VTR1000.ORG

So, having got fed up of doing 5 miles in 45 minutes into Wandsworth, have had a chat with the board at work and they'll pay my £4000 rail season ticket if I give the car up. That leaves me needing to get to Three Bridges (5 miles) there and back every day. Parking a bike should be free, so do I:

1) Get an old trailee (XT225 or similar) or
2) Took an SWM Gran Milano (440 cc) for a ride today and loved it

SWM have Chinese engines, spares could be dodgy but it's a thumper and loved riding it. Would it survive a winter? Alternatives are the 125 Varadero or the MSX 125 Grom but this might not be suitable for occassional (Archery) motorway use.

Any help much appreciated fellas

Bicycle! You won't regret it. Promise.

Pedelec

http://www.oxygenbicycles.com

No way am I cycling guys - dangerous roads, even on a 125!

SWM were getting a good rapp when they bought the factory and tooling from Husky and were manufacturing the recently superseded Italian-era Husky dirtbikes in Italy. If some of the new models have Chinese engines i would like to believe they might be made to a standard since they have a bit of a reputation to uphold now.

Are working willing to pay the 4K towards the bike? I know you said they stump up the cost of the rail card, have you considered looking at royal Enfields the new Himalayan or the royal Enfield interceptor or the Benelli Leoncino and the Benelli’s TRK 502 X

ooh, Benelli - there's a blast from the past. Will have a look thanks. Work won't pay for the bike but a loan should be covered by the savings I'll make in tax. Can get a SWM Gran Milano for £3K with a 1000 miles on the clock.

I'd rather go Grand Milano than any 125.
Commuting on small bikes isnt safe in my opinion. You need something to keep up with the traffic and with size you normally get better brakes,clutch, tyres and an engine that can handle the miles.

Thanks Pete! Decided to go for a KTM Duke 390....

You'll like that!, Great fun bike. Try to keep your license and not behave like a teenager
I test rode one a while back and couldn't stop grinning. You can see over the traffic and wheelie at whimm, I decided against it....a lack of restraint on my part

Well I got all sensible and went for a BMW F650 - ugly mofo but that belt drive is sweet!

Less likely to be nicked than the 390 Duke.

I make you right Tony