Commuting from MK to London in a motorbike
Posted by z_bnf_i@reddit | miltonkeynes | View on Reddit | 19 comments
Hey
Wanted to get people's perspective on commuting to London. I live in Whitehouse and need to get to Victoria Station on my daily commute.
I have 3 options:
-
take the bus + train + underground. Time: on average around 1 hour 30-40 minutes Cost: Season ticket £7768 which includes underground (plus cost of bus)
-
get a Brompton, cycle to MK Central (15 min} and get the train to Euston (about 35 min) and then cycle to Victoria (20 min). Time: on average around 1 hour 10 min Cost: Season ticket £6376
-
Motorbike, the distance would be around 60 miles each way. It could cost on average £2400-2500 a year based on average calculation on an example commuter bike like Honda CB500X. Time: 1 hour 20-30 minutes Cost: £2400-2500 on average + parking cost in London which could be £1 a day
Anyone have any experiences riding on motorbikes from MK to London? I feel like train is really expensive even with cycling, so am looking for alternatives but I know I need to be practical - any opinions or perspectives are more than welcome.
ThreeRandomWords3@reddit
Have a look at electric motorbikes. Almost no servicing and almost free fuel. Also much less likely to be stolen (which will be your biggest concern)
If you think you can filter, think again, some of the seasoned riders are absolutely nuts.
Also invest in heated clothing for the winter. I'd pick a bike over the train any day.
z_bnf_i@reddit (OP)
Any recommendation for electric bike for commuting?
ThreeRandomWords3@reddit
I'd probably look at the Zero.
TheFakeSimonW@reddit
I did this on a motorbike for 3 years. Ashland to Westminster.
I also passed my big boys license especially as train season tickets are astronomical.
My bike was a Triumph Sprint ST. 1050cc.
My bike was serviced every 3 or 4 months at Triumph and I got to pick my courtesy bike. From a cafe racer to the Rocket3.
I can’t help but think a 500 won’t be comfortable enough for a daily commute this long.
Some advice.. Make sure you’ve hand warmers and get an excellent rain suit. This’ll make a ton of difference when required.
z_bnf_i@reddit (OP)
How long would it take you on average? Also how was it mentally riding around 60 miles each way? Did you find it was worth it over the train?
error_9873@reddit
Riding a bike on that type of road, particularly when filtering, requires serious concentration. Never done it for commuting, but I always found it exhausting when filtering for long periods, OR when it was dark and raining.
TheFakeSimonW@reddit
When I commuted to London, sometimes I’d filter and sometimes not. It was a change of mindset, I was never trying to beat Jonny Big Balls, so I was content to let them pass and chill.
If it meant I was stationary in the dark and the rain, it was all good as I had decent kit.
Staying composed can make a big difference to whether one arrives or not!
TheFakeSimonW@reddit
The duration I can’t honestly remember. For 18 months my wife was pillion in to St John’s Wood.
But yeah, I’d say it was worth it. You were guaranteed a seat and you still had an asset to sell at the end. In the glorious days I’d take the scenic route home.
I looked at several bikes, all around the 1000cc area and wanted new (for the warranty and peace of mind) At the time, I couldn’t afford a new BMW. I’d 100% say that the Sprint was perfect.
I’ve had a look at the CB500, and I think it’s more suited to shorter commutes. I think, in time, you may start to resent it. You can always change it of course, while you get used to the drudgery of the M1 and the lunatics in London!
I don’t know whether they still do them, but I’d done a couple of days with police riders. Incredibly informative. Get The Police Riders Handbook.
Don’t skimp on tyres either!
Sedulous280@reddit
Yes an fit heated grips.
Sedulous280@reddit
Yes the Motorcycle option works well. You will feel free and great way to avoid claustrophobia. I commute on a small bike which does 128mpg. I would recommend investing in Cardo for music and buy ski clothing from decathlon as wearing this under motorcycle gear will keep you warm. Hi vis water proofs and use Waze to avoid tickets. There are quite a few commuter you tube channels including on who uses a zero electric motorcycle SW55 . The cost of trains is insane and will pay for a annual holiday.
cowprintwheels@reddit
You could ride your bike to one of the stations on/near the end of a tube line like Amersham and get the tube the rest of the way? Might be easier than riding your bike through London but cheaper than a full season ticket on the train?
Notagelding@reddit
National express coaches go to Victoria. You'd have to get from Whitehouse to the station, but it would probably be cheaper than the motorbike option. And more relaxing!
z_bnf_i@reddit (OP)
Whitehouse to the location for coaches would be about 40 min cycling :(
Notagelding@reddit
I didn't think about it earlier but you can park your motorbike for free at the coachway.
Notagelding@reddit
Or maybe there's someone else in or around Whitehouse who goes to the coachway, who you can give petrol money to?
alpacafanatic@reddit
The brompton route is what I would do, thats an hour a day of working out and giving you some great health benefits during the commute time, the other options just waste 3 hours a day.
z_bnf_i@reddit (OP)
I agree, it would probably be the easiest for me - just working out if I might need to just swallow the £6500 season ticket. Still curious about commuting via motorbike, how viable it is.
Optimal_Whereas@reddit
You will spend a long time in traffic and putting your life at risk daily on a motorbike. People drive like maniacs these days
Unknown_Author70@reddit
I've regularly done the m1 to London from MK in early morning traffic .. in a 3.5 tonne, its fucking scary at times, let alone if I was in a bike..