Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hello to all,

I am new here and would like to get some information regarding a moderate to long distance commute. I am considering this for many reasons but the two most important to me is due to my love for motorcycles and the long dream of traveling long distances on a bike.

First, I am not a beginner but I have never made this type of commute or long distance ride-

My tentative plan is to commute 180 round trip 4 times a week. I am considering using a motorcycle to complete my commute. I have a Honda 750 ACE but I am considering on trading her in for something more effective for the job. I also plan to use this new or used bike for adventure and long distance trips.
I will be commuting alone but my adventure trips will be with my wife.

My questions are as follows:

1. What are advantages and disadvantages on a bike?

2. What bike is best for this type of commute (mostly highway)?

3. What tips (info) would you recommend?

4. Weather??????? Rain?

5. Anything else anyone would like to add would be appreciated.

I live in San Antonio Texas and the weather for the most part is hot and dry. Wet, cold weather begins DEC, JAN, FEB- Yes, I will be starting this adventure during the wet and cold period.

Thanks to all in advance- B safe!

Ok first off your weather doesn't get cold... lol (Most of us are in northern climates, I'm in Colorado and the board is based in Canada... haha)
1.
Advantages: Cheaper on gas, cheaper on insurance, nice to get out on a bike to really wake you up in the morning or to invigorate you after a workday.
Disadvantages: You'll go through tires quickly at 180 miles a day on (I assume) flat straight roads, weather can mess you up, hard to wear gear over suits/formal wear.
2. Best for this commute is probably whatever you're comfortable doing Interstate on. Touring, sport touring, cruiser, and standards are what come to mind for me.
Your Honda would be fine, absolutely nothing out of it's league on the Interstate. If you feel you must upgrade, I'd look at the Shadow 1100, a Versys, a FJR1300 or ST1300, or a Goldwing/K1300ST.
3. Make sure you have ample storage for everything you have to take to/from work. Make sure you invest in good water resistant gear, and in your area adequately vented gear.
4. Aerostitch one piece suit. Almost waterproof and you can wear a full suit under it. Throw some FroggToggs on over that and it will be waterproof.
5. I'd very much recommend taking your 750 out on the Interstate to work one weekend day when you don't have to be there at a certain time. If you're afraid you may not make it have a friend follow you in a truck/car with a trailer. See if you can ride the 90 miles there in one sitting, and then spend the day doing stuff, and ride back in the evening like you would after work.
Oh, and move closer to work! haha

Commuting by motorcycle makes the commute bearable. By car it feels like a chore.
Less fuel cost for the bike.

Rain? Just have rain gear with you at all times.

Cold? Define cold.

I have a very similar commute....155 mile round trip. I have been doing it for two months now and I get pissed when the weather makes it so I can't take the bike. We do get cooler here in the winter months and my job is in the higher elevations so it does get down right cold when I get to work in the morning this time of year (in the low 20s recently). I would suggest that you get a good set of gloves that have the squeegee on the thumb to clear the visor should you hit rain.

Your bike will more than handle the commute. You may find after a while that you desire to upgrade like I do. My 650 works fine, but I'm now seriously considering jumping up to an ST1300 or Concours 14. I find that on a long drive like that daily, I would appreciate better protection from the elements. A full windshield that blocks the wind off me and a full faring that blocks the wind from the hands and lower body. The adjustable windshield would be best so that it could be lowered in the hot summer months.

A few things that I've noticed. I needed a helmet with the internal drop down visor. At this time of year it is dark when I start out for work but the sun comes up soon thereafter. Gets old having to pull over and pull out the sun glasses, then get back at it. Plus, at that early hour, there are still sections in the hills and passes where the sun is blocked and I go in and out of the sun. With glasses, you're stuck trying to see dark sections, while the visor can be retracted as needed.

You will need to plan gas stops. My commute has limited gas stations but I've found one about 1/2 way there that I stop at each morning. That way I'm assured of having enough gas for the way home without stopping.

Do it. You'll find yourself enjoying the commute to and from work much more than in a cage.