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Upgrade to my GS150R - Major commute in city traffic

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  • Upgrade to my GS150R - Major commute in city traffic

    Hi guys,

    I have read various threads of people, trying to make up my mind on the next upgrade to my existing GS150R. My GS has already done 70K kms and i think it is time to hang its boots (it has started showing signs of ageing , with it automatically shutting off while riding back from my office, and also getting strange sounds like a ball bearing inside my engine)

    Since my daily commute is a sizable amount, i can risk getting stranded in the middle of know where and i really need a change of ride.

    My requirements are as below:

    Bike Category : 150cc+
    My height : 6'0 feet (since i handled GS pretty fine considering it was supposed to be slouch in traffic, found it pretty decent)

    Daily total commute :90 kms

    Acceleration & power: Well i am 23, but still have control over my wrists. I generally cruise at speeds of 60-70kmph easily, since after crossing MG road from gurgoan towards mayur vihar i am able to do that easily. Top speed not a concern, but should be able to ride at 80-100 well enough and with less vibes.

    Reliability : Considering the amount of Kms i do daily very important (small niggles are fine, can't visit SVC every weekend)

    Maintenance cost & spares availability : I had some horrible times with suzuki , when they didn't even stock oil filters for the bike. Hence, spare availability is important along with maintenance cost (no point in buying a bike that cost less initially and puts a deep hole in my pocket after wards)

    Comfort : Since i drive 45kms on a single trip daily, the drive should be comfortable (GS150R aces in this dept.). While i mostly drive alone, pillion comfort is the area i am concerned about (200NS), as my mother accompanies me sometimes. So without the side footing, i am not sure how she will be able to sit on the NS sideways

    Mileage : 35+ KMPL will be great (pocket rocket is always good)

    Budget : 90K-1.20L

    Bikes currently short listed (no test rides yet) - Pulsar 200NS, Karizma ZMR, CBR 150R (bit out of budget)

    Pulsar 200NS

    pros : 1) i think intially i was not a fan of it, but over the times i have seen it i have started liking it.
    2) Advanced Tech, liquid cooling and 6th gear (kind of have gotten used to shifting to the 6th)
    3) Bajaj SVC spread across NCR (i assume parts availability should not be a issue)
    4)Perfectly suits my height
    5) Buget! Budget! Budget

    Cons:
    1) Bajaj Engine , not criticizing that they don't test them, but still i have some question regarding the reliability factor (call it herd mentality) but looking at the Kms i have to do daily (someone can clarify on this will be great)
    2) No FI, and really unless someone in the SVC is skilled they really mess it up sometimes with the AFR screw
    3) Comfort level ( will it be comfortable for 90 kms rides daily)?
    4) Can my Mom really be a pillion?
    5) doubts about mileage, some say gives 35+ and some have had bad experiences (close friends)

    Karizma ZMR

    Pros:

    1) Long lasting Honda engine with FI, that has been going strong
    2) service network
    3) Mileage as reported 40+ on city
    4) Comfort level as reported by other is very good for person driving and pillion

    cons:
    1) Too much bulk- could it be a pain riding in traffic?
    2) 1.1L on road old tech, slightly expensive spares
    3) A Bit outdated and looks out of proportion and what happens with spares (due to Honda breakup) and new engines coming up from Hero stable
    4) New ZMR already launched but somehow, i don't like its headlight (personal opinion) looks like a Alien :P (but can consider it if launched soon after i see it in flesh)

    Sorry for such a long post, but i will try to take test drives next weekend, but really confused. Any other options i have currently? CBR150R i have not listed pros and cons because even though i can buy it i really think it is slightly overpriced for what it offers at 1.34L

  • #2
    Re: Upgrade to my GS150R - Major commute in city traffic

    Query Approved
    Biking is not about what you have between your legs, its all about how well you use it!!!!!!!

    Give your details here if you want to help your fellow xBhpian stranded in your city

    Touring Blog: Cycling in Mongolia!

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    • #3
      Re: Upgrade to my GS150R - Major commute in city traffic

      For your first query regarding 200NS, please refer here, http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/what-bik...e-help-me.html, we have had a good discussion here comparing the 200NS with the CBR250R, . .

      Now coming to ZMR,
      1. Reliable engine. . .
      2. Good for touring as you say you have to travel in highways as well, good wind protection. . .
      3. Comfortable for you 90km ride, also for the pillion as well. . .
      4. Consider the new ZMR too, it looks still better than this, may be if you see it in flesh, you might change your mind, as personally the white zmr looks awesome. . .

      Others,
      1. Looks outdated now. . .
      2. Too big as you said. . .

      Have a look at the new one in flesh and decide further. . .

      Honda CBR150R. . .

      Personally, I would recommend this bike to you if you don't face too heavy traffic daily. . . Reasons are,
      1. Unique and eye catchy looks. . .
      2. Good power to cruise. . .
      3. Without breaking a sweat it can cruise at 100-120 as it's a high revving motor. . .
      4. Again, comfortable for both you and the pillion. . .
      5. Honda's reliable engine. . .
      6. About FE, you can expect close to 50kpl if maintained properly. . .

      Other stuffs,
      1. Like all say, bad quality switch gear , one of the reason for people to hate it. . .
      2. Torque is low but it's not something you can't live without. . .
      3. I guess that's enough, don't know further . . .

      My final answer is this, choose between new ZMR and CBR150R, you won't face problems for long time, 200NS is great in terms of power about the two but still it lacks some points which these to have. . .

      Hope you choose wisely. . .

      Cheers!!!
      Yamaha Rx135 - 2005 - 2007 (stolen :mad:)
      Scooty Pep - 2008 - 2012 (sold)
      Honda Unicorn - 2012 - 2015 (crashed)
      Hero Honda Splendor+ 2015 - present (temporary ride)
      Bajaj Pulsar AS200 - 16th September 2015 - present ride

      10 years into riding :D
      Live2Race. . .

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Upgrade to my GS150R - Major commute in city traffic

        Regarding rear seat of 200 ns,I've done 60km non stop with my mother And she never complained, only complaint was that the seat height is a bot high( while trying to get in or get off the seat) bajaj 's New gem will be good if you do servicing as per schedules,otherwise buy a karizma, it's optimum as per your requirements, good svc, good reliability, good mileage etc etc

        My twin Girlfriends- > 200cc sized 23.5 bump of raw power and 150cc blue edition fairing style v2..!!

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Upgrade to my GS150R - Major commute in city traffic

          Originally posted by Rakesh Rok View Post
          For your first query regarding 200NS, please refer here, http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/what-bik...e-help-me.html, we have had a good discussion here comparing the 200NS with the CBR250R, . .

          Now coming to ZMR,
          1. Reliable engine. . .
          2. Good for touring as you say you have to travel in highways as well, good wind protection. . .
          3. Comfortable for you 90km ride, also for the pillion as well. . .
          4. Consider the new ZMR too, it looks still better than this, may be if you see it in flesh, you might change your mind, as personally the white zmr looks awesome. . .

          Others,
          1. Looks outdated now. . .
          2. Too big as you said. . .

          Have a look at the new one in flesh and decide further. . .

          Honda CBR150R. . .

          Personally, I would recommend this bike to you if you don't face too heavy traffic daily. . . Reasons are,
          1. Unique and eye catchy looks. . .
          2. Good power to cruise. . .
          3. Without breaking a sweat it can cruise at 100-120 as it's a high revving motor. . .
          4. Again, comfortable for both you and the pillion. . .
          5. Honda's reliable engine. . .
          6. About FE, you can expect close to 50kpl if maintained properly. . .

          Other stuffs,
          1. Like all say, bad quality switch gear , one of the reason for people to hate it. . .
          2. Torque is low but it's not something you can't live without. . .
          3. I guess that's enough, don't know further . . .

          My final answer is this, choose between new ZMR and CBR150R, you won't face problems for long time, 200NS is great in terms of power about the two but still it lacks some points which these to have. . .

          Hope you choose wisely. . .

          Cheers!!!
          Rakesh how does 150 r gives 50 kmpl and Honda dream yuga just 55...?

          My twin Girlfriends- > 200cc sized 23.5 bump of raw power and 150cc blue edition fairing style v2..!!

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Upgrade to my GS150R - Major commute in city traffic

            Originally posted by Anuj_Gupta View Post
            Rakesh how does 150 r gives 50 kmpl and Honda dream yuga just 55...?

            My twin Girlfriends- > 200cc sized 23.5 bump of raw power and 150cc blue edition fairing style v2..!!
            That's a proven one mate, not said by me but many have got the mileage close to 50kpl. . . I don't know exactly but what I assume is that as the torque is low and the bike is a high revving motor, if you maintain it in an average rpm, you will definitely get 50kpl of mileage, that's what I think, but don't know the proper reason. . . I think wait a sec you are speaking about dream yuga giving 55 , get your facts cleared mate, they are claiming 70 and you are saying 55, may be the person who is getting 55 has not been running the bike properly or I think you must be referring to Honda Unicorn or Trigger. . .

            Cheers!!!
            Yamaha Rx135 - 2005 - 2007 (stolen :mad:)
            Scooty Pep - 2008 - 2012 (sold)
            Honda Unicorn - 2012 - 2015 (crashed)
            Hero Honda Splendor+ 2015 - present (temporary ride)
            Bajaj Pulsar AS200 - 16th September 2015 - present ride

            10 years into riding :D
            Live2Race. . .

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Upgrade to my GS150R - Major commute in city traffic

              Originally posted by Rakesh Rok View Post
              That's a proven one mate, not said by me but many have got the mileage close to 50kpl. . . I don't know exactly but what I assume is that as the torque is low and the bike is a high revving motor, if you maintain it in an average rpm, you will definitely get 50kpl of mileage, that's what I think, but don't know the proper reason. . . I think wait a sec you are speaking about dream yuga giving 55 , get your facts cleared mate, they are claiming 70 and you are saying 55, may be the person who is getting 55 has not been running the bike properly or I think you must be referring to Honda Unicorn or Trigger. . .

              Cheers!!!
              In India many things are claimed about mileage, are you new to biking/car...? Majority 99.9% doesn't even get the 90% of mileage claimed by companies, and if you're by any gods miracle ,getting 50 from cbr, then you( the person who is getting it,not you) should opt a splendor,not cbr
              And yuga gives Max 60 and mostly 55
              FYI my two FRIENDS get 40 and 38, while the former one drives his cbr like a yo bike.
              My twin Girlfriends- > 200cc sized 23.5 bump of raw power and 150cc blue edition fairing style v2..!!
              Last edited by Anuj_Gupta; 11-05-2013, 08:03 PM.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Upgrade to my GS150R - Major commute in city traffic

                ZMR or CBR[ if you can afford and maintain it] is the way to go dude and as [MENTION=59533]Rakesh Rok[/MENTION] mentioned above that ns is great in terms of power about the two but still it lacks some points which these to have. . .

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Upgrade to my GS150R - Major commute in city traffic

                  Originally posted by Anuj_Gupta View Post
                  In India many things are claimed about mileage, are you new to biking/car...? Majority 99.9% doesn't even get the 90% of mileage claimed by companies, and if you're by any gods miracle ,getting 50 from cbr, then you( the person who is getting it,not you) should opt a splendor,not cbr
                  And yuga gives Max 60 and mostly 55
                  FYI my two FRIENDS get 40 and 38, while the former one drives his cbr like a yo bike.
                  My twin Girlfriends- > 200cc sized 23.5 bump of raw power and 150cc blue edition fairing style v2..!!
                  Ha ha ha you seriously think so that I am a newbie. . ? LoL please bro, I can't stop myself from laughing . . . Forgot so soon what I mentioned in the previous thread, I am a bike freak, I have been riding for some years now and if not all I know something about biking. . . I even mentioned to you that I am sought of a bike reviewer in the other thread. . . Now coming to the FE part, it solely depends on the way one rides it and maintains his bike. . . Let me give my own example, my Unicorn gives me as less as 35kpl and also nearing 55-57kpl, how. .? That depends on how I ride, if I rip or keep shifting above 6-7rpm, my FE will definitely drop but when I go slow, slow in the sense around 40-60, maintaining constant speed, my bike will give me 55kpl, . . Also there are many such stuffs which contribute to a bike's FE. . . BTW after seeing all these, reading many reviews, listening to some riders who have CBR I told you it gives you a FE of close to 50kpl and also made a statement like "conditions apply", without following that you'll get only 35kpl for sure. . . Now coming to Dream Yuga, same way many of my friends who have Splendor, they get only 35 on average, that's the same as I said. . . Why do you think a particular company carries out so many tests before launching their products. . ? Is it just that to see it's power or engine life. . ? No, they do everything and the company mileage claimed by Dream Yuga is 72 which you will get when maintained a constant speed of 40kph on a straight stretch without any bumps or something, that way you might get more than that too. . . So, solely it all depends on the way you ride it. . . BTW I didn't tell you that it's exactly 50kpl, I said close to 50, there's a lot of difference between 50 and close to 50, hope you got it . . .

                  Additional: Many people have even got more FE than what is given by the company, that's because they maintain it that neatly and even I have seen some as well. . .

                  PS: Yamaha say that R15 gives 50kpl, will you believe. . ?
                  Cheers!!!
                  Last edited by Rakesh Rok; 11-05-2013, 08:35 PM.
                  Yamaha Rx135 - 2005 - 2007 (stolen :mad:)
                  Scooty Pep - 2008 - 2012 (sold)
                  Honda Unicorn - 2012 - 2015 (crashed)
                  Hero Honda Splendor+ 2015 - present (temporary ride)
                  Bajaj Pulsar AS200 - 16th September 2015 - present ride

                  10 years into riding :D
                  Live2Race. . .

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Upgrade to my GS150R - Major commute in city traffic

                    ^^ both of you.. Stop it.. Help the TS.. Don't start a war like on the other thread.. Humble request..

                    Ride safe and have fun.
                    Regards
                    Nadeem

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Upgrade to my GS150R - Major commute in city traffic

                      Thanks guys, can anyone elaborate on the other points that you guys are mentioning about NS. When is the New ZMR launching? I will go for a test ride of CBR & NS, will CBR be ok for a 6'0 feet guy? I have never ridden per se liquid cooled engine (which both are) will it be a problem in let's say a bit of stop go traffic (not too much but i hope you get the drift of delhi traffic). I have seen lot of NS in the roads and only thing i noticed was that i saw most of them having some strange sound from rear side(i felt it were the disc brake & chain noise)

                      Now coming to pillion comfort and seating, i showed both bikes to my Mom and she asked one simple question how will i get to the seats, since i showed her the bikes with only the saree guard.

                      p.s offcourse CBR torque definitely quizzes me, my GS produces more than torque than CBR and i have never had problem during traffic with it at all.
                      Should i not look at the torque at all, also NS being a 200cc and CBR being 150, does put some different thoughts on my mind.
                      TD to be done this weekend for sure (no laziness ):P
                      Last edited by adi231189; 11-05-2013, 10:39 PM.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Upgrade to my GS150R - Major commute in city traffic

                        Originally posted by adi231189 View Post
                        will it be a problem in let's say a bit of stop go traffic (not too much but i hope you get the drift of delhi traffic).

                        p.s offcourse CBR torque definitely quizzes me, my GS produces more than torque than CBR and i have never had problem during traffic with it at all.
                        Should i not look at the torque at all, also NS being a 200cc and CBR being 150, does put some different thoughts on my mind.
                        TD to be done this weekend for sure (no laziness ):P
                        yes cbr can be a problem during stop and go traffic(but you will get used to it soon)
                        you should see duke 200 for traffics but the pillion comfort is a problem in duke 200

                        ----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

                        Originally posted by adi231189 View Post
                        will it be a problem in let's say a bit of stop go traffic (not too much but i hope you get the drift of delhi traffic).

                        p.s offcourse CBR torque definitely quizzes me, my GS produces more than torque than CBR and i have never had problem during traffic with it at all.
                        Should i not look at the torque at all, also NS being a 200cc and CBR being 150, does put some different thoughts on my mind.
                        TD to be done this weekend for sure (no laziness ):P
                        yes cbr can be a problem during stop and go traffic(but you will get used to it soon)
                        you should see duke 200 for traffics but the pillion comfort is a problem in duke 200

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Upgrade to my GS150R - Major commute in city traffic

                          Originally posted by adi231189 View Post
                          Thanks guys, can anyone elaborate on the other points that you guys are mentioning about NS. When is the New ZMR launching? I will go for a test ride of CBR & NS, will CBR be ok for a 6'0 feet guy? I have never ridden per se liquid cooled engine (which both are) will it be a problem in let's say a bit of stop go traffic (not too much but i hope you get the drift of delhi traffic). I have seen lot of NS in the roads and only thing i noticed was that i saw most of them having some strange sound from rear side(i felt it were the disc brake & chain noise)

                          Now coming to pillion comfort and seating, i showed both bikes to my Mom and she asked one simple question how will i get to the seats, since i showed her the bikes with only the saree guard.

                          p.s offcourse CBR torque definitely quizzes me, my GS produces more than torque than CBR and i have never had problem during traffic with it at all.
                          Should i not look at the torque at all, also NS being a 200cc and CBR being 150, does put some different thoughts on my mind.
                          TD to be done this weekend for sure (no laziness ):P
                          Let me just answer in point wise for your queries. . .
                          1. What other points do you mean. . ?
                          2. ZMR is said to be launched before this year end. . .
                          3. Good and yes indeed CBR will look good for your height. . .
                          4. For short traffic, it won't be a problem. . .
                          5. What noise you are speaking about. . ? I guess it must be the chain but I have not heard any such noises here. . .
                          6. She can sit comfortably in CBR and ZMR but some say that NS doesn't have a normal footrest (the wider one), so just confirm it from others. . .
                          7. It solely depends on your riding capabilities, indeed initially you might feel that but once you get used to that, you will ignore that torque factor and start riding it like normal. . .
                          8. Other than their CCs and power between the two, there are many places where in the CBR is a better player compared to NS and also the same with NS when compared to CBR150R, . . So, it's you now who should make a wise decision. . .

                          Cheers!!!
                          Yamaha Rx135 - 2005 - 2007 (stolen :mad:)
                          Scooty Pep - 2008 - 2012 (sold)
                          Honda Unicorn - 2012 - 2015 (crashed)
                          Hero Honda Splendor+ 2015 - present (temporary ride)
                          Bajaj Pulsar AS200 - 16th September 2015 - present ride

                          10 years into riding :D
                          Live2Race. . .

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Upgrade to my GS150R - Major commute in city traffic

                            Hi guys, today went to 2 Bajaj Showrooms both showed the bike on road price 99K, but no one was ready to give a test ride, hence i didn't even bother talking anymore. The second showroom guy told me sir please come tomorrow, since today is sunday. I went to Suman bajaj, atleast got him to start the NS engine, he tried about 7 or 8 times, every time the bike switched off as soon as i tried to twist the accelerator a bit.

                            KTM200 was standing besides and i was simply blown away, my father went gaga over it, then had to tell him (i can buy that, but doesn't serve my purpose). The CBR is out of question guys, first thing Honda Sales guys are idiots, they don't know how to handle customers who are willing to spend 1.3L on a bike.


                            Contacted Hero today got a prompt response, they told they can give a test ride as well, but not going today since i have other work. ZMR is in contention back again with 10K extra over NS seems feasible option. Since they have broken up with Honda, what happens with ZMR spares in the future
                            Last edited by adi231189; 11-10-2013, 04:43 PM.

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