Reiziger

I am looking to buy my first official motorcycle in the coming may-june months.
Have owned a 1987 nv(sold now) and a scooty. My first biking experience was on a Kawasaki Bajaj Caliber classic and post which I have ridden a Splendor.
Now, my MAIN criteria for the bike would be -
1) Long distance touring.
2) Good build.
3) Fuel efficiency.
4) Comfortable.

I am 5'9'' and also want that I should be in a condition to self service my bike to an extent(riding through areas with no easy mechanic availability.)
Being an avid Royal Enfield fan(and also having never have ridden one), I did shortlist the Thunderbird, however keeping in mind that a Pulsar 220 would be considerably cheaper, it is also an option. Although budget really isn't a worry but, if I can get a motorcycle that can serve my purpose well, and yet be cheaper, then sure.

Now I'd be glad to consider the 150cc segment bikes too, like the R15, Apache, FZ series, however i believe they tend to be a tad bit underpowered for series touring.

I have tried to make this post as detailed as possible, but would be MORE than happy to answer any further questions regarding the same.

Looking forward to your opinions.

MG

Bike Query Approved

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sooraj_vs

My vote goes for the TBTS.

1. Touring - Ride it till your butt aches.
2. Good build - No need to say on engine part, its rock solid. Build quality of other parts could have been much better for the price.
3. FE - Awesome I would say. >= 38 average guaranteed.
4. Comfort - Take a test ride. For me, its damn comfy, should be for you too, as am 5' 9"

One more thing. When buying a bike, go for the one your heart says. Dont listen too much to your brain..

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shrinathrao

Get a R15 dude, its the perfect bike what you wish for and its a long lasting companion.

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Reiziger

See, I have heard of the Enfields in general being a slight pain maintenance wise specially for relative new comers to the biking world. I'd rather not be in a jungle with my bike refusing to start up. Also, if I am considering the TB350, what about the classic 500 with the saddle seat?


I have to concur that Yamaha have great build quality, as is with Honda, however, isn't the R15 more of a sports segment bike? Which basically translates into a lower back pain on long tours? Also, the fuel efficiency is less than that of the classic 500 if I am not mistaken?




EDIT: I need a decision quick, and all of a sudden the the ZMA and the ZMR are options too, but the pending change of hh to hero, and ZMAs expensive spares as well as the pricing of the ZMR really raise questions.

Aneesh@4GHz

I don't recommend you R15 as you are 5.9,You will not be comfortable i think...


My vote goes for a ZMA-R ,ZMR has high maintenance cost than ZMA-R.

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Satyamzma

look for Karizma & P220

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sooraj_vs

Yea, Enfields can sometimes bug you when it comes to maintenance. Its always good to have a trusted and skilled mech in your friends list. Also, the RE service aint so great. (atleast here). Most often, people depend on good local mechs than service centers.

Regarding C5, its my personnel favorite (although I m not an RE fan). If budget permits, and you can cope with service issues, look no further.

BTW, why dont you look at the CBR 250..? C5 and baby blade (standard) comes at comparable price point.

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Aneesh@4GHz

Did the new bullet classic have the maintenance problem?

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khush

I would say try the new RTR abs...
quick,flikable...gr8 look...mileage 35-40...

But a thunderbird is.....comfort tourer...no doubt bout tat....also try Karizma...decide ur choice...u wanna tourer or sporty bike...?