prateekm

Hello Guys !

I've finally broken the age-limit barrier and am now in the market for a new bike. I currently ride a Honda Dio (gearless license, you know) and planning to sell it and get a new bike within 75,000-85,000. So let me pen down my requirements in the next few lines and hope you guys can guide me to the right bike for my demands.


1) Newbie: I did about 14k kms in as many months on my Dio but I don't know to ride a geared bike because I wanted to be 18 before I drive one. So, it should be easy to learn.

2) Weight: I'm 5" 8' but I am underweight for my age, 50-52kg. So, the primary requirement is that I shouldn't feel the bike to be bulky while city drives. I love the R15 so much, but I guess it won't suit on a thin physique like mine.

3) Daily running: I will do about 70 kms on an average daily on the Eastern Express Highway from Thane to Wadala, Mumbai. This highway is generally congestion free except on a few locations, so need something that can do 80kph without any sweat. Mileage isn't a concern but a large tank would be a boon.

4) Touring: Yes, this is what I currently dream every night! Plan to do a BOM-BLR-BOM by this year end with a pillion rider on the 'yet-to-come' bike, so it should be comfortable and the headlights should be adequate for night driving.

5) Servicing: Pricing of the spare parts isn't an issue, but the attitude of the dealers and the service technicians is. I won't buy a Honda, thanks to their pathetic servicing issues I faced with my Dio. Similarly, resale doesn't matter since I would keep the bike for 4-5 years.

6) Reliability: It should be reliable. I don't want it to leave me stranded on a lone highway with no mechanic in site for the next 50 kms. Is the ABS technology in Apache reliable?

6) Performance: Top-end doesn't matter me, but the initial pickup does matter A LOT. Should have good handling on curves.


In my mind, I have shortlisted TVS Apache 180 ABS as the next bike, but I am open to other suggestions too I can wait a maximum of 2-3 months if there's a bike getting launched which meets my expectation and the waiting period is justified.

Thanks for reading, drive safe.

Prateek.

Noor

Thread approved

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pravu

I find no reason why R15 would not soothe your needs just cuz you are slightly under weighed. Believe me, R15 would suit you more nicely then and you gonna be damn contented with it.

Only part is accln for which you need to shift first 2-3 gears very fast to cross 5k rpm. Thereafter you would experience the new character of the babe.

Yamaha is reliable with its promising quality and my bet would be R15 any day over other picks.

Call is yours anyways. GOOD LUCK

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xionite

the R15 seems like a perfect bikes for ur needs.

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R15!! Tailored for your build!

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Vishwas Bharadwaj

How about the 2011 Karizma R?!Can tour quite a bit on it,the pillion seats are comfy and the gearbox is smooth.
It might feel a bit sluggish while cornering but it is a neat package overall.You can learn to ride from your mates.How ever,I do not know about the attitude of the dealers at your part of the country,so can't comment on that part.
Personal opinion-The Apache vibrates a LOT,which will/might irritate you in the long run considering the fact that you drive the Honda.But,it is so accelerating to drive that you forget about everything.
Edit-Read about the R15 part now!If budget isn't a concern then go for it.It is the best bike for students produced here IMHO.

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111diablo111

after reading all your requirenment only one bike ccame in my mind & that is Apache 180(it'll be better if u'll go with ABS version)..its not heavy like ZMA..it got awesome pickup..smoothness won't be as like in ZMA but u'll start loving it after sometimes

though only thing which goes against an Apache is "touring" where ZMA scores over any other bike in its category..

Guru_DTSi

You've got a quite list of bikes there that might suit your requirements. But pointing out the best.
1) Apache 180RTR (with/without ABS) (Vibes, vibes, +ves : crotch rocket)
2) Karizma-R (Most refined engine, damn costly spares)
3) Pulsar 180,220 (The everlasting reliability question, it will not breakdown without warning though)
4) FZ, Fazer (You'd need to have deep pockets for the fuel bills)
The R15 would be out of your budget, which I see is 75k-85k.
Test ride each of them. Bulk of the bike is something which you'd get used to. There are guys thinner and shorter than you who do just fine with even an Enfield.

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madhavparashar

Hey... As it is your 1st bike, why not go for a pulsar 180 or 220?
It suits all ur needs, within the budget, good enuf for touring too.

Apache is not comfortable at all for long drives, specially for the pillion.

Won't R15 be out of your budget?

saipranav

Isnt r15 out of his budget?
But in case he can stretch it... its perfectly good
@prateekm
if you can stretch your budget, go for the r15(keep in mind that a 2011 rxx is doing the rounds and a price cut is also possible...
Otherwise apache ABS/P220 are the chief options.(i feel karizma-r is verrrry outdated)

Would like to know when you are planning to buy the bike... it would be easier to decide...

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Apache 180