arsenalfan001

Hi guys,

This is my first post here. And incidentally it is about my first bike.
I have never driven a bike before. So, will learn on my new baby.

About me, I am 5'10, 85kgs(over weight!! eh).

Will be using the bike to learn first. Do not want to purchase a 2nd hand one.
Then, going to office, 10km*2 + weekend trips and sometimes to help ladies in need of a ride

Mu budget: Max 80K (Bangalore)

About my requirements
1. Low on maintenance - I dont want to rush to service center every now and then.
2. Good FE should be above 45
3. Good service (Bangalore and at Kolkata later) + availability of spares
4. Comfortable seating postures
I have few bikes in mind.

a. Unicorn - Matches my requirements. But looks old.
b. CBZ xtreme - checked this one last week. In love with it. However, not many reviews available so I am not sure how it is.
c. SZ-R - Apart from FE, other requirements match.

Left out
Discovers/Pulsers/Apaches - high maintenance.
FZ16/Fazer - Low FE + open chain cover (I like it covered)

Basically it is a head-to-head between Unicorn and CBZ Xtreme.
Apart from these, is there any other options?
I will book in Feb towards the end. So, I am giving enough time to you guys to debate.
Please suggest.

Thanks

sunilg

Query approved.

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Cyril

CBZ ext and Unicorn both very well suit your requirements...actually for a first biker,FZ is the better choice (if you just learned biking and not a so much perfect rider)..but anyway when u take FE, FZ is a disappointment..

So when its a tug of war between Unicorn and CBZ ext, u can choose anyone...CBZ ext is one of the best bikes in 150cc category..if you don't like the looks of Unicorn, try Unicorn Dazzler, its somewhat better than Unicorn in some aspects and u will not be disappointed..but many may not like having a rear disc brake in Dazzler, the other things - very good..Try both the bikes and buy the one which u feel is more comfortable and stylish for you..

p.s. When considering pulsars, it depends on how u take care of bike, but most probably no problem for it. But man, Discover bikes are the ones which have even more low maintenance than Hero/Honda bikes..I don't know how you came to conclude that Discovers have high maintenance, but it is completely wrong...Discovers are better than other bikes in such aspects.

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arsenalfan001

May be I am wrong here. Actually I have seen my friends Pulsars with very high maintenance. Thought about the Discovers in the same line.

And I am undecided about CBZ xtreme or Unicorn.
I like the CBZ's styling and features.
What about performance?
What to expect in terms of FE in Bangalore traffic?
How is it maintenance?
How is the availability of spares?
Is the quality of Hero comparable to Honda?
Please help me as I am new to this.

arsenalfan001

Also, how is Yamaha SZ-R?
Reliable?
How is the FE?

sayank10

go for cbz extreme single disc.it comes with in your budget.promises to return fuel efficiency more than 45.handles good.hero moto corp's wide service network.reliability of honda engine.many people says unicorn looks old.for me the black edition with chrome lining around headlight still looks fab.if you consider dazzler i suggest you to take deluxe edition

arsenalfan001

I liked the looks of CBZ. However, it is relatively new and that is why I am concerned about performance and reliability.
From your comments, it seems there is nothing to worry about.
Also, Unicorn looks a little old, maybe just me.
I do not like the looks of Dazzler, looks like a toy.

So far, it is a tie between CBZ and Unicorn.
Also, compared to this two, how is Yamaha SZ-R?

bikernoob

@ arsenalfan001 - I'm also sailing in the same boat...and I've sort of made up my mind on the Unicorn...gotta give it a test drive sometime tomorrow..
each time I make up my mind about Unicorn, CBZ-X comes in and about the same time, SZ-R too crosses my mind..

here's my thread with similar queries..may be it'll help you..

prajnyan

Good decision. Compared to CBZ, I do feel the unicorn is much better. Its a pretty good machine and gives better mileage and maintainability than the CBZ which doesnt give you the durability what its priced for..

Remember never to decide a bike on sole mileage factor! Here's why:

When I wanted to buy the bike few months back.
I narrowed down to 3 choices : Discover 150(pulsar was out of choice since everyone told me it had issues), Yamaha SZR, Honda Unicorn.

After test drive I observed that SZR had a very reliable engine and clutch felt just like honda bikes, which helped me with less gear changes(helpful in traffic), good peppy engine performance when compared to slow unicorn(remember unicorn pickup maybe slow but has higher top speed), much cheaper and durable spares, no vibrations felt like in other bikes.
But like with all Indians the thought I had was "Mileage kum ho gaya!".

Then a friend explained to me:
Consider you get 5-8kmpl less per liter than the Unicorn.
Over the life of bike say 60000km you would have to spend for 200 lt more fuel, but at the same time you will save twice that amount in cheaper and more durable spares. Also the SZR initial investment was cheaper by 10k and there was no wait period like in Unicorn.

The same applies when buying any vehicle be it a bike or a truck.
So I decided to "Buy what you like , dont compromise just coz it gives less mileage"

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raja_roadster

Go with CBZ xtreme for the honda service is pathetic