Hello and some divi advice needed

[val]

Hello all,

I am new to the forum and looking to buy a Divi.

Will use it for 50 miles motorway daily commute and nor sure which one would be better for me:

1. XJ 900 Diversion with shaft drive
2. XJ 600

I am born again biker and need something for A to B commute, the question basically is which one will have better seat comfort and wind protection?

For what I have read so far 900 probably will be better, more power for the motorway, the only think I do not like is the weight 239 kg vs 180 kg and the fact that I may use it occasionally for London filtering any advice which one has better handling?

thank you

cheers
Val

[neilmud Lord Protector]

Not had a 600 but the 900 would seem to fit your requirement +++

It will do what you want & so much more.

As for weight once moving it is no worse than many other bikes but if you have to manhandle it up slopes or in confined spaces it is a bit of a lump,but most bikes are so live with it ;D


Neil

[rowlf]

Apr 12, 2013 23:59:42 GMT neilmud Lord Protector said:

Not had a 600 but the 900 would seem to fit your requirement +++

It will do what you want & so much more.

As for weight once moving it is no worse than many other bikes but if you have to manhandle it up slopes or in confined spaces it is a bit of a lump,but most bikes are so live with it ;D


Neil

I would agree with Neil. I have had two 900s and now have a 600. Don't notice the weight difference that much (of course, I may be weaker now) and the effortless power of the 900 makes life so much better. I also found that the 900 was almost "automatic" in traffic. Enough torque that you hardly ever seemed to change gear which tires you out less.

I used to travel from 20 miles outside London into Marble Arch and back and the 900 was brilliant. Comfortable, great on the motorway and easy to 'filter' as it is very stable and no chain so "maintenance free". Oiling a chain every other day is no fun, especially in the winter (which seems to be permanent this year). Admittedly an automatic chain oiler would help.

One big weather advantage on the 900 is that you can get a "super flip screen" which is much better than anything for the 600. Depends on your height perhaps, I am 5' 10". Between the tall screen and muffs (or heated gloves) I was always comfortable in bad weather.

I like the 600 and I don't commute now (I work from home) so it is good for what I need but I would choose the 900 every time for "constant" use. The 900 also makes a great long distance tourer.

Rowlf

[m40man]

I think it depends how long you've been off bikes. If a fair few years, 600. Break yourself in gently. Whilst the 900 is no rocket-ship, it's still very quick compared to most cars.

[TwoHat]

If its mainly motorway then the 900 is a comfortable, effortless, mile-muncher. Mine wasn't brilliant for filtering in city traffic, mainly because with the panniers on it was almost as wide as a car. You get noticed more than you would on a smaller bike though, which is always a good thing.
Shaft is a definite advantage IMHO, gone right off chains now I enjoy riding more than fettling.
Can't speak for the 600 'cos I've never ridden one.
HTH, Simon

[rowlf]

Apr 13, 2013 10:06:46 GMT TwoHat said:

Mine wasn't brilliant for filtering in city traffic, mainly because with the panniers on it was almost as wide as a car.

They do come off you know I have seen a couple of people wedge themselves between two cars whilst trying to filter with panniers ;D. My bike did come with panniers but due to my need for regular use in London my first job on the bike was taking them off. I think I sold them on here

You get noticed more than you would on a smaller bike though, which is always a good thing.

A very good point, I noticed that I was always left more space when I had a large topbox with reflectors on. I hate tailgaters

[Mike D9]

Havent had a 600 divvy but do have 900. The 900 would be very well suited to your needs. Great for motorways/A roads, good economy, good comfort and enough get up and go when called upon. I have had my 900 for a year now and am only just appreciating what a good all rounder it is. Go for the 900!

[alan292]

Ive not had the 900 but after returning to bikes after more than 20yrs I bought a 600 which I cannot fault....it feels light and very manouverable and doesnt struggle to keep up with the pace on the motorway...I did think about buying a 900 but I felt the 600 was doing everything I wanted from a bike ....

[pol]

i have a 600 & do a 50 mile a day commute too. The commute is half dual carriage/motorway (around 65 - 80mph) & half long, windy country roads (50 - 60mph). its absolutely fine, very comfortable, light enough to glide round the country bends & quick enough (if you want it to be!) to keep up with (or in front of) any traffic on the dual carriage/motorway. I find my mpg is pretty good too, i can get to 190-200 miles before hitting reserve

i've never had a 900 so can't compare tho

i think m40man has a good point, if its been a while maybe start with a 600?

as for wind protection, that kind of depends on how tall you are, but i reckon the 900 would be better for that ;D

[rowlf]

Apr 13, 2013 16:57:35 GMT pol said:

i have a 600 & do a 50 mile a day commute too. The commute is half dual carriage/motorway (around 65 - 80mph)

How many

[pol]

Apr 13, 2013 17:12:56 GMT rowlf said:

Apr 13, 2013 16:57:35 GMT pol said:

i have a 600 & do a 50 mile a day commute too. The commute is half dual carriage/motorway (around 65 - 80mph)

How many

only on the downhill parts

[Deleted]

Even some bike mag journos refer to the D9 as one of the great all rounders.

I 'returned' after 34 years.

Once I got used to watching out for heavily cambered roads when stopping the weight was not a problem.

Never ridden a D6, but having read that they can out drag certain Ferraris I wouldn't write them off, and they can be had for pennies

Did a lot of 2 up touring abroad and the D9 waqs perfect for that.

Welcome BTW!