Commuting? How many miles and at what speed?

Ski_rush · 03-27-2017, 11:13 AM

The guy who posted a thread about picking up a new Hawk in Texas and then riding it home 1000 miles to New Mexico got me thinking

, perhaps inspired even. Of course, we don't know if this story is true, because let's face it, it's the internet.

But, it got me wondering how many of you ride your enduro to work as a commuter? How many miles do you go and at what speeds? What kinds of roads?

My work commute would be a very straight shot on a two lane road about 45 miles with a speed limit of 60mph. I usually do 65 in my car.

The things that would limit this possibility for me would be the size of our engine (229cc) and the more aggressive tire thread that came stock.

Thoughts?

Azhule · 03-27-2017, 11:20 AM

Lets see here... I regularly do 2 to 2.5 hours at 65 to 75 miles per hour "commuting" to the mountains... then another 6 or so hours riding those mountains and trails, then it's 2 to 2.5 hours back home... sure I need to stop for a 2 minute gas stop to fill the tank every 1.5 to 2 hours at high speeds... I'm still working on a bigger gas tank (6+ gallons?)... only having 2.1 gallons limits my time at Interstate speeds

The cheap China Bike has yet to miss a beat

They are up to the task at hand... but make sure you check the oil often... just in case your bike doesn't like it

our bike likes it and uses no oil (so far)

* Edit * If the Mrs. starts to feel safe enough to ride it to work, it will see ~35 miles (one way) every day to work going 65 mph 80% of that trip, and 40 mph the rest of the way to work... it will rack up some miles when she starts to ride it

**JerryHawk250** · 03-27-2017, 11:36 AM

Now that its warming up I might start using mine to Commute to work. But its only a 12 mile trip one way. I wouldn't hesitate to take it 45 miles @ 60 mph. I did over 70 mile yesterday at 55 - 60 mph and last weekend my brother in law and I did over 200 miles at 55-65 mph and got to 70 for a short stretch. That's when I developed the leak in the rear tire. I would change the front tube too since you already changed the rear and think about getting a more road friendly tires because those knobbies will wear down fast. Mine have been holding up but I only have about 500 mile on the road with them. The rest of the miles are off road.

culcune · 03-27-2017, 06:20 PM

I commuted on my TMEC 200 (and now commute on the TGB scooter); 16 miles each way, 45-60+ mph depending on the #%^*ole riding on my #$% (the speed limit on one 4 mile stretch is 55, and the final 8 mile stretch is signed at 50, with 3 miles or so in a 35 mph zone). The TMEC had no problems hitting those speeds as well.

I would hesitate to do the 45 mile commute daily; either switch off with your car, or buy another enduro and switch off. Either way, it's like you are carpooling with yourself!

Ariel Red Hunter · 03-27-2017, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ski_rush

The guy who posted a thread about picking up a new Hawk in Texas and then riding it home 1000 miles to New Mexico got me thinking

, perhaps inspired even. Of course, we don't know if this story is true, because let's face it, it's the internet.

But, it got me wondering how many of you ride your enduro to work as a commuter? How many miles do you go and at what speeds? What kinds of roads?

My work commute would be a very straight shot on a two lane road about 45 miles with a speed limit of 60mph. I usually do 65 in my car.

The things that would limit this possibility for me would be the size of our engine (229cc) and the more aggressive tire thread that came stock.

Thoughts?

If you are going to commute 90 miles a day, I would definetly get different, less aggresive tires. And whatever sprocket changes necessary...ARH

culcune · 03-27-2017, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ariel Red Hunter

And whatever sprocket changes necessary...ARH

All the Bashans are geared for the road--I know they use a 17 countersprocket and a 47(?) rear, but now that you mention it, for such a commute, I would consider dropping to a 44 rear.

Ski_rush · 03-27-2017, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by culcune

I commuted on my TMEC 200 (and now commute on the TGB scooter); 16 miles each way, 45-60+ mph depending on the #%^*ole riding on my #$% (the speed limit on one 4 mile stretch is 55, and the final 8 mile stretch is signed at 50, with 3 miles or so in a 35 mph zone). The TMEC had no problems hitting those speeds as well.

I would hesitate to do the 45 mile commute daily; either switch off with your car, or buy another enduro and switch off. Either way, it's like you are carpooling with yourself!

Ya, I only meant like one or two times per week. I'd drive other times.

Ascot500 · 03-27-2017, 08:02 PM

Azhule - what sprocket combo are you using?

timcosby · 03-27-2017, 08:20 PM

the knobbies dont bother me i dont even notice them unless im going really slow then you can feel the knobs. if its geared right i wouldnt hesitate to do the ride. if you can ride 10 minutes 45 is just more of the same.

Azhule · 03-27-2017, 09:43 PM

Always a 17 tooth front and usually a 39 sometimes a 43 tooth rear sprockets depending on how much wind I will be fighting for the day ("40+ mph winds with gusts 70+ mph" happen regularly out here), or if I plan on doing any "4x4 Black Diamond Trails"

... I only weigh 120lbs, so my gearing/sprocket choices can be a little 'odd' for the type of riding I do

hertz9753 · 03-27-2017, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azhule

Always a 17 tooth front and usually a 39 sometimes a 43 tooth rear sprockets depending on how much wind I will be fighting for the day ("40+ mph winds with gusts 70+ mph" happen regularly out here), or if I plan on doing any "4x4 Black Diamond Trails"

... I only weigh 120lbs, so my gearing/sprocket choices can be a little 'odd' for the type of riding I do

Those winds, we also get those up here. I had to find a picture...

culcune · 03-27-2017, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ski_rush

Ya, I only meant like one or two times per week. I'd drive other times.

Hey, I'm trying to convince you to get another enduro. What better excuse??

kohburn · 03-28-2017, 06:43 AM

about an hour each way at 65mph no problems

I started out with a 17 front and 47 rear, then went to a 43 rear, going to try a 45.

Kipper1012 · 03-28-2017, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kohburn

about an hour each way at 65mph no problems

I started out with a 17 front and 47 rear, then went to a 43 rear, going to try a 45.

What are your Rpms at with the 43 rear at 65mph ?

chuck · 03-28-2017, 08:08 AM

My Hawk is around 7,000 rpm's at that speed with that combination.

03-27-2017, 11:13 AM	#1
Ski_rush Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 449	Commuting? How many miles and at what speed? The guy who posted a thread about picking up a new Hawk in Texas and then riding it home 1000 miles to New Mexico got me thinking , perhaps inspired even. Of course, we don't know if this story is true, because let's face it, it's the internet. But, it got me wondering how many of you ride your enduro to work as a commuter? How many miles do you go and at what speeds? What kinds of roads? My work commute would be a very straight shot on a two lane road about 45 miles with a speed limit of 60mph. I usually do 65 in my car. The things that would limit this possibility for me would be the size of our engine (229cc) and the more aggressive tire thread that came stock. Thoughts?
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03-27-2017, 11:20 AM	#2
Azhule Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: CO Posts: 1,525	Lets see here... I regularly do 2 to 2.5 hours at 65 to 75 miles per hour "commuting" to the mountains... then another 6 or so hours riding those mountains and trails, then it's 2 to 2.5 hours back home... sure I need to stop for a 2 minute gas stop to fill the tank every 1.5 to 2 hours at high speeds... I'm still working on a bigger gas tank (6+ gallons?)... only having 2.1 gallons limits my time at Interstate speeds The cheap China Bike has yet to miss a beat They are up to the task at hand... but make sure you check the oil often... just in case your bike doesn't like it our bike likes it and uses no oil (so far) * Edit * If the Mrs. starts to feel safe enough to ride it to work, it will see ~35 miles (one way) every day to work going 65 mph 80% of that trip, and 40 mph the rest of the way to work... it will rack up some miles when she starts to ride it __________________ "Think as you like... but this self proclaimed Professor is always right" - Buckshot "You never know what someone is hiding beneath their smile..." - NinjaTom - R.I.P.
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03-27-2017, 11:36 AM	#3
JerryHawk250 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 11,556	Now that its warming up I might start using mine to Commute to work. But its only a 12 mile trip one way. I wouldn't hesitate to take it 45 miles @ 60 mph. I did over 70 mile yesterday at 55 - 60 mph and last weekend my brother in law and I did over 200 miles at 55-65 mph and got to 70 for a short stretch. That's when I developed the leak in the rear tire. I would change the front tube too since you already changed the rear and think about getting a more road friendly tires because those knobbies will wear down fast. Mine have been holding up but I only have about 500 mile on the road with them. The rest of the miles are off road. __________________ 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel
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03-27-2017, 06:20 PM	#4
culcune Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, Arizona Posts: 9,035	I commuted on my TMEC 200 (and now commute on the TGB scooter); 16 miles each way, 45-60+ mph depending on the #%^*ole riding on my #$% (the speed limit on one 4 mile stretch is 55, and the final 8 mile stretch is signed at 50, with 3 miles or so in a 35 mph zone). The TMEC had no problems hitting those speeds as well. I would hesitate to do the 45 mile commute daily; either switch off with your car, or buy another enduro and switch off. Either way, it's like you are carpooling with yourself! __________________ "They say that life's a carousel, spinning fast you got to ride it well..." TGB Delivery Scooter 150 TMEC 200 Enduro--carcass is sadly rotting in the backyard
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03-27-2017, 08:20 PM	#9
timcosby Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: robertsdale alabama usa Posts: 1,007	the knobbies dont bother me i dont even notice them unless im going really slow then you can feel the knobs. if its geared right i wouldnt hesitate to do the ride. if you can ride 10 minutes 45 is just more of the same. __________________ 1991 harley heritage softail classic 2016 hawk kaw h1 400 tripple 13' long chopper in progress 2009 johnny pag bar hog 2004 hd electra glide ultra classic shriner edition 1997 harley davidson 1200 sportster 1972 harley davidson amf sx250
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03-27-2017, 08:02 PM	#8
Ascot500 Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 90	Azhule - what sprocket combo are you using?
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03-27-2017, 09:43 PM	#10
Azhule Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: CO Posts: 1,525	Always a 17 tooth front and usually a 39 sometimes a 43 tooth rear sprockets depending on how much wind I will be fighting for the day ("40+ mph winds with gusts 70+ mph" happen regularly out here), or if I plan on doing any "4x4 Black Diamond Trails" ... I only weigh 120lbs, so my gearing/sprocket choices can be a little 'odd' for the type of riding I do __________________ "Think as you like... but this self proclaimed Professor is always right" - Buckshot "You never know what someone is hiding beneath their smile..." - NinjaTom - R.I.P.
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03-28-2017, 06:43 AM	#13
kohburn Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Coastal NC Posts: 537	about an hour each way at 65mph no problems I started out with a 17 front and 47 rear, then went to a 43 rear, going to try a 45. __________________ -whatever you do, just be awesome. - 2008 Kawasaki Versys - 2016 CSC TT250
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03-28-2017, 08:08 AM	#15
chuck Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 436	My Hawk is around 7,000 rpm's at that speed with that combination.
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