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**antz.bin** · 10-22-2012, 09:13 PM

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**abhi7013** · 10-22-2012, 10:01 PM

Originally posted by anishbora View Post

Hello everyone. I'm a second year engineering student with a height of 5 ft 10". My Dad has given me his Pulsar 150 classic. It is a little over 10 years old now (done 41k kms only). A couple of years back, he started using the car only and since then I have been riding it. Got the cylinder-piston blocks replaced in June, this year. But some problem or the other keeps on arising every week and I'm looking for a new ride.

I live in Kolkata and ride for about 20 kms (from home to college and back), five days a week and do some casual riding in the weekends. Among this 20 kms ride, 12 kms is in the congested city and remaining 8 kms is in less congested roads, where I get a chance to speed up to 100 kmph. :P

My budget is around Rs 90k. I want the bike to last for at least 6 years, without giving me any major problem (engine, gearbox). The mileage should not be less than 38 kmpl. The quality should be good.

I have short-listed the Yamaha FZ-16, Yamaha Fazer, Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTS-i, Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-i. Don't like the Honda CB Unicorn or the Unicorn Dazzler because of the looks mainly.

I have test ridden the Yamaha Fazer, Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler and the Bajaj Pulsar 180.

I found the Fazer to be extremely smooth, stable and comfortable. Gear shift is great. It offers quality, looks, but lacks top-end power. I liked the way the bike pulled without complaining, in 5th gear at very less speeds. Don't know why, but my present bike reaches 100 kmph quicker than the Fazer. I expect the FZ-16 to be almost the same. I have heard issues about engine misfiring in FZ-16-s and Fazer-s. The mileage is also low for a 153cc bike.

The Bajaj Pulsar 180 has very good acceleration, top-end power and torque is good for city. The mileage is decent. It offers everything good and is VFM. But I have heard that Bajaj bikes don't last for long. That's the only thing that is stopping me from buying a Bajaj. Even the Pulsar 220 has issues. Has the quality improved of late?

The engine of the Honda Unicorn Dazzler is super quiet and the clutch is super light. But the feel and security that I got in the Yamaha was not present in the Honda.

I'm really confused. Experts and owners, please give your suggestions. Also tell me about the problems of these bikes.

Thank You.

Any specific reason your not considering hero?? cbz, hunk? Am a 3rd yr engineering student.. My ride has the same kinda roads as yours. Little change.. 30% city and 70% highway.. If you could extend your budget then try ZMR.. Its giving me 45+kmpl and my average speed is generally 70-80kmph.. The best mileage a 223cc can provide.. Only drawback is it won give you the pull you get in other 220cc bikes.. But your not racing daily rite? Positives: Damn reliable as its a hero, mileage, and most important is comfort which is amazing.. Since even my college route is similar to yours i took an interest in explaining this bike's performance..

**Tejas.Gupta** · 10-22-2012, 10:23 PM

I agree with abhi7013 Try getting a ZMR if possible !
or go for Yamaha Fz-16 ..Good looks comfortable and would give decent average.

**chinmayakar** · 10-22-2012, 10:30 PM

Originally posted by anishbora View Post

Hello everyone. I'm a second year engineering student with a height of 5 ft 10". My Dad has given me his Pulsar 150 classic. It is a little over 10 years old now (done 41k kms only). A couple of years back, he started using the car only and since then I have been riding it. Got the cylinder-piston blocks replaced in June, this year. But some problem or the other keeps on arising every week and I'm looking for a new ride.

I live in Kolkata and ride for about 20 kms (from home to college and back), five days a week and do some casual riding in the weekends. Among this 20 kms ride, 12 kms is in the congested city and remaining 8 kms is in less congested roads, where I get a chance to speed up to 100 kmph. :P

My budget is around Rs 90k. I want the bike to last for at least 6 years, without giving me any major problem (engine, gearbox). The mileage should not be less than 38 kmpl. The quality should be good.

I have short-listed the Yamaha FZ-16, Yamaha Fazer, Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTS-i, Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-i. Don't like the Honda CB Unicorn or the Unicorn Dazzler because of the looks mainly.

I have test ridden the Yamaha Fazer, Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler and the Bajaj Pulsar 180.

I found the Fazer to be extremely smooth, stable and comfortable. Gear shift is great. It offers quality, looks, but lacks top-end power. I liked the way the bike pulled without complaining, in 5th gear at very less speeds. Don't know why, but my present bike reaches 100 kmph quicker than the Fazer. I expect the FZ-16 to be almost the same. I have heard issues about engine misfiring in FZ-16-s and Fazer-s. The mileage is also low for a 153cc bike.

The Bajaj Pulsar 180 has very good acceleration, top-end power and torque is good for city. The mileage is decent. It offers everything good and is VFM. But I have heard that Bajaj bikes don't last for long. That's the only thing that is stopping me from buying a Bajaj. Even the Pulsar 220 has issues. Has the quality improved of late?

The engine of the Honda Unicorn Dazzler is super quiet and the clutch is super light. But the feel and security that I got in the Yamaha was not present in the Honda.

I'm really confused. Experts and owners, please give your suggestions. Also tell me about the problems of these bikes.

Thank You.

Hi Anish, the quality of Bajaj Pulsars has improved, however, they still have a long way to go. Having said that I find new P200NS to be quite good. I am riding a Moded 220 (which is now 230cc), and from my experience I feel Pulsars are good, however, there's still lot of room to improve refinement (too early to comment on P200NS)

I would advice you to check Hero CBZ, Hunk, Impulse other than Yamaha FZ/Fazer.

With FZ/Fazer as you rightly said, it is a very fun to ride machine, however mileage is the only drawback.

Hero CBZ/Hunk/Impulse are all very good, and feel very refined in comparison to Pulsar. The trio also offer decent mileage of around 45-50 Km/litre.

**anishbora** · 10-23-2012, 01:27 AM

@abhi7013

Hey bro, thank you for replying.

Actually I don't like the looks of CBZ, Hunk. I would get CB Unicorn instead.
Now, Karizma ZMR is really a good bike, but it's too bulky for congested roads. It's heavy too (around 160 kgs). That's why I didn't keep it in my list. Moreover, I do not travel on highways. The 'less congested' stretch of road that I had mentioned is within the city only but high speed riding is possible because it is comparatively wide. :P

What about the Karizma R? Is it a good bike? Will it last for 6 years? What's its mileage? I've heard that it requires very heavy maintenance. Is it true?

What about the Yamaha-s and Pulsar-s?

What problems have you faced with your bike till now and how old it is? How many kms done?

@Tejas.Gupta

Thanks. The average of the FZ16 is decent?

@chinmayakar

Hi, Thanks.
Actually the Pulsar 200NS is out of my budget and it looks like an alien.

I like the Pulsar 220 a lot, but I'm afraid that it would not last long and the engine would start giving me trouble. Same goes with the Pulsar 180.

As mentioned earlier, I do not like the looks of the CBZ, Hunk, etc., that is why I'm not considering them.

How old is your Pulsar and what's the odo reading? Is it giving any kind of trouble?

**somen1984** · 10-23-2012, 11:28 AM

Originally posted by anishbora View Post

I live in Kolkata and ride for about 20 kms (from home to college and back), five days a week and do some casual riding in the weekends. Among this 20 kms ride, 12 kms is in the congested city and remaining 8 kms is in less congested roads, where I get a chance to speed up to 100 kmph. :P

My budget is around Rs 90k. I want the bike to last for at least 6 years, without giving me any major problem (engine, gearbox). The mileage should not be less than 38 kmpl. The quality should be good.

I have short-listed the Yamaha FZ-16, Yamaha Fazer, Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTS-i, Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-i. Don't like the Honda CB Unicorn or the Unicorn Dazzler because of the looks mainly.

Actually as per your height NS200 is best bet today!! which will be VFM in all areas.
Now FZ, FZ is excellent in handling, braking low-mid range torque, with refined engine with killer looks. FZ is the best "Fun-2-Ride" bike till date in city apart Duke!

FZ is not for race or pickup or top end. It's for ZIc Zaggin in traffic with comfort ride, better handling.

The list above don't have that handling and comfort FZ has in city.

P180/P220 are nice bikes, but they are not that good in city, They are highway rides!! They have power and speed. But not that refined engine which FZ has.

These bikes have their own requirements. So FZ is excellent for city and others are good on highways.

New FZ gives good mileage of 40-45kmpl. So mileage won't be an issue for you. But yes top end would be hit.

If you are not a speed demon then go with FZ you will love it to ride in city, If you need Speed then P200 or NS200.

I won't suggest ZMR or KArizma,
Because Karizma don't have Dual Disc, mileage and broad tyres which it's rivals have.
ZMR is close to 1.10L. It has comfort and mileage.
But Tyre issues which don't inspire you to go at high speed. Any 200+cc bike as per me is for high speed and power. If you don't ride it at 110-120kmph at highways then it's better to buy little less power bike. Which can do 100kmph with confidence.
Recently i had a discussion with one fellow xbhpian, and i took the ZMR to a spin for good 30kms open highway, and found that tyres don't give confidence while riding. INMO even fairing design was not that wind cutter as compare to R15/CBR.
More better reviews are in ownership thread.

My Bet would be RTR180 ABS or NS200 if you can shed more 7-9k over 90k.

Else FZ.
I personally recommend best features in your bucks, Hunk CBZ, RTR 160 are all Dual DIsc bikes, which are future, FZ lacks this. So think wisely.

**anishbora** · 10-23-2012, 01:18 PM

@somen1984

Thanks for the detailed reply.

Riding the FZ / Fazer at 90-100 kmpr would harm the engine? Is it going to reduce the engine life?

The 200NS is very new and that's why I'm not getting enough confidence to increase my budget. The specs look great on paper but still it has a long way to go before it can be called reliable. The Pulsar 180 and 220 have good torque, so why are they not good for the city? My question is that, are these two bikes reliable? Will they last for at least 5-6 years without giving any major trouble? If they are reliable, I will go for any of the Pulsars, else the FZ or Fazer.

I personally don't like the CBZ, Hunk, Apache! Mental issue you see..

I prefer the Dazzler, over the CBZ, Hunk, Impulse.

If you had to buy one around Rs 90k, which one would you buy?

**Praj zm** · 10-23-2012, 01:25 PM

Originally posted by anishbora View Post

@somen1984

Thanks for the detailed reply.

Riding the FZ / Fazer at 90-100 kmpr would harm the engine? Is it going to reduce the engine life?
riding at 90-100 wouldnt harm the engine

If you had to buy one around Rs 90k, which one would you buy?

sorry for interrupting
this is my view,
i would surely go for 220 if you wanted power and the next was fazer if you wanted great feel and reliability amongst the list
reliability in pulsar 220 is good only when you maintain it well
you have to take care of 220 very well then 5-6 or more yrs is not an issue
it is a VFM bike

**anishbora** · 10-23-2012, 01:32 PM

@Praj zm

Hi, it is indeed a VFM bike. Would like to know, what do you mean by maintaining it 'very well'? Like changing the engine oil, cleaning/replacing the air filter, replacing the spark plug, lubricating the chain?

**Neel08** · 10-23-2012, 01:48 PM

To TS,

As you leaning towards Yamaha and in the 1st post you mention you will be using for 20KM daily/5days week in congested road of Kolkata my suggestion, go for either FZ or S version. Don't fall for fixed front bikes unless your heart says so.
As others people suggested here these Yam's FZ /S bikes are very comfortable traffic cutter.

At the end of the day, Top-End doesn't matter.

**Praj zm** · 10-23-2012, 03:09 PM

Originally posted by anishbora View Post

@Praj zm

Hi, it is indeed a VFM bike. Would like to know, what do you mean by maintaining it 'very well'? Like changing the engine oil, cleaning/replacing the air filter, replacing the spark plug, lubricating the chain?

ya some basic care has to be taken
but 220 is not very smooth unlike hondas and yamaha
there will be some vibes
lot of chain noise
apart from that
bike is good

**somen1984** · 10-23-2012, 03:43 PM

Originally posted by anishbora View Post

Riding the FZ / Fazer at 90-100 kmpr would harm the engine? Is it going to reduce the engine life?

No it won't harm the engine even if you run it on 115-120kmph, i have run it on 120 kmph many times, but it takes time to reach that point.

Originally posted by anishbora View Post

The 200NS is very new and that's why I'm not getting enough confidence to increase my budget. The specs look great on paper but still it has a long way to go before it can be called reliable.

any bike's true colors are seen with in 2-3 months of launch and currently NS200 has been old inmarket now. NS200 has all things apart FI.
It does good 140+kmph with an average of 25-35kmpl at 100+kmph not bad. Handling is good braking is good. Very good to handle in city, but i has to be at low gear for that. Don't worry on NS200 now, today we have so many upgrades coming in, that keeping a bike for 3 +yrs would be hard.

Originally posted by anishbora View Post

The Pulsar 180 and 220 have good torque, so why are they not good for the city? My question is that, are these two bikes reliable? Will they last for at least 5-6 years without giving any major trouble? If they are reliable, I will go for any of the Pulsars, else the FZ or Fazer.

If you can trust P180?p220 then surely you can turst way ahead with NS200.
P180/P220 can be used in city as well becuase of it's good low range torques but they are not that Super Kool like Duke or FZ in city.

This would be mainly due to design they have. FZ is very flickable to ride in city with compfort. P180/P220 are bigger bikes which leads to handling issues in city. They are very good on highways. There is nothing that a person can't handle it in city, but it won't be that easily as FZ does.

Originally posted by anishbora View Post

I personally don't like the CBZ, Hunk, Apache! Mental issue you see..

I prefer the Dazzler, over the CBZ, Hunk, Impulse.

Today Dazzler is the best buy for city with all features that reuires in ride, Average, smooth engine and dual Disc.

Originally posted by anishbora View Post

If you had to buy one around Rs 90k, which one would you buy?

i would pick Dazzler or FZ only.

**padfootmoony2006** · 10-23-2012, 03:51 PM

Hi pal,
Just saw your thread....!!!
Brother according to your needs even im of the opinion the yamaha is a much better option than the P220..(no offences to the fastest indian at all...). but brother when ur riding in the busy streets of ur city....a bike that is nimble in handling is a must....p220 is a little heavy when it comes to city riding....as it is a bike make for top end performances and hence for stability it need to be a little tough on the handle bars...!! where as the Fazer or the Fz-16 arnd arnd 137 kg's arnd 15-20 kgs less than the P220. The fazer is a much steadier bike among the both as it has a front fairing that makes it a tourer as cornering is more confident...!! where as Fz-16 is the nible bike...soft but powerfull...Ive managed knee downs on both the Yamaha's but Fazer felt much steadier!! Make a wise decision my brother....!! and another aspect is the maintenance.....I personally have seen the Yamaha's lasting longer than the Bajaj Pulsar series....again its a personal observation that ive made along the years...!!
Now with reference to fuel economy....at present there are verry few powerful bikes that give an economy of above 40kmpl in city rides....Karizma ZMR being one of them (im a proud owner of this machine).....so dont ask much from the machine on the fuel economy front coz todays bikes have tweeked a little more on the Bhp front (Power).....but on usual basis you get economies of around 35-40kmpl for city ride with the yamaha's...!! ( Riding style to be taken into consideration)....!!!

Note: The above suggestion is the outcome of Personal observation....No study or experiments have been made to arrive at any of the above conclusions...!!!:-)

Remember any machine you take......Ride Safe...!!!!

**abhi7013** · 10-23-2012, 09:25 PM

Originally posted by anishbora View Post

@abhi7013

Hey bro, thank you for replying.

Actually I don't like the looks of CBZ, Hunk. I would get CB Unicorn instead.
Now, Karizma ZMR is really a good bike, but it's too bulky for congested roads. It's heavy too (around 160 kgs). That's why I didn't keep it in my list. Moreover, I do not travel on highways. The 'less congested' stretch of road that I had mentioned is within the city only but high speed riding is possible because it is comparatively wide. :P

What about the Karizma R? Is it a good bike? Will it last for 6 years? What's its mileage? I've heard that it requires very heavy maintenance. Is it true?

What about the Yamaha-s and Pulsar-s?

What problems have you faced with your bike till now and how old it is? How many kms done?

Mine completes 2yrs this december.. I've done 20k+ kms.. No serious problems faced apart from a puncture.. No issues. Engine is butter smooth and feels brnd new even now!! Karizma-r is better than zmr in handling but mileage is a big concern.. Apart from that it is highly reliable just like a hero or YAM.. I would suggest a yamaha fz... Else the dazzler... Dazzler would be safer due to dual discs.. Even hunk/cbz are good but you do not like its looks.. I would however direct your attention to apache.. The one with ABS.. Safe ride for the city..

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