Daily Drive a Moto?

"Tripper" (tripe46) 08/06/2018 at 13:45 • Filed to: None

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I know some Oppos do it. What’s it like? What is your gear setup like? Do you have to dress nice for work, if so how do you deal with that?

I sold my Audi S3 with the hopes of putting that money toward a 997 C2S. Now that the Audi is gone, I’ve got an E46M3, a Ford Ranger, and a Honda Grom. I just put a bunch of money into the M3, refreshing cosmetic parts, weather seals, and fixing the motor for the soft top. So of course on my way to work today I got a check engine light...Hopefully it’s nothing serious, but even if it is I will work it out.

That got me thinking though, can I risk having another and potentially more expensive older German car tugging at my heartstrings/wallet like that ? When I had the E90M3 it didn’t work out. I resented every penny that car demanded from me. With the E46 it’s more like “* sigh* , ok babe whatever you need to be happy”. It’s easier to be that way with the E46 because there is a lot I’m comfortable doing on my own, and it’s not often that I have a real problem with it.

As much as I know that I will love a 997, I have to look at it from a worst case scenario. How will I feel if I’m driving around in the ranger and constantly fixing the M3 and/ or the 911. The answer is obviously not good. I will feel like I have made a mistake. For those of you thinking, “sell the M3 and buy the 911.” That is out. That car pulled me off of the wrong path in my early 20's and I have attended to it’s every need along the way. The M3 and I owe it to each other to stay together.

Sooooooooo, I’m considering putting the 911 search on hold and buying my dream bike . A Husqvarna 701 Supermoto. Riding a motorcycle is like meditation for me, even my shrink mentioned that I ought to consider a motorcycle over another car as she knows that riding is a huge stress reliever for me.

If I do it. I’m going to ride it daily unless it’s snowing. My commute is 12 miles each way. I can choose highway or backroads, it’s about the same distance/travel time. Dress for work is business casual (Button down, no tie, slacks, and nice shoes. I can get away with polos in the warmer months).

So daily or frequent moto O ppos, what do ya think? 

Nate Bleker > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 13:49

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I drive a bike to work most days, just go ATGATT because  uncaffeinated people are crazy.

jimz > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 13:52

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not daily, but I ride to/from work fairly often. I have to dress business casual, so I wear my normal shirt with riding jeans and boots (and other gear,) and if I’m on the FZ I put a change of pants and shoes in a backpack, and change in one of the locker rooms at work (near the skilled trades offices .) If I take the Street Glide I dress the same, but stick my change of clothes in one of the saddle bags. 

450X_FTW > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 13:52

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Since I have to wear dockers to work, but can wear jeans on Friday, I only ride my bike in on Fridays. I just bring a pair of regular jeans and shoes so I can change once I’m at work. I leave extra early in the morning so I can leave earlier at the end of day, helps avoiding traffic.
Helmet
Leather jacket
Gloves (with carbon fiber knuckles)
Jeans (lined with Kevlar)
Riding shoes

Tripper > Nate Bleker 08/06/2018 at 13:54

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I wear all my gear all the time currently on the Grom which is pretty funny when I see some dude on a Harley with nothing but a backwards hat and sunglasses on.

However “ all my gear” currently  is everything but pants...I’d be getting some kind of moto pants with a new bike and consider the spinal protector insert for my jacket.

jimz > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 13:55

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this.  I don’t care how hot it is, I won’t ride w/o lid, jacket, and reinforced jeans.  as long as the helmet and jacket are ventilated no problem.

Tripper > 450X_FTW 08/06/2018 at 13:57

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Sweet bike! Currently I’ve got everything on your list except riding pants. That would change with a new bike. I could leave clothes at work to change into I guess. I’ve seen those full suits that you can supposedly wear over everything else, but they’re expensive when I already have 90% of the gear and they look kind of hokey.

Just Jeepin' > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 13:57

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I asked recently for suggestions on suitable wear for cold/rainy  naked Jeeping and didn’t get much input, so I’ll be watching this to see what people come up with.

CalzoneGolem > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 13:58

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Protect your spine yo. It’s worth it. Titanium bolts are expensive to get installed in your spine. 

Tripper > jimz 08/06/2018 at 13:59

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I need pants. Seems like bringing a change of clothes is the move. I could even stash a few outfits in my office. We have showers here too, so I could just come early and shower and get ready at the office.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 14:00

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For me it’s backpack, turn up a little early and get changed. You can fold clothes so they don’t crease up if that’s necessary (I just we ar patterned stuff that looks no different).

450X_FTW > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 14:01

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Thanks, if you have not rode super moto yet, just know, it’s WAY easier to break the law than you might expect. It’s that fun. For jeans, there’s lots of options and highly recommend going to try them on at a store. I bought mine online based on my current jean sizes, and the waist ended up being too tight while the length was extra long.Kevlar lined is key though. The full suits, for me it’s too much leather for stop and go traffic. I’ll sweat myself to death if I wore one. 

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 14:04

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I used to DD my bike to work, but between the heat of SoCal and the extreme valve maintenance costs, and being safe, I was swayed to the car. But my old boss only owns a bike and commutes everyday on it. He usually wears chinos and a polo, or button down so a decent textile jacket, helmet, boots and gloves with a backpack are his usual items. He can just stash his hear in his office during the day

Tekamul > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 14:05

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I daily a moto (of sorts), and I stick with ATGATT. But, my work wardrobe is casual, so jeans everyday is fine.

Previously, when riding everyday at other jobs, I stashed khakis in my desk and would just run in a stack via backpack every Monday.

jimz > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 14:06

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showering isn’t a concern for me since mornings are typically cool enough (even in the summer) where I don’t get all grody. if I’m wearing the backpack I can fit pants, shoes, and a container w/lunch easily.

Tripper > 450X_FTW 08/06/2018 at 14:07

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Y ou’re talking to a guy who was pulled over on a Grom, so I will definitely have to keep myself in check. The closest I have been to super moto is a Ducati Hypermotard which was too much, and a DR650 which wasn’t quite enough.

I’m lucky enough to live close to one of Revzilla’s brick and mortar locations which is were I’ve bought all of my gear. I’ve got a perforated leather jacket with an optional liner so the jeans are all that I should need.

TheRealBicycleBuck > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 14:08

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“ Seems like bringing a change of clothes is the move.”

That’s what I did when I was riding my bike (bicycle) to work daily. Mondays were trailer days. I’d load a week’s worth of clothes into a trailer and haul it to work. After that, I’d just throw the clothes I wore that day into my backpack for the trip home. If I could do it on a bicycle, it should be super easy on a motorcycle.

and 100 more > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires 08/06/2018 at 14:12

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That looks so minimalist and gorgeous! Do you have a previous post about it?

Tripper > Tekamul 08/06/2018 at 14:13

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Makes sense, and that is probably what I would do. What is your commute like?

E90M3 > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 14:14

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When I entered into E90 M3 ownership, I told myself this is going to be an expensive car, but if it needs it, it gets it. I don’t like having to spend the money on it, but it’s not like I’m going to defer maintenance on a car like that.

BJ > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 14:16

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Yes yes yes. If you have the climate for it, do it. When I had my bike, I took it twice a week, even if my commute was only about 2km... Despite the fact that the battery was always dead from the short runs, it was worth it.

Always wear safety gear.

Get a good, spacious tail box or tank bag and learn how to fold your fancy clothes without creasing them. Maybe having a steamer rack   at the office would be helpful, too, depending on your work space/needs ?

And finally, I have no idea what it’d be like to ride that Husky, but she’s PRETTY! It’s refreshing to see a white bike, instead of the usual black or silver colours.

Tekamul > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 14:16

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Same kinda thing. ~8 miles each way , highway or back road. I always go back road, for my own sanity, as the highway has a terrible track record with morning commute accidents. The back way is far more relaxed.

Tripper > E90M3 08/06/2018 at 14:22

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Yea and your E90 is my E46 as far as when you got it what it means to you etc. I just don’t know if the good feelings will outweigh the cost with the 911. Also, I really like riding a motorcycle.

E90M3 > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 14:27

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Completely agree on the M3s.

If I had the money for a second car like a 911, I would have one. Sadly, in order for me to get a 911, I’d have to ditch the M3. That’s not happening. I can understand not wanting two expensive cars to take car of. My 3 has been pretty good during my ownership, I mean I’ve put 30k on it since March of 2017. I also get since you already have one fun car, it’s not like you need another, especially one with Porsche part prices.

Mercedes Streeter > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 14:34

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I daily my bikes more than I’ve driven any car this summer. I’m going to retire the bikes and ride the scooters in the winter. The days of having a truly daily driver smart are over!

If I have to dress and look professional, I do “All The Gear, All The Time” over whatever I’m wearing for the day  and carry any clothes/shoes I’ll need to change into in my purse.

Tripper > BJ 08/06/2018 at 14:38

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I’m in southeastern PA, so rain and a few snow days are my only real concerns and then rain is uncomfortable more than anything else . I’ve got a truck for the snow days.

We have dry cleaning at work, and I have space to stash a week or twos worth of clothes. So that is probably what I would do there.

I’ve not ridden the Husky yet, just read 1000 reviews and I know that I want a supermoto. It’s got all of the modern nannies that can be switched on and off (traction control, abs, all of that jazz)

Tripper > Tekamul 08/06/2018 at 14:40

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I have no choice with the Grom, but would stick with back roads even with a big bike. Safer and more fun. My back road route goes through a state park.

Tripper > E90M3 08/06/2018 at 14:44

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Yea. The M3 got less than 1k miles per year when I had the Audi. I thought I was doing the M3 a favor, but as I’m sure you know those cars like to be driven. I never had these little issues when it was my DD. I’m looking forward to driving it more now. At the very least I’m going to wait until the winter before I do anything because it will give me time to absorb life sans Audi and the middle of winter is a great time to buy a sports car or moto.

Tripper > Mercedes Streeter 08/06/2018 at 14:49

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I think I’m just going to try daily ing the Grom while I will def want a big bike going forward. Riding the Grom should give me a good idea as to weather or not I want to ride any bike every day.

E90M3 > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 14:53

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I don’t drive mine too much. Since put 4-5k on it per year though. It’s basically my weekend car. They do like to be driven. I was going to take it to work this morning, but I have no gas in it.

Winter is a great time to buy a sports car. 

Mercedes Streeter > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 15:01

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It should! ...Well, so long as your work commute doesn’t involve a lot of speed, then it may get tiring pretty quickly.

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 15:22

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My current dress code is jeans and a polo, so I just wear my riding jeans all day.  Before when I had to wear slacks, I would roll them up and put them in the back pack, leaving a set of dress shows at my desk to change into.  Just head to the bathroom, swap pants, and get on with the day.  I still keep a set of slip on’s at my desk now, as all day in my riding boots would be a bit much.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > and 100 more 08/06/2018 at 15:24

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Thanks dude :)

I posted about it here: https://oppositelock.kinja.com/tag/worlds-fastest-cafe-racer

Little build thread thing abou making it :) initially trying to do it in under two weeks (hence the name), but didn't quite make it. Not really a cafe racer either, but hey ho ;)

bob and john > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 15:42

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I DD mine. DD’ed the SV to the tune of 32K miles a year.

the trick is to get something that is reliable and cheap to daily. I’m dailing my Z1000 now. it is not cheap. 40MPG (compared with the SV’s 55) and much more expensive tires/consumables)

I cant say Id recommend a Husky for DD duty. they are high strung, expensive for parts (and hard to find) , and sumos arent comfy.

Honestly, a SV, a FZ07, XSR700 would be a good idea. some japanese, most 750cc, would be the ideal.

as for gear: I wear heavy jeans, and a leather riding jacket. covers 90% of what I need. once it gets colder, I wear some dedicate d riding pants. but I’m also a motorcycle sales guy. So my dress code lets me do that shit.

bob and john > Just Jeepin' 08/06/2018 at 15:46

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most of this will be crash-abrasion gear, not so much cold we ather stuff.

Get a set of frog-toggs and you will be good to go

Just Jeepin' > bob and john 08/06/2018 at 15:52

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I’ve not been impressed with frogg toggs. Definitely hoping to find something one-piece but easy to remove.

bob and john > Just Jeepin' 08/06/2018 at 15:56

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>one peice
>easy to remove.

errmmm....I mean if you want to go buy a 2K aerostick suit sure. but thats like ultimate bike gear

BJ > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 15:57

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I have never ridden a bike with ABS, but I hear it's amazing.

Just Jeepin' > bob and john 08/06/2018 at 16:01

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If there’s a market opportunity , someone has usually filled it.

nermal > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 16:52

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Things to be prepared for:

1) Helmet hair. Not sure on how you currently have your hair did, but you’ll need to address how it looks after wearing a helmet. Bald, buzzed really short, and long are the best options. Medium length is problematic.

2) Gear. I wore boots, jacket, helmet, gloves, then changed into dress shoes in the office. In a crash, regular khakis useless. Armored ones will be much better, as long as you can work them into your work wardrobe. Example

3) Coworkers. They will annoy you constantly about how you are totally going to die because motorcycles are dangerous. In between rants on the dangers of motorcycles, they will go back to sitting in a chair for 8 hrs a day, eating garbage, doing zero physical activity, getting over- stressed, being 100 lbs overweight, living an existence completely void of any passion or enjoyment, and generally slowing moving themselves to an early grave. Fuck you Brenda.

sn4cktimes > Tripper 08/06/2018 at 19:21

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All summer I daily a fe350s. On knobbies. Doable. I’m a welder / mechanic though so nice clothes not required. I mostly wear motocross armour on my upper body and pants are just carhartts. Tougher if you need nice clothes. Those Huskies run HOT near your right leg. I wear moto boots or have to strap the pants on that leg or it WILL burn a patch outta my pants. On the plus side the 350 RIPS through traffic. So that 701 would be a hoot. Easier to put a leg down too. I’ve got a 30” inseam and my seat is 36” from the ground. In the spring and fall and rain  I’ve got Icon Raiden gear. For its price point I think you’d be hard pressed to find much better. Add a few hundred and there’s better. If you’ve got the cash I doubt you’d regret that bike. 

sn4cktimes > sn4cktimes 08/06/2018 at 19:23

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Tripper > nermal 08/07/2018 at 09:10

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1. I’m approaching 34 and have lost a lot of hair over the past year or two. So it won’t be long before I buzz it. Until then we have individual bathrooms with showers at work so I could show up early and get showered here, or just wet my hair and fix it real quick.

2. I went way overkill on gear when I bought the Grom...except pants. I’ve got a super nice jacket and gloves good enough for the track lol. Along with a nice set of touring boots and an Shoei RF1200. I’ve got a RevZilla store near me which is awesome.

3. You couldn’t be more correct with this paragraph. For my office in particular or really any office. I can deal with them. One of the partners here is a big time moto guy and his son is a racing instructor, so I have at least one guy as an advocate. I’m not sure what I’ll do yet, but I think I have to upgrade from the Grom. I really like riding and the Grom is just too slow, too quite, and too small.

Tripper > sn4cktimes 08/07/2018 at 09:14

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Sweet bike! I’d love to get a ride on one before I pull the trigger, but the 701s are tough to come buy if you just want to walk in and buy one let alone “test ride”. I’d likely have to order one over the winter. Also considering a Ducati Hypermotard, KTM Duke 690, and as a “softer” option a Yamaha MT-07 (formerly FZ)

Tripper > bob and john 08/07/2018 at 11:31

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Yea that is not bad advice although I really fucking like that Husky. The Duke 690 is more available, cheaper, and nearly the same bike but I’m not in love with the way it looks. For sure I’ll need to order the Husqvarna if I decide to go that route. It would be cool if a Japanese supermoto existed outside of the DRZ400SM, but the FZ/XSR (now MT?) is/are something I’d consider. I know someone that has an FZ07 and loves it.

bob and john > Tripper 08/07/2018 at 11:31

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if you wait a bit, honda is coming out with the CRF450L. buyt thats a motocrosser motor. 

sn4cktimes > Tripper 08/08/2018 at 21:12

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I considered a Duke, or something in that genre at the time. But I just really wanted something smaller and more dirt oriented... and then I went full-dirt-mode.

I was quite set on buying a new Yamaha WR250R, or a already used and tweaked Kawasaki KLR or Suzuki DR400. The WR weighs about 295 with 33hp, the KLR and DR are much heavier.

And then I got looking at the KTM EXC-E and saw a VERY large weight savings and power increase... the Husky just looked nicer. Pretty sure my bike’s wet weight is 244lbs with 45 hp.

Flame warning, I’m sure people will have opinions if they see this. I would 100% go Yamaha (slash Japanese brand) before Ducati. Number one broke-by-the-side-of-the-road brand I’ve witnessed is Ducati. Nice bikes... but I’d never gamble it for the price.

But honestly. If you’re really interested in a sumo style bike like that 701. Do it. the riding style will be balls out amazing for carving, and it’s smaller physical size will make it very traffic friendly. 320 lbs with 74hp would be a hoot. I think it’d be a more “fun” bike than the others you listed. It will definitely not be as comfortable. But that’s not really a concern for commu ting. I like sumo bikes so much that when I eventually sell my other bike (Hyosung 250) I’ll likely use the case to buy a set of sumo rims to rip around in the city.

The only potential downside of the 701 is that if you wanted a bike to load up with gear and long haul ride  it might take more effort to kit it out. The rear subframe is polyamide vs most bike’s steel or aluminum frames. So you’d likely have to stick to soft luggage and some sort of strap frame set-up and keep it on the light side. Still doable, less ideal.

thejustache > Tripper 08/14/2018 at 16:20

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I have DD’d bikes at several times in my life, including this year where I rode my bike every day from April until last week when it suddenly refused to start and I haven’t had time to investigate it yet. I should add it’s a 1978 kz750 so there’s a lot of fussy things that could (and have) gone wrong.

That said it’s been a pretty good experience overall, and I’ve gotten really lucky with timing rain and have only gotten soaked twice this year. I have a 30 minute commute and I don’t really have any special gear, just a mesh jacket and gloves with a leather jacket for cooler days. I also don’t have to dress up for my job which helps. I needed to wear business attire at my last job and had an hour commute for that one, so if I took the bike I usually wore a set of chaps and boots and threw the dress shoes in the backpack. That was less ideal though because everyone seems to like making jokes about chaps lol... but it kept the oil and grime off my dress pants pretty well.

Hopefully I’ll have time to look at my bike this weekend and get it going again. I don’t think it’s anything major, I just got really busy and haven’t had a chance to investigate. I already miss it because it always made me excited getting out of work and seeing it in the parking lot knowing it was time for a ride home.