The gear shift can be adjusted (moved up and down) as per your requirement.
I got mine adjusted even before I shifted into 1st for the first time at the sales out-let itself.
Have ridden maybe 20 R15's post that, but in all I have to bring my leg up to shift, it isn't natural, whereas post adjustment your toe is just where it should be.
LOL

R15 can commute but its out of its element there. Why havent you considered the FZ?

Anyway, among the two choices and based on your usage pattern, I would suggest P-220.

how good/bad is R15 off the tarmac? when touring we will definitely encounter a lot of bad/no roads, and especially after a couple of rainy days all the off-roads will be a mess...any particular difficulties with R15?

I am in the same dilemma too,but what i feel is if you are using in the city go for the 220s,as parking the r15 in a city is a major problem as every tom dick and harry like to fiddle with the bike.I most prolly would go for a 220 as i like the projectors which is a great boon for those who frequently drive at night like me.

Wait till diwali, lets see whether honda launches the cbr 150 r if not R15 is the way to go for and if you think the R15 will give you back problems you are wrong. apart from that if you want for commuting and back comfort either unicorn or karizma-r is the best choice

As per your requirements and as you said that your dad will also be using the bike, I feel R15 is not the right choice....

Out of the two, I would recommend u P220. But, have a look at RTR180 ans ZMA too... Both the bikes suit ur requirements...

As far as the vibrations (RTR) are concerned, dude "You will not be thrown OFF the bike".. It is MANAGEABLE. But if you look at the performance aspects of the bike, you ll never mind the vibrations...

In the same way, ZMA is a proven bike... Refined engine gives u a good feel of riding a beast...!

Guys after seeing the news of the CBR 250 launch. If the bike is around 1.20 Lakhs then i can consider buying it. But i have few questions regarding it which I hope you dont mind answering

1) If the bike is launched in April 2011 then does that mean that it will be available for sale here in Goa from that day itself or will it take few more months?

2) Is the CBR 250 good for commuting purpose?

3) The mileage is considered to be 26. Wont it burn a hold in the pocket?

The bike is nowhere near 1.20 lacs. It is 1.5 lacs+ (ex-showroom price).

Since both you and your Dad are going to use the bike the best bike for city,and highway riding is a Pulsar 180.The UG 4 is more refined and is a stable vehicle.You may go for the P 220 F long duration cam ,and bigger piston , later,..... for increased performance.The riding position is good and there will be no back strain. just my opinion. More new bikes with higher CC and performance are due in 2011.

Guys finally I decided on Yamaha R15.

I have booked the bike today in Impact Yellow colour and the bike will take 1 month to get delivered. So hopefull by 5th December I might get the bike

I didnt chose Pulsar 220 because of the quality issues,mileage and also its common :P

So R15 will be my first bike ever!

Thanks everyone for your help and I will surely post the pics of my bike as soon its come

congrats bro..its a nice machine

are you sure?? i see more R15 on Roads then P220 these days.... Anyways congrats..

The yellow looks the best IMO for the r15, even I have the same.

Congrats for your ride buddy, just ride safe. The r15 is not a joke if not treated properly

R15 or P220. I had this confussion. But i didnt like both of them for some reasons. I dont feel R15 is that much worth of the money whereas P220 is 100% worth the money.

Looks: I dont like the thin tyres of R15 and the rear look is not that great. Otherwise R15 looks great. I was also not interested in pulsar looks. But the pulsar overall looked bulky and manly. I previously had pulsar 150. So i didnt have much interest to get pulsar again.
Tech: R15 has got latest technologies like mono suspension, Oil cooling, Rigid body,.. But that is not going to have a great feeling for a 150 cc Engine. Pulsar 220 also got liquid cooling. It has got powerful projector lamps, DC Supply.
Though R15 has latest technology, i dont want have a 150 cc in a place where 220 is available.
R15 is for racing tracks, where too good for corners. But the new P220 also good at cornering. Road grip, braking, stability are both are more or less same.
P220 looks formal as well as sporty. It has got more power and better acceleration than R15.
As far i heard from my friends, R15 mileage is very less for a 150 cc.. 30km/lt or lesser.. atleast P220 gives around 35. And heard that R15 needs more maintanence.
so, finally i convinced myself to get P220. Ride height is high. Riding through traffic and cornering are very good. Acceleration is too good.
for spending 1.2 lacs in R15, why not wait for 2 months to get mojo?
If you are not considering about maintenance, 1.2 lac go for R15. If you want more power go for P220.

And i dont like herocycle karizma.. my options were just R15 and P220

am sorry i didnt see the previous post. Congrats !!!
Yellow looks cool and sporty... Njoy !!!