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Reliable, easy to drive two-wheeler for Bangalore traffic

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  • Reliable, easy to drive two-wheeler for Bangalore traffic

    Hi everybody

    I have been an ardent follower of xbhp for the past 6 months, and have gone through a lot of threads on this forum regarding which bike to buy. However, I am still confused about my first bike, (as I have never driven a two-wheeler before). Hence I need your expertise on recommending a new bike.

    Facts: I am 25 and have never learnt to drive a two-wheeler, though I can drive a car and have a LMV license. My new place of work entails commuting about 10km one way during rush hour traffic. Also, I will have to carry some books/laptop in my backpack almost every day, which will ad to the weight. I am 5'7" tall. Also, can I learn driving after buying the vehicle or is there any way I can learn to drive a two-wheeler, get a license first and then buy the vehicle.

    My budget is max 55-60k (OTR Bangalore). BTW, I think prices are higher by a few thousands here compared to other cities.

    P.S. Need a reasonably reliable vehicle, as I can't go to the mechanic every week.

    I initially narrowed down the choices:
    1. TVS Wego:
    Pros: + It's a scooter, so no gears (a boon in stop and go traffic).
    + Can carry more stuff and be used for the weekly shopping.
    + Probably best for a new rider
    Cons: - Small fuel tank means visiting the petrol bunk every 10 days
    - Fuel Efficiency of a scooter will be around 40kmpl (and with petrol prices in Bangalore set to tough 72kmpl, it will be more expensive to run).
    - Not very good at pulling up slopes (e.g. Flyovers) (Is this true).
    Note: I have shortlisted Wego as Activa is as usual a 100 day wait, and I wanted the better ride quality.

    2. Honda Twister:
    + Looks great
    + Got good reviews
    + Fuel Efficiency
    + Honda quality
    - Is a bike (clutch-gears)
    - Probably not the most comfortable in heavy traffic?
    - Honda Service?

    3. Yamaha SS125:
    + Built tough
    + Smooth engine
    + Comfortable bike
    - Still a bike (gears)
    - A bit too much of a left-field option?

    4. TVS Jive:
    + Comfortable bike
    + Best of both worlds (FE of bike + No clutch)
    - FE lower than 100cc bikes
    - Still not as practical as a scooter

    5. Any Hero Honda 100cc (Splendor/Passion):
    + Reliable
    + FE
    - Still a bike (gears)
    - Bland and boring

    Would really appreciate some help from you guys. Thank You

  • #2
    Query approved.
    (Been There Done That) x 3.25

    Comment


    • #3
      You have asked this in TBHP too right?And as the members there have suggested,the current best option for you is either an aviator or a Wego.If you have Suzuki Authorised service center near your home[which is likely as you are in B'lore]consider the Access.Don't go for the Activa/Dio as they do not have telescopic front suspensions(?) which makes the ride a bit harsh and the M&M scooters as they do not have Authorized centers all around.The Wego and Aviator are very good but the Aviator edges the Wego out on the braking front and brand value(The Wego is as reliable as a Honda!).
      Hope this helps,
      Regards,
      Grocery shopping:2010 Honda Dio.
      Grocery shopping, in style:2012 Yamaha YZF R-15 Version 2.0

      Comment


      • #4
        First of all, welcome to xBhp mate...

        Secondly, why are you so afraid of using clutch/gears??? both bikes and scooters have their own pros and cons. so decide accordingly keeping your priorities in order, whether you want FE as a top priority or comfort in traffic. If it is FE you want, then go ahead with any bike you have listed,,if it is comfort in traffic then let me tell you, comfort is a relative term, it depends how much you can bear. though gearless scooters are easier to ride in heavy,stop-go traffic, even a bike is not bad either.

        Regarding learning to ride,,I would suggest to get hold of any of your friend and start taking lessons. then go for a test ride of the bikes you have listed and then go for the one that suits you best.
        Live large...


        sigpic

        ...Adarsh...TN-09-BB-2221...

        Comment


        • #5
          ^^^

          I second that.

          Riding a geared bike in traffic is not that hard. Infact, I often find it a boon to have a clutch. So, I would recommend you buying a bike.
          But first, get hold of an old bike from your friends, and a friend to teach you, then its only a Sunday afternoon before you start feeling the fun of riding.
          Choose any 100-125 cc bike, like a Honda Shine or Yamaha SS125 as u mentioned.

          If you are real-bent over scooters, go for either Aviator or Wego. I find both equally good. Take a TD and find for yourself.

          And get hold of your license before going for anything - be it a bike or a scooter. xBhp doesn't promote riding without a license.
          MOTORCYCLING IS AS MUCH ART AS IT IS SCIENCE

          Comment


          • #6
            Check Mahindra Rodeo, its a very good scooter and complete VFM.

            Comment


            • #7
              Go for Dio, easy to use, 35-40kmpl, if you are worried about Honda svc, I can tell you one don't need Honda svc(after free svc) you can buy Honda spares and fix it by any roadside mechanic, it will last vey long, it's very reliable as well.

              Comment


              • #8
                Twister will be best for stop & go traffic.....its fun to ride bike....
                Don't Honk Unnecessarily

                Comment


                • #9
                  if you have not bought the bike yet then you may consider tvs jive autoclutch and loads of torque.though i cant see them here in lucknow but may be a solution to your problem as you are dwindling between scooter and bike. i have also seen underseat storage in jive that may also be useful.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Scooter is a better choice for your requirements.. since it'll have storage space to keep your stuff. You can go for TVS wego/Suzuki Access...
                    Let's bring down the monster of corruption to it's knees.. please visit http://ipaidabribe.com/

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      You have yet to learn to ride, moreover you need to get accustomed to riding in rush hour traffic everyday....so, a scooter would be better\easier than a bike until you get used to riding and bangalore traffic.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Thanks for all your suggestions guys. I've finally decided to pick up an SS125. Delivery will take around 2 weeks. Looking forward to tacking Bangalore's traffic, and enjoying some weekend rides.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by avi550m View Post
                          Thanks for all your suggestions guys. I've finally decided to pick up an SS125. Delivery will take around 2 weeks. Looking forward to tacking Bangalore's traffic, and enjoying some weekend rides.
                          Congratulations !! SS125 is a super buy ! My cousin still rides 11 years old YBX, he's in no mood for a change !!

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