda. MUCH better bike for what you want and will have better resale value. I had a 300 Kawasaki and have a NC 750.
 
So I made mention that I will need to re-license. I know this is probably a daft question, but will I need to redo the learner's as well?

Any recommendations of places around Pretoria East where I can do this on a Saturday? I know some of the testing stations do renewals on Saturday, not sure about learner's and licenses.
 
srothman said:
So I made mention that I will need to re-license. I know this is probably a daft question, but will I need to redo the learner's as well?

Any recommendations of places around Pretoria East where I can do this on a Saturday? I know some of the testing stations do renewals on Saturday, not sure about learner's and licenses.
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What do you mean by re-license? If you have a full bike license then it will still be valid. Learners license has an 18 month expiry.
 
Pox said:
What do you mean by re-license? If you have a full bike license then it will still be valid. Learners license has an 18 month expiry.
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Bike license expired yonks ago. Getting back into it now, and getting my ducks in a row to get it done.

Was.hiping with a valid driver's license for a car, I could get a discount on the learner's. I realize now there are differences in the test though.
 
srothman said:
Bike license expired yonks ago. Getting back into it now, and getting my ducks in a row to get it done.

Was.hiping with a valid driver's license for a car, I could get a discount on the learner's. I realize now there are differences in the test though.
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Motorcycle licence don't expire. All that expires is the learners licence.

If you look on the licence card. If you look at the front of your card it should have an "A" with a date below it.
 
srothman said:
I was thinking in the BMW G310 R, perhaps more so than a Duke 390.

Mate of mine suggested a NC750XD as an easy-to-ride option with DCT and all, but it might be a bit much to start off on again after such a long break from riding.
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Power to weight ratio is essentially the same on all 3 of those bikes, so the larger engine on the Honda should be a non event. It is also geared for torque and not power, so it won't be blitzing anywhere... I'd go for the Honda, especially as a commuter as you have an upright seating position which allows better visibility in traffic
 
I have an NC700X Honda from 2012 with about 16k on the clock, for sale at the moment. PM me if interested.

Can recommend, it's an excellent bike. Was my first "proper" bike, after riding a 180cc for a few years. Fuel consumption is insanely good, and the riding position is very comfortable.

(I see you're in Pretoria, I am planning to bring the bike through there next week to visit family and leave it there because there's no market here in Cape Town.)
 
silkenphoenixx said:
I have an NC700X Honda from 2012 with about 16k on the clock, for sale at the moment. PM me if interested.

Can recommend, it's an excellent bike. Was my first "proper" bike, after riding a 180cc for a few years. Fuel consumption is insanely good, and the riding position is very comfortable.

(I see you're in Pretoria, I am planning to bring the bike through there next week to visit family and leave it there because there's no market here in Cape Town.)
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I got around 30km/l on mine (but I am a relaxed rider)
 
Get the Honda.

The single cylinder motors will pop on that commute. Ask me, I know.

The Honda is hands down the best commuter and probably gives the same power kick that the 390 will give :crylaugh:
 
Thanks for all the recommendations. I am leaning towards the Honda, to be honest, even when considering the price difference. It's less of an issue when you consider it's arguably a lot more bike than the others, and the DCT appeals to me; I'm yet to hear a single person talk bad about it in the context of a commuter. I'm still a bit hesitant, but I'm busy booking a full-day rider refresher course to get a bit of confidence back.
 
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