Re: New Bike in around 1 lac....

You can consider the R15 for a sporty handling setup, if you like the sporty stance. If you tour a lot and want kind of relaxed engine, you can consider HERO, very good tourer and light on the pocket too. Duke 200 is indeed a premium segment, and it's an excellent all rounder, and though priced above the lot, definitely a good first bike considering the usage.

The 200 NS is very good for tall folks, as it is inherently a little taller to sit, and seen many guys tippy toe which makes it an ideal choice for tall fellas, and it's an excellent budget all rounder when compared to Duke which is a tad costlier.

Above 200 series will provide a max of 40-45 and lesser KMPL and so don't expect any high double digit numbers in from this front. But again, it's all about the presence and the machine one likes.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: New Bike in around 1 lac....

Comparing p220 and zmr, i'd definitely suggest you the ZMR. It's got a more relaxed riding posture, very fuel efficient(40-45kmpl in cities and 45-50kmpl on highways), relaxed engine with high refinement and not to forget, it looks better. Also more reliable. I've been using the bike in cities and highways and once you get used to the bike, you can easily handle the bike in traffic and enjoy this bike in highways. I'd say wait for the newer model as it'll definitely look better in flesh. If you do not like it's looks then immediately book for the older version. Considering it's mileage and price, this is a VFM package.
Coming to honda CBR, posture is a bit aggressive a compared to karizma and definitely the torque will be much lower compared to karizma cause of it being a 150cc.
Duke200 too is a good bike with all the latest tech. If you like it's looks then go for it.
Take a TD of all the bikes and see how you feel it. It's you who rides it at the end of the day. We can just give our opinions.

Re: New Bike in around 1 lac....

Bajaj Avenger, Karizma zmr and of cource R15.. I would suggest Avenger.. I am using it.. satisfied with it.. With your needs, its perfect fit... FE is also gud 35-40. If you want killer looks then R15, and the holigan Duke....

Re: New Bike in around 1 lac....

I'm 6 feet too. And I own a Duke 390. I think Duke 200 should suit you well, but its not made for touring. The reasons are the small rear seat, rider comfort, fuel tank, relatively under-geared setup and the storage capacity, etc. This undergeared setup makes it the best bike (among the alternatives you suggested) for in-city riding. Headlight is actually good, of 55W.
Otherwise, if you're ok with these demerits, you can tour on it too.


R15 is even more sportier (with lower handlebars and rear set footpegs) so you may feel stressed using it for long commutes & tours. Initially, it pains more but later on you get habitual. Depends on you, whether you prefer such riding position for long term or not. I had a test ride and my feedback was that its a proper sports bike. Under-utilising it and riding on slow speeds, would mean that you will neither utilize its torque, nor its superb handling & taut chassis.
R15 is a proper mini sportsbike (with its demerits too). But its actually quite livable and lovable if you have the passion.


Karizma twins are one of the greatest bikes for the Indian touring scene, but unfortunately not so good in the city (in comparison). Their heavy weight, long turning radius & strange gearing makes it slightly harder to work within city.
The first 3 gears are short, and the later 2 and stretched. So that means you might have to shift lot of gears, despite the fact that it has one of the best torque outputs, in the low end of the rpm range.
Plus, its looks are getting very dated now (except ZMR). ZMR has some extra functional bits that add to its value like tubeless tyres, Fi, fairing, a new console, etc.
These 2 bikes are actually quite good and comfortable for tall guys like you and me though. Not to mention, smooth engine too.


P220 gets a bit longer on the gearing (less acceleration, more relaxed cruising & higher top speed) compared to previous versions. Still, you can maintain a comfortable 50 kmph @ 3000 rpm in the top gear, and slightly lower will also do.
With the latest bikes from Bajaj stable, P220 is also feeling outdated but its mid range torque spread and good power are the plus points. It vibrates at some rpms, not a big deal breaker though. Its 55W projector headlamp is one of the best there is.


Honda CBR's being taunted upon for having switchgears of a Honda Stunner 125, and it doesn't even have basics like kill switch, plus its priced on the heavy side, for what it offers. Its not really Value for money.


So those are the outlines of major things that the above bikes are criticised for.
I suggest you take a look at Pulsar 200 NS again. You can get its rear modified, but you won't get such a useful VFM bike anyplace else. And it suits your height & other needs well.
Its lightweight so you'll do well commuting as high as 70 kms/ day. And mileage is probably one of the best in the category.

Other good choices would be Duke 200 & CBR 150R.

Re: New Bike in around 1 lac....

if you can spend 1.5 then i will not recommend p220

old zmr pros :-
best fe ( 40 + )
one of the best tourer
torque
comfort

cons:-
prats availability
large dimension

new zmr : can't comment

cbr 150 pros :-
more powerful than zmr
better fe than d200,close to zmr(38+)
best handling compered to d200,zmr

cbr cons :-
torque (pain in city traffic)
low quality switch gear

d200 pros :-
most powerful in segment
handling is nimble (zips through traffic)
best city bike ( stands out of crowd )

d200 cons :-
lowest fe ( my friends says he gets 20 kmpl he just got a duke 2 months back, but i have read on the ownership thread that mileage is around 30+)
not stable at high speeds
high maintenance


i think if you are not in a hurry then wait for some months and then decide many new bikes will be coming just wait till auto expo
or if you are in hurry then get yourself a d200 if you can live with slightly low fe
otherwise a cbr is a good option too
and as [MENTION=39214]B7ACKTHORN[/MENTION] said you can consider r15 too but the only con with r15 is its not comfortable for long rides...
test drive all machines and then decide

Re: New Bike in around 1 lac....

From the choices u've given, I'd go for the ZMR. I've one & its awesome. For ur height, It'd be perfect. Its VFM too. Considering its mileage (40+) & zero-maintenance + digital console, smooth honda engine.
Or else, I'd have gone for the Honda CBR250r.
Or if u can wait for 3-4 months. Coz a slew of launches are coming ur way. Like the KTM RC200, Yamaha R250, Hero HX250, Ninja 250SL, Pulsar 200ss, etc.
Above views are strictly personal.

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk 2

Re: New Bike in around 1 lac....

Bro I believe while riding the above mentioned any one there are two basic things that we look for comfort and performance of bike, then comes other things like tech, FE, gadgets, looks etc. From your list I can see you are not concerned about FE as the listed bikes need s a lot of sedate riding to fetch you 40-45kmpl so I will try to help you with your list as:

1. Karizma (both old and New): Biggest issue is availability of parts. If you are ok with it then you may go for the ZMR and not ZMA. Even if it is ZMR or ZMA 18" wheels are sometimes tough to source as per riders choice, which is different in case of 17" wheels. otherwise ZMR is a very comfortable bike, handling in city traffic! obviously you can expect it to handle like D200 or R15. It's a very good tourer bike but not that much of city.

2. KTM Duke 200: Very good bike. But forget any pillion rider. very very good city bike and not a tourer until and unless you are considering facts like "M80 can do Ladakh!" The best handler of the list you have given to be used in city and the most powerful also. Generally parts are not that costly but if you end up with a big mess then your pocket may got a hole.

3. Honda CBR 150R: Nice bike. Switch gears are little disappointing but in a bike what matters to you is ride quality , which is actually very good. Mixed of city and tourer.

4. P220F: Nice bike. But Pulsars mostly have a legacy of chain issue. Fairings tend to get loose and make terrible noise, but definitely it depends a lot on rider also. Pulsars demands a little more maintenance. Parts are cheap and easily available. Mixed as in city use and touring.

There are lot more coming this year so you can hold for some time also and see if something better comes as per your taste.