Using your VFR for Commuting

[PARedVFRRider]

I hope this isn't repetitive to a previous thread, but I searched and couldn't find anything. I was wondering how many of you guys use your VFR for communting. I'd like to know:

1. Do you use your bike to commute to work?
   2. If so how far to you ride each way?
   3. How may days a week to you commute?
   4. What do you do for the stuff you carry back and forth? Tail Bag, Tank Bag, Backpack, Saddle Bags?
   5. Do you wear the clothes you work in, get changed at work, or wear overpants, etc.?
   6. Do you commute in the winter as well as summer?
   7. If so do you use heated gear?
   8. Do you carry a rain suite with you all the time?
   9. Do you take your normal route you take when you drive or an alternative route for some reason?
   10. Lastly do you do this for enjoyment, money savings, or just because?
   

To kick it off, I have been using the bike for commuting about 2 to 3 days a week since I go the bike back in October as long as it isn't raining or snowing and the forecast calls for temps above 28 degrees F. I think that's pretty good since it's winter in South Eastern PA. I have a Dowco Fastrax tail bag I use for my laptop and dress shoes and other things I carry. Sometimes I also use my small JoeRocket tank bag for my wallet, phone, cash, etc. I wear the clothes I wear to work (Business casual office job), but I wear my Olympia over pants and Olympia jacket as well. I wear my Sidi Doha boots. I have been commuting in the winter and I expect my frequency will go up in the summer. I do use Heated Gear, I have a heated Tour Master Jacket liner and gloves. No heated gear for pants or boots. I do carry a rain suit, but I do not typically commute on the bike when rain is forcasted.

I really enjoy these commutes and I find its great way for me to destress on the way home. I typically take a completely different route then when I drive. Driving I take the Interstates most of the way in to the office. When I ride I take the backroads and most of the time I extend my trip. Typically my ride commute is a half hour longer each way.

[powerslave]

summers are so short and insurance is so expensive here that i commute to work 5 days a week,rain or shine,freezing or hot.well,i do leave the bike home if it's a downpour,but drizzle or light rain doesn't stop me.i wear the same joe rocket jacket for all conditions since it's waterproof (mostly)and the liner comes out on hot days.my ride is only 15 min. so if it's cold and/or wet it won't kill me.on nice days i take a beautiful detour home along the red river (excellent winding road with elevation changes) which is good for an extra 30-45 min.
all i need fits in my tankbag (lunch) and i keep my work clothes at work in my locker.

[PARedVFRRider]

Originally Posted by powerslave

summers are so short and insurance is so expensive here that i commute to work 5 days a week,rain or shine,freezing or hot.well,i do leave the bike home if it's a downpour,but drizzle or light rain doesn't stop me.i wear the same joe rocket jacket for all conditions since it's waterproof (mostly)and the liner comes out on hot days.my ride is only 15 min. so if it's cold and/or wet it won't kill me.on nice days i take a beautiful detour home along the red river (excellent winding road with elevation changes) which is good for an extra 30-45 min.
all i need fits in my tankbag (lunch) and i keep my work clothes at work in my locker.

Do you guys have the option to only insure your bikes for 6 months when you ride them? Or do you have to insure them for the full year whether you can ride them or not?

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by PARedVFRRider

I hope this isn't repetitive to a previous thread, but I searched and couldn't find anything. I was wondering how many of you guys use your VFR for communting. I'd like to know:

1. 1. Do you use your bike to commute to work?
   2. If so how far to you ride each way?
   3. How may days a week to you commute?
   4. What do you do for the stuff you carry back and forth? Tail Bag, Tank Bag, Backpack, Saddle Bags?
   5. Do you wear the clothes you work in, get changed at work, or wear overpants, etc.?
   6. Do you commute in the winter as well as summer?
   7. If so do you use heated gear?
   8. Do you carry a rain suite with you all the time?
   9. Do you take your normal route you take when you drive or an alternative route for some reason?
   10. Lastly do you do this for enjoyment, money savings, or just because?
   

I bought my bike specifically for commuting. I thought about all the bikes that might be suitable for commuting, and kept coming back to the VFR. The fact that it would make a good touring bike as well had appeal as well. The bike also came with a full set of luggage, so that was an added bonus.

• 1. Do you use your bike to commute to work?
  Yes
  
  2. If so how far to you ride each way?
  
  22 miles
  
  3. How may days a week to you commute?
  
  3-4, probably will be every day once spring arrives (other than rain days).
  
  
  4. What do you do for the stuff you carry back and forth? Tail Bag, Tank Bag, Backpack, Saddle Bags?
  
  Givi Top Case presently, soon to be Givi E21s
  
  5. Do you wear the clothes you work in, get changed at work, or wear overpants, etc.?
  
  Currently commute in Dainese Two Piece leathers, change into office clothes at work. Soon to be using Aerostitch Roadcrafter worn over street clothes.
  
  6. Do you commute in the winter as well as summer?
  
  Yup.
  
  7. If so do you use heated gear?
  
  Widder electric vest.
  
  8. Do you carry a rain suite with you all the time?
  
  No, don't ride if it is going to rain. That's what the car is for.
  
  9. Do you take your normal route you take when you drive or an alternative route for some reason?
  
  Same route either vehicle.
  
  10. Lastly do you do this for enjoyment, money savings, or just because?
  
  Money savings on bridge tolls and fuel, and to keep miles off the new car (TSX)

[lampman]

Since fuel cost have shot upward again, I considered commuting as a way of saving money. I can save almost 50% in fuel cost alone. I have 3 bikes now so it helps to keep them running too. Commute is 15 miles one way. I take the same route as with the cage. Being in Florida, I have to think about heat so I bought a mesh jacket. I also have my touring outfit a Firstgear Kilamanjero IV jacket and over pants for cooler days. I also have some "Road Toads" that are extremely lite and waterproof for the warm days. I have Sidi touring boots that I use with shoes to change into. I have hard bags on the VFR and BMW. On the VF500 I use a tail bag. Winter in Florida is pretty dry and the best time to commute. In the heat of the summer the traffic and wait at the lights can be hard on the bike so I tend to drive more often. I do this pretty much 5 days a week rain or shine. It's a real blast coming in on the bike. It sets up my morning attitude and gives me something to look forward to.

[powerslave]

My insurance costs me around $2200 FOR THE SUMMER! Sorry to yell, but that's about all us poor saps in manitoba can do to feel better. We can't shop around....Don't like the price,don't ride your bike.

[captain322]

I bought my current bike with hopes of commuting more often and get in 2-3 days a week weather permitting. Had a smaller Kawi prior. The commute is 23 miles one way. I take the highway in the morning as traffic is bearable, but always the scenic route on the ride home. Summers are way too short in MN but I ride until the snow hits hard. Not unusual to ride in 30 degree mornings. I alternate jackets between mesh in summer and lined Cortech textile with matching pants in fall. Lined leather gloves and neckwear of various combinations is necessary in the cold. Have gotten by so far without investing in heated seat or grips - have that crap in the car but never use it. I carry my laptop and dress pants in a Chase Harper tank bag no problem. Started leaving shoes at the office to save space in the tank bag. Looking to add a Givi trunk next season. The viffer has been solid for commuting and performs even better on the weekend.

[whynot?]

1. Do you use your bike to commute to work?
Yes

2. If so how far to you ride each way?
31miles (62-65 roundtrip depending the route)

3. How may days a week to you commute?
3 to 5 . Dpending on schedle and weather

4. What do you do for the stuff you carry back and forth? Tail Bag, Tank
Bag, Backpack, Saddle Bags?
Backpack

5. Do you wear the clothes you work in, get changed at work, or wear overpants, etc.?
get cahnged at work, carry pants(jeans), keep pair of adidas at work, carry clean shirt.

6. Do you commute in the winter as well as summer?
Yes (there is not really a winter in Californi but Ido have different jackest and gloves rest is same)

7. If so do you use heated gear?
No

8. Do you carry a rain suite with you all the time?
No

9. Do you take your normal route you take when you drive or an alternative route for some reason?
Normal route - freeway 95%

10. Lastly do you do this for enjoyment, money savings, or just because?
Enjoyement - nothing is nicer than getting around the cars because I can line-split, I guess .. or just because ..I can.... and love it

[olivino]

1. Do you use your bike to commute to work?
Yes

2. If so how far to you ride each way?
20miles

3. How may days a week to you commute?
2 to 4 . Depending on weather

4. What do you do for the stuff you carry back and forth? Tail Bag, Tank
Bag, Backpack, Saddle Bags?
Backpack

5. Do you wear the clothes you work in, get changed at work, or wear overpants, etc.?
Just armored jacket with my work clothes

6. Do you commute in the winter as well as summer?
April - September. After Sept there's more deer in early eve, want to get home in one piece!

7. If so do you use heated gear?
No

8. Do you carry a rain suite with you all the time?
No. Gotta be a clear day for me to ride.

9. Do you take your normal route you take when you drive or an alternative route for some reason?
Normal route - going. Alternative on way home.

10. Lastly do you do this for enjoyment, money savings, or just because?
Money savings, and enjoyment-I think about the ride home all day long when I have my bike!

[PARedVFRRider]

Originally Posted by powerslave

My insurance costs me around $2200 FOR THE SUMMER! Sorry to yell, but that's about all us poor saps in manitoba can do to feel better. We can't shop around....Don't like the price,don't ride your bike.

Ouch!!! that is almost 5 times what I'm paying for the full year for two bikes!

[nozzle]

1. Do you use your bike to commute to work?
Yes, most days

2. If so how far to you ride each way?

57 miles on the slab, longer with twisty entertainment

3. How may days a week to you commute?

3-4, weather permitting (other than rain/snow days).


4. What do you do for the stuff you carry back and forth?

Honda Top Case, usually, factory side cases if I need work/play stuff and I keep them on opposite sides. Have yet to commute with all the bags.

5. Do you wear the clothes you work in, get changed at work, or wear overpants, etc.?

from May-Nov rode with leather jacket over shirt. changed shoes added tie at work if needed while singing "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood". 'Stich Roadcrafter this winter, but during wrestling season I bring a camera and drive the car most days

6. Do you commute in the winter as well as summer?

Yup.

7. If so do you use heated gear?

just the heated grips.

8. Do you carry a rain suite with you all the time?

Nope, I'll get wet on the way home at times, but if it looks like rain on the way in, its tut, tut in the cage.

9. Do you take your normal route you take when you drive or an alternative route for some reason?

depends on the day, ride home usually has more side trips. The bike saves me ~15 min if I'm going straight there due to getting through lights etc. Parking is a snap as I pull onto the concrete right by the building door on the bike.

10. Lastly do you do this for enjoyment, money savings, or just because?

It's all about the fun. Since I have a car too, there is no way for me to rationally claim the improved gas mileage provides any cost savings over the cost of the bike, riding gear, insurance, and tires.

[OKCVFR]

You guys suck! Just kidding, I am envious for I don't even drive to work. I own a duplex and live in one side and we have our business in the other side. So, I just stroll through a door in the moring and I'm at work. Wife and I just purchased land and hope to build a home in couple of years and believe it or not, I look forward to commuting to work.

[reg71]

1.Do you use your bike to commute to work? Yes.
2. If so how far to you ride each way? 22 mi or about 15 min.
3. How may days a week to you commute? 3
4. What do you do for the stuff you carry back and forth? Tail Bag, Tank Bag, Backpack, Saddle Bags? sargent tank bag
5. Do you wear the clothes you work in, get changed at work, or wear overpants, etc.? I wear scrubs under riding pants and coveralls for warmth on cool days.
6. Do you commute in the winter as well as summer? yes. 27 degrees coldest day so far.
7. If so do you use heated gear? not yet, but it's a short ride. if I was going farther I might buy some.
8. Do you carry a rain suite with you all the time? no. I buy one of the cheapies at Big 5 on the rare occasions it rains. (see last years north Cali trip write up by RW)
9. Do you take your normal route you take when you drive or an alternative route for some reason? to work, normal route esp on cool days. from work occasionally deviate if still daylight to decompress.
10. Lastly do you do this for enjoyment, money savings, or just because? Because my bike is my primary transportation and no matter how bad a day I have at work, if I ride, I know I can at least look forward to getting to ride the bike home.

[Joey_Dude]

1. Do you use your bike to commute to work?
Yes, as long as there are no tornadoes and blizzards. I still have a cage for those rare days.
2. If so how far to you ride each way?
About 15 miles. With my cage it takes a half hour but with the bike about 20 minutes :)
3. How may days a week to you commute?
5
4. What do you do for the stuff you carry back and forth? Tail Bag, Tank Bag, Backpack, Saddle Bags?
Tank bag because it's the best place on the bike to store stuff on it. The problem with saddle bags is that you have to distribute the weight evenly otherwise the bike wants to go in one direction.
5. Do you wear the clothes you work in, get changed at work, or wear overpants, etc.?
I wear my office shirt under my bike jacket but I change my jeans/boots at work. I just keep business pants in my office. Because of that I can wear one pair of business pants for a whole week without laundry!
6. Do you commute in the winter as well as summer?
Yes as long as there's no snow and blizzards outside. Fortunately here in Georgia the winters are pretty short and it snows maybe 2 or 3 days out the entire year.
7. If so do you use heated gear?
Nah, I just wear 2 pairs of socks, jeans with athletic pants underneath, a thick sweater under my bike jacket.
8. Do you carry a rain suite with you all the time?
Nah, as long as I keep moving most of the rain stays off. My commute route doesn't have a lot of stops so I don't find myself soaking at a stoplight.
9. Do you take your normal route you take when you drive or an alternative route for some reason?
Same route because the traffic SUCKS with other routes
10. Lastly do you do this for enjoyment, money savings, or just because?
For enjoyment. Even if I had a Ferrari I'd rather ride my bike. There's nothing like the feeling of being out in the elements and sensing everything that makes a ride very enjoyable. Oh and there's that hauling ass aspect that makes me very happy :)

[Action]

1. Do you use your bike to commute to work? Yes

2. If so how far to you ride each way? 25 miles

3. How may days a week to you commute? 4 to 5 weather permitting. As long as it’s not pouring rain or below about 24F I’m riding. The only other time I take the truck is in the summer sometimes we’ll get together and ride mountain bikes.

4. What do you do for the stuff you carry back and forth? Usually I can get gym clothes and lunch in my tank bag. If I have extra stuff I’ll take a backpack.

5. Do you wear the clothes you work in, get changed at work, or wear overpants, etc.? Usually wear work cloths (business casual) under my jacket and overpants. I leave a pair of shoes at work and wear my riding boots back and forth.

6. Do you commute in the winter as well as summer? Yes, 19F is about my limit for cold weather riding.

7. If so do you use heated gear? No, but I am looking into heated grips.

8. Do you carry a rain suite with you all the time? No, usually pretty dry here in Albuquerque. As long as it’s not pouring rain when I leave I’ll ride in. My gear is water resistant enough to get me home.

9. Do you take your normal route you take when you drive or an alternative route for some reason? Normal route, the bike is so much easier to get through traffic on; it really makes me miss it when I drive the truck. Most days I can shift my schedule so I miss rush hour, when I can’t avoid it, the bike makes it much less painful to get through.

10. Lastly do you do this for enjoyment, money savings, or just because? All three - enjoyment, money savings, and just because. Like others I think the bike is a great stress reliever and it gets much better mileage than my truck.


Action

[lear 31a]

I commute as often as I can:
20 Miles round trip

Back pack
Back roads
Rain or shine
^40 degrees F
No heated gear
I do it for the big grin factor mostly