I generally brew ales, not lagers (I'm just really not into lagers, there's not enough flavor in them for me). Ales generally clear within a week or two, so I average 3-4 weeks for a batch. That's a week or so in primary, 2 weeks to clear and secondary, then a week to carbonate (I natural carbonate instead of forced).

Now on the rare occasion when I make mead, barleywine, etc (any high gravity brew) and it's going to take a good long time (3-6 months) to condition I'll most definitely rack off to a secondary in a carboy or keg. I don't need the fermenter constantly (I generally brew 5-6 times a year) but I won't tie it up for 6 months at a time.

-- Gary F.