CrazyTraveler

Dear xBhpians,

I just joined this ultimate forum and would like to get some gyaan on upgrading my bike from all the experts here!

(@ mods, I am aware that there are umpteen threads to discuss which bike to get of these three but I hope that this thread would be approved on the grounds that each one's preferences and expectations vary )

Some details about me and my riding:

Build: 6.1 , 88 kgs
Currently riding: HH super splendor (125 cc)
Experience: Largely commuting, short weekend trips (~150 -250 kms round trip) over the past few months
Riding style: More of a cruiser than a ripper

Preferences:

Well, let me state this firstly. I am somehow not for the heavy cruisers (i know its ironical given my riding style ) - RE, avenger, etc.. Also I don't want to get a 150 cc bike and hence Unicorn and GS150 are out.

Now please help me to choose between the ZMA-R, P220 and RTR 180.

-> The main purpose behind me getting a machine now is to really jump into some serious touring. So great touring capabilities is a must.

-> I would also be using this bike for commuting to office (city roads - congested, potholes, waterlogged, et al)

-> Budget strictly <= 80 - 85 K (and hence I am not looking at the ZMR at all)

-> Decent mileage in the city

-> Most of my trips would somehow end up in the hills. So ease of taking on the slopes,cornering, etc is another huge factor.

-> Trouble-free in high altitudes. Though I would typically be riding in the western ghats, some day I hope to zip through the himalayas as well

-> Resale value - Might not own the bike for more than 3 years

-> Easy for an amateur - I do not have a great experience in touring. So it should be quite easy for me to adapt. (considering that I have been riding a super splendor)

-> Great stability. I get a bit paranoid when I counter cross-winds.

-> Top-end not a criteria. I would any day stick to 90 - 100 even on the highways and nothing beyond that.

I shall certainly test-ride before finalizing! But still wanted to get some perspectives from experienced ppl here. I hope this doesn't trigger another brand war

And ya, I need to mention that my heart keeps beating for the ZMA

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Travel tales of an insatiable wanderlust

Aryan

Topic Approved.

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MaSh

Well after reading your post, ZMA seems the best choice. But it was launched long ago and also a new ZMA could be on the cards(I could be wrong). However, the new P220 also seems a good prospect. So you could test ride and decide between them. Both should be good for touring. When it comes to city, i feel RTR180 would be easier to manage cos of its dimensions, etc. So, decide on what you would be doing more often, touring or city riding and pick your bike. All the best.

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**MaSh**

**Work to Ride and Ride to Work**

ravi@17bhp

Choose between P220 DTSi and Karizma. P180 may be uncomfortable for you for long rides due to its short wheel base compared to Karizma and P220.

P220 DTSi is VFM at the price it is being offered. If you want refinement and reliable engine, go for Zma. And P220 got more power too.

santoosh

zheeeema for sure
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whizzkid_ram

As u said the first point is serious tourer ur choice goes only for ZMA...it is dedicated for the touring purpose...so go only for ZMA

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vipin_s

For Commuting and Touring....Go for Zma-R....your heart beat !!!

CrazyTraveler

Thanks everyone for their suggestions already!
Can someone throw more light on the capability of these three bikes when it comes to the narrow curvy roads in the hills? e.g. on the handling and braking in this context ?

__________________
.... and I took the road less traveled!

Travel tales of an insatiable wanderlust

Ricci

Both the Karizma and Pulsar220 fit your requirement best. Bear in mind ,for night rides, the P220 has much better stock headlamps , the Karizma seats the pillion better and the rear suspension is better than the P220 , but many riders have faced issues at high altitudes ( Ladakh heights, not Sahyadris ! ) , the stock paper air filter seems to filter too much air . Free flow filters solve this high altitude induction issue though . Karizma spares are much costlier - especially if you crash it and damage items like the display console, calliper, tank , master cylinder ,though some P220 spares are pretty expensive ( wheels , headlamps ) as well. Karizma's front mudguard and rear fairings are known to crack at the mounting screw points due to road shock , other than that the plastics are no better or worse than the P220 but do cost a good bit more.

Regd handling, both are pretty much in the same ballpark . They're more stable at 100 than at 70 , but nonetheless crosswinds can cause some lateral shift/weave . Old P220 has weak rear brake, new ones are better I am told, but the rear disc feedback and power isn't very consistent , usually pumping hard a few times does get the braking power up, looks like the rear calliper's cylinder/piston setup build quality isn't so good . The P220 has better forks but rear suspension gets you a choppy ride, the Karizma's front isn't as planted but rear suspension keeps the rear settled. P220 main stand is known to scrape the tarmac while leaning in corners, it's made more prominent with a pillion . P220 mirrors are quite unhelpful in showing you what's behind , you see your own elbow in most of the visible reflective area. Tubeless tyres on the P220 are better than the stock Karizma's tubed ones.

Both being premium bikes, the reduced number of sales may result is fewer service centre choices and spare parts availability esp out of the major cities.

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sam92

go for 220 .. zma is kinda out of date ..

and after that OIL COOLED in 220 its just awesome ..
it can go on and on and ON

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The fast became faster[RTR] and now is the FASTEST[220] !!