No saar. The RTR is like 76K OTR, D150 is like 61K OTR and ST is like 63K OTR. So there is huge difference.

I agree. It could well be an awesome machine. I need to find a good TVS dealer. I found Hero, Suzuki and TVS very slack and unresponsive. Only Yamaha guys were enthusiastic to make a sale.

I understand. I just don't have the balls to do it. And now that the can of worms has been opened, I don't even know whether I will be riding the bike 2 years down the line. So why spend so much?

No worries. This is why I've opened a thread here. To listen to everyone's liking, stories and experiences. Life is too short to experience everything by oneself. And TR's and TD's are way too short to understand anything. So here's a thumbs-up. Keep sharing, keep rocking!

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@MHG - I agree to some points and disagree to others. The comparison can be looked at from either side.

If one travels a lot, then he/she is definitely wanting more comfort and better FE. If someone is traveling too less, then he/she is not looking at FE or comfort, but only cost. And there are some people who don't care a dime about anything but want style. There are others who care of nothing but FE. It's just what everyone needs.

Comparing RE to Duke is not even fair. One is a speed demon (Duke) where as other is a classy King (RE). What matter how much FE they give or how much they cost? People who buy these bikes don't think of such things. They just buy out of passion.

Now, how much metal is there in RE v/s Pulsar? Good quality parts do cost. And I'm not just talking from visible parts perspective, but from inside too. Just because two bikes cost so much, doesn't mean one is superior to other and vice-verse. Bajaj is a very well known company for cost-cutting. I'd had a couple of close friends who have worked with Bajaj. And which is why I've joined an expert forum to understand things from within.

Re: 100/125/150 CC all welcome

Aah! I'm sorry, I got the numbers wrong! well, looking at your situation, I guess I will have to concur with what MHG says. If you have to calculate and cut costs, just doing something about the initial expense isn't going to take you anywhere. The costs involved after have a big play in the game as far as I have seen. I also felt that a mono shock suspension on a 125cc commuter is a little far out. The tire is not going to support the suspension if you are going to use it for cornering. And if.you aren't going to use it for corners, I see no point in monoshock. Dual shocks do that job very well. Well. The ST looks very VFM, but how much if that are you going to actually use?? You could choose the D150 and settle for a bike that's VFM like none other. 150cc engine, comfortable, good torque for city, good power,et al.

Sent from my WT19i

Don't know how you felt FZ as bulky and uncomfortable in handling. FZ is one of the best handling bike in India today in city or pavement or anywhere.
RTR backs FZ with more better high ends speeds with Dual Disc brakes and same handling.

As per your list I see you are more focused around 100-125cc with Disc gears and power and all around 65K max.

If you are focused on 100-125cc then go for SS125, else SZ is kool for city if you don't prefer FZ.

150cc at the range which you are looking as per your sheet won't have that great features and power of real 150cc. Compare SZr or Achiver to any P150 or RTR and see the specs.

If you really want power/mileage with affordable price then nothing beats P150. Yes it's a bajaj product and well served for an years to almost 60% of 150cc user use this bike.

D125ST I don't think it as VFM from any angle!! P135 is way better then it in handling and supportive power with good mileage. Check that!!

Yup. Hence depending on context you'd choose whichever benchmark YOU want and use it to compare the bikes.

Its NOT an unfair comparison. IF you're after the kind of class RE offers, then in YOUR comparison Duke would fail miserably. If you're the opposite type who is after the speed, handling, accuracy and agility of the Duke, then when you compare the two RE would seem the most stupidest thing to buy. Two people needn't use the same benchmarks, to each his own. If someone bought Duke instead of other bikes, he must've seen something in it nobody else offers and that would've been his benchmark. Ditto for the RE buyer.

OK about this one, I wouldn't want to comment for there are advantages and disadvantages of each.

If there are any members from Mumbai can you let me know of a good TVS and Bajaj showroom? I stay in western suburbs.

Where in western ?? BTW Bajaj site has all SHowroom dealers address phone numbers mentioned in site. That would be more better option then asking us?? Even you can call directly to them.

I'm located in Malad W at the moment. Yes, I got the dealer address from the websites. But this is what my experience was in the Hero showroom: I met a guy who had bought a bike from there. When he saw me, he said do not buy from here as this is a pathetic place. Buy from Mahim showroom. They are the best Hero dealers in this part of the city.

I had similar experience with Yamaha Wakdewadi dealer when I bought the RX 135 from there in 2004. Pathetic sales and even more pathetic servicing. They stole parts, petrol and what not!

And which is why I ask the members here for some local gyaan!

I understand completely, But in real, you can't always keep an eye on mechs in SVC all time. You either believe or not on them!!

All SVCs are same, all mech robs petrol for their own bikes in small to big quantity based on customer image. All mech give a faulty feedback about the parts so you get it change in SVC while servicing to earn bucks. Here is where you get help from XBHP. Here people will advise you all possible ways to check whether you really need a change or not!!

regarding sales trauma, you can be saved with PDI checks.

While you travel to Mahim for servicing from Malad ??

I think you mean will you travel? Yes, will do. Like I said, my running is not so much, never has been. So it will be a servicing based on time rather than kms. So it's not a big ask. Again, on bike, from Malad to Mahim will not be more than 35~45mins ride. Which is negligible if you're in this part of the town I hope you know what I mean...

And yes, you are right about SVC and dealers. But there are some really reputed ones which do not indulge much in such things. Which is what sets the robbers apart from the crooks! I hope you understand...

BTW:
The fight now seems between Bajaj D150 and Yamaha SS125. I've chucked the rest off my list at the moment...

So what do you recommend friends? Just between the two?

Re: 100/125/150 CC all welcome

SS125 for quality. D150 is just vfm. Given a choice I'd go for the ss125.

Sent from my WT19i

I am sorry but I am biased towards Discover 150 because I LOVE IT. I would have bought it in a heartbeat had I needed a city commuter.

Re: 100/125/150 CC all welcome

I am not biased to either bike. I did need a commuter and I bought the twister in a heartbeat. That bike I am biased towards.

Sent from my WT19i

Thanks guys. Have added a poll to the thread. Also wanted to ask one quick question - I think the SS125 and D150 both come with tube tyres, right? But they both have alloy wheels. So can I easily replace the tube tyres with tubless and also go for an upsize?

Re: 100/125/150 CC all welcome

Sure. But you'd either be compromising on mileage or road grip. Choose your tubeless tires carefully. I have voted for the SS125 in the poll, but I have one question... why not the TVS phoenix 125?

Sent from my WT19i

I would like to try that bike out. It's currently not available here in Mumbai. They said will take a month to get it. Also, I'm finding trouble finding a good dealer in Mumbai for TVS. Say I buy a TVS, but what happens to the after sales? Might be a problem.

When I inquired at the TVS dealer, they weren't warm enough towards the model and neither looked interested in making a sale. They called the bike "phoo-nix". :P

I've seen similar things for Suzuki. Honda dealers in this part of town are not friendly. I know many people who have cancelled bookings with Honda and are going with Yamaha or Bajaj. These are two set dealers and provide good sales and after sales support.