[DaveD]

Hey all,

Always wanted a Sportsbike, in particular a K7 GSXR 600.

I'm on a Bandit 600 at the minute and may be in a position to get a GSXR shortly. Is a Sportsbike an all year round commuter? I know it'll great now with the dry weather and long evenings but i'm also thinking ahead of the cold dark winter nights. I use the bike primarily for commuting to work (Blanch -> City Centre) with the odd spin here and there at the weekends.

Anyone use a Sportsbike as an all year round commuter? Good idea or should i just stick with the Bandit? Won't be able to have 2 bikes unfortunately.

Cheers.

[kairos]

Darkcloud, on 13 April 2011 - 10:48 AM, said:

Depends on your age really...and condition of your back

Us oldies have a problem with the leaned over sports riding position on gixxers...I bought the Fazer for commuting as my back was killing me on the CBR600..

Also as the Greek says the upright riding position gives you a much more commanding view of the traffic and conditions

So it's really down to personal choice...of course you can commute on it..but is an upright safer and will your bones manage on a sports bike commute..choice is yours

+100 !! I recently moved from an R1 to a DR650 and although fast spin have become only a distant momory, commuting is much more confortable. Needless to say, if you like that bike, go for it. You won't have any problem before at least another 20 years...

[Blade RR]

I used all fireeblades i owned to commute. No probs at all. The k7 is comforable enough for the job. As above a CBR600F is a great bike to use as well. Although i reckon the 1997 / 98 model was prob better of all of them to be honest. You'd pick up a clean one cheap enough....just be sure the bits that can perish are in good shape.

However, for such a short trip, buy a hack. Old cb500 (parallel twin) or similar for the bad days, especially winter.

Sportsbikes are grand but in winter you have to be a lot more careful due to more slippy road conditions vs your riding position. With a cheapo hack you can still have your k7 and plod to work.