The Enfields are not "the most reliable bikes" around; they require more attention from the owner than any other bike to keep them fit. It is a cost that you have to pay to be an Enfield owner. It is a risk that most Enfield owner willingly take. However, Enfields are worthy touring machines, particularly when it comes to riding two up or lots of luggage. And apparently it is one of the most preferred bikes for those who love to travel long distances.

KTM seems to be a fun street machine; it is yet to establish its credentials as a tourer. The thing that might go against KTM when touring are its low tank capacity (hence lesser kilometers per tankful) and seemingly smaller pillion seat. But shouldn't be a pain to do Ladakh ride if done with proper planning.

p.s.: ANY bike is capable of getting you Leh'd (people have done it on Splendors and M80), all you need is proper planning and a sensible head on your shoulders.

so if you want a heavy duty touring machine and are ready to invest time and money in its maintenance, go for Enfield.

If you want the "next coolest" bike with newer (and perhaps more reliable) technology, go for KTM.

Thank You for the inputs Sunil sir.

I am aware of the small niggles that consistently plague Enfield's but do the newer Classic's (Chrome and Desert Storm) also has those starting issues and oil leakage stuffs? I am waiting to test ride a Duke 200 and then come to a decision. The Duke's pillion seat is very small so perhaps it won't be able to establish itself as a tourer, but then its a very capable bike on paper.

Since you mentioned your height 6'2.Have you ever sat on the KTM Duke in Person Because i am myself 6'1 and i didn't find it comfortable as my Knee was in the way of the bikini fairing and calf muscle were not comfortable as i was on the bike for hardly like 15-20 seconds.I didnt find the Duke comfortable at all.Please go to a KTM showroom and take a test ride

I am yet to see the Duke in flesh. A friend who saw the bike said that the riding position is quite similar to that of the Yamaha FZ. I have owned a FZ-S in the past and I was very uncomfortable with the saddle as my knee would hurt with the tank every time I ride it.

With an initial budget of 1.2-1.3 lakhs, the Classic Desert Storm at 1.6 lakhs on-road is a bit of stretch for me but still I love the looks of the DS and the power of 500cc hence decided to buy the CL500 instead of the CL350. The Thunderbird 500 would be more comfortable than the DS but I have heard that the T500 is going to be priced around 1.8 lakhs, which is beyond my budget.

I am ready to cancel my DS booking and upgrade the booking to the T500, provided it will be priced around 1.5 lakhs ex-showroom. Can anybody provide a hint about the Thunderbird 500's pricing?

arun@bh,
Did you take the test drive of tbts350 as you mentioned T500?
If you are taking the first batch you are gambling.so better to go with a tried and tested one.
Duke200-Powerful street oriented machine(From reviews).
Classic500-for a retro bike lover
Tbts350/500-for touring.
Sorry if i drag you to confusion,but did you take a test drive of cbr250?
Finally go with your heart.

I am not too fond of the CBR250. No offence to anybody. But yes it was in contention till I booked the CL500 DS. With the KTM's killer pricing strategy, the Duke seems to be a sweet deal. And yes I rode the TBTS 350 and loved the saddle comfort so I was more keen on the T500 hoping that it would be the ultimate touring machine around 1.5 odd lakhs.

Hi Arun,
First try to compare both the motorcycles against aspect & then gauge it against your requirements.
Two different motorcycles from two distinct categories.
If looks are your concern then imagining you sitting on both the bikes, I will like to see you more on CL500. I do not want to compare the performance stats because again both the motorcycles stand out in their respective category.
Though I differ on Sunil's comments on maintenance because it depends on personal interest, if you like to get your hands dirty (especially you are a tourer breed) then you can maintain any motorcycle, but that does not mean that CL500 needs extreme care but yes may be little more than Duke. But again Duke still need to prove a lot on Indian soil.
For all your criterion I'll choose CL500. You have plenty of mods to make it a splendid tourer.
Duke can be a tourer if the build is good enough & regarding low mileage & tank capacity, you just need to plan your ride accordingly. But since the body is plastic your magnetic mounting option will not work on it. Rest depends on individual.
For Leh Duke may not be a good option with the stock tires & underbelly exhaust.
What I feel: duke is a street/track but CL is an all round option.
Somewhere I feel you liked the looks of Duke than CL..but sometime looks can be deceiving when there is a choice

P.S: Believe me or not, but I see many Enfields on the road than ever (be it Mumbai / Pune), it looks like now people can afford it, since all the other motorcycle in that/lesser category has close price tag. I have seen many people going over R15, CBR & KTM and book classic 350, 500 Desert Storm etc. It's just that you should know what you need.

I agree with you abhijitkn. Thanks for reading my mind.

I am very keen to buy a Bullet but having no experience of owning an Enfield in the past made my think that they are a bomb to maintain. I think for 2000 kms a month and sometimes more, the CL500 fits the bill. But still I would like to test ride the Duke 200 before I make a concrete decision. For now, I will continue with the DS booking.

Also guys please comment about the CBR250's touring capabilities for a person who is a 6-footer. I rode a CBR in town and could not exploit its capabilities in the open roads. Owners please comment.

Even i have booked CL 500, and still have not made my mind, is it CL 500, Duke or CBR 250.

KTM being winner of Dakar Rally 6 times, which has one of the most toughest terrains, taking it to Leh should not be difficult, it might fare better than other bikes. Just that off-roading Tyre might make it perfect there.

@arun@bh
From your posts i deduced that if t500 is available you would pick it right away.
so just wait for it.
your heart wants a RE right?

I am actually surprised at so many guys (at xBhp and also on other forums) choosing between the KTM 200 Duke and the Royal Enfield Classic. The bikes are as different as the proverbial "Chalk and Cheese".

But I guess the desire to "stand apart" from the crowd is the common thread in both these bikes.

Yes heart wants a RE. I would have picked up the T500 if it would have been around 1.5 lakhs, but going by the pricing discussions on various forums about the T500, at 1.8 lakhs it definitely overshoots my budget by a good 30 odd K's.

Yes I agree with you. Both the bikes are desirable. Although the CL500, KTM Duke and CBR250 are way too different from each other, but they are priced close to each other. Hence, competition is inevitable.

As a buyer, I want the best from all the options. In my case, I have owned a Pulsar 150 and a FZ-S in the past, so probably it will be a wise decision to go for a CL500 this time. The only queries I have is about its long term ownership issues.

Hello mate. We both are sailing on the same boat.

True that KTM has been ruling the Dakar Rally for quite some time. But the Duke 200 is yet to prove its prowess. No doubt its a very capable bike, but only a proper road test will highlight its pros and cons. To me it looks like a stunning streetbike which has incredible presence. But I am not sure if I would buy one.

Again, the CL500 is just a pleasure around corners. The highway stability is just phenomenal. Hope RE improves the quality on the bikes. Die hard RE fans will agree that for the price, there is no other bike than the match the Classic 500's retro charm as well as highway capabilities.

Just one clarification, Dakar Rally was won on KTM 450 Rally bike & those are tuned for that purpose