Re: Choosing my first ride - CBR vs Duke

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Re: Choosing my first ride - CBR vs Duke

For the bolded part above which is your main need, CBR is a better buy, as Duke ain't as comfortable as CBR. . . Coming to both the bikes, each have their set of pros and cons. . . Also considering your job or your salary and how much you are ready to spend later, all that matters. . . Just buying a 390 will do nothing if your bike's expense is more than your budget (at least from petrol point of view), . . So, choose wisely, . . If you have more cash to spend for fuel, etc., then go with the Duke 390. . . Or else if you need a decent bike with good power to cruise in highways at triple digits (which 390 also can) and without having to take high wind blasts, CBR proves a better motorcycle. . . The pricing for the Duke390 is because it's exclusively made in India with usage of high local parts (local means not cheap but resources available in India which would reduce the cost of the bike), so CBR isn't that locally made, so it's priced properly. . . Also for your daily 50+ km of ride, CBR is comfortable and also for your weekend rides with a pillion, both the seats are comfortable and seating posture is quite relaxed. . . Have a test ride of both and decide. . . My vote considering your needs would be for CBR250R (try to get the Repsol edition if you can, you'll have all the eyes on the road on you ). . .

Cheers!!!

Re: Choosing my first ride - CBR vs Duke

i think cbr because its more practical bike better fe , cheaper maintenance , best in class sports-tourer , comfort
duke 390 because of its insane power to weight ratio
so as you said you are not a speed freak and you want to tour on motorcycle cbr is best suited for you

Re: Choosing my first ride - CBR vs Duke

i think there are already a couple of threads with exactly the same discussion.. you should check those also..

Re: Choosing my first ride - CBR vs Duke

[MENTION=38752]monk[/MENTION]
Thanks for the approval
[MENTION=6695]Rakesh[/MENTION]_Rok/aaron_dagger/nadz11.ns

Thanks for the input guys. Really appreciate it.


What can I say! I like both the CBR and the duke so much. :P
Regarding the Repsol, it looked cool in images, not so much upfront, and I guess one would get over the looks in a few weeks anyways.


Budget is not an issue. Not looking to get anything over the 2.20 mark on road though. Just for practicality's sake and yet keeping room to get a decent ride.
If the motorcycle gives me around 27/28, then its good enough for me.


However, I'll put down my apprehensions on each of my choice so far. Since I'm still learning to ride and this is going to be my first bike, I will be careful, stay well within my limits and gear up.


CBR 250R ABS
1. Considering the riding posture, will be a pain in long rides? Long as in about 50+ KM daily and close to 100KM at a stretch sometimes. And for say a 300KM trip once in a few months.
2. Since I will be learning the skills on this one, I might make a few mistakes and drop the bike. Will the fairing sustain a few drops? How much does it cost to repair any such damage?
3. About 80% of my riding will be in busy city roads (Kolkata) and inner broken road-kinda patch. Will the CBR be a comfortable ride in these situations?


Duke 200
1. No ABS. (I wanted the safety of the ABS since I am a newbie in riding perspective)
2. Will the ride quality be good? As in comfortable daily commute and comfortable for the pillion (at least space enough for two to travel 60KM+ roundtrip).
3. Does the duke bump around in bad roads? The road here is not bad its close to non-existant in some places.
4. Spare parts easily available? Also how is the maintenance cost for a duke?

Additionally for the 390
1. Is the heating issue so much that it will render it unusable in a city traffic where I may have to travel 20KM+ oneway at max 30Kmph?
2. Can I hope to get atleast 25Kmpl+ FE in the 390?




Some additional information that may help you help me better,
Location: Kolkata
Age: 26
Height: 5'9"

Also I don't intend to jump over to the next big bike. I keep my machines with me for as long as I can make them work. So what is a good bike for the long term?
At one point, I wanted the TB350/TB500. However, after learning about the maintenance issues, have decided to opt out since as a learner it will be too much for me.


Phew. Long post. Looking to book this week. Just to get over it and get riding

Re: Choosing my first ride - CBR vs Duke

cbr is the most most reliable and comfortable machine between 1-2 lac , and if by chance you had an accident you can always claim for a insurance and get your machine fixed for free..
, duke is not as comfortable as cbr(the pillion will start crying if you go 60kms on a duke) i think you will not have a problem in finding spare parts for duke after all you are in kolkata and the bike is assembled in india too, i haven't ridden d390 so i don't know but in the ownership thread duke 390 i have read that it heats a lot in stop and go traffic for the fe please check the ownership thread of d390

Re: Choosing my first ride - CBR vs Duke

If you can do without the ABS, consider the TBTS-500 also...

Re: Choosing my first ride - CBR vs Duke

Why aren't you considering the Thunderbird 500? It perfectly fits your needs!

Re: Choosing my first ride - CBR vs Duke

I own a CBR 250R with ABS for last 1 & 1/2 years. I had the same dilemma which you have when I went to book my Honda. But then it was a choice of KTM 200 and the 250 CC Honda where the Honda with it's power and styling won my choice. But had I been in the market today with the choice of KTM 390, I would have shut my eyes and go for that. I am getting all that technology, power and performance at around Rs. 2.20 lacs it's a completely VFM proposition. And I like the KTM design.

The CBR 250R is a great bike. Wonderful for cruising on the highways. Once you master the seating geometry it's a bliss. I had done a "Non Stop" 164 KM ride on NH-2 this machine in rain. And "Non Stop" means I did NOT stop and got down from the saddle of the bike even once. It was insane fun. And I never thought I could do it. At least I am sure I would not be able to do it on any other bike including the KTM.

But my fascination for bigger bore remains. At that point the Honda was the best bang for my bucks which has definitely changed in today's perspective and it's the KTM 390 now. May be next year when the more affordable HD 750 Street gets launched I will try to break my Bank and go for it..

Another problem with the Honda I must share, since it comes with a full fairing I can't take it out for my daily chores as this is sure to pick up nasty scratches or gets damaged in the crowded bike parking lots in the city. I am bit finicky on such things hence usage are restricted only to long rides where I don't have to park at a city parking lot. But no such issues with the KTMs.

Re: Choosing my first ride - CBR vs Duke

You are new to biking! INMO you should not go for CBR250 or Duke 390. As these machines needs good hands as they have power.
Exp would be great!.
Why don't you go for some used Honda or Hero bikes?? You ll get resale value as well.
Later buy these models Duke to CBR.

If you are firm on buying these models then :
Make some facts clear : CBR is faired fair has it's own pro's.
Naked are not that stable post 120+kmph.... Where as CBR inspire confidence over it.

Duke is really a good buy for the price. But again it has some limitations.
Always you ll miss pillion comfort. What's the point buying a Rs 1.5L + bike when you don't ride for some good touring or long distance that too with a companion.

Duke is a good street bike. very prompt aggressive but CBR has pillion comfort as well as riding comfort over Duke.

If you ain't speed freak or Tourer then go for Duke.
If you are serious tourer with high speed then go for CBR.

Duke 390 is altogether a different game but again the pillion and top speed wind blast are the issues.

Money is yours so you decide!!

Re: Choosing my first ride - CBR vs Duke

Doesn't matter if you're first timer or highly experienced ( but still you should have basic gear+clutch use and bike handling experience of at least a 150 cc properly)
Financially overall cbr is the best buy ....
D390 on th other hand will give you moments that will make your heart beat reach 200 pm speeds, but pleasure comes at a cost ,and its not easy to maintain pleasures like d390
D390 is the only sub superbike available in India around 2 lacs ( cbr cannot be termed as even sub sub sbk w.r.t. d390)
So everything comes close to your dream rides ,if it's like faired Angel go cbr, if it's like naked devil go duke(of you can maintain it)
send from my LG nexus 5 using xbhp connect mobile app

Re: Choosing my first ride - CBR vs Duke

Yes, I've been reading the same issues with the Duke. Maybe because its a new engine (compared to the CBR). Also read some guys had engine seizure issues.


ABS and tubeless tires. Its a love hate relation with the RE. But I think at this point I am not ready for it.

Thanks for the input. That "Non Stop" riding comfort will be good to have. Basically, I am not looking to rip the streets but have enough power at my disposal while allowing me to be lazy and just enjoy the ride.

The reason I am still considering the KTM is the VFM thing. I have my heart stuck with the CBR and the brain shouting Duke :P


I am learning on a 150cc bike. My friend's fazer. I really like it a lot. But at the same time I love to travel. And the sudden interest in biking is for long rides where I can do some photography and enjoy the world as well

I am a traveller at heart. Some of my friends are of the opinion that the Duke will be better in bad roads. This is where I am a little confused. Ofcourse none of my friends have a Duke. So I cannot take a ride and decide. Whereas I keep reading that the ride in a Duke is stiff and not so comfy.

Pillion is another important factor. On weekends I'll have my girlfriend with me (maybe in about 6 months time so I can be a little more confident). While I'd definitely want a good VFM bike, I don't want it to be uncomfortable lazily roaming around.


Is maintenance a hassle with the Dukes? As I said, I am learning on the 150. I can ride somewhat. But mostly I'll be getting up in the morning and do rounds of the neighbourhood till I get the hang of it. Then I'll start taking it out. Thats the plan anyways.




Overall, I see everyone recommending the duke for the sheer VFM factor. And at the same time the CBR for riding comfort and pillion comfort.
I'll have to compromise on one anyways. Most probably, at this moment, I am leaning more towards the CBR cause of the comfort factor.


Will share more as and when I am able to decide.

Re: Choosing my first ride - CBR vs Duke

what ever you choose first take a test ride with your "GF" or alone take a good TR. Then you can decide well!

Re: Choosing my first ride - CBR vs Duke

The bold part are not entirely true..
You're kidding on the first part right!
Kindly look upon pros and cons of these machines..