Thread: N250 or R15 or DUKE 200

Looks like most aren't even considering the R15. Interesting. Anyway, I'm with the rest. If you can't swing the Ninja, the Duke is probably your best bet. The price looks to be about half that of the baby Ninja. However, this isn't the old Duke. You aren't going to be "off-roading" with the Duke 200. This is more of a "Naked bike" than a Supermotard. Something else the Duke has going for it over the Ninja is that KTM has always had very good suspension. The Ninja on the other hand is going to have pretty low-end equipment, since it's really a "beginner bike" everywhere else in the world.

The KTM review says it all.
All set Duke it is for me.

Thanks Xbhp for clearing my doubts.

Originally Posted by einZiel

For me handling and high cruising speed (not the top speed) are the topmost priorities. I personally want to have a bike with a comfortable cruising speed of 130kmph but I think it is only offered by N250(CBR is not an option).

Based on your criteria above, Duke might be superior to N250. N250 is best in class on track and top speed. Comfortable cruising (at 120, not 130kmph) would be offered by Duke with its upright sitting position.

speed machine- n250..if u can afford to buy one, go ahead.
r15 v2- if u are not going to ride with pillon...
duke- definately yes...excellent crusier..
PICK THE BIKE FROM YOUR HEART, NOT FROM YOUR MIND.

Dude, for the fun you get in Duke, you won't miss your ninja. Else, try for some used ninjas (i mean worshiped ninjas). If you are lucky and try hard, you will get a good well maintained one.

Originally Posted by einZiel

I have been dreaming about this bike since months and now I somehow feel is not appropriate to burn every penny for it. If I think it with my mind then the answer comes NO. But with my heart, I think this is the only time I can buy such a costly bike (considering I am still a bachelor) and as the time passes I will get caught up in family issues, marraige etc etc and then it will not be possible. So (if i follow my heart)I am ready to go for a year through this hardship (loan and petrol expense) to buy N250.

So What I need to know from you, is it wise to buy a ninja in this tight budget or should I call for another one.

Just when I think of following my mind, a small thought tickles through my mind of coming across a ninja on a street and then me regretting that I should have bought this one.

It is for sure whatever bike I buy other than ninja I wont be fully satisfied with it, since N250 is my dream.

Please help me over my dilemma.

Now considering that I cannot buy N250 (which is most likely) what bike should I buy?
I have shortlisted two options: R15 or Duke 200

Let me tell you beforehand that its not just accounting for the cost of the bike and fuel expenses but also the insurance amount, maintenance being regular or periodic and the accident repairs, if any (God forbid). The ninja is an expensive bike to run and maintain. Its like a small/mid size car in terms of running and maintenance expenses and costs even more (a bomb) to fix if something is broken or needs replacement due to a fall/crash.

I was in the same confusion as you are in now (with a family to support unlike in your case) but took the plunge as i wont be able to do this sort of thing 10 years later owing to more responsibilities like son's education expenses which are spiraling everyday.

So in the hope that my post does not confuse you further...:

1. Ninja 250R:

Pro's - an awesome bike, smooth and very refined. A good balance between power and mileage, good tourer, even better as a track tool, looks great, fully faired so its got the sports look, excellent service back-up.

Con's - expensive to repair, fully faired/lots of plastic bits so replacement costs are high, too much eyeballs can cause worry at times, retro instrument cluster. a squeeze for two up riding due to the small pillion seat.

2. R15 : Have'nt owned this bike or ridden extensively

Pro's - excellent track bike, cheap to run and maintain (pricewise), fully faired for the sportsbike look, good quality and refinement, hybrid instrument console (digital speedo and analog rev counter)

Con's - needs to be revved high to enjoy the bike, ergonomics are aggressive and will cause discomfort on long rides but if this is a dedicated weekend fun bike then it might just fit the bill. Excellent track bike and hence the low end grunt is compromised so its not an ideal city bike/commuter, a squeeze for two up riding due to the small pillion seat.

3. Duke200

Pro's - Naked so no plastics to worry about, engine is very torquey and effortlessly will cruise at 120 kays, excellent styling and attention to detail, futuristic instrument cluster, good brakes, excellent backing by bajaj on service, warranty, spares, repairs, etc. Excellent for touring, city use, offroad use, etc. and will comfortably munch miles at 120's if higher speed is not the requirement.

Con's - accessories (aftermarket) are speculated at being pricey and the same goes for the parts. Yet to be delivered so there is no first hand feedback from owners on issues, running costs, etc. A squeeze for two up riding due to the small pillion seat.

P.S. I would personally suggest you buy a used ninja and save at least a lakh. That way you can invest in a decent set of riding gears and probably save some cash for other expenses and upkeep of the bike

Hope i have been able to help.

resurrection of dead thread.

Originally Posted by n_aditya

Let me tell you beforehand that its not just accounting for the cost of the bike and fuel expenses but also the insurance amount, maintenance being regular or periodic and the accident repairs, if any (God forbid). The ninja is an expensive bike to run and maintain. Its like a small/mid size car in terms of running and maintenance expenses and costs even more (a bomb) to fix if something is broken or needs replacement due to a fall/crash.

I was in the same confusion as you are in now (with a family to support unlike in your case) but took the plunge as i wont be able to do this sort of thing 10 years later owing to more responsibilities like son's education expenses which are spiraling everyday.

So in the hope that my post does not confuse you further...:

1. Ninja 250R:

Pro's - an awesome bike, smooth and very refined. A good balance between power and mileage, good tourer, even better as a track tool, looks great, fully faired so its got the sports look, excellent service back-up.

Con's - expensive to repair, fully faired/lots of plastic bits so replacement costs are high, too much eyeballs can cause worry at times, retro instrument cluster. a squeeze for two up riding due to the small pillion seat.

2. R15 : Have'nt owned this bike or ridden extensively

Pro's - excellent track bike, cheap to run and maintain (pricewise), fully faired for the sportsbike look, good quality and refinement, hybrid instrument console (digital speedo and analog rev counter)

Con's - needs to be revved high to enjoy the bike, ergonomics are aggressive and will cause discomfort on long rides but if this is a dedicated weekend fun bike then it might just fit the bill. Excellent track bike and hence the low end grunt is compromised so its not an ideal city bike/commuter, a squeeze for two up riding due to the small pillion seat.

3. Duke200

Pro's - Naked so no plastics to worry about, engine is very torquey and effortlessly will cruise at 120 kays, excellent styling and attention to detail, futuristic instrument cluster, good brakes, excellent backing by bajaj on service, warranty, spares, repairs, etc. Excellent for touring, city use, offroad use, etc. and will comfortably munch miles at 120's if higher speed is not the requirement.

Con's - accessories (aftermarket) are speculated at being pricey and the same goes for the parts. Yet to be delivered so there is no first hand feedback from owners on issues, running costs, etc. A squeeze for two up riding due to the small pillion seat.

P.S. I would personally suggest you buy a used ninja and save at least a lakh. That way you can invest in a decent set of riding gears and probably save some cash for other expenses and upkeep of the bike

Hope i have been able to help.

Its like asking which city is best to relocate Delhi or Mumbai?

Both have Pros and Cons and only your personal preference matters.

In India currently the Bench Mark is R15 and FZ16, defined for two styles of riding Racing Faired and Naked Street

While Ninja and Duke are kinda upgrades to both R15 and FZ16 respectively.

So decide yourself.


PS: No need to worry about reliability, as all three are Flagship products/brands from respective Manufacturers

Originally Posted by n_aditya

Let me tell you beforehand that its not just accounting for the cost of the bike and fuel expenses but also the insurance amount, maintenance being regular or periodic and the accident repairs, if any (God forbid). The ninja is an expensive bike to run and maintain. Its like a small/mid size car in terms of running and maintenance expenses and costs even more (a bomb) to fix if something is broken or needs replacement due to a fall/crash.

I was in the same confusion as you are in now (with a family to support unlike in your case) but took the plunge as i wont be able to do this sort of thing 10 years later owing to more responsibilities like son's education expenses which are spiraling everyday.

So in the hope that my post does not confuse you further...:

1. Ninja 250R:

Pro's - an awesome bike, smooth and very refined. A good balance between power and mileage, good tourer, even better as a track tool, looks great, fully faired so its got the sports look, excellent service back-up.

Con's - expensive to repair, fully faired/lots of plastic bits so replacement costs are high, too much eyeballs can cause worry at times, retro instrument cluster. a squeeze for two up riding due to the small pillion seat.

2. R15 : Have'nt owned this bike or ridden extensively

Pro's - excellent track bike, cheap to run and maintain (pricewise), fully faired for the sportsbike look, good quality and refinement, hybrid instrument console (digital speedo and analog rev counter)

Con's - needs to be revved high to enjoy the bike, ergonomics are aggressive and will cause discomfort on long rides but if this is a dedicated weekend fun bike then it might just fit the bill. Excellent track bike and hence the low end grunt is compromised so its not an ideal city bike/commuter, a squeeze for two up riding due to the small pillion seat.

3. Duke200

Pro's - Naked so no plastics to worry about, engine is very torquey and effortlessly will cruise at 120 kays, excellent styling and attention to detail, futuristic instrument cluster, good brakes, excellent backing by bajaj on service, warranty, spares, repairs, etc. Excellent for touring, city use, offroad use, etc. and will comfortably munch miles at 120's if higher speed is not the requirement.

Con's - accessories (aftermarket) are speculated at being pricey and the same goes for the parts. Yet to be delivered so there is no first hand feedback from owners on issues, running costs, etc. A squeeze for two up riding due to the small pillion seat.

P.S. I would personally suggest you buy a used ninja and save at least a lakh. That way you can invest in a decent set of riding gears and probably save some cash for other expenses and upkeep of the bike

Hope i have been able to help.

Would go with you,Aditya.
Was in a similar fix as einZiel. I Chose a used Ninja and would suggest you to do the same. I'm not regretting it one bit.
Owning a Ninja is truly rewarding

Originally Posted by HarishK

While Ninja and Duke are kinda upgrades to both R15 and FZ16 respectively.

Holy cow kinda upgrades, wake up and smell coffee! FYI.. Ninja 250 is the best selling 250cc in the world since couple of decades, not years.