sbkartha

Greetings to another tribe!

Getting right into business:
Myself Kartha, have been a Tbird owner for the last 7 yrs. Currently put up at bglore. I also own Scorpio for the last 4.5 yrs. Am a active member of the truck drivers group in yahoo. Done about 90K on both the truck and the bird together.

Am a bike lover anytime of the day. As of now i guess its time to change with change. Would like to trade in my Tbird and go in for a What is the big question.

Hope to some useful tips on this tribe. My criteria would be in order:
1. Easy use in bangalore traffic ie light weight, good handling, maneuverability.
2. The sudden pickup ie good 0-40 figures.
3. Comfortable seats for two. (Tbird was a pain in the &&&)
4. Low maintenance cost over 5-7 years
5. Mileage
6. Easy access to good service centers.

Cheers
Kartha

Aryan

Topic Moved and Approved.

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Xenologik

Hrm while the P220 is really quick and has plenty of low end torque, the P220 isnt the most comfortable of the lot, and its handling is a bit front heavy so will need to get used to it before you can cut through traffic as if it weren't there. Spares are cheap too. Fuel economy is a good for a bike in the 200cc+ class.

On the other hand the Karizma is a bike which is a bit less powerful but is really comfortable to ride in cities and handling is lighter than the P220. ZMA is reliable and proven however if anything does go wrong later, spares are expensive. Plenty of service centers are there in bangalore for the ZMA. Fuel economy not so good.

Apache 180, its fun and peppy to ride and its the most manuverable of the lot. Comfort is decent and returns good fuel economy, spares are reasonably priced. Doesn't have the feel of riding a big bike but if you are okay with that then the apache 180 is a very balanced bike in most of the aspects you've mentioned. If you like riding the apache then its the one which should suit you the most.

Try to get to ride these bikes extensively in the city before making the final decision.

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rider_rock

answer in bold

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antz.bin

Please also mention Height, weight, highway/city %age use of the bike for a more accurate suggestion.

For current requirement, as of now, without the aforementioned data, go with Karizma (Carb not ZMR) solely as you are looking to keep it for 7 years. Out of the current crop.. Only Hondas can gracefully last that long. (Though the P220 Fi did have a 5year unlimited km warranty.) But still.. common consensus here will tell you to stick with (Hero) Honda.

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sbkartha

Thankyou to each one who has provided the information.

I am about 5 Ft 8 and weigh 72kgs, Pillion driver would be about 77 kgs. Reasonably heavy load, so this was one reason not to go in for the regular 150 ccs. It should be 95% in the bangalore city traffic.

And sorry for a late reply, i was finding my way through this portal. Expected a mail or so for the reply i received.

So all in all, i see no heads up for the P180 and CBZ.
I might rule out the P220 as its a bit front heavy. Am expecting the karizma to be heavier than the A180? And i really prefer a lighter bike. I have had my wonderful experience with the heavy Tbird so now would like to enjoy the lighter powerful bikes.

A180 fits most of the task at hand is what i feel. Although am not comfortable with the clip on handles. Can that be changed on the A180? Are the service centers for TVS good in bangalore, i did hear couple of bad comments from a apache 150 owner.

Thankyou folks for helping me around. I ll be taking a slow and informed decision.

Xenologik

If you dont find the clip on handles to suit to you then do consider the karizma, its one of the most comfortable bikes to ride either in the city or on the highway. If you can adjust to the clip ons then the A180 is the bike for you.

Also about service centers, no service center is truly good. You have to get in rapport with the SVC manager, the mechanics and have a good contact with them. It really helps. If you are still concerned then post in the Apache 180 thread here about your doubts. Those there will guide you better

Don't hurry to buy the bike, take your time cause you'll spend a lot of time on the bike you choose

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Ride Safe, Ride Long. P220 sig coming up soon :P
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gold_heart007

You're looking to trade in your Tbird and go in for a lighter and powerful machine.
Yep, Apache 180 is good. However, i doubt the comfort and service/reliability factor.
I'd say to go with HH ZMA or P220, but you've already ruled them out.