just wait man .. many bikes are reported to launch this year ..
check out the speculation thread ..

RTR Fi doesn't have good ride comfort comparatively to R15 and ZMA. It has a compact riding position. And if you already have your mind set on it, then you should go for it as soon as you are monetarily viable, why wait till the end of the year.

I suggested you to wait so as there are a string of launches lined up and you cannot be sure they will be sticker jobs only. But it's up to you. In the end, you should be happy and satisfied with whatever you buy and not regret that you should have waited or gone for another product.

I think TVS has better A.S.S.than Bajaj or Yamaha or even Hero Honda for that matter (I have both F2&R15). I'm not too happy with Bajaj reliability. Hero Honda reliability is rock solid, but somehow they aren't able to pull customers like they used to earlier. A.S.S. also has suffered-my friend who has a CBZX has been waiting for a spare part since more than a year now!.
Anyhow coming back to the point, No idea really about Susheel TVS. I've been getting my F2 serviced since almost 5 years at Vishal TVS, Balkampet. IMO any authorized S.S. should be fine. Striking up a rapport with one of the mechs also helps as he knows your vehicle better, over a period as he continues to service it everytime.
Going by your requirements, I would say you can safely finalize on the RTR160 eFi. April will give you a 2009 manufactured model too. I would personally rate RTR 160 Fi as the best buy in the class due to the following:
1. Fit&finish (check out the powder coating on the engine block, chain cover, continued all the way upto the saree guard. Also check&compare plastic quality to other bikes in same segment).
2. Low spares cost
3. Best A.S.S.
4. Features for price paid-new age&sporty
5. Handling&stability both at low&high speeds
6. Most importantly-mileage
Though other bikes maybe launched this year, I doubt whether they would be launched in 150-160 segment&if they would be as VFM as Apache 160. Still, wait till April in anycase&keep yourself up to date on the latest launches. All the best!

are you sure about the low spare cost ?

1 foot peg costs 160 rs where as pulsar footpeg cost 50
1 foot rest cost 325 ....

I was talking about spares like clutch plates, brake pads, etc.
Btw, R15 footrest costs Rs.65

brake pads cost 320 ..

This thread is still very much alive.................good......

What about CBZX&P150 brake pads cost?

discussion is going out of the thread topic...
.....this thread should be closed till oct 2009!!!!

@Arn: Discussion is very much inside, as he needs to consider spare prices also before purchasing.
His decision for purchase has come down to April, from end of the year. Now that wouldn't have been possible unless we talked him into it/locked the thread, would it?

you'll have many more bikes to choose from at that time........
relax......

No first hand info but heard some negative complaints about Susheel TVS. Also, some mechanics told me not to go for Susheel TVS! I drive all the way down to BHEL from KPHB for service! I used to stay in Madinaguda earlier and got used to Sri Sai TVS there... they did not disappoint me so far.

Sorry for being inactive. Certain unfortunate incidents during the course of the week + not having a net connection in my flat kept me away from XBHP.

Many many thanks to R15 rocks & Pranay.

R15, your words about A.S.S is very reassuring. I think its more or less an RTR Fi for me.

I dont know why people get so much fun because I decided to put up this thread well in advance. I have already listed the reasons for doing so. Besides, this will serve as a good platform to compare these bikes. I am sure there will be atleast one soul other than me who is making this comparo in his mind.

I have eliminated Karizma out of the equation as I continue to read/hear about its terrible mileage.

Spare part costs are not a problem for me. I am more concerned about the costs of regular maintainence. Oil change/air filter change, spark plug cleaning/etc.

If owners of these bikes can pitch in with their feedback it would be very nice.

Thanks once again for your responses and sincerely apologize for wasting your time.

Welcome, check the Apache RTR/Fi Ownership thread for more related info. You can also contact Satish (Online_Satish) for firsthand info!

My ZMA is regularly giving 41kmpl in city and 46/47 km in highway (I use Speed petrol). Do not expect a 223cc bike to give more milage