Moptorbike – Direct Access & Commuting

I am considering my commute options and a low CC motorbike looks like it could work for me.

Background

I have cycle commuted for 15+ years, around 10 miles each way with a hill in the middle – many years on a fixed but latterly on an old hub geared Pompetamine with racks/panniers.

As I started to feel the fatigue of cycling every day, I did 14 months on a 125 twist & go scooter, but then Covid happened and there were no full tests so my CBT expired. Working more from home meant that I was able to cycle occasionally to the office so never really bothered with the scooter and sold it on.

I am finding myself in the office much more often now. I don’t do full days in the office – I tend to go in when collaboration is essential, so enjoy the balance of being able to work from home when I need to get stuff done.

We have gone down to one car in the family which my wife uses, so I am looking at options. At 51 I find that a regular commute wears me out (I go to the gym every morning and want to enjoy running/riding/walking over the weekend without being too knackered).

It takes me about 1 hour 10 from door to desk on the bike – this includes walking to another building where there is a shower. On the scooter I could do the journey in about 25 minutes whatever the traffic.

I have ruled out an e-bike as it will be easier no doubt, but will still take a chunk of time, and I know I will still need to factor in time for a shower. Plus, as I get older i am increasingly wary as a cyclist on the road…which is mad considering there are more people on bikes than ever.

So, I have been looking at doing a Direct Access course and getting something like the Royal Enfield Meteor 350. Seems like a bargain at my local place  – £3400 + OTR.

I like the look of the Mutt Motorbikes and went over to their HQ the other day, would go for the 250 Mastiff but I can’t seem to post a pic of it. They are a bit more expensive.

So what is the best order of doing things?

– I have booked a theory test for mid-June and am doing practice tests

– I need to book a CBT. Am I best doing this first then booking Direct Access separately?

– Do I buy a bike and do the DA on that? If so, I guess I would need to leave the bike with them?

– Any recommendations for DA in the West Mids?

– Any thoughts on the bikes? I like the classic style and have no interest in sports bikes, but want something with a bit more power than the 125 I have ridden before.

– Luggage options for shoes/trousers/laptop/lunch?

Cheers…

Iirc you can do a direct access course on the schools bikes.  A big scooter is what you need for the commute

I can’t really comment on the bike itself (I have a relatively old Suzuki Bandit for commuting, so more “sport tourer” than the cruiser style (and I use “sport” very carefully…).

But… It’s a 650, so can keep up with traffic even on the roads where people are determined to break records, and is still relatively agile through traffic. It does lack a top box though, s a commute for me means a rucksack with a limited amount of stuff in. GF has the newer, big-boy version of the Bandit with the touring pack and has a lot more options for storage, but only really uses the top-box as it gives her more margin when filtering.

If I was going for a new bike specifically for commuting, I’d probably go for something that was more touring/dual sport than sport. Maybe not full-on Africa Twin, but that sort of thing in maybe a 650 or similar size, again with a top box for storage. The more upright seating would, I think, give me a bit more visibility and that style would likely be more comfortable than my bike for longer commutes. Even though I am nearly 2m tall and the bike is relatively small, I am comfortable, but going fast and tucking into the windscreen for long periods is a bit of a pain, especially on the motorway.

I’d go with a bog scooter for that.

After years of commuting on bikes, everything from an R1 to an Africa Twin, the scooter is easily the most practical. I do 32 miles each way on a Yamaha X-Max 300, it happily keeps up with traffic on the motorway and is a doddle to ride in traffic. Loads of space under the seat to store work stuff and will easily fit a couple of carrier bags of stuff if you use it for a shopping run! Running costs are low with it averaging just over 90mpg.

I commuted by motorbike for 15 years and the sense of relief when I finally gave in and switched to using a car was immense.

Just like cycle commuting, you ride in a permanent state of expecting someone to knock you off. And when it happens, because it will, it’s a lot more expensive.

It’s properly miserable in the winter, not matter what you spend on kit, and I spent a lot. It’s hot and sweaty in the summer, again, no matter what you spend on kit. In both seasons it’s a pain in the arse getting all togged before you go out and then getting changed at work.

Your bike will turn into a shed rapidly. Don’t use anything remotely nice.

I utterly love riding motorcycles, but I’d never commute on one again. If you really must then…

– naked bike with some sort of half fairing/screen for weather protection. My best ever commuter was a half faired Suzuki Bandit 1200 with full Givi luggage. My worst, a Kawasaki Ninja 10R. Buy a Honda, a Suzuki, or a Kawasaki. Anything else will be a parts and maintenance headache. Really, just buy a Honda.
– hard panniers for luggage and lunch. Backpacks are shit.
– heated gloves, grips, and hand guards
– crash bars
– automatic chain oiler
– the biggest and best lock that exists. This will be very expensive.
– Goretex full height boots for winter
– lightweight full height boots for summer
– fabric armoured Goretex jacket and trousers for year round. Be prepared to spend a lot, road rash hurts. Leathers are boil in the bag in summer, and freeze your tits off in the winter.
– get used to petrol stations, bike tanks hold bugger all
– get on first name terms with your tyre dealer, you go through rear tyres quickly if you buy anything with decent grip. If you don’t buy anything with decent grip, enjoy the ice rink in the rain.
– buy the most comfortable helmet you can, with decent vents. Double glazed visor, because they all fog up, which is fun on the M6 when it’s dark and raining and you can’t see anything because of the glare from car lights anyway.

Hmmm. Cheers all, food for thought. I might need to go back to the drawing board.

What appeals about a bike/scooter is the much reduced journey times (plus the saving of £4.50 a day to park!)

Good advice above, thanks.

I’ve had similar thoughts re motor bikes and DAC, but for different reasons. Was going to do my CBT and get a 125 initially and see how I got on, but you’ve already done that.

Anyway I came to the conclusion that after the cost of the training and test, motorbike, and protective clothing I’d be better off just buying some small cheap and cheap to run/insure car. Also the road surfaces around where I live are terrible with mud and crap from all the agricultural activities, nevermind the craters so a recipe for an off eventually.

I commuted on a bmwF650 single for a lot of years…never got knocked off although did bin it on ice once at low speed…. it was light, manoeuvrable and could keep up with traffic. Did DA access on school bike

bensales
I commuted by motorbike for 15 years and the sense of relief when I finally gave in and switched to using a car was immense.

Just like cycle commuting, you ride in a permanent state of expecting someone to knock you off. And when it happens, because it will, it’s a lot more expensive.

This bit totally, I only used to used the motorbike for commuting on the friday before a bank holiday weekend, as you can filter through the grid lock and be home in a normal time.

I’d agree with pretty much everything Bensales says, especially re. Gore-Tex – at least the jacket needs to be GT on the outside, so wet runs off. GT liners under textile outer layers means your jacket is still wet, heavy and cold at home time, even if you stay dry underneath. This is key to enjoying riding for me.

I would add instead of making friends with a tyre place, learn to change your own. You need a spade as a bead breaker, some old garden hose as a rim protector, and a couple of big metal spoon tyre levers. Then you can get a little kit that lets you balance the wheel using your paddock stand; or just use balance beads (which apparently do work, although I never tried them). My car compressor popped most of them back on with a little jiggling; I think only one has ever had to go to use the big one at the local petrol station. Having a full time job it was often weeks before I could get to a tyre place with the wheel in my car to get a new tyre on. Being able to DIY it meant cheaper prices online, and back on the road in a couple of days.

Oh, and a decent puncture repair kit, with mushrooms not just worms. And a little compressor if you have room, much better than CO2 or a hand pump.

And I would say add extra lights, but that didn’t stop me being taken off by an old git in a van a few days after I’d done just that… “I did see him, but I pulled out anyway”… not sure how he wasn’t prosecuted!

In the meantime, if the OP or anyone else reading this is tall with big feet (6’4″ish/size 12) and would like some basically mostly free-to-a-good-home commuting kit including clothes, boots, a big old Givi topbox and some tools, PM me 😉

(A while ago I saw a young lad at the side of the road, staring dejectedly at his 125’s flat tyre… I’ve been carrying my puncture kit in the boot of my car ever since, ready to donate to the next person in need!)

I’d go with a bog scooter for that.

If you’re only going to use it for commuting then a Scooter is a good option.  Not one I would ever consider personally but I can see the rational!  🙂

However, if you think you’ll ever find yourself riding it for pleasure, then a bike is a better option.

I’d go for a Seat Mo. Some available for around £2.5k.

I’ve been occasionally commuting on a Suzuki address for the last 9 years in and out of Manchester and it has been great.

Wet weather protection is improved by wearing a full waterproof poncho over the ageing goretex motorbike gear. Also keeps the cold at bay on the sub zero commutes in winter.

Commuting into london on motorcycles for a good few years now, currently either on a harley sportster or a honda c90 my views;

Scooters are good but the insurance can be horrendous on +125cc ones , had a Yam 250 first company refused to insure me, second one was very high. My insurance went down £300ish when I replaced it with a harley.

Scooters are great but if you don’t really fancy one don’t buy one, i commute much more on my harley because i enjoy riding it even though it’s heavy and slowish. The RE looks fine, you can get a bag that will slip over the backrest and be fine for commuting. I would not touch a mutt with a barge pole.

Boots; i’ve used good quality  safety boots rather than bike boots since i bought the yam about six years ago – they’ve been fine . Decent jacket and trousers and armoured jeans in summer.

Get a helmet with a built in sun visor

Advanced training is a good thing

Heated waistcoat running off a power pack, from amazon is very handy in winter

Always earplugs when riding, even on a scooter.

Never had a puncture commuting so I don’t really carry any spares.

I have secure parking at work but at home i use three locks and a ground anchor (parked in front garden in sw London) .

Current commuters, the honda is as quick through traffic as anything i’ve ridden and really pisss off BMW GS warriors when you leave them behind 🙂

Thanks again all.

I got on OK with the scooter (Scomadi TL125) but didn’t like the small wheels. I had no problem commuting through winter…and I was stupid enough to only have an open face helmet. Won’t make that mistake again if I go for a bike.

That Harley is lovely, but I suspect out of my price range!

In the meantime, if the OP or anyone else reading this is tall with big feet (6’4″ish/size 12) and would like some basically mostly free-to-a-good-home commuting kit including clothes, boots, a big old Givi topbox and some tools, PM me 😉

Unfortunately I’m a short arse!

I carry a repair kit and a can of inflation gunk. I’ve had to limp between petrol stations to top up the air once for a non repairable puncture. New tyre arrived next day and I was able to fit it myself with a compressor and tyre levers that I had already purchased.

If you’re only going to use it for commuting then a Scooter is a good option.  Not one I would ever consider personally but I can see the rational!  🙂

+1

There an old politically incorrect joke about your mates seeing you riding a scooter, it’s true.

The RE will be fine, unless you absolutely want a new bike, buy it 2nd hand though, Unless you spend every weekend meticulously cleaning it then it’ll look scruffy in no time.  Bikes, even Hondas, just don’t deal with salty roads very well.  The Honda option would be something like a VT750, the engines twice the size but neither is anywhere near the power of the DAS bikes you take the test on so won’t be intimidating.

It’s just a case of deciding whether you want a purely practical mode of transport that you can make as comfortable as practically possible, or something you actually like and will forgive the hot/sweaty/freezing cold/maintenance etc that comes with it.

It’s properly miserable in the winter, not matter what you spend on kit, and I spent a lot. It’s hot and sweaty in the summer, again, no matter what you spend on kit. In both seasons it’s a pain in the arse getting all togged before you go out and then getting changed at work.

+1

The closest you’ll get to comfortable in winter is probably a big scooter with a skirt over your knees and poggies.

Summers are just hot and sweaty around town. There’s no escaping it.

I wouldn’t bank on the faffing time at either end being any different to a push bike, and the gear is much bulkier to store and harder to dry out.

Despite my negativity towards commuting above, I will say motorcycles are bloody awesome. I miss riding hugely now that I don’t (can’t for a variety of reasons) have one.

Just best used for anything other than commuting!

pre covid i commuted everyday on a motorbike.  It was great.  I bought a new bike and that ruined commuting tbh as it was too nice, especially in the winter.

I use the train and cycle now as I only do one day a week and don’t have a bike.  I dont really enjoy riding for no purpose so the bike was just sat there.  If I was back in the office regularly again I’d consider a 400/250 scooter (I dont live in London).  Great mpg, dont need as much maintenance and I wouldnt have to care about it.

I’d contact the riding schools, get your licence and then you’ll always have it.

10 miles isnt too far either so you can get used to the quirks of your route and wont be overly tired as a result of long rides in shit weather.

It was the best way i ever commuted even if it was only a few mins quicker after changing etc than my current cycle/train (provided the train turns up).

I know you have said you have ruled out an e-bike, but an ebike seems like the better option to me.  I’d think the e-bike was a far safer option than a scooter, cheaper to run, and I am somewhat doubtful of those timing differences you give between the two. But then we’re different people so will see things differently, so if you fancy a scooter then go for it.

I appriciate your dilema though. I’m approaching 50 and really struggling with my occasional cycle commute nowadays.

You sound like me a few years ago.

Was riding 20 miles each way into Birmingham with a big hill in the middle and the very end of my return route. I started with a scooter in 2019 and hated the small wheels and seating position, I think it’s too different from cycling and feels unnatural despite being the best tool for the job I didn’t like it.

I did my direct access in 21 just as my CBT expired and bought an ER6n which promptly died and was replaced by a Royal Enfield Meteor. I loved it, especially for the first year, I was soo much more confident on that than the ER6 so rode it more often. Sadly it was stolen at the end of last summer so I had to replace it with something cheap and now I have an old Suzuki Vstrom 1000 which is fine.

Commuting in a car is so much worse than the bike, other than when the weather is too bad to ride, I’d rather cycle or get the train than drive.

Advice on good quality gear is goo advice, but 10 miles is short enough that unless it’s biblical you wont get too wet. I rode for a couple of years in amazon riding gear on an 8 mile commute and only got wet through to my office clothes once or twice, and never really got too cold other than my hands.

if your 10 miles is down the motorway at 70 then ignore that and get the best gear you can.

Personally I like riding to work, I don’t ride for fun, I’m certainly no biker but it’s like cycling to work without the effort and a bit more respect from car drivers.

If you want any more details on the meteor let me know I had mine for about 18 months before scrotes took it, turns out they will nick anything, I thought that was safe, it even had a top box on it to make it look extra cack.

If I had a commute like that I’d be ordering one of these https://maeving.com/pages/maeving-rm1-electric-motorcycle

At that price you’d be mental. They’re cool, but the Enfield will do 90mpg and go on the motorway and do 200 miles between £15 fill ups.

Thanks again.

and I am somewhat doubtful of those timing differences you give between the two

On my push bike with panniers, it takes 48 mins to work and 45 minutes back according to my most recent Garmin logs. There are lots of traffic lights and built up traffic, plus the hill (admittedly it is only 199m ascent) slows my old legs down.

The office where the shower is about a 5 minute walk away, so add on the 10 minutes to shower/change and walk back I am at 1 hr 10.

When I commuted on the scooter it was always under 30 minutes, because I didn’t have to shower. Also, on the scooter I wore a protective parka style riding coat but never any protection on my legs – I would wear the proper gear if i had a motorbike.

I love scooters, my heart would want an old Lambretta though. I can see they are great, but something about the new ones leave me cold…and I am shallow enough to want something that looks nice – even if it’s filthy after the first couple of weeks!

My wife has expressed an interest in jumping on the back for the odd ride out, although I suspect she has been influenced by instagram posts of good looking people riding in southern Europe!

Thanks for all the comments though, loads to think about.

@prawny good to hear that you liked the Meteor. I can’t believe it’s so cheap – not found a bad review about it yet so will go over to QB Motorcycles and sit on one.

I didn’t think you were a million miles from me, if you can get over to Stafford I’m pretty sure Jim at Jones and Alcock has some for £3k out the door. If not they’re not a lot more, less than £3500 anyway which is mental.

The only negatives I would say about them chains are poor quality and rust fast, still work but look bad, can be kept on top of though and the tripper is mentally bright when it gets dark before 7pm. I unplugged mine over the winter. Only other change was added the top box so I could pick up shopping and heated grips. Didn’t give me any trouble for the time I had it.

I used to commute to Brum down the M6 from cannock too sometimes, it was fine. Wouldn’t go much over 70 but was happy at that speed, which sometimes made it a bit frustrating because it was so happy at high 60s it felt like you should be able to just nip past something but no chance.

Brand new Himalayan 411’s are less than £4k OTR. Residuals are staying strong despite the new 450 Himalayan arriving in dealerships.

Go nearly new and you would skip having to pay 1st service and the first thing people do is usually put a rack and luggage on them so that would save you the cost of doing it yourself.

eg Heated grips, luggage, 2k miles, £3800

Been commuting by motorbike for 10+ years and never had any issues.

For bikes/scooters just pick up something cheap/secondhand/japanese as once winter comes the road salt will make anything look tatty rather quickly.

If you can cycle and have a car licence, getting your bike licence is fairly straight forward. Just find your local riding school and they’ll be able to provide you with everything you’ll need to pass your test (can recommend someone in Huddersfield if you’re based up here)

Personally, i’d just take each of the 4 tests individually (and was the advice I was given). Takes the pressure off of having to pass as you have another test booked the next day.

I do a commute that’s 10 miles. It’s an hour door to door on the normal bike, which leaves me wiped and need to shower and change, or it’s an hour on the ebike, which I lock up and walk right to my desk. I don’t need to shower or rest – the bike is doing most of the work, but I’m doing enough that I feel like I’ve been outside and a little active. Plus you don’t need all the safety gear beyond what you already have.

Can you borrow an ebike to give it a shot?

Appreciate it may not work for you. A scooter is the logical choice. But…

I thought I wanted a Royal Enfield Meteor. After some test rides I bought a Himalayan. It’s a much more comfortable, versatile bike with better handling and visibility.

I don’t commute on mine yet as I live in Sheffield and every time I leave the house I have a near miss with a bimbo in a Range Rover or some aggro jackass in a Ford Raptor. It’s really put me off riding it at all.

Some amazing bargain Royal Enfields.
But I’d go for a Himalayan for a commuter.

A used one at that.

Lots about with the new one out.

If you’re anywhere near Leamington spa you’re welcome to try mine. 👍

Piaggio do the MP3 – 3 wheeled/double front wheel ‘scooter’ which can be driven on a car licence. Would potentially save the faffage of a CBT/bike test.

Not sure if still the case but the only thing I’d add is re the gearing on Enfield vs school bikes

1) likely to be the opposite side (British standard you see) and

2) they used to be ‘upside down’ – at least the India built Bullet was

Otherwise, all of the above

Can’t believe I’m saying it (I’m an old British iron fangirl( but Honda (CBR or similar) is a good shout

Thanks again everyone, loads of great input.

I have been thinking about it all night, and despite really wanting a motorbike, I think I am going to try an e-bike (at least for the next couple of years). It will save me a few quid, and when i ultimately do end up getting a Royal Enfield, it will hopefully be for pleasure as much as the odd ride into work.

Really appreciate everyone’s input and insight. Now to look at e-bikes

EDIT:  I have asked for recommendations here https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/e-bike-for-10-mile-commute-on-road/

In many a year I have never really felt the vulnerability that I might on a bike. With an engine you don’t really get passed just for being slow. You also tend to be a bit more assertive because of this, holding primary position more confidently. As an Enfield owner I would avoid one of those. Cheap for a new bike and fine to ride but an older 500 has just a bit more oomph or should I say plod. Mine easily does 90mph+  and that’s with trials tyres . All year riding is nicer with electric grips, shrouds on the bars and decent waterproofs. If it s a short commute go for gear that you can sling on quickly over your work clothes so you don’t spend as long changing as commuting.

I like the look of the Mutt Motorbikes and went over to their HQ the other day, would go for the 250 Mastiff but I can’t seem to post a pic of it. They are a bit more expensive

Did you speak to Dan, tall guy who manages the showroom?

Those mutts look real good and I’m tempted every time I go in (Dan rides with the gravel gang) they do CBT and DA from mutt HQ afaik

Yeah RD, spoke to Dan. Great bloke…we spoke about your influence on my gravel bike journey!

In traditional STW style (and half in seriousness, half in jest). Sounds like the ideal scenario for an Ami. Technically a quad-cycle so bike related.