Announcement

**antz.bin** · 06-07-2012, 08:05 PM

What bike query approved

Since you will be using it primarily as an urban bike, stick to KTM or 200NS. You could also try the Impulse if you fancy it.

**Samarth 619** · 06-07-2012, 08:10 PM

R15 for years has been a very satisfying package for bikers. Even I love it, despite having a total of just 2 test rides. The latest iteration has gone towards sportsbike-like, no-compromise styling. It is uncomfortable for pillions. And a small issue is it being 17 bhp, compared to the competition going 20+ bhp in lesser money now.

You can choose R15 if you're satisfied by the power, and want everything else to be great: reliability, quality, finishing, NVH levels (Noise, Vibration, Harshness levels), etc.

Let me tell you what R15 feels like: it feels like revving the heck out of it! Its that smooth and vibration free. And the engine is a gem of an engine! As for torque, yes, the low end has slightly lesser torque than competition, but it was said to be somewhat rectified for V2 (can't confirm this). As long as you get the open roads, R15 is fun, no doubt left.

Pulsar is Value for money bike as usual. Gives good power, and could surprise in mileage terms too. Looks good for a naked, but again looks are subjective.

Duke is more towards revving, acceleration and power. Duke should have the least mileage of all these bikes here... But riding a 25 bhp 137 kgs bike has to be fun, no doubt about it.

Some of the Duke's engine seizures were attributed to air in the coolant passage, which were caused mostly after first service due to staff negligence. The bike as a whole should be good I think.

**somen1984** · 06-07-2012, 10:36 PM

Originally posted by shivansh View Post

My budget could extend to 1.3 or 1.4 lacs. Most of my riding would be done in the city itself with occasional tourings( I do imagine myself packing up and leaving for unexplored places when I have the time

). Also, the look of the bike is important( I am a poser( who isn't at this age?

) it could be naked or faired as long as it looks good).

in the budget above you have good options like:
1. R15 super Kool bike with out any issues.

2.Duke now a days Fancy! only 10k extra to R15.
3.200NS awesome machine @ awesome price.
4. CBR 150 new awesome competitor, but still looks are not par to R15(INMO).
5. Your own love RE TBTS.

CBR150/200NS/TBTS fits your requirement but the question is which one is best for you.

Exploring unkown lands any time RE TBTS or 200NS.

Looks is very subjective, as RE stands for masculine R15 stands for Stud !! Duke Play Boy

Originally posted by shivansh View Post

Now, I have never ever laid a hand on an RE Thunderbird, though I was so obsessed with it for a long while. Infact I never thought of buying something else because i was assured of it's reliability and build quality. There's nothing to be said about it's looks,nothing comes close to it. But having read the threads, problems like oil leakage and other issues surfaced, and somehow they convince me not to go for the bike because of the assumed high maintainence it would involve.

Someone could clear my doubts regarding this because I would still love to own an RE. Are the engine problems still there?

Now a days RE models are gem. 350cc delivering a 35kmpl(city) & 40kmpl on highway, shouts on the technology used. RE is much ahead compared to older generations. No more leakage or mileage or maintenance issues like earlier. few period service and heartly caring is needed.

If you love RE then go for RE. TBTS is an awesome bike from RE.

Originally posted by shivansh View Post

If not an RE, my search narrowed down to Pulsar 200NS.
I find the spec sheet really really impressive.

Since the build quality is an issue here, the KTM and R15 would make good options. The KTM is a looker indeed and so is R15.
About the Yamaha, the top speed is somewhere around 135 kmph.

I would recommend 200NS over Duke anytime. As far as R15 is concerned it a gem in it's own style.

But still i would suggest 200NS. Because of power,mileage @ cost 1L approx.

Top speed 135kmph??? this are rare terms while riding. enough power to ride and stability should be the main concern.

even 200NS would have good Top end.

Go with 200NS. I am a R15 owner and still love my bike over any other bike rather than N250.

Why not to buy one better product than R15 at lower cost??? 2000NS has good features too.

Don't worry it's very different than older pulsar Gene!!!

but if your heart beats for Re then do with TBTS..no maintenance issues.

**vipin_s** · 06-07-2012, 10:44 PM

Originally posted by Samarth 619 View Post

R15 for years has been a very satisfying package for bikers. Even I love it, despite having a total of just 2 test rides. The latest iteration has gone towards sportsbike-like, no-compromise styling. It is uncomfortable for pillions. And a small issue is it being 17 bhp, compared to the competition going 20+ bhp in lesser money now.

You can choose R15 if you're satisfied by the power, and want everything else to be great: reliability, quality, finishing, NVH levels (Noise, Vibration, Harshness levels), etc.

Let me tell you what R15 feels like: it feels like revving the heck out of it! Its that smooth and vibration free. And the engine is a gem of an engine! As for torque, yes, the low end has slightly lesser torque than competition, but it was said to be somewhat rectified for V2 (can't confirm this). As long as you get the open roads, R15 is fun, no doubt left.

+100, go for R15

Better avoid fresh launches/first batch from Bajaj, they 'MAY' have quality issues. Take a safe decision

**Berlin** · 06-07-2012, 11:22 PM

Originally posted by antz.bin View Post

Since you will be using it primarily as an urban bike, stick to KTM or 200NS. You could also try the Impulse if you fancy it.

+1
for street riding better go on with the street fighters like Duke or 200NS......
its hard to ride R15 in traffic due to its tall gearing....
my choice 200NS a perfect VfM.....
but regarding as "poser" R15 or Duke will do....
For the Above two, Duke is my choice....

But choose what you prefer.... test ride all.....

**vrugonnab** · 06-07-2012, 11:55 PM

Stick with naked bikes if you are riding mostly in city. R15 can be fun on open roads, not much in city. But the other two are not far behind on open roads either, it's just that you have to take the windblast as they are naked bikes. But for your day to day use, 200ns & Duke will serve you better than a R15.

**sivigshankar** · 06-07-2012, 11:58 PM

Originally posted by shivansh View Post

Hi All,
Greetings to everyone from Shivanshu. This is my first post on X-Bhp and having gone through countless threads....I'm a big fan. Applauds to the great community.Thanks in advance...

Hi Shivanshu... as others have said, test ride all and then decide. I own a Duke and have done about 2600 kms in about 3 months time frame. I have had my Unicorn for about 7 years and it has touched only 43k Kms in that time. My First bike was a HH Splendor which did about 40k kms in 7 years. Now the average is around 6k kms in each of my older bikes every year. However, within 3 months I have done 2600 kms with the Duke. That tells a lot about the bike itself

and our want to keep riding it. I am expecting to finish about 10k kms by end of 1 year.

I ride the bike predominantly within the city and haven't had any issues till now, apart from people racing up to me in traffic to ogle the bike and asking me questions. I used to love it initially, however as days go by, it's getting on my nerves as most of them race up to me or do some stunt to catch my attention.

Remember Duke is a Liquid Cooled engine, therefore the Heat dissipated by the Radiator fan will hit you on your legs. This was an issue for me as well initially as I wasn't used to a LC Engine. However, am used to it and now I know how to ride it properly to ensure it doesn't heat up as much as it used to. Things get better after the first service done at 1000kms.

It can act as a tourer as well, given that it was part of the Grand Indian Road Trip, provided you know the bike well enough and be within its limits.

The Coolant Leak and the other issues you have talked about are sporadic in nature and haven't been an issue across all owners. Take that into consideration. The Duke is an excellent piece of machinery. Right from its engine to its build quality it's Value for Money any day.

Mileage wise I get about 35 - 39 kmpl on tank full method calculation consistently. If I ride it sanely I can get around the 45kmpl mark however, with 25BHP under the seat, you seldom can curb your urge to Rev it and Redline it.

Again, your comfort is what matters. The below review is by Shumi who owns one as well. Hope this helps.

KTM 200 Duke roadtest - Overdrive

**happybiking** · 06-08-2012, 01:35 AM

Will try putting a comparo from lay-man's point of view

R15 :

1. Looks are no doubt excellent

2. Build quality is unquestionable but with that maintenance too would dig deeper hole than the pulsar and somewhere I read a li'l higher than the KTM(owners may correct me on this)
3. You would simply hate it for lack of lower end my friend when compared to the other two in question. Heck, even the much cheaper ZMAs,220s,RTR180s will do rounds around you inside the city. Top speed is 131/132kph true(as per yamaha) but by the time it reaches there other two would have vanished(KTM nd 200NS are atleast 3 seconds quicker to 100 and trust me thats a lot)
4. Handling is simply impeccable. But R15 V1 had a slight edge on this part as it was lighter.This one's a li'l heavier but the difference in handling is hardly noticeable.
5.Mileage would be better than KTM but might be a tad lesser than the 200NS.

P200NS :

1. Like samarth mentioned in the other thread : "Too much of a BIKE for that PRICE". Abso-fu**in-lute VFM

2. Looks gud too but would be 3rd among the 3 in question.
3. Excellent power delivery throughout. Would be lot quicker than the R15 to 100 and top end too is a li'l better.
4. Handling as per the reviews has been improved a lot more compared to the previous gen pulsars but this is R15's forte. Nothing beats it currently on that front.
5. Mileage would be the BEST.
6. Build quality et all will be known once people actually start getting deliveries. Should be decent but hoping a 30-40kcheaper bike to be at par on this front would be asking for too much

KTM200:

1. Looks refreshingly smashy and puny at the same time in flesh. If you are huge or lets say above average-ly built you might wanna rethink. But sure is a eye ball grabber

2. Build quality is excellent.
3. Maintenance would be at par with the R.
4. Oodles of power up-front...If you don't checkthat right wrist you might end up popping wheelies here and there & within city would win you almost all the traffic GPs with ease

5. Is an excelent handler too. If the R15 comes near on the corners a simpletwift of throttle and you exit quicker

6. Mileage would be the least.

A word of caution : Would suggest you to wait a bit to check out how the 200NS fares on reliablity front. Usually 1st lot of bajaj bikes show up all kinds of issues.Later they get rectified

**shivansh** · 06-08-2012, 03:17 AM

Originally posted by somen1984 View Post

Now a days RE models are gem. 350cc delivering a 35kmpl(city) & 40kmpl on highway, shouts on the technology used. RE is much ahead compared to older generations. No more leakage or mileage or maintenance issues like earlier. few period service and heartly caring is needed.
If you love RE then go for RE. TBTS is an awesome bike from RE.

but if your heart beats for Re then do with TBTS..no maintenance issues.

The RE does stand out,if as you point, the engine issues stand sorted out. My heart does beat, no, thumps for it.

It's a superb cruiser( and turns some heads too

, love the silver variant). If it really is a low maintainence and reliable motorcycle, I could not look any further. What scares me are some ownership threads ( that don't date back more than one or two years) that report oil leaks( seems omnipresent), bad rear brakes, extremely complex and bad wiring and a misbehaving self-start. Now, these are serious problems

Originally posted by Samarth 619 View Post

And a small issue is it being 17 bhp, compared to the competition going 20+ bhp in lesser money now.

You can choose R15 if you're satisfied by the power, and want everything else to be great: reliability, quality, finishing, NVH levels (Noise, Vibration, Harshness levels), etc.

Yes, exactly! I can never figure out why Yamaha could not add a few more cubic-centimeters to the engine when they upgraded almost everything else present.

What did they fear? Riots over ownerships?

It's the serious lack of power in such a capable machine that is a turn off. The handling is a benchmark, the paint, chassis, everything is just excellent! But there's no power on the sheets and guess I'd better test ride the new version to actually feel it. ( I hear the power now is more uniform in all bands as opposed to being concentrated towards the higher RPMs as in v1).

So, RE if I'm convinced of the maintainence issues. R15 if the power feels satisfying enough. And, after going through the complete thread of P200NS just now, will wait for it.( Man, it sure looks beefy, and there's just too much of fireworks around it's launch. I better not miss what could be a great bike from BAL.

) KTM ruled out I think...

**somen1984** · 06-08-2012, 02:26 PM

Originally posted by shivansh View Post

The RE does stand out,if as you point, the engine issues stand sorted out. My heart does beat, no, thumps for it.

It's a superb cruiser( and turns some heads too

, love the silver variant). If it really is a low maintainence and reliable motorcycle, I could not look any further. What scares me are some ownership threads ( that don't date back more than one or two years) that report oil leaks( seems omnipresent), bad rear brakes, extremely complex and bad wiring and a misbehaving self-start. Now, these are serious problems

Very important is what your heart feels ?? Is it RE or 200NS ??

some or the other issues will be there in every bodies life/vehicle. But the thing is what you choose??

RE has surely improved a lot then older times. Thumps are missing what you get a good machine. Maintenance are not like some car or higher 1Kcc bikes. but normal.

Follow the service rule and use it like own dear one then it won't leave you ever embarassed!!

RE in today's motor world has comfort in cheap price what else you want??

But if you compare 200NS then it's more advance then RE. But still the same question which one would you like to live with ?

**lovish** · 06-09-2012, 03:18 AM

Will try putting a comparo from lay-man's point of view

R15 :

1. Looks are no doubt excellent

2. Build quality is unquestionable but with that maintenance too would dig deeper hole than the pulsar and somewhere I read a li'l higher than the KTM(owners may correct me on this)
3. You would simply hate it for lack of lower end my friend when compared to the other two in question. Heck, even the much cheaper ZMAs,220s,RTR180s will do rounds around you inside the city. Top speed is 131/132kph true(as per yamaha) but by the time it reaches there other two would have vanished(KTM nd 200NS are atleast 3 seconds quicker to 100 and trust me thats a lot)
4. Handling is simply impeccable. But R15 V1 had a slight edge on this part as it was lighter.This one's a li'l heavier but the difference in handling is hardly noticeable.
5.Mileage would be better than KTM but might be a tad lesser than the 200NS.

P200NS :

1. Like samarth mentioned in the other thread : "Too much of a BIKE for that PRICE". Abso-fu**in-lute VFM

2. Looks gud too but would be 3rd among the 3 in question.
3. Excellent power delivery throughout. Would be lot quicker than the R15 to 100 and top end too is a li'l better.
4. Handling as per the reviews has been improved a lot more compared to the previous gen pulsars but this is R15's forte. Nothing beats it currently on that front.
5. Mileage would be the BEST.
6. Build quality et all will be known once people actually start getting deliveries. Should be decent but hoping a 30-40kcheaper bike to be at par on this front would be asking for too much

KTM200:

1. Looks refreshingly smashy and puny at the same time in flesh. If you are huge or lets say above average-ly built you might wanna rethink. But sure is a eye ball grabber

2. Build quality is excellent.
3. Maintenance would be at par with the R.
4. Oodles of power up-front...If you don't checkthat right wrist you might end up popping wheelies here and there & within city would win you almost all the traffic GPs with ease

5. Is an excelent handler too. If the R15 comes near on the corners a simpletwift of throttle and you exit quicker

6. Mileage would be the least.

A word of caution : Would suggest you to wait a bit to check out how the 200NS fares on reliablity front. Usually 1st lot of bajaj bikes show up all kinds of issues.Later they get rectified

Greatest differentiation between the 3 I have ever read... juust awesome... can you please do a power comparison between RE Classic 350 and these bikes too... thanks a ton

My Signature

-------------------------------------
One day, I will take it easy. Today won't be that day...
-------------------------------------

**happybiking** · 06-11-2012, 02:30 AM

Originally posted by lovish View Post

Greatest differentiation between the 3 I have ever read... juust awesome... can you please do a power comparison between RE Classic 350 and these bikes too... thanks a ton

My Signature

-------------------------------------
One day, I will take it easy. Today won't be that day...
-------------------------------------

Comparing RE350 to the above is like comparing HD883 to super-sports. Sorry dude cant do that.You compare and but one of the other 3 bikes. If you love the RE you just buy it. No questions asked...period!!! Its a CULT

P.S : Am into sports bikes only. Dont like/comment on cruisers/thumpers. Purely personal choice

**lovish** · 06-11-2012, 03:25 AM

Originally posted by happybiking View Post

Comparing RE350 to the above is like comparing HD883 to super-sports. Sorry dude cant do that.You compare and but one of the other 3 bikes. If you love the RE you just buy it. No questions asked...period!!! Its a CULT

P.S : Am into sports bikes only. Dont like/comment on cruisers/thumpers. Purely personal choice

Dude I meant that compare the power and torque not the looks... I too know that these and RE arre both very different type of bikes with nothing common between them... but still everyone of them is a motorcycle

And yeah I love the RE and I am a proud owner of RE Classic 350

Just wanted to know how would my bike do in front of these bikes with keeping Power, achivable Top Speed, Torque and FE in mind...

That's why I said in above post

Originally posted by lovish View Post

can you please do a power comparison between RE Classic 350 and these bikes too...

My Signature

-------------------------------------
One day, I will take it easy. Today won't be that day...
-------------------------------------

Announcement

P200NS or R15v2.0 or KTM DUKE200?

P200NS or R15v2.0 or KTM DUKE200?

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment