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[Dishevelled Den]

Honda Deauville.

Shaft drive

Fairing

Built-in luggage (might want to get the larger size pannier lids)

Can get a 'big bore' kit (I think).

Don't need any more than that really. 

might want to get the larger size pannier lids

I would urge caution there DJ as some bikers seem inclined to take things to the extreme


http://www.snotr.com/video/2895

[djac]

Honda Deauville.

Shaft drive

Fairing

Built-in luggage (might want to get the larger size pannier lids)

Can get a 'big bore' kit (I think).

Don't need any more than that really. 

might want to get the larger size pannier lids

I would urge caution there DJ as some bikers seem inclined to take things to the extreme


http://www.snotr.com/video/2895

  That is WAY beyond extreme!!!

[djac]

I remember when couriors all used CX500s

Yup, had one for yonks.  4 stroke with valves and shaft drive and water cooling.  Ran just fine.....   8-)

They even did a turbo version! 

[Andy Pont]

Chain or shaft drive for the job.

Shaft definitely better from a maintenance point of view - at 2000 miles a week a chain can go off the corect tension etc very quickly. Only downside of a shaft is it can make a bike handle unpredictably in poor road conditions. If this work is continued throughout winter for example then its possible to have the back end stepping out for no other reason than the shaft drive - I have personally experienced sliding towards the apex of corner (as opposed to away from it, as would be expected) if riding a little too aggressively. Dont get me wrong, I do not consider this serious enough to avoid a shaftie- and would support the general consencus that a pan 11 is the right tool for the job - but if i was biking all though winters again it would be a factor in my decision making.

[Darth Loo-knee]

What bikes would you lads recomend for doing courier service.  Possibly long distance work, needs to be presentable.

Just asking on behalf of a friend, and how much would you invest in such a bike.

Plus are there any couriers on here, what things should bike couriers whatch out for.

Just helping a friend out, new job, all advice welcome, as they need to get themselves a bike.


TIA.   

Think you are a closet biker Pip 

I would love one but I dont think I would last too long.

But a big lottery win with a lot of private ground I would start a collection of my favourite bikes from over the years.

KH 250 or 400
RD400
Suzuki X7

Honda CBR 1000/1100 6
Kawaski Z1300
Laverda Jota
Ducati Desmo
Bennellie 750/6

Suzuki GT750 (Flying Kettle)
Kawaski 750 Turbo

All shite by todays standard's I suppose but I dont care, I just like the big bike feel.

Plus there are lot's of today's modern bike both sports and tourers I like.

Plus I like the bike powered kit cars and the car powered trikes. 

Dont even get me started on the car/rally/race car collection I would build if the money was available.

But we can all dream.

The Guy across the road has a Jota, it sounds lovely.. but not as nice as his Manx Norton with Mega pipe on 

I used to like the X7 too 

[bertiecbx550]

Speaking as an ex courier with a lot of experiance of distance and city work... My main choice would be either a K series beemer or a pan euro with a flip screen fairing i`d also go for a kwaka gt750 with a full fairing and maybe a decent set of panniers...But make sure you keep on top of your services and budget for a good set of waterproofs i.e. Dainese with built in body armour and 2 pairs of waterproof gloves as you will get cold and wet...Plus fork out for R.A.C. recovery and other such expenditures.....I had 2 bikes 1 for work and 1 for back up and if your going down the self  employed route keep all ya reciepts.....

[bikerroz85]

i was a motor cycle courier till last year when i got hit of my bike and bugged my knee up.But when i did it i had a Honda pan european and went like a dream and was very good on petrol

[Mr Skrunts]

Thankyou so much for all the replies.

As memntioned the info is for a friend, and from what I gather the Pan european is at the top of the shopping list at the moment and an 1100 at that.

Will post again if they get a bike.

many thanks for all replies.   

[tunnie]

i'd say Honda Deauville or a Pan, you want shaft-drive really, Honda's are bullet proof.

Ex-Plod BMW RT's go cheap at auction, i saw 08 plates for for just 4k at auction, in very good condition, be more expensive to maintain then Pan, but the boxer engines are suited well to the job, as they are not high-reving just provide loads of low down torque.

Bandit totally unsuitable for courier work, no weather protection, crap for any decent storage.

RT will offer loads of weather protection, even plod versions had heated seats!

[r1]

you really need 2 bikes.
a small bike up to about 500 cc and a large bike.you are doing this to make money and running a big,heavy bike round town is just wasting money.
also bikes breakdown or if you have accident drop it etc and if you off the road you not makeing money.

[Andy Pont]

you really need 2 bikes.
a small bike up to about 500 cc and a large bike.you are doing this to make money and running a big,heavy bike round town is just wasting money.
also bikes breakdown or if you have accident drop it etc and if you off the road you not makeing money.

That sounds like good advice to me. I was only a courier for one year back in the times when speed cameras were hair driers held at the side of the road ..... But I do like that.
Only other words of wisdom that I would offer are that if working all year - fit handlebar muffs - ugly as sin but so much appreciated after even a single winter without.

[bertiecbx550]

i`m glad i gave it up really cause you have to put the hours in to make any decent money and when you do it all goes back into the bike and plus after a while you start to hate bikes and riding em for pleasure.....but i did enjoy working down the smoke for 6 months before returning back to wolvo and brum depots and going back on the distance circuit.....

[Nickbat]

i`m glad i gave it up really cause you have to put the hours in to make any decent money and when you do it all goes back into the bike and plus after a while you start to hate bikes and riding em for pleasure.....but i did enjoy working down the smoke for 6 months before returning back to wolvo and brum depots and going back on the distance circuit.....

Pleased to see you enjoyed your taste of civilisation, Bertie!