CityRodeo

Friends,

I, infact, absolutely never rode a geared bike. I presently own a Honda Activa, and Santro 1999 model. I am in much need of a expert counsel with regards to purchase a new Motor Bike. So with out much ado, let me describe my information:

I reside at Bangalore city, I am Looking for a reliable commuter bike to travel around 35 Km/day. Also is important its mileage, service, a decent look and resale. With regards to this I had zeroed on CD-deluxe as it was decent and light on my pockets too. I actually did go to the showroom to purchase it too. But once there this is what I found:-

-People are in love with Passion, and it seems to sell like hot cakes. Two variants are available: Plus and Pro. While Plus is a proven bike, Pro is an upgraded version. Apart from new headlamp, it also sports a Red Shocker( I found that little odd wrt the looks).

1. Should I Go for Passion than CD-Deluxe? Is CD-DELUXE a reliable, low maintenance Bike and High on mileage as it claims?

2. If Not CD-deluxe, then Passion Plus or Passion Pro?

Passion pro has More Torque at Less RPM in comparison to Passion plus. After googling , I inferred, that it means good initial Pickup, and better city driving ( I think so), and slightly higher power. But would such small changes affect the Mileage? Passion plus yields above 65KM, and Pro above 60 (according to website reports). Just wanted to confirm this with you.


3. This may sound silly. But Which Bike paint doesn’t fade faster if exposed to sun a lot. I do not have a garage, and hence, the bike woul have to endure much rain, and sun. If Passion, I selected this color:

PRO:


Plus:


IF CD deluxe:



What do you think?


4. What are the standard Accessories I should ask for with the new Bike?

Apart from helmet lock, Indicator alarm, should I ask for Teflon coating, pad lock, any other accessories?


here is the quotation (Rupees) for CD-DELUXE (Mag wheels, self start), Bangalore city, 25/01/2010

Cost of Vehicle (eX-showroom) = 37000
Company Insurance = 982
Life Time tax = 3556
Handling Charges = 850

Accesories = 3315 (with HH passport/good life)

Total (ON ROAD) = 45,703


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HH Passion PRO Buyers In bangalore, 25/01/2010. Cost:

Cost of Vehicle (eX-showroom) = 44600
Company Insurance = 1105
Life Time tax = 4225
Handling Charges = 850

Accesories = 2565 (with HH passport/good life)

Total (ON ROAD) = Rs. 55,000/- approx


Would Buying the Accessories from outside the showroom (accessories shop) be considerably cheaper?


5. Would it be wise to go for Disc brake than Drum brake?

Would disk brake really serve any useful and significant purpose for a 100 cc bike?

6. All things apart, is passion really a reliable 60KM+ mileage (city drive) Vehicle? IS CD Deluxe a Better ALternative to Passion in terms of Mileage in city conditions?

Also
The new Honda Activa though below 50K on road, claims to yield 52 KM mileage. If passion/CD Deluxe doesn’t yield 60KM+, I would rather prefer to go a gearless realible activa

Mileage is my main concern here as Hero Honda is generally known for his Reliability. Which of the above will render the maximum mileage in city conditions?

Any advice from your experience, please do share with me. I am a complete novice wrt bike. I am excited that I will buy a new vehicle, but also unsure if I am doing the right choice. Your advice and suggestion would greatly help me in this regard.

Shall await a reply,

Sunny

Query Approved

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aargee

First of all, I'm impressed with the way you've put your questions, your research & home work. I'll assure you to share all my experiences with bikes & help you.

All the bikes you've sorted out are good, reliable & are rated to have the best quality among all the Indian bikes. So Hero Honda Passion (HHP), Passion Pro (PP) or CD-DELUXE (CDD) are all good ones.

Your research is correct but you need to compare CDD & Passions to observe the difference instead of Passions & HHP as the difference is only 500 RPM which will not make much difference in the real time.

Pls check what does the dealer cover for "Handling Charges" (It could only be riding your bike from the showroom to RTO office back & forth) & what all do you get for "Accessories"


It should ideally, but one more advantage is that you get choices outside compared to the limited choice with the showroom. If I were you, I would buy only the vehicle & bare minimum accessories from the showroom & nothing else.

From the bikes you've selected & from your requirements, I'm sure you're a calm rider, if you've extra money, go in for the disc brakes which is good on anyday. If not you can very well settle in for drum brakes.


IMO, all 3 bikes are reliable, I'm very sure CDD has better mileage than both the Passions. Passion 60+ is definetly possible, only if its maintained good (not excellent)

CDD for sure will yield you highest mileage than any vehicles that you're comparing.

vipin_s

The prices are shocking , are these prices new ones? which place ? has prices gone up ? What the hell are these accessories @Rs.3K+, handling charges ?

Anyways opt for std. accessories and don't buy any additional ones, get insurance done on your own, get registration done on your own, dealers sell xtra accessories at high price.

Get quotation from another dealer, call HH toll free and get clarification on various costs.....

Coming to the bike selection b/w HHCD and HHPP, there's lot of difference,i.e styling/features and price(almost 10K), feel these bikes and choose accordingly, both sport same engine same powertrain, just features/styling vary.
Activa being gearless offers lots of convinience and comfort, if the traffic is cut-throat, better go for Activa

aargee

Yes, sadly, this is true, just verified from the HH website

He's mentioned Bangalore in his post

srini

frankly speaking,in the real world,there's not much of a difference between the two bikes,apart from styling.And like vipin,even I'm shocked.I mean 53k is too much for a 100cc IMO...and is not justified too.If you're fine with the CD,just go for it.You can save around 7k...btw,HH is known for quality and paint shouldn't really be a bother...good luck

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09 HH Karizma....10 TVS RTR 180-Both in use

antz.bin

Seriously..what are the handling charges for? Dunno hero honda..but at Bajaj, I didnt pay any..

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Devilpulsarian

Go for something new and since you can afford Passion, why dont you keep Twister as an option..!

Its new, its fresh and all prospects point towards the positive...!

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jasmeetsinghchawla

You can also check Shine from Honda its almost same price as Passion. Also if you chose out of Passion and CD Deluxe i would prefer CD Deluxe reasons are same engine, chasis, almost everything except for the body panels.
Dont take any accessories they are not required sariguard and mirrors come as standard fitment and nothing else is required. For Rs 3300 they will give you Grip covers and seat cover and somenick nacks.

noah2125

Hey bro. the platform is the same for both the machines.. different tuning.. CD deluxe Should fit the bill. unless you are worried about style and looks.. CD deluxe is a very efficient hassle free commuter..

What ever the company claims about pick up and stuff like that.. when the rubber meets the road its the one who's riding it matters not the ride. So close your eyes and save your 7k.. CD deluxe is the best-bet for your mileage and city commuting requirements.