Best bikes for urban commuting

Looking for a cheap and practical machine to get you to work and to the grocery store? Look no further. We've got you covered.

If all you need to carry is a backpack, then Benelli’s 135cc single-cylinder nakedbike could be the ultimate two-wheeled commuter. It measures just 760mm wide, has a kerb weight of 124kg, a consumption figure of a little over 3L/100km from its 7.2L tank and you’ll also be hard pressed to find a bike that’s easier to lane split or park. It boasts a combined braking system, and the 780mm-high seat will ensure your vision remains well above the cars around. It’s priced at $4390 ride away.

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The priciest of this group, but also the most versatile, CFMOTO’s 650MT is powered by a 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that’s just as predictable splitting lanes as it is on a weekend getaway. The 650MT offers excellent weather protection with both a screen and wind deflectors, it measures 835mm wide and has an 840mm-high seat. As well as optional panniers, there’s a USB charging port, a full-colour TFT screen and it’s backed by a three-year warranty. It’s priced at $8290 ride away, but there’s a run-out deal on last year’s model that’ll save you $800 (while stocks last).

Find your own CFMOTO 650MT on bikesales

If you can complete your commute without having to use freeways or expressways, then Honda’s 108cc scoot might be the commuter for you. With twist-and-go efficiency, there’s 18 litres of storage under the lockable, 760mm-high seat, a pillion grab handle to tie things to if required and idle-stop technology to make sure you get the most amount of kays from the 4.9-litre tank. There’s combined braking system and relatively large 14-inch wheels. At just 686mm wide, the NSC110 is the narrowest of the bunch, and Honda even offers an optional top box and mounting plate. It’s priced at $3349 (plus on-road costs).

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The black sheep of the bunch, Kawasaki’s 233cc single-cylinder dirtbike has a number of features which make it a very adept commuter. High and narrow by nature, the upright seating position and tight turning circle will have you threading through traffic with ease, while the high handlebars will clear most car mires and the 830mm-high seat means you’ll be able to see well ahead of you in even the most congested traffic. There’s the added bonus of hitting the trails on the weekend with your mates, too. The KLX230 S is priced at $6329 ride away.

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Royal Enfield’s latest Classic 350 has plenty of features that make it more modern than its convincing old-school styling might suggest. It’s equipped with two-channel ABS, a USB port to charge your devices, there’s even optional turn-by-turn navigation to help you find the quickest way from one side of the city to the other. It’s a bit light on in terms of carrying capacity in standard trim, but there’s both a rear rack and panniers in the options list, as well as a touring-style screen for some weather protection. From $7990 ride away, it’s certainly not the cheapest commuter on this list, but it is arguably the coolest. And the three-year warranty and roadside assist softens the blow.

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With the price of fuel rocketing, there’s never been a better time to consider an electric-powered commuter and Super Soco’s CPx scooter has plenty of features to woo commuters. There’s a good sized screen, the seat is long and roomy to accommodate all sized riders, there’s a large rack to attach your belongings to and, while the realistic range is only about 45km, the battery is removable, so you can charge it at work without needing to park near a power outlet. It’s priced at $7690 ride away.

Find your own Super Soco CPx on bikesales

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