Re: Need Opinion

Query Approved

Re: Need Opinion

Well sir, it all depends what does your friend wants in a bike??
How is his usual riding style (He takes it easy or rips the bike)?
What will be the intended use of the bike (City commute, highway rides or tours)?

I, being an owner of Yamaha R15 V2.0, can tell you the pros and cons of the bike.
PROS:

* Very reliable, butter smooth, vibration free, robust and rev happy engine.
* Yamaha build quality is superb. Very few companies can match the Yamaha standard of fit and finish.
* Looks are subjective and may differ from person to person, but most of us agree that it is one of the most handsome bikes sold in India.
* Handling : It uses the Delta box chassis, which is taken straight from moto Gp bikes, So it handles like a dream. I have been riding for 9 years and nothing comes close to R15 in terms of handling.
* Reliability: Yamaha bikes are reliable, it wont leave you stranded in the middle of a journey, provided it is maintained properly.
* Service centers and after sales service is good, guys at service centers listen to the problem and solve it.

CONS:
* Aggressive and sporty seating position. If you are not fit, the riding position will give you a back pain. SO if your friend have a history of back pain or is not fit, dont go for it. (I know people who have done 5000 km leh trip on R15 and didn't complain about back pain. I also know people who complain about it even in the short 5-7 km ride.) So it depends on how fit the person is.
* the pillion seat is bloody useless (unless the pillion is your girlfriend who weighs under 50 kg). Climbing on and off it is like climbing a mountain, but once you're on it, the breeze feels good.

Moving on to Duke 200.

PROS:

* The bike has crazy acceleration, best in the class.
* very good rev happy engine. The bike begs the rider to twist the throttle.
* The bike is light and nimble, easy to flick in city traffic.
* straight riding posture, good for comfortable touring.

CONS:
* The spare parts are not easily available.
* Pillion Seat is again useless. It is so small that if you have a small backpack, it will cover up the pillion seat.
* May face various niggles and issues.

I would advice you to take test rides of both the bike to see which one suits you best. A 5 minute test ride will tell you more about a bike than 1 month of reading online. The sound of the engine, the handling of the bike in real traffic, the bite of the brakes, the pillion comfort etc etc. Then decide whats best.
Choose wisely.

Re: Need Opinion

Thank you for reply @Ankey Bhai..
My friend's style of riding is not aggrasive, not taking any extra risk. We have taken test rides of both bikes some 4 months ago, well that was confusing :P. Actually He likes both like anything.. killer Look of R15 and Duke 200's standing out in the crowd and the acceleration..
Your post was much helpfull with those pros and cons.. thank you again...

Re: Need Opinion

Happy to help bhai...
Feel free to ask any more queries regarding R15, I'll be glad to answer them.