Do Indian dealers allow solo test rides?

Thanks for the tip on the better lighting on the 220-F. Any idea if the side fairing is easily removable? Is the lighting a completely different design, or simply better stock bulbs and/or reflector? I'm wondering if I'm better off getting the -F and removing the fairing, or the -S and upgrading the lighting.

i doubt whether the fairing on the pulsar220 can be removed..

yes they do. except for the Ninja 250R.

TD is the best way to choose a bike, but if upright position is something you are looking for, the Karimza -R or ZMR is something you should target for.

Headlights & expensive spares are an issue with HH, headlights can be taken care of with some after market changes ( me also trying to get that done ) and the expensive spares are still ok as they are less frequently changed as compared to other competitors (mainly P220)

Glad to hear test rides are no problem. (I've ridden a Ninja in the US and didn't care for the riding position, anyway.)



Definitely going to test ride the R and/or ZMR, along with the P220. Please forgive my ignorance: what is TD?



I imagine all bikes have plenty of aftermarket headlight and tire options? Presumably, I'll have a range of aftermarket options from which to choose based on price, quality, value, etc., which may help negate some of the added cost related to HH. (I'm a big quality/value-for-money guy, not a highest price = best kinda guy.)

Go for the Pulsar 220 F , 220 s has poor lighting compared to the faired version .p220 has great low end torque , the riding posture you need and will be in your budget . would have also suggested Karizma but it seems to be having lot of spares availability issues recently .

I'm moving to Mumbai in Jan and not particularly familiar with Indian motorbikes. Hopefully some of you can provide

some insight into options that suit my preferences. They are:

1. Budget of up to approx Rs 90k, though this is flexible. (ZMA-R/P220,also you said your budget is flexible so we can include ZMR in it as well)
2. Combination of commuting + touring, both solo and with one passenger. For reference, I'm 5'11", 200 bls (91 kg). (ZMR/ZMA-R/P220)
3. I like an upright, "standard" riding position. I dislike equally the strong forward lean of aggressively styled sportbikes and the rear lean of cruisers.(ZMR/ZMA-R)
4. Reliability is important for the first 2-3 years (ZMR/ZMA-R)
5. I have a strong preference for low-RPM torque rather than high-RPM zip...though I don't know if I'll have many options in this regard. (ZMR/ZMA-R/P220/A180)
6. Top speed is not a primary factor, but ability to accelerate my heft swiftly in traffic, when necessary, is desired (ZMR/ZMA-R/P220/A180)
7. I'm accustomed to riding 650 - 1100 CC bikes, but am looking forward to a smaller, more nimble bike for riding in Mumbai. That said, I probably want >= 200 CC (ZMR/ZMA-R/P220)
8. Front disc-brake is a must. (all bikes have this)
9. Adjustable, robust suspension. The more robust suspension the better (for my weight), though of course this can always be addressed aftermarket. (ZMR/ZMA-R)
10. Style-wise, I prefer the neat, clean lines of (nearly) naked / standard bikes and cafe racers, with minimal or no fairing. (ZMA-R/P220S)

The bikes that have caught my eye so far:

* Bajaj Pulsar 220-S. I probably like the looks of this bike the best of the ones I've found to date, and the 220 CCs is appealing, given my size.
* Hero Honda Karizma R. Don't much care for the fairing, though.
* Royal Enfield Electra Twinspark. Intriguing! Though the riding position may be too close to cruiser-style for my preferences.

Questions, thoughts, recommendations?

Thanks!

Brian

Budget of up to approx Rs 90k, though this is flexible.