Yes, pretty much. I have always loved the nakeds, to be specific the Hornet 600. I know these are all round machines, perfect for commuting in the city as well as weekend rides but then again at some point of time one is bound to miss what those extra 400CCs could've provided (a further boost in power). But, as they say, it is not always about the cubic capacity (rightly so).

And since you have had a pretty good experience of riding & touring on the SBK, I would like to know more about the finger and back problem that you mentioned. Is it because of the touring that you have been (or have done) on the SBK? Because that could be a major point of concern, for example, for someone like me who would love to get 'The One', both for commuting to and fro office and for long weekend trips.

Thanks.

I did close to 2200 kilometers in 3 days. On the evening of the 2nd day as I took off my glove, I felt a numbing feeling on the last two fingers of both my hands. I massaged them for a while and dismissed it as something that will pass overnight. Next morning, the feeling had not yet come back and I could not much feel with these last two fingers. And this persisted over weeks gradually subsiding. And after a week the back started giving problems. I am trying and testing certain things in that respect, with bikes ofcourse. It will take some time for the results to reflect.

You are young, it will not matter to you now. You will be able to take it. You would not even feel it. But later, your recuperation time will be longer and will only get progressively worse. If you feel like going for the One now, I am not saying do not go for it. You should absolutely try it out by actually owning it riding it. Short weekend rides are fine. But you will definitely stop "Real" Touring on this bike and will want something that will be more conducive to more touring, longer rides. Again that is my perspective.

You have done 200 straight kms on such a bike. Now imagine if you were to do 3 times that distance for 4 consecutive days. Think about it. I would be more comfortable on the Fazer600!

Thanks for the detailed reply.

So, all this ultimately brings the discussion back to where it all started - "Making The Right Choice" - in this case then, a 600cc naked would anyday be better than a 1000cc fully- faired supersport motorcycle as far as touring (and may be commuting) is concerned!

The Fazer1000 would also be nice, but as I said in the article, I dont know what I would do with the 60 extra horses that I will never need, want or use and hence why pay the extra 2L for them and have to lug 20 kilos of extra metal and plastics.

600 CC, naked or fully faired, that is ofcourse a personal choice. I would take with some fairing. What I am saying is, hey manufacturers, the way you manipulate the market, please spare the rider the discomfort of a Race Replica and give us one more choice at least.

Or, (Rossiter and others, do not kill me for saying this aloud) since the MT is not making much progress compared to the ONE, they can introduce the 600S2 and check its progress!

Sorry for the late edit!

Let me jump in and churn the discussion a bit more

I would rephrase Aryan's opinion about a 600 naked better than a 1000 supersports, as being "more comfortable". Better is subjective. The Right Choice is even more subjective.

I have done some crazy rides on my R1, places where I would balk at taking my P180. No roads, sand, rocks etc. The R1, or for that matter any litre class supersports can go anywhere including K-Top. It will be more comfortable and easier on a 600cc naked, or a 400 even. But reaching your destination, with sweat dripping from your eyebrows, thighs half cooked, and still evoking a smile of deep satisfaction from you is what a litre bike is capable of doing.

Good article Ken. Motivated me enough to reply while nodding away at my colleagues pretending to be involved in the meeting.

Why would they when a) A small percentage of bikers tour long distances b) A small percentage of those bikers would look at buying big bikes c) A small percentage of that small percentage would even tour on a big bike.

The economics are just not there.

The world isn't as crazy as you or me Ken. All we can do is give company to each other, and every other biker who shares the same thoughts in joining your appeal above

Err.. you could also include "Disposable Income" in that list.


Loved it..



Now.. who could they be..??

You of all people, please do not ask such a question. I do not want to get into trouble now. I have tried in my article to be as diplomatic as possible. I do not want to get embroiled in you know what...

But it really was a great article.. an insight into the mind of a maverick.

Actually I read this a couple of days back, but wanted to take time out and reply properly.

Absolutely agree. But this is a classic chicken and egg situation. Only when someone like Yamaha comes along and sticks out their neck like they did by launching the CBU bikes, is when the cycle is broken. But even then, the MT01 has been hibernating in warehouses and showrooms (Unfortunately, I might add)

Which is why I like to read what you have to say

india lacks the roads generally to have such SBK's here.here ,the best bike will be the one irrespective of the CC's higher or lower a bike with good initial pickup and torque range upto say 70kmph.and a comfortable cruise at around 90-100kmph *maximum* with a good mileage of 40-50kmpl.

I know ,those who are with SBK's and the likes will disagree with me.but here in India ,we dont count mpg ,but kmpl ,the difference is so visible.here owning a lakh rupees bike is a big thing for middle class men.

but those who want to have SBK's must get the race tracks ready.please dont chase with 150kmph inside city.not to say it is deadly.

In essence ,the one with loads of initial torque is welcome.

@ Ken Cool: Nice Article and I appreciate you thoughts, but at one place your emotions don't match the ones we really have ...

You said, that we were all excited about R1 & MT being released, despite the high price ...

I disagree, I was really frustrated, specially with the 110% Tax ...

I mean no doubt we can pay 12 Lacs, but if it is your hard earned money (or your parents'), this decision will torture you in your mind everytime you ride it. Not the Cost, but the 5.5 Lacs Extra, as TAX?!, not something one can forget no matter how rich he is ...

Now, even the Forged Piston Plant is here in India, and even the R15 ... Can't they do something "Practical" about Bigger Rs or the Bigger Fazers?

Sorry for being a small critic but I appreciate the overall article ... Thanks!

lets put it this way -

we're frustrated because we've seen that the grass actually IS greener on the other side, at least wherever pricing is an issue.

But seriously, it' a matter of attitude. If you keep thinking about all that tax you paid, when are you gonna enjoy your machine? Agreed it's hard earned money, but then again, we don't whine when the time comes to buy an accord or a city do we? You can buy an Audi a4 for about 12-14 lakhs in Muscat. Makes the blood boil don't it? If the govt isn't doing anything, either accept it, or make noise!

So our govt is greedy/needy(take your pick)! I'd say, once the amount is saved up, just close your eyes and go for your dream.

It's not just bikes. Even with musical instruments, everything is priced at least 50%, sometimes 100% more than US over here. And there's nothing close to the kind of stuff that goes on sale on ebay US. If you have someone coming from there, well and good. If not, then stop thinking about it and buy your gear! At least you get the peace of mind that you can haul someone's ass all over the floor if and when something goes wrong!

my 2 cents!

@ greyanaroth: I agree partially. But, an Audi A4 has parts & engineering worth 12 Lacs... So, that's more peaceful ownership experience in my opinion ... Put it this way:->

Buying a Rs.4000 jeans for Rs.4200 is better than buying a Rs.500 one, by paying Rs.1200 ...

If they go in parts, it's fine ... but Govt. Babus' Bellys ?? We are the ones making them fat!

Really good article. it actually made me sit and think as what is more practical???

thats so true that we in no way can use the full power of a 1000cc beast in India. i would say not even on tracks.

So if a person like me has to buy my dream machine then i would look at the practicality of the bike.
People like me would work extremly hard to save that much of money and apart from that we have to convince parents as well. They will in no way atleast hardly understand our urge to get the dream bike for 6-8 Lacks. They would simply not undersand it and would like me to get into the four wheel cage.(you know the typical mentality) But then again they will understand and will probably let me buy the bike but then they'll keep on reminding you about your choice.

And once i get my bike i would like to tour as much as possible on it. will love to take it to office or to my frds place every now and then. apart from regular g2g's. And i feel a 600CC bike is more practlical for people like me. You get everything and most of us will not be able too get the complete output from the bike. you have enough torque, bhp flexiblity, speed and comfort and also you save few lacks as well.