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8-10 lacs budget...big bike conundrum!

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  • 8-10 lacs budget...big bike conundrum!

    Call it mid-life crisis!

    I've been motorcycles since 2003 ever since 'Gandhiji' started to may way into my pockets. Mainly have been a 'Bullet' guy, having owned 3 of them in the past (Electra 350, Lightning 500 and the Classic 500). I think I've outgrown the 'Bullet' fanaticism to a large extent (no disrespect to current Bullet owners intended). Make no mistake, I think they are great motorcycles inspite of all the quirks that come along with them. But I'm beyond them now!

    With time, the financial situation has also improved and hence, I can now afford to own a more expensive proposition. Moreover, the Indian motorcycle has seen a sea-change from the dreary days of the early 2000s. They are more and more options at our disposal. More power to the customer!

    So, I'm in the market for a motorcycle with a budget of 8-10 lacs. I'm 5'10", well-built chap, weigh around 85 kilos.

    Thinking out loud, here are my requirements:

    1. Will be mainly a lifestyle vehicle. My daily drive is going to be a four-wheeler (Fiesta 1.6 S). Although, I would not rule out the occasional city jaunt to work either!
    2. Ideally I'd like to go for a 'new' one but I would not rule out a pre-worshipped one either
    3. Good touring capabilities (I devour miles once I hit the road)
    4. Reasonably good availability of spares in Mumbai/Pune (CBUs may have trouble with this aspect, I reckon!)
    5. Respectable fuel efficiency
    6. Don't have to sell my house to repair for a fall (God forbid! )
    7. Reliable A.S.S
    8. Does not have to be a go-anywhere motorcycle.

    I know that there are now a plethora of options to choose from or so it seems! It is a big purchase, so I want to make sure I'm ticking all the boxes. I have time on my hand so I'd love to hear from fellow xbhpians.

    Appreciate your thoughts, folks.
    -----------------------------------
    Real freedom lies in wildness, not in civilization

  • #2
    Re: 8-10 lacs budget...big bike conundrum!

    Query Approved

    Since you were a Bullet kind of guy, maybe the old world charm of the Bonneville would float your boat. If not there is the N650 in your budget.
    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

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    • #3
      Re: 8-10 lacs budget...big bike conundrum!

      Do you fantasize Harley since you were a bullet guy?

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: 8-10 lacs budget...big bike conundrum!

        Originally posted by nelson_sanjoy View Post
        Do you fantasize Harley since you were a bullet guy?
        Only if it meets my requirements. Its an iconic machine and I am not averse to a HOG ownership.

        Originally posted by The Monk View Post
        Since you were a Bullet kind of guy, maybe the old world charm of the Bonneville would float your boat. If not there is the N650 in your budget.
        Bonneville looks overpriced for what its offering. Nonetheless, I'll keep it in my long-list.
        -----------------------------------
        Real freedom lies in wildness, not in civilization

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        • #5
          Re: 8-10 lacs budget...big bike conundrum!

          Originally posted by wanderlustindia View Post
          Only if it meets my requirements. Its an iconic machine and I am not averse to a HOG ownership.
          In that case, if I were you I would have headed straight for an FZ1 or Bandit 1250 in order of preference. It satisfies all your needs and more .

          Fz1 with a detuned 150 bhp R1 engine is the best VFM today among >1000 ccs and I like Bandit for its low-end torque and inconspicuous looks.
          And both of them are very reliable provided you take some basic care.

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          • #6
            Re: 8-10 lacs budget...big bike conundrum!

            I seem to be sailing the same boat buddy, shortlisted my options down to Z800. Worth a consider but some claim it to be a bit under-powered compared to a litre class bike in that range, keeps me confused.

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            • #7
              Re: 8-10 lacs budget...big bike conundrum!

              Originally posted by wanderlustindia View Post
              Bonneville looks overpriced for what its offering. Nonetheless, I'll keep it in my long-list.
              Not really, the price is very close to its UK price, in fact Bonneville is the only bike which was priced similar to what they quoted two years back
              It is a fantastic machine no doubt. Then there is also the Street Triple which falls near 9L which again is just brilliant.

              Like Nelson said, I too would say Suzuki Bandit might tick all your boxes but the new one is 12L+ IIRC.

              You said you have time on your hand, but how much? Enough to wait for Honda CBR650F which will be launched next year?
              Ride hard.. Ride safe.. Always!

              S1000RR ownership experience

              You can also follow me on YouTube here

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              • #8
                Re: 8-10 lacs budget...big bike conundrum!

                I am keeping my suggestion list limited to only one Japanese manufacturer.

                1) May be you can look at Kawasaki Z800?? Is within your mentioned budget and will offer you everything. Or else the Ninja 1000?? Both are powerful yet have a form and functionality to be a proper tourer.

                Ninja 1000 & Z800

                2014 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 vs Kawasaki Z1000 vs Kawasaki Z800 - YouTube


                2) As a cheaper alternative you can also look at the Kawasaki Ninja 650. offers the thrill of speed and mile munching is just a morning walk for this bike. The ownership thread speaks volumes for the same.

                2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 in India road test - YouTube


                However the choice is yours.

                Cheers,
                Last edited by shv18; 04-23-2014, 08:14 PM.
                A quote by a toilet, " use me well, keep me clean, i would never tell anybody whatever i have seen.." :P

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                • #9
                  Re: 8-10 lacs budget...big bike conundrum!

                  My suggestions:

                  1.N650 - great tourer,good for occasional city sprints, reliable A.S.S, high on quality.

                  2. Kawasaki Z800 - great looks, good straight line performance but it's a naked bike so not for hardcore touring. Also a bit on the heavier side.

                  3. Triumph street triple - comes out tops in the middleweight category in most comparos. A highly capable street bike offering loads of fun and character. Again a naked bike though. Also triumph is still establishing itself, but service seems to be pretty good as of now.

                  4. Harley sportster,iron 883 - I think this category would suit you well, they can tour and make u look good in the city too. Take a test ride to finalize the particular Harley. The HD made for you will speak to you when you take a test ride

                  5. FZ1 - one crazy ass bike you can buy under 10L. Good service and aftermarket parts available too.

                  I personally think the sport tourer /power cruiser category will appeal to you more. The naked class is the most fun and can be made to tour with a few add-ons. Check these two categories more.
                  The way you ride is the way you are..

                  My Harley baraat!! |
                  Ooty through a bike's perspective | KTM Duke 200 : A 20000 km experience

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                  • #10
                    Re: 8-10 lacs budget...big bike conundrum!

                    Thanks for your inputs, fellas!

                    My long-list (in no particular order) after some thought and suggestions from fellow xbhpians:

                    1. Yamaha FZ1 (not absolutely certain if a new one is available below 10L; I've seen used examples for much less, though)
                    2. Suzuki Bandit (new is beyond budget; so look for in the used bike market; haven't seen many examples so might be difficult to find one)
                    3. Triumph Street Triple (around 9L; naked styling, rave reviews)
                    4. Kawasaki Z800 (big bike feel, weighty, aggressive naked styling, superbly priced, should come under 9L OTR)
                    5. Harley Davidson Iron 883/Superlow 883 (will need a lot of customization to make it touring-worthy; not usable in stock form for touring)
                    6. Triumph Bonneville (deceptively quick for its staid looks; a worthy upgrade coming from a Bullet 500)
                    7. Kawasaki Ninja 650 (superb touring machine; decent for the occassional city jaunts too)
                    8. Harley Davidson Street bob (new is beyond budget; look for in the used bike market; less likelihood of finding one!)

                    Any other suggestions are most welcome!
                    -----------------------------------
                    Real freedom lies in wildness, not in civilization

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: 8-10 lacs budget...big bike conundrum!

                      Originally posted by wanderlustindia View Post
                      Thanks for your inputs, fellas!

                      My long-list (in no particular order) after some thought and suggestions from fellow xbhpians:

                      1. Yamaha FZ1 (not absolutely certain if a new one is available below 10L; I've seen used examples for much less, though)
                      2. Suzuki Bandit (new is beyond budget; so look for in the used bike market; haven't seen many examples so might be difficult to find one)
                      3. Triumph Street Triple (around 9L; naked styling, rave reviews)
                      4. Kawasaki Z800 (big bike feel, weighty, aggressive naked styling, superbly priced, should come under 9L OTR)
                      5. Harley Davidson Iron 883/Superlow 883 (will need a lot of customization to make it touring-worthy; not usable in stock form for touring)
                      6. Triumph Bonneville (deceptively quick for its staid looks; a worthy upgrade coming from a Bullet 500)
                      7. Kawasaki Ninja 650 (superb touring machine; decent for the occassional city jaunts too)
                      8. Harley Davidson Street bob (new is beyond budget; look for in the used bike market; less likelihood of finding one!)

                      Any other suggestions are most welcome!

                      A few clarifications on your above points :
                      1. The FZ1 is 10L OTR Pune. Just checked the price quote with the dealership.
                      2. the Z800 is ~8.5L OTR Pune (also checked with the dealership

                      If you are looking in the used market as well, then check out the Hayabusas too. A few of them sell under 10L (I am talking about clean ones)
                      The way you ride is the way you are..

                      My Harley baraat!! |
                      Ooty through a bike's perspective | KTM Duke 200 : A 20000 km experience

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: 8-10 lacs budget...big bike conundrum!

                        Originally posted by wanderlustindia View Post
                        Thanks for your inputs, fellas!

                        My long-list (in no particular order) after some thought and suggestions from fellow xbhpians:

                        1. Yamaha FZ1 (not absolutely certain if a new one is available below 10L; I've seen used examples for much less, though)
                        2. Suzuki Bandit (new is beyond budget; so look for in the used bike market; haven't seen many examples so might be difficult to find one)
                        3. Triumph Street Triple (around 9L; naked styling, rave reviews)
                        4. Kawasaki Z800 (big bike feel, weighty, aggressive naked styling, superbly priced, should come under 9L OTR)
                        5. Harley Davidson Iron 883/Superlow 883 (will need a lot of customization to make it touring-worthy; not usable in stock form for touring)
                        6. Triumph Bonneville (deceptively quick for its staid looks; a worthy upgrade coming from a Bullet 500)
                        7. Kawasaki Ninja 650 (superb touring machine; decent for the occassional city jaunts too)
                        8. Harley Davidson Street bob (new is beyond budget; look for in the used bike market; less likelihood of finding one!)

                        Any other suggestions are most welcome!
                        [MENTION=22638]wanderlustindia[/MENTION] : May I humbly know how you came to the above list? Based on Budget?

                        Then let me tell you some of these are poles apart when you actually ride them and I am speaking of "FEEL" here - only thing common being 2 wheels.
                        Test riding in the best solution.

                        Also please put another thing into equation the 'SVC' ,parts cost and availability (ask Ducati owners here )

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: 8-10 lacs budget...big bike conundrum!

                          Originally posted by Deathmate.Zed View Post
                          A few clarifications on your above points :
                          1. The FZ1 is 10L OTR Pune. Just checked the price quote with the dealership.
                          2. the Z800 is ~8.5L OTR Pune (also checked with the dealership
                          Thanks mate. Much appreciated.

                          Originally posted by nelson_sanjoy View Post
                          @wanderlustindia : May I humbly know how you came to the above list? Based on Budget?

                          Then let me tell you some of these are poles apart when you actually ride them and I am speaking of "FEEL" here - only thing common being 2 wheels.
                          Test riding in the best solution.

                          Also please put another thing into equation the 'SVC' ,parts cost and availability (ask Ducati owners here )
                          Yes Nelson, purely the budget factor. I realize that the list is not ideal and as I mentioned its just a long-list, I'll know more in due course and some of these will be stricken off. I'll do test-rides and then decide. To be honest, the short-list will look something like

                          1. Yamaha FZ1
                          2. Kawasaki Z800
                          3. Triumph Bonneville
                          4. Kawasaki Ninja 650R

                          Again all different bikes with different characteristics. Like you said, only test-rides will give some clarity.

                          SVC is an important factor and is one of my criterion. Don't have to break the bank, should something go wrong! Primarily why Ducati never made it to the list! That said, I'm not entirely sure about SVC apart from the Kwackers so feedback from fellow xbhpians is what I am looking forward to.
                          -----------------------------------
                          Real freedom lies in wildness, not in civilization

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: 8-10 lacs budget...big bike conundrum!

                            Originally posted by wanderlustindia View Post
                            SVC is an important factor and is one of my criterion. Don't have to break the bank, should something go wrong! Primarily why Ducati never made it to the list! That said, I'm not entirely sure about SVC apart from the Kwackers so feedback from fellow xbhpians is what I am looking forward to.
                            The FZ1 has pretty reasonable service. Check out the ownership thread :




                            The triumph service is a bit expensive IMO. Check out the street triple ownership thread. No Bonnies here yet i guess :
                            The way you ride is the way you are..

                            My Harley baraat!! |
                            Ooty through a bike's perspective | KTM Duke 200 : A 20000 km experience

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: 8-10 lacs budget...big bike conundrum!

                              I went thro all the choices above ( didn't look at Harley ) I'm perhaps 10 yrs or more older to you but very fit . Same height weight - I bought the kawasaki z 800 on 30 November . We had rains for a week in between , I've finished 1000 km . If u want to do a litlle bit of touring , you can get handle bar risers and air cushion seats . Fz 1 sucks on the heat it produces for in town riding ( but more power )..triumph bug head lights and the whistling engine sound is not where I want to put my money .

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