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Duke 200 or R15 v2 - Proud owner of RX 135

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  • #1

    Duke 200 or R15 v2 - Proud owner of RX 135

    Hi there!


    I own an RX 135 for quiet some time. I had lots of issues with it and a lot of mechanics cheated I finally gave up. Due to the pressure in my family I got Vego so me and my sister can drive her. After a year the EMI is almost over and my financial situation has improved so I'm in the market for a good bike. I'm not a Hardcore racer but I decent driver and like to drive around the city. I'm in Chennai so I can't really race in this traffic. But still can manage to driver over 60 to 70 Km/hr. I work night shift so while coming home you have empty road where you can really enjoy driving. I researched a lot, I decided Duke 200 or R15 v2.


    I'm one of those guys who think that you physic is important when you choose a bike that is one reason I choose RX. I'm 5"5 and around 62 Kg. What I'm concerned is will the bike suite me. Because a few years back people used to make fun of me when I drive my friends Pulsar 150 (1st version) they always say this bike doesn't suit you etc.. I know I don't have to listen still I'm a bit self conscious. When i saw R15 it seems like a short like I can easily reach my legs. But I didn't get a chance to try Duke 200.


    So my question to you all is will these bike suite a short guy? Then the performance part which one will you recommend? Keep in mind I hardly drive long distance mostly I'll be in traffic but it's a dream of mine to own such a bike. I hope experienced bikers can shred some light... I'm open to suggestions ... I'm not a Bike nerd just trying to learn more things about it. I'm not planning to get very soon it may take 2 or 3 months.
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  • #2
    Thread Approved

    For city-only usage, Duke is the better bike. It is also the more fun bike between the 2. The fairing on the R15 has its utility only on the highways.

    Even though this bit is irrelevant, do try out the Duke, its a compact bike so it won't *look* too big a bike for you.

    Happy shopping.
    Advice is a form of nostalgia.
    Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

    Antz Travelz!! | South India Exploration Ride | Leh Triplog (Work in progress)

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    • #3
      Re: Duke 200 or R15 v2 - Proud owner of RX 135

      As antz said, the Duke is a better bike any day but at 810mm it has very high saddle height compared to the other bikes available.

      I would recommend to ride the bike first to see how planted your feet are on the ground once you are on the saddle.

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      • #4
        Ooo seat height will be a bit problem then. When I sat on R15 the seat height was correct and it was 800 mm. Because when it comes to price there isn't much difference and we get 50cc extra on Duke. I guess I need to take a test drive. So when it comes to performance you guys recommend Duke rite? How is mileage for Duke? Is Duke built by Bajaj or KTM directly?

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        • #5
          The first mistake you did was that you sold your RX. I too am short and thin. i too have the same thoughts just like you for big bikes, especially i like the Bullet but in no way it looks good for me. So RX is the perfect bike for me in every sense. You will surely miss the fun you had with the RX. Thats why i spent more than a new bike's money to rebuild my RX.
          So lets come to the point between R15 and duke, R15 has a sporty riding position, while duke is more of a naked bike with a little high riding position.
          FZ is better in this aspect, i have checked it myself but Fz wont come in the category of bike you are looking.
          Go and test ride both, especially in city riding with bumper to bumper traffic you may find the riding position of R15 uncomfortable. Do test drive both and give your comments please!!
          None of Us is as Smart as All of Us

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          • #6
            Re: Duke 200 or R15 v2 - Proud owner of RX 135

            I second what rxdude says above. Yamaha FZS/16 would be the perfect bike for you. It's super smooth, at 790mm and a narrow seat handling it would be a cake walk for you. I currently own a Pulsar NS but i still have my FZ16 with me as I love to ride it. Handling is superb as well.

            Now I am very well aware that FZ is not on your list, and also it's less powerful when compared to your choices but once you get in touch with Joel Joseph that can also be taken care off...

            I have but mentioned anything about the R15 as I find the riding position of R15 very tiring for city riding as it puts too much strain in the wrists..... a very personal factor with which others may not agree.....

            My advice would be to ride the FZ as well along with your other two preferences. I seriously believe that being in control of the bike is more important than its performance....

            Hope it helps.....

            Cheers

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            • #7
              Thanks for your comments. I didn't sell my RX 135 ... I never will... I have few friends in Kerala who specializes in RX so when I get time I have to take her here and restore it. They are more trustworthy than mechanics in Chennai (No offense) I tried FZ I didn't like that much .. Don't get me wrong maybe it's because RX might have spoiled me ... It's hard to find a match for RX some of my friends suggested these two bikes and after a little research .. They told me response (inital pickup) of Duke and R15 is excellent which I enjoy the most in RX. But like everyone said I have to test drive I guess to decided.

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              • #8
                Originally posted by ShyamSasindran View Post
                Thanks for your comments. I didn't sell my RX 135 ... I never will... I have few friends in Kerala who specializes in RX so when I get time I have to take her here and restore it. They are more trustworthy than mechanics in Chennai (No offense) I tried FZ I didn't like that much .. Don't get me wrong maybe it's because RX might have spoiled me ... It's hard to find a match for RX some of my friends suggested these two bikes and after a little research .. They told me response (inital pickup) of Duke and R15 is excellent which I enjoy the most in RX. But like everyone said I have to test drive I guess to decided.
                You will be perfect with a DUKE.Just like RX,light,powerful,hooligan nature!
                "Vibes transmitted from crank shaft to frame, then through the bearings of the head stock and into the stem where it meets the triple clamp and into the clip-ons where it is greeted with great pleasure by my hands"-ratfighter mod rtr

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                • #9
                  Edit: My bad ...
                  Last edited by ShyamSasindran; 02-06-2013, 06:11 AM.

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                  • #10
                    I did a test drive for Duke 200 .. I have to say .. AWESOME!Seat height is a little high I can't reach my two legs but I can tiptoe one and another I can reach fine I drove in traffic it was fine. I'm around 75% sure Duke is the ONE ... But still I have to test drive R15 & Pular 200NS.

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                    • #11
                      Re: Duke 200 or R15 v2 - Proud owner of RX 135

                      get the duke <u will get the same thrill as the rx 135

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                      • #12
                        Re: Duke 200 or R15 v2 - Proud owner of RX 135

                        Just go and get a Duke..

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                        • #13
                          Re: Duke 200 or R15 v2 - Proud owner of RX 135

                          If you think you can handle all those tip toes, surely you will enjoy the duke..

                          Sent from my ST18i using xBhp Connect mobile app

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