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Ideal Tourer for middle age

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  • #1

    Ideal Tourer for middle age

    Firstly,thumbs up to you guys- I see loads,heaps of information on the bikes that are available for every type of use one can imagine.I am 35 years of age based in Coimbatore and on the look out for a bike which i would mostly use for touring and in town once in a while.I was an avid long distance rider during my younger years.Had done trips to Bangalore, Mysore,Kodai,Ooty,Kerala etc...on my rx100,shogun & KB125.Then got sucked into the whirlwind called career and have been completely out of touch with regard to biking.After being away from the country,I am looking to revive my biking days and make it a point to relive those bike touring days atleast twice a year.Realized pretty late that i have been missing this part of me for long.
    I currently own an 2008 unicorn which has barely run 17k kms.So you can imagine the kind of usage it has been through.I have never tried long rides in the unicorn so cant tell much about its comfort on the highways.But i do find it a bit harsh at speeds above 80,i dont know if its just mine or what!

    My priorities would be
    1. Good rising posture as in upright without breaking my back
    2. Ability to cruise at 90+ kmph with minimal vibration(i cant stand them)
    3. Ideal touring bikes strengths(Good braking,head lights etc,decent fuel economy)


    Based on the above,I am currently looking at 3 options listed below of which i haven't ridden any.Others like the cbr 250/150 are way out of my budget and RE...i am not sure as i m 5'10",65kgs and slender, so both would look out of place.
    1)Bajaj Avenger - Only cruiser available,but not so good braking i believe and usual bajaj running cost issues

    2)Hero Karizma R - Best tourer from what i have read so far offering most of what i am looking for.Negatives being hopeless headlights(i absolutely love night riding) and spare parts issues.

    3)Pulsar 220 - Raw power, feature rich, latest technology.But vibrations,oil leaks & noisy engine.Have no idea what the rising position is like.

    regards,
    Sampath.
    Last edited by SAMPATH_K; 06-26-2012, 08:44 PM.
    Only a biker knows why a dog sticks its head out of a moving car

    Suzuki Shogun l Yamaha RX100 I KB125 I Honda Unicorn l KTM Duke 200 l
    1994 1995 1997 2008 2013
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Topic Approved.

    Ideally, You're better off looking at Karizma or Karizma ZMR. They stand tall for all the 3 points you mentioned. Highway Fuel Economy is around 35-45 kmpl.


    Be aware that while Bajaj parts might require a bit more frequent parts replacement, a Hero Karizma's parts are way more expensive. And Bajaj did improve a lot over the years.
    ---
    Brotherhood, Rules, Freedom. Xbhp.
    Indian riding = Alertness, Anticipation and Adjustment.

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    • #3
      Originally posted by Samarth 619 View Post
      Topic Approved.

      Ideally, You're better off looking at Karizma or Karizma ZMR. They stand tall for all the 3 points you mentioned. Highway Fuel Economy is around 35-45 kmpl.


      Be aware that while Bajaj parts might require a bit more frequent parts replacement, a Hero Karizma's parts are way more expensive. And Bajaj did improve a lot over the years.
      Thanks for your reply Samarth.Are the karizma and avenger due for some major updates by any chance.With regard to what you have mentioned about Bajaj,have the quality and life of parts improved over the years or is it still the same?

      From what i see,the avenger looks like the most comfortable of the lot.Just my thought.Is there anyway i can join like minded people on trips.I see people doing trips in groups.Is there anyway i can join them inspite of being a newbie kind here.
      Only a biker knows why a dog sticks its head out of a moving car

      Suzuki Shogun l Yamaha RX100 I KB125 I Honda Unicorn l KTM Duke 200 l
      1994 1995 1997 2008 2013

      Comment

      • #4
        If you are considering the Pulsar 220F, why not Pulsar 200NS ?
        Currently without a vehicle. Uber App and Bangalore Metro serving all my travel needs.

        Comment

        • #5
          Originally posted by SAMPATH_K View Post
          1)Bajaj Avenger - Only cruiser available,but not so good braking i believe and usual bajaj running cost issues

          2)Hero Karizma R - Best tourer from what i have read so far offering most of what i am looking for.Negatives being hopeless headlights(i absolutely love night riding) and spare parts issues.

          3)Pulsar 220 - Raw power, feature rich, latest technology.But vibrations,oil leaks & noisy engine.Have no idea what the rising position is like.

          regards,
          Sampath.
          Hi Sampath,

          Of the 3 bikes you have mentioned, the ZMA is the bulletproof bike, I can think of. The only cons being expensive spares and lights(as you mentioned, you like night riding). For lighting issue you can gor for projector + HID setup but that would void electrical warranty.

          P220 is a good machine, good low end torque, the projector lamps would solve your night riding problems but again as all non-bajaj users say there is a reliability issue with pulsars( also I heard P220 may be discontinued soon due to launch of 200NS, i dont know how true is it).

          My take is whichever bike you take you have to treat it as your wife/GF, caress it or else it will create problems for you.(this coming from a ZMA user) .

          Also large fuel tank capacity is good for touring. ZMA has 15 ltrs tank, P220 has 18 ltrs tank. FE is almost the same for both.

          Best of luck for your buy!!!!
          Siddhartha
          ZMA (2004) - SOLD
          CBR250R(2012)....

          Comment

          • #6
            your requirements are met by your present bike.. Give it a try. Else avenger 220 is the only option.. A karizma or a unicorn feels the same at 90 k/hr speeds.

            Comment

            • #7
              Originally posted by MHG View Post
              If you are considering the Pulsar 220F, why not Pulsar 200NS ?
              It does look tempting.But again isnt it more of a sports/urban sports???

              Originally posted by Sid85 View Post
              Hi Sampath,

              Of the 3 bikes you have mentioned, the ZMA is the bulletproof bike, I can think of. The only cons being expensive spares and lights(as you mentioned, you like night riding). For lighting issue you can gor for projector + HID setup but that would void electrical warranty.

              P220 is a good machine, good low end torque, the projector lamps would solve your night riding problems but again as all non-bajaj users say there is a reliability issue with pulsars( also I heard P220 may be discontinued soon due to launch of 200NS, i dont know how true is it).

              My take is whichever bike you take you have to treat it as your wife/GF, caress it or else it will create problems for you.(this coming from a ZMA user) .

              Also large fuel tank capacity is good for touring. ZMA has 15 ltrs tank, P220 has 18 ltrs tank. FE is almost the same for both.

              Best of luck for your buy!!!!
              Did 85 - Agree with your points.If i can get the lights upgraded,i think it will pretty much fit my priorities.Now that it is HERO,is there anything that i have to worry about like spares and model being discontinued?

              With regard to treating it like girlfriend/wife...i will be looking to spending late nights with her.

              Originally posted by muztariq View Post
              your requirements are met by your present bike.. Give it a try. Else avenger 220 is the only option.. A karizma or a unicorn feels the same at 90 k/hr speeds.
              Muztariq-I could agree with you,but the unicorn kind of feels stressed at those speeds with vibrations.Does upgrading the spark plugs get rid of the vibrations.

              Are the vibtations in 220 that bad when compared to karizma?
              Only a biker knows why a dog sticks its head out of a moving car

              Suzuki Shogun l Yamaha RX100 I KB125 I Honda Unicorn l KTM Duke 200 l
              1994 1995 1997 2008 2013

              Comment

              • #8
                How good is the honda dazzler or fazer?Any good for long trips?
                Only a biker knows why a dog sticks its head out of a moving car

                Suzuki Shogun l Yamaha RX100 I KB125 I Honda Unicorn l KTM Duke 200 l
                1994 1995 1997 2008 2013

                Comment

                • #9
                  My choice would be the GS150R hands down..no vibes what so ever even at high speeds,super refined engine,6 speed gearbox makes the bike a boon in the highways..
                  Biking is in my Blood!!

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Originally posted by SriKi.GSpian View Post
                    My choice would be the GS150R hands down..no vibes what so ever even at high speeds,super refined engine,6 speed gearbox makes the bike a boon in the highways..
                    Whoa.... that's a whole new dimension to my needs.Never thought about it..I cant seem to justify going for another 150 cc mill including the fazer or dazzler.But shall certainly look into it.

                    Has the GS150 undergone any upgrades or mods so far since its inception?

                    Also does the fairings in karizma,pulsar and other bikes really help in keeping the wind at bay on high speeds?
                    Last edited by SAMPATH_K; 06-27-2012, 12:20 AM.
                    Only a biker knows why a dog sticks its head out of a moving car

                    Suzuki Shogun l Yamaha RX100 I KB125 I Honda Unicorn l KTM Duke 200 l
                    1994 1995 1997 2008 2013

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Originally posted by SAMPATH_K View Post
                      It does look tempting.But again isnt it more of a sports/urban sports???
                      Reply is in this thread: http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/first-im...sar-200ns.html
                      Currently without a vehicle. Uber App and Bangalore Metro serving all my travel needs.

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Originally posted by SAMPATH_K View Post
                        It does look tempting.But again isnt it more of a sports/urban sports???



                        Now that it is HERO,is there anything that i have to worry about like spares and model being discontinued?
                        Spares were an issue for karizma even when Honda was associated. As far as producion is concerned, I doont think they wil stop producing ZMA since it sells even after being so old-fashioned.
                        Siddhartha
                        ZMA (2004) - SOLD
                        CBR250R(2012)....

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Originally posted by MHG View Post
                          Reply is in this thread: http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/first-im...sar-200ns.html
                          MHG - Please stop tempting me and adding to my woes Wondring if its a good idea to buy a completely new machine.Especially with all the technology its got.



                          Originally posted by Sid85 View Post
                          Spares were an issue for karizma even when Honda was associated. As far as producion is concerned, I doont think they wil stop producing ZMA since it sells even after being so old-fashioned.
                          Fair enough.Wonder why nobody is vouching for the Avenger!
                          Only a biker knows why a dog sticks its head out of a moving car

                          Suzuki Shogun l Yamaha RX100 I KB125 I Honda Unicorn l KTM Duke 200 l
                          1994 1995 1997 2008 2013

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            Originally posted by SAMPATH_K View Post
                            Fair enough.Wonder why nobody is vouching for the Avenger!
                            Thats because there aren't too many Avenger owners here on xBHP.

                            But you can always count on me to vouch for the P220. In fact there are far too many of my kind here... And if you don't like ANY vibes at all.. you might want to select a cruising speed between 108-113. The bike will happily return FE in the high 30s and low 40s if you keep on cruising at this speed.
                            Advice is a form of nostalgia.
                            Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

                            Antz Travelz!! | South India Exploration Ride | Leh Triplog (Work in progress)

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              Originally posted by antz.bin View Post
                              Thats because there aren't too many Avenger owners here on xBHP.

                              But you can always count on me to vouch for the P220. In fact there are far too many of my kind here... And if you don't like ANY vibes at all.. you might want to select a cruising speed between 108-113. The bike will happily return FE in the high 30s and low 40s if you keep on cruising at this speed.
                              Antz.bin - Thanks for your feedback.As a real time user,could u comment on its maintenance part..like have u suffered oil leaks,parts wearing off prematurely.

                              Are the vibrations in zma and 220 that much apart?
                              Only a biker knows why a dog sticks its head out of a moving car

                              Suzuki Shogun l Yamaha RX100 I KB125 I Honda Unicorn l KTM Duke 200 l
                              1994 1995 1997 2008 2013

                              Comment

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