Hi TS. When it comes to big bikes in traffic, the type of bike makes a big difference. I ride to and back from work every day through some of Penang island's busiest roads (still nothing compared to KL jams though). Currently riding an er6n and NC700X.

The er6n is physically small and I removed the handlebar ends and fitted bar end mirrors instead. So it's almost 2 inches narrower than stock, and the bars are lower and narrower than an EX5's. I can actually cilok through gaps that kapchais can't pass. The bike also has more steering angle than my old Ninja 250, which helps a lot when you have to make tight turns with the bike upright. It's also quite stable at low speed so crawling along feels fine instead of scary.

The NC700X is very stable and has good low-speed handling and balance but it's also just physically larger, taller and wider (at the handlebars) compared to the er6n. So its a bit more challenging riding through traffic on it. Since most of my riding is commuting I've been taking the er6n more and more and am going to put the NC700X up for sale as a result.

I wouldn't want to commute on a Versys or BMW GS (too tall and top-heavy for me) or a full-on sportbike (not enough steering lock) but others manage it fine.

Like other posters have mentioned, riding big bikes in traffic requires a different set of expectations and a lot more patience; since you can't really use the bike's power and its size and weight is a disadvantage. But it definitely gets easier with time and experience.

That's badass man. How wide are your side boxes? Personally I don't dare to commute with side boxes; always need the handlebars to be the widest part xD

Yeah slow speed practice is super important with bigger bikes. Personally I like to treat traffic jams as an opportunity to practice slow speed control; sometimes get a nice sense of accomplishment after pulling off some especially smooth moves haha. But if it's really too tight to cilok; its no big deal and you just have to wait...there's always the next ride.

Yup that's the one Yea the NC has engine braking, but less than my er6n. The thing I noticed is that the NC's power delivery and acceleration is very smooth, so the engine braking when you shut the throttle too fast feels really abrupt in comparison. Whereas er6n acceleration and engine braking both feel "similar" to each other, if you get what I mean (not sure how to describe it further )

Thanks for the tip re: phone number; totally forgot about that!

Planning to get a z900 or MT09. Currently leaning more towards the z900 due to its compact size. After riding the NC700X and er6n side by side for several months I realised that while the NC is more comfortable and economical, I still prefer the er6n's compact size and low seat and tighter suspension especially for commuting in traffic and weekend riding. z900 seems like a logical next step since its also quite compact and low for a superbike.