Since '02 xBhp is different things to different people. From a close knit national community of bikers to India's only motorcycling lifestyle magazine and a place to make like-minded biker friends. Join us

Axor
Magazine
Castrol Power 1

Practice slow-speed riding.

Our Partner

Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Buying/Renting to tour South India for a month

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
  • #1

    Buying/Renting to tour South India for a month

    My girlfriend and I are preparing for a one month tour around South India, starting as soon as we get a bike. We are currently in Chennai. We are planning to rent for a month if it's cost-effective, or buy and then sell it in a month.


    We were initially NOT interested in a Bullet, due to its reputation for needing more service than "regular" bikes. So we rented an Apache RTR for a few days and also tried out a few similar bikes (Pulsar 180, etc.), and found their pillion comfort was pretty terrible. We're not planning to ride THAT much everyday (probably not more than 300k), but I want my gf to enjoy the trip. So then we test drove a Bullet, and obviously it was like night and day. After talking to some RE owners I feel like the likelihood of service will be tolerable, and so that's the way we're currently leaning.


    On the other hand, I have read in similar touring/pillion-comfort threads that ZMRs and CBR250s have a good reputation, but I can't find rentals for those anywhere, and buying and selling one is a big risk given their relatively high sticker prices (e.g. I don't want to be waiting around for a buyer forever). I was trying to find some that were only a year or two old with low mileage.


    The more practical option seems like renting or buying a used Bullet. However I am also having trouble finding those.


    So first I'm looking for a confirmation that I'm thinking about this the right way, in terms of those bikes being the only options given my needs. I have seen the Avenger mentioned, but everyone keeps calling it a cruiser, and I don't know if I'd like riding in the cruiser position. How different is the sit between an Avenger and a Bullet?


    Second, partially OT, is how hard it should be to find a rental place in Chennai or a buyer who'd be willing to sell his bike and keep his name on the paperwork (I'm not a resident)? Does anyone have suggestions or references?

    To sum up:
    1. Bullet 350 or Electra
    2. ZMR
    3. CBR
    4. Avenger



    I'm all ears. Thanks guys. I love this forum.


    Matt
    2
    Bullet 350
    0.00%
    0
    Electra
    0.00%
    0
    ZMR
    50.00%
    1
    CBR
    50.00%
    1
    Avenger
    0.00%
    0

    The poll is expired.

    Tags: None
  • #2
    Thread Approved
    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

    • #3
      Originally posted by spelunkus View Post
      To sum up:
      1. Bullet 350 or Electra
      2. ZMR
      3. CBR
      4. Avenger



      I'm all ears. Thanks guys. I love this forum.
      First of all buying it for one month and selling it back would be tedious work!!

      When you heard comfort about RE then why din't you hear about TBTS, one month tour would be a good choice with TBTS only!!! Where there is more comfort and riding!!

      Cruiser is nothing but a riding position with relaxed legs positions and up right body posture, same like car!!

      Avenger would have been good but in potholes roads you need to be very cautious on riding!! It also has good stability!!

      Conculsion: If you are not willing to buy a bike and keep it with you, then it's better to RENT it!!

      Seriously stay away from buying any bike, because it will break a big amount while selling it!

      One month tour would be best with Avenger/ TBTS/ Electra (Stay away from CL, pillion comfort is worst)/ ZMR or Karizma are same in comfort/ P220.

      Comment

      • #4
        @somen1984: So what is the difference in comfort between an Electra and a TBTS besides the pillion seat back? It looks mostly the same to me.

        Unfortunately the rentals I found are all ridiculously expensive (I was quoted Rs 22k, Rs 27k, and Rs 50k just for a month!), and the quality of the rentals seems to vary wildly. And that's only for a month. If I want to go longer then my budget becomes a factor. Whereas if I buy and sell it on my own I will probably lose 10-15k, max 20k, especially since I'm only putting 3k km on it.

        Do I have to sell it in the same city I buy it, or just the same state? What happens if you want to sell across state lines (especially if the bike is not in my name).

        Also, I don't understand your last sentence. Do you mean the Avenger/TBTS/Electra are the same (good), and separately the ZMR/ZMA/P220 are the same (not as good)? And is the CL the Classic?

        Another question. I know people usually recommend UCE engines but I've been told cast iron is better for what I'm doing because the mechanics I'll likely find along the way won't know how to fix UCE engines (a mechanic for an xbhp-er told me this). Thoughts?

        Thanks so much!

        Matt

        Comment

        • #5
          [QUOTE=spelunkus;877580]
          Originally posted by spelunkus View Post
          @somen1984: So what is the difference in comfort between an Electra and a TBTS besides the pillion seat back? It looks mostly the same to me.
          There is a huge difference in TBTS and Electra in all aspects, TBTS riding is more relaxed due to it's seat and upper handles bend towards rider. Very ideal for long tours with or without pillion.
          Electra is also comfortable but not that much as TBTS. Electra lacks TBTS features also. Electra is more easy to handle in city then TBTS, this would be negligible difference, but it is.
          Originally posted by spelunkus View Post

          Unfortunately the rentals I found are all ridiculously expensive (I was quoted Rs 22k, Rs 27k, and Rs 50k just for a month!), and the quality of the rentals seems to vary wildly. And that's only for a month. If I want to go longer then my budget becomes a factor. Whereas if I buy and sell it on my own I will probably lose 10-15k, max 20k, especially since I'm only putting 3k km on it.
          If it's new then you will hit more loss, as no one would buy a second hand bike just for 20k difference, there will be a difference of rounding upto 1L in all or less too. Becuase if there is a difference of 20k then any one would go for a new hand then second. Additionally you should get a cash buyer when you want it to sell.
          Originally posted by spelunkus View Post
          Do I have to sell it in the same city I buy it, or just the same state? What happens if you want to sell across state lines (especially if the bike is not in my name).
          Yes because selling it in other state would drag more complexity
          Originally posted by spelunkus View Post
          Also, I don't understand your last sentence. Do you mean the Avenger/TBTS/Electra are the same (good), and separately the ZMR/ZMA/P220 are the same (not as good)?
          If touring is to be considered then Yes TBTS tops the chart, followed with Avenger , Electra.

          ZMR/ZMA/P220 are also touring machines but not as comfortable as RE or Avenger, These are more like speed.
          Originally posted by spelunkus View Post
          And is the CL the Classic?
          Yes
          Originally posted by spelunkus View Post
          Another question. I know people usually recommend UCE engines but I've been told cast iron is better for what I'm doing because the mechanics I'll likely find along the way won't know how to fix UCE engines (a mechanic for an xbhp-er told me this). Thoughts?

          Thanks so much!

          Matt
          Absolutely insane !!! Infact UCE engines are less prone to issues as compare to older CI. UCE is in market for more than 3 yrs now. Any Bullet mechanic can fix UCE more better than CI. UCE are more relaible as compare to CI. UCE are more better in tour then CI as they don't cause much issues.

          Mostly i would suggest, if you buying second hand then don't go for RE at all. Go with Bajaj or Hero only.
          If new then RE is best. But why to sell it?? buy it from where you work, transport it to south where you are planning to go, later tranport it back. And use it for office.

          Comment

          • #6
            Originally posted by somen1984 View Post
            But why to sell it?? buy it from where you work, transport it to south where you are planning to go, later tranport it back. And use it for office.
            Because Matt is not an Indian citizen; he's here just for vacation I suppose
            Skill is what keeps you on a Motorcycle
            Awareness + Skill is what keeps you out of harm's way
            ATGATT + Awareness + Skill means you might Live To Ride another day

            Comment

            • #7
              Originally posted by aargee View Post
              Because Matt is not an Indian citizen; he's here just for vacation I suppose

              Nope he himself is from south aka Chennai, tamilnadu ... lol

              Comment

              • #8
                Originally posted by somen1984 View Post
                Nope he himself is from south aka Chennai, tamilnadu ... lol
                Pls see this - http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/who-you/...d-chennai.html
                Skill is what keeps you on a Motorcycle
                Awareness + Skill is what keeps you out of harm's way
                ATGATT + Awareness + Skill means you might Live To Ride another day

                Comment

                • #9
                  Originally posted by aargee View Post
                  Pls see this - http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/who-you/...d-chennai.html

                  This is Killer!! But buying and selling it would be costly for him, and if he is not indian then how will he buy it here?? he is only here by last 2-3 months.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    better to take it from rentals, rent a bike and save yourself from the hassles of buying and selling in a short duration.

                    if you buy a brand new bike, it will have some waiting period, and while selling you may not get a buyer soon enough, then what will you do..??

                    if you buy a second hand bike and it turns out to be a bad bike, then..?? and the hassles of paper work..??

                    better to pay 5000-10000 rupees more and be at peace of mind, unless you are too tight on cash, which i assume you are not.

                    and while purchasing or renting a bike, take some indian friend along with you who can talk in local language. may help you in getting a better deal.
                    sigpic

                    Tyre Sizes _ Spark Plugs

                    Headlight Focus _ Fork Oils

                    All India xBhp Couple Riders Thread

                    Ashtavinayak + Shirdi
                    Purandar
                    Raigad
                    Dapoli
                    Aurangabad
                    Kaas Plateu & Thoseghar Waterfalls
                    Purandar

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      RE thunderbird all the way... !

                      Comment

                      Previous template Next
                      Working...
                      X
                      © xBhp.com 2026. All rights reserved.
                      Designed by xBhp