euan

I think so.

180 is about what I get normally - less if enjoying it on twisties.

I've had 50 mpg only once, when taking it very gently at 65 and 75 for 200 miles in steady traffic with a high risk of speed cameras.

Plenty folk on the VFR forum claim to get 200 from a tank not infrequently.

A frequent summer weekend "commute" is 205 miles each way, and annoyingly I can't make it on one tank as it includes 100 miles of some of the best roads in Scotland - one of the reasons why I am looking at adding a proper tourer to the garage.

MikeC'S2k

Nottm - you'll never be able to do 300 miles on a tank unless you go for something like a R1200GS adventure with one of their larger "touring" tanks - but then it'll cost you more to fill it up anyway! And they are MASSIVE, like 300kg of bike, so don't go there for a first bike.

You may find a carb-fed 600 is more economical cos you can lean it out a bit, but lets face it - its not gonna make much difference.

Really, if fuel economy is the most important thing then I think you're missing the point of biking a bit! The main advantage on a commute is getting through traffic - if you want economy, you want a 1.4diesel Lupo or something!!

Euan - I have thought of changing the VFR (I always am thinking of changing something!) but don't know what to. And with only 5k on the clock, it'd be silly to sell. I do fancy those KTM 990 Adventures though...muhaha! Then keep the TT600 as a fast road/track bike

euan

That KTM is also on my shopping list to some degree - looks great and you don't have to be embarassed about looking like Ewan Macgregor

My problem is that my nearest dealer is 40 miles away and reputedly has a rather different concept of customer care than you might expect

The fuelling on the 990 is meant to be iffy too - IIRC from the forums, the "acceptable fix" seemed to be to let the engine run at idle for 20 minutes every 150 miles to settle the ECU down. I am sure my neighbours would love that!

I am keen to test a K1200GT once the roads dry out, but the local dealer is 6 miles from the centre of town with 9-5 opening hours, which is a PITA for servicing, let alone the inevitable warranty fixes that seem to be not uncommon with Beemers. Might still be worth it if it is markedly more sporty than the FJR (and I can sell the S2000).

MikeC'S2k

I've heard good things about the BMW's generally. I know of one guy who had problems in visordown, but one of the guys I regularly ride with has an 08-reg 1200GS and loves it! Touch wood no problems so far, although it isn't used and abused all year round.

My favourite BMW I've ridden is the K1200S - fantastic bike with a monster engine! Very similar to a Blackbird IMO, but more comfortable.

I HATED the K1200RT more than any bike I've ever ridden - and I had a GS500e courtesy bike once!! I'd never stall a bike so frequently, it was just a big, fat heavy lardarse of a bike. I'd rather have a car.

However, the K1200GT I have heard good things about BUT my FJR1300-owning friend test rode one and is sticking with his 30,000 miles Yamaha, so there ya go!

Dan Hale

On a "commute" I reckon the R1 would get your 150.

On a play, no chance

loftust

God I've got to get another bike soon. Sold my VFR800Fi-W last feb and have been missing two wheels for too long. I lost my passion for bikes when I was travelling to/from Plymouth/Portsmouth each and every weekend I wasn't at sea...took all the fun out of it. Now I've caught the bug again!

I've got my eye on several bikes, but looking intently at the KTM 950SM...not sure I can afford one just yet though!

eSeM

Not on a commute into London.

Dan Hale

True.

But on a sensible run do you reckon it'd get 150 from a tank?

I've had more than 120 before the fuel light came on before.

Dan Hale

Slightly off topic, but as you are in Gosport I was wondering if you're at Sultan?

Nottm_S2

yeah, to clarify it's 150 round trip not each way

it needs to be able to do this journey, ideally on a single tank but it's not the primary purpose