I have scoured the internet for quite some time for advise on bikes to buy. After considering all the pros and cons and my requirements, I have decided to go for the Karizma - R. The reasons for my selection are:
a) I am looking for something reliable that will be with me for a long time. My current bike, a Suzuki Samurai, has been with me for 13 years now. Although, briefly I had an RD 350, but, I gave it off because I was sure I will not be able to give it the care it required.
b) I have always liked the looks of Karizma. To me it looks quite understated and elegant, not very in-your-face. So, this bike did have a lead on the other bikes.
c) I will not be using the bike very often. Mainly during the weekends and sometimes to office. So, I did not have FE as a major factor that will alter my decision. FE is one place where Karizma was lower than the current crop of bikes.
d) The quality, I have read, of Karizma (engine refinement and build quality) is similar if not better than newer bikes in the same class (e.g Pulsar, RTR, etc).
e) I wanted a comfortable bike. A test drive helped me confirm that Karizma is indeed a comfortable bike.
f) I may go for long rides, once in a while and Karizma seems to be one of the most comfortable bikes to have for long rides.
g) Lastly, the bike fits in the budget that I had. And it is tried and tested.



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