1. Speculation, doesn't exist (as of now!) in the indian market.
2. Speculation, doesn't exist (as of now!) in the indian market.
3. You ruled out.
4. Doesn't exist (as of now!) in the indian market.
5. You ruled out.

see, you don't have much of a choice except waiting for unknown amount of time (at least till auto expo)

broaden your spectrum, or else let me know when to close this thread.

@Shubz - Saar, adding one more line of thought; do not ride to office, assuming you're travelling at peak hours; just take your car.

Save the motorcycle for weekend rides; ride with xBhp or any group of your choice & keep rocking. If you're OK on this front, get to next level of making choices

Ok, first, I'm 40 and I'm currently debating between the Bandit 1250 and the upcoming Triumph 800XC. Earlier, I had been considering either a Hayabusa or an R1, but decided in both cases that I can't justify their cost, since I can't use either bike to its potential where I live (road conditions, mostly). There's nothing written that says those over 40 can't ride the big bikes; indeed, more mature riders can get more out of such machines since we have a better understanding of our limitations, yet aren't so old that our reflexes have started to deteriorate.

Second, your list is kind of all over the map. A Ninja 250 is too expensive, but yet you think a CBR600 (if you could get one) or a Hyosung 650 would be within your budget? The Ninja 250 is only 2.5lakh, and all the 600/650s are going to be more than that.

So, based on your statement that 2.5 lakh is outside your budget, you are looking in the sub-2 lakh price range, I guess. The KTM does seem to be a good choice, in that case, but you do have some other choices. The new R15 v2.0 is in your budget, and has decent performance, if you want a street-only bike. Another possibility is the new Hero Impulse, at just over 70k. This is really a Honda, sold as the "Bros" in South America, and not a bad machine. Dual-sport bikes are noteworthy for having very comfortable riding positions, and are easy to maneuver. Since the Impulse is a 150, it'll still get good mileage, and would make an excellent weekend bike, since the semi-offroad nature of the machine dramatically expands the number of roads available for exploring. Otherwise, you could look at the new CBR250R, which is a single-cylinder "little brother" to the big sport-touring Interceptor from Honda. I think it's just over 1lakh. While there have been some complaints, it is still a Honda and should be fairly reliable, especially as primarily a weekend mount.

If your budget is higher, please post the amount, so we can give you better input on your available choices.

Feel free to close the thread sir if you think its not worth its salt.

I work weird hours - start work by 6 pm - end by 3 am. And I take the care everyday so far. Life can't be this boring all the time man! :P

I don't know if I said I am looking at sub 2 lakh bike. If so, I stand corrected. The main point here is contemplating between 250 or 650. With ruling certain existing bikes and certain upcoming bikes.

Ruled in: CBR250, VTR250, Duke 200, Ninja 250, 650 - Suggest any more? Oops No speculations allowed according to Mods.

Ruled out: Hyosung 250/650 (cos I am not happy with the exhaust design and A.S.S stories)
Bullet: Bulletphobic - I cannot digest the fact that I will be able to handle that going by my lean frame.

And yes - The Bandits, The Busa's, The triumphs I guess are way too expensive for my taste though they are awesomest among bikes!

See, if you've narrowed down to this level, then its 650 without a wink; and if its 650 NOW, then its Ninja 650R.

Take my word, 250, you'll get bored in no time for a weekend ride. I can vouch on that. Not that it cannot bring a smile, fun or speed, but, if you want to unleash the potential (on excellent highways) then 600's are the way forward & there's no second doubt on it.

Hmm! Two things - 1) You suggest a 2011 Ninja? or wait for the 2012 one (I believe 2012?)

2) Can this bike be comfortably ridden in Bangalore traffic conditions?

^^^ without test riding or having seen the pic, its quite difficult to conclude anything. Like I said before, I was absolutely against forward leaning position & was in favor of Bonneville, GT1000 etc. But CBR changed the entire perspective & I'm fully in love with lying on tank.

If you can wait until now, 2012 isn't that far either.

Thats what am doing. Waiting for 2012 to ring in. Waiting to get to Autoexpo with a paper n pen and jot down everything possible. make comparisons etc and then jump in.

The Ninja 650R is fairly docile by Ninja standards. You should have no trouble riding it in Bangalore traffic, or anywhere else. The riding position is more upright than it looks, and it should still have plenty of power for longer rides. Also, it's not terribly expensive, compared to the other big bikes currently available, as it is somewhere between 4 and 5lakh. If that's within your budget, it's worth considering.

A small point to note is that bookings of Ninja 650 are closed and will not be opening any time soon. It is an excellent bike for its price and really worth it.

Another option is Ducati 796 / 795. It has street fighter looks, doesn't have fairing so no heating issues, comfortable seating position.

You also have an option of buying a second hand sbk. There are several available in the market which are legal. If you meet up with any SBK group in your town, you would understand the bike's condition and they would help you out in choosing a good one.