Re: Born again. Buy again.

Rishabh153

As I explained in the first post I have a knee problem and the bike is a little tall for me particularly as I use get seat add-on (for long distance riding comfort) . So it becomes a bit difficult for me to handle bikes weight of more thanks 220 kilos and with touring luggage etc another 20-30 kg. I have dropped bike once or twice at standstill over uneven surface.

Ninja is so well made that one can't reduce weight except taking out the fairings which is not much anyways.

I'm extremely happy with Ninja. Not thinking of letting it go at all.
Just spent 36 k on morimotos. Now headlights are fantastic.

The next bike will be an add-on.

Hope this answers it

Re: Born again. Buy again.

Correction. Gel seal. *

Re: Born again. Buy again.

I know it may get discontinued soon but you should take a look at suzuki INAZUMA, again it does weight around 180 KG's

But the seat height is less, you can have a look at it.

Re: Born again. Buy again.

Yeah. Good suggestion. Have heard its very smooth and suspension is very comfortable.
Issue could be again service expertise and parts. Particularly when we take it on pan India basis serviceability and parts become an important issue.

I have read about a 70-year old rider who toured india on 125./150 cc Indian bike. I think probabaly in Xbhp magazine

Re: Born again. Buy again.

Just for your inspiration here are a couple of older bikers, yet extremely young at heart, who have been riding around on their motorcycles -

Re: Born again. Buy again.

Yes. I was talking about Simon. Amazing spirits. ..salute.

Re: Born again. Buy again.

It Sure does...
In that case, I'd like to add the CBR into the mix of things.
Its comfortable, faired, takes care of most of the potholes, is very stable and most importantly easy on pockets.
The cons with it being discontinued production and the worst A.S.S.(After sales service) imaginable.
But its also very reliable and smooth for a single cylinder engine. The bike leaks Honda from all its pores to be honest.
If possible wait till they launch the 300, though i'd like to mention that it might be later than sooner.

Re: Born again. Buy again.

Somehow missed cbr from consideration zone. Will have to TD it.
You are right. A 300 would be nice. Let's see when it comes.

Honda is slightly better at launching new models than Yamaha

Re: Born again. Buy again.

What honda needs to be better with is their after sales service.
Rest everything, they are already good at.

Re: Born again. Buy again.

Rishab

One more thing Honda needs to do is improve their switchgear quality. They use some of the switches from those lower end models on high-end bikes

Another thing which i experienced is their sales rep attitude. They feel they're obliging you by selling their bikes.
And every time any model you ask for is not available either color or version. So you are told thwre is waiting period.

Somehow high-end bikes require different customer relationships

That's my personal opinion.
I like Honda.
I had Honda Accord V6. Amazing car.

Re: Born again. Buy again.

First off I respect you for taking on the riding spirit sire! Coming to the point, though an out of the box suggestion, I strongly suggest you consider getting a used Karizma R or ZMR. I suggest this not just because I own one but because the requirements you asked for are covered by Karizma R. Going by your points:

1. Around 150kgs - Check (150kgs)
2. Less than 800mm saddle height - Check (795mm)
3. Non-back breaking shocks - Check (With minor adjustments can be very good)
4. Comfortable seating posture - Check
5. Battery/Headlight/HID - Battery can be upgraded to 7Ah or 9Ah (Stock is 6Ah) and headlight can be changed to a 55/60W. The reflectors are good enough.
6. Good brakes - Honestly the rear brakes are almost useless and scary when slammed on. The front is a different story. Very progressive and feels great to use under emergency conditions. With an upgrade to Dot 4 brake fluid and RTR disc pads (direct fit), the braking can be improved even more. I have been running mine on stock condition and have found it adequate so far. I usually use both brakes together for stopping and haven't faced any problem.
7. Reliability - CHECK to the power infinity.

Shortage of parts is not a big problem compared to before (Though problem still persists). Also most of the parts are extremely reliable and have good life. Unless you don't have a crash and break the plastics, there should be no problem at all. If you don't mind electronics, then ZMR is also a good option. Haven't heard any major failures. The ZMR suffers from two major disadvantages. One, in case of a repair related to electronics or fuel pump, road side mechanics will have no idea. But AFAIK there haven't been many cases of such problems. The other major problem would be crosswinds. The bike feels bulky but handles very well actually. ZMR has a rear disc brake which is good thing. ZMR has one other huge advantage of FI over ZMA. If your trips include the himalayas, you will appreciate the ZMR for its performance at higher altitudes and cold start abilities. Also the ZMR's fuel efficiency figures will put 150cc bikes to shame. So good range is assured.15 litre tank (17 realistically) means lesser fuel stops unlike the Duke series. That being said, if you are a person who likes to meddle with the carb, then it is ZMA for you. Hero bikes can be serviced easily due to their widespread service centres and also quite a lot mechanics will have, if not great but some knowledge about these bikes.

So if you are looking for a motorcycle to do an all India kind of tour on varying terrain, then ZMA/ZMR (pre-2014 versions) will serve you well. Remember that Karizma is a machine that went around the world once. That's not to say other motorcycles can't but considering your specific requirements I would suggest to go for a used ZMA/ZMR based on your taste.

Re: Born again. Buy again.

Thank you very much Harish for such a detailed response. Yes from what you have stated it covers most of the points.

Leaving aside the aesthetic of the new models of ZMR, and then slightly revised and sporty posture do you known about any other technical issues with the new model ? Like suspension power etc. Just wanted to have your perspective on the pre 14 and the new model.

Once again thanks for the very specific and point wise response. Appreciate it.

Re: Born again. Buy again.

I am sorry. I cannot comment much on the new ZMA/ZMR much as I am not in India now. However I took a test ride on the new Karizma R once. It was very clear when I saw these bikes in flesh. The ZMA-R looks hideous and the ZMR looks much better. Any ways if you are not worried much about the looks then its not a big deal. In my test ride I could see that the new ZMA-R had more punch for sure but felt only marginally quicker than the my 2012 ZMA-R. The new Karizma R produces 19.2bhp and the ZMR 20bhpThe riding posture though slightly on the sporty side, was pretty comfortable. The engine has had some technical changes. The new ZMR/ZMA have higher compression ratio and the piston crown has been re-designed AFAIK. The exhaust note was slightly louder but I liked it. The engine has lost its smooth characteristic and has become a little gruff. I can't comment much on vibrations since max I touched was 60kmph. The suspension seemed as good as in the previous models. The brakes are exactly the same. The electricals are also the same. The rear tyres are now 120/80 compared to 100/90 in the previous models. From reviews it looks like it has improved the cornering abilities. However previous Karizmas are already known for good handling manners. For me the biggest let down of the new model was its rough engine and looks. I don't think there would be any major problems creeping out so soon. So it is a little too soon to comment on the technical issues. If any, people would have mentioned it on xbhp, so please refer to the Karizma or ZMR Ownership thread.

From my point of view, it is safe to go ahead with a proven vehicle and since I have also mentioned the quirks of owning one, I believe you can make amends to correct the small niggles of the earlier Karizma R/ZMR. The new models maybe as good but only time will tell.

Re: Born again. Buy again.

How much weight is reduced in er-6n?

Re: Born again. Buy again.

AFAIK er 6 n weighs 206 approx while Ninja 650 weighs about 212..
So not much reduction.
That's necuae the almost everything is common. Also Ninja frame n engine are very sturdy and strong. You will not feel the chassis flex.

I feel for the kind of speed Kawasaki is capable you need it to be a little heavy for stability.