Springer Express Couriers said:
Whilst I agree bikes in my part of the world on a Friday would be an idea but with the extra cost of a bike it's limited carrying capacity it's not for me,
you might get 70mpg at 56mph but according to MCN a pan European will average 45mpg and at £13K new (approx £4k more than a van) and a rear tyre every month(£120) and a pair every other month(£200), silly insurance costs, petrol costs it would seem to be more expensive to run a bike than a van,
I have thought about running a bike trying to ride a bike answer the phone and quote customers etc I will stick to the office and the van,
as for traffic if your anywhere near competent then you will have invested in an interactive satnav which will hopefully guide you round any traffic problems although not totally fool proof they do help,
How many motorway hold up have you seem with a line of bikes sat at the front? when they close the motorway it's closed whether 2 or 4 wheels!
Horses for coarses really! I run a small van because that's what I need! 50MPG £1.15 per litre fuel costs,
takes an hour to service the van large bike takes all day and you have to do it twice as often and the bits are silly prices!!
I get asked for a transit/sprinter a few times a year so I hire one when required,
never get asked for a bike!!
So to answer some of your replys.
Your saying rear tyre everymonth, not sure what tyre your on about, but mine average 12-15 thousand for a rear and more for a front, yes your right on cost for tyres, as for mpg Im getting around 48mpg @ 80mph, and insurance well £300 pa for H+R isnt bad compaired to vans at a grand+ sat nav I have a zumo, 48mpg @ 1.13 per litre fuel cost cheaper than yours, servicing a bike takes an hour if you know what your doing, and the bits are cheap if you in the trade.. Oil filter £2.75, Plugs (Iridium £12) none iridium box of 20 £13.00, 4ltr of branded FS oil £18.00), so you were saying...
As for speeding theirs a time and a place, bikes tends to bend the rules and yes their are idiots but this applys to everyone, I have seen named sprinters who have flown past me doing ridiculous speed tailgating in the fast lane.. or a van sat in the middle lane doing 60, oblivious whats around him eating a sandwich..
I dont give a toss on what peeps think if I do 90+ its not their concern, they should mind there own business and be concerned on what there doing..