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**The Monk** · 12-22-2014, 08:17 PM

Re: Choosing a Bike: CBR 250 or Thundirbird 500

Query Approved

Buy the RE TB if you absolutely love it and are willing to forgive all its small quirks and problems. If you are not 150% sure of the RE, then go for the CBR

**TheArcher84** · 12-22-2014, 08:22 PM

Re: Choosing a Bike: CBR 250 or Thundirbird 500

The points you have mentioned says clearly. TBTS or any RE has an a** whooping vibration past 90kmph and It feels all parts from Bikes will fall and you ll end up on the road eventually. IMPO, RE is only for cruising at 60-70kmph. The Bike doesn't like to be man-handled at higher speeds,

CBR is a best buy for your choice. Pillion seat on RE is quite small and a bit uncomfortable. Go for CBR, you wont regret

**harishkumarko** · 12-22-2014, 11:25 PM

Re: Choosing a Bike: CBR 250 or Thundirbird 500

Based on my short ride once, the Thunderbird 500 can cruise at 100kmph though I don't know how it pans out in the long term. And yes there are vibes compared to almost any non-RE higher displacement bikes. But putting it against the CBR is just pathetic. CBR is far far far more relaxed at 100kmph. In fact it is very relaxed even at 120kmph. Coming to the rear seat, like the above person, I would also say that the rear seat is uncomfortable and cramped. It is more plushy than the CBR though. However the CBR's pillion is not bad at all.

Like Monk said, you will have niggles here and there with the RE. But if you willing to oversee that, then it won't be much of a problem. Considering your 2L budget, you should be able to get the ABS version of the CBR which make your rides more safe. Better take a test ride of the CBR before coming to any conclusion.

**peeths003** · 12-23-2014, 10:51 AM

Re: Choosing a Bike: CBR 250 or Thundirbird 500

Originally posted by The Monk View Post

Query Approved

Buy the RE TB if you absolutely love it and are willing to forgive all its small quirks and problems. If you are not 150% sure of the RE, then go for the CBR

Thanks for approving my Query.
Yes I Like RE, at the same time I dont want to be in a situation where I have the Metal bike at home which I take to the guarage envery weekend.
I am not 150% sure either.

Originally posted by TheArcher84 View Post

The points you have mentioned says clearly. TBTS or any RE has an a** whooping vibration past 90kmph and It feels all parts from Bikes will fall and you ll end up on the road eventually.
IMPO, RE is only for cruising at 60-70kmph. The Bike doesn't like to be man-handled at higher speeds,

Thanks for the suggestions

Is this the same case with the latest model of RE which is 2014 model as well (the Vibration post 90 kmph)
I have a friend of mine who bought a bullet couple of months back, and according to him the bike is really smooth on High speeds.
I believe he has not open the throttle till 100 kmph because his 2nd service is still due.

Originally posted by harishkumarko View Post

Based on my short ride once, the Thunderbird 500 can cruise at 100kmph though I don't know how it pans out in the long term.
And yes there are vibes compared to almost any non-RE higher displacement bikes. But putting it against the CBR is just pathetic.
CBR is far far far more relaxed at 100kmph. In fact it is very relaxed even at 120kmph. Coming to the rear seat, like the above person,
I would also say that the rear seat is uncomfortable and cramped. It is more plushy than the CBR though. However the CBR's pillion is not bad at all.

Like Monk said, you will have niggles here and there with the RE. But if you willing to oversee that,
then it won't be much of a problem. Considering your 2L budget, you should be able to get the ABS version of the CBR which make your rides more safe.
Better take a test ride of the CBR before coming to any conclusion.

Thanks for you feedback

Yes, If I am going with CBR I will go with the ABS version only. And yes it is a sports tourer, How about the luggage mounting on CBR.
I have not seen much CBR with mounting luggages as RE. And people say for more lagguage carrier the thundirbird is better.

And CBR does not comes with a kick start as well, so will there be any starting issues with the self start.
Does the fuel injection works good (even in cold winter mornings) ?

Please let me know your thoughts/suggestion/advise

Thanks Peeths

**harishkumarko** · 12-23-2014, 11:05 AM

Re: Choosing a Bike: CBR 250 or Thundirbird 500

CBR has set a new benchmark as a tourer. No you need not worry with stuff like kick start and cold start. To give you an idea on how luggage is mounted on a CBR please refer the thread mentioned below.

Arnob Gupta smashes the Leh-Kanyakumari land speed record: xBhp News - xBhp.com : The Global Indian Biking Community

http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/news/27475-arnob-gupta-smashes-leh-kanyakumari-land-speed-record-xbhp-news.html

Motorcycle news from around the world, worth a discussion!

**peeths003** · 12-23-2014, 01:02 PM

Re: Choosing a Bike: CBR 250 or Thundirbird 500

Originally posted by harishkumarko View Post

CBR has set a new benchmark as a tourer. No you need not worry with stuff like kick start and cold start. To give you an idea on how luggage is mounted on a CBR please refer the thread mentioned below.

http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/news/274...xbhp-news.html

Oh My .. are you serious ... Kanyakumari to Leh in 78 hours flat ..

Thats extreme ...

**TheArcher84** · 12-23-2014, 02:19 PM

Re: Choosing a Bike: CBR 250 or Thundirbird 500

Originally posted by peeths003 View Post

Is this the same case with the latest model of RE which is 2014 model as well (the Vibration post 90 kmph)
I have a friend of mine who bought a bullet couple of months back, and according to him the bike is really smooth on High speeds.
I believe he has not open the throttle till 100 kmph because his 2nd service is still due.

Hell, Any RE past 100kmph is very difficult to drive. I took mine once till 120kmph, I couldn't hold the throttle or the handle bar for more than 10 sec, My pulsar did 137kmph on a open stretch, and it had not even 30% of the vibes at that speed. Its the engine construction. Cant blame them.

Any year or model of RE will have this issue. Like I said earlier, Its best for cruising at 70kmph or 4k RPM.

**peeths003** · 12-23-2014, 03:12 PM

Re: Choosing a Bike: CBR 250 or Thundirbird 500

I could also see that the production of CBR 250 is stopped and they are moving to CBR 300. So will it be a good decision going for a CBR 250 at this point.

Thanks
Peeths

**peeths003** · 12-24-2014, 03:25 PM

Re: Choosing a Bike: CBR 250 or Thundirbird 500

These below links stats that CBR has stopped the manufacturing of CBR 250.

Honda Stops CBR250R Production To Make Way For CBR300R | MotorBeam – Indian Car Bike News & Reviews

Honda CBR250R production stopped, CBR300R coming up | Shifting-Gears

Honda discontinued CBR250R for the sake of CBR300R

http://www.sagmart.com/news/Automobiles/honda-discontinued-cbr250r-for-the-sake-of-cbr300r

Honda Motorcycles had discontinued the quarter-liter segment motorcycle, Honda CBR 250R, as the Honda CBR 300R is readying to touch the Indian shores.

Are they true ... In that case would it be a good decision to buy Honda CBR 250r

Please advise.

Thanks
Peeths

**ananth.subrahmanya** · 12-24-2014, 04:21 PM

Re: Choosing a Bike: CBR 250 or Thundirbird 500

If you are not an RE fanatic, I would ask you to stick to CBR. I own a CBR250R and an RE desert storm and my brother owns a Thunderbird 500 so I have ridden them all quite a bit.

Thunderbird over CBR :

The main advantage thunderbird has over CBR is torque. It can pull all kinds of weight. 2 people with lot of luggage is still no problem on the thunderbird. Even in city traffic you don't have to downshift much.
Seating is more comfortable on the thunderbird, especially for the pillion. If you are taking someone along with you on long rides, they'll curse you for having got a CBR. Even when riding solo on the CBR, for a comfortable ride, learn to control your weight with your thighs and upper body or else you'll end up with sore wrists.
The trademark RE thump. It's something that'll you start to love after you ride it for a while, if you aren't already a fan.

CBR over thunderbird

CBR has an upper hand in everything else.

- Speed -> cruising at 120+ is no problem at all.
- Braking -> Very stable even when braking hard. The 140/70 rear tyre provides loads of grip.
- Liquid cooling works very well. Can do long distances without having to keep an eye out on engine temperature.
- Build quality is amazing. I have done close to 10K on my CBR and I have had no problems at all till date. No rattling, no rust and even the paint hasn't seen any degradation. Just regular servicing to lubricate moving parts and an engine oil change is all I have had to pay for. RE on the other hand shows a few rusted screws and threads already.
- Engine and Transmission -> Very smooth. And once it crosses 4-4.5K RPM it just lunges forward eagerly. The gearshift is really smooth and precise. Unless you are pushing the bike too hard you won't feel any vibrations.
- Maneuverability -> It's much easier to flick this bike around in city traffic than the REs.

I would suggest getting the CBR if you aren't a die hard RE fan.

**joe_marvy** · 12-24-2014, 04:55 PM

Re: Choosing a Bike: CBR 250 or Thundirbird 500

Originally posted by peeths003 View Post

These below links stats that CBR has stopped the manufacturing of CBR 250.

Honda Stops CBR250R Production To Make Way For CBR300R | MotorBeam – Indian Car Bike News & Reviews

Honda CBR250R production stopped, CBR300R coming up | Shifting-Gears

Honda discontinued CBR250R for the sake of CBR300R

Are they true ... In that case would it be a good decision to buy Honda CBR 250r

Please advise.

Thanks
Peeths

No IMHO never go for model which is about to end or already ended. The very next day or month you will feel your hard earned 2 Lakhs is wasted on a old model.

Both the bike of your choice are great bike in their own way. TB or any RE is like a jeep, you will face niggles, you will end up with dirty hands every now and then, but you will hold a pride to own these horses. I own a Classic 350, a tad old compared to the new generation TBs, but still I could cruise in 120 without issues, initially my hands used to go numb but now got used to it. I think TB 500 should be far better compared to classics. Find a mechanic or a good SVC to get the bike serviced regularly, moreover find a mechanic who listens to the issues your are reporting.

CBR 250 R, a big no (if I was in your situation). Wait for CBR 300 if you like Sports Tourer (if you like Plastic than Metal). Honda stands for its niggle free experience. You could do triple digit speeds all day, you will enjoy the riding posture a lot. However, not much about CBR, its just a bike and your hands will be clean

. Choice is yours, but make a wise choice.

**harishkumarko** · 12-24-2014, 08:17 PM

Re: Choosing a Bike: CBR 250 or Thundirbird 500

CBR 250R is a global model and I don't think spares supply will be an issue. Anyways you can confirm the same at the showroom or service centre. Also remember CBR300R will cost around 2.5 lacs ex-showroom. CBR250R may have a price slash since it is no longer in production. Please visit the showroom once and maybe take a test ride too.

**peeths003** · 12-26-2014, 03:10 PM

Re: Choosing a Bike: CBR 250 or Thundirbird 500

Originally posted by harishkumarko View Post

CBR 250R is a global model and I don't think spares supply will be an issue. Anyways you can confirm the same at the showroom or service centre. Also remember CBR300R will cost around 2.5 lacs ex-showroom. CBR250R may have a price slash since it is no longer in production. Please visit the showroom once and maybe take a test ride too.

Not sure this is wise or dump thing to do, but just my thought

.I buy the Thunderbird 500 now. and After a year or so go for CBR 300.

I believe once the CBR model is launched, the initial batches might have a few niggles which will be rectified in the later batches.

Not sure why, somehow I feels like I need both the bikes

(Being Greedy)

Thanks
Peeths

**harishkumarko** · 12-26-2014, 06:18 PM

Re: Choosing a Bike: CBR 250 or Thundirbird 500

Originally posted by peeths003 View Post

Not sure this is wise or dump thing to do, but just my thought

.I buy the Thunderbird 500 now. and After a year or so go for CBR 300.

I believe once the CBR model is launched, the initial batches might have a few niggles which will be rectified in the later batches.

Not sure why, somehow I feels like I need both the bikes

(Being Greedy)

Thanks
Peeths

If that's your plan, I suggest you go for any 350cc RE as it would cost you less. Save up some money and then go for the CBR. But let me tell you both these bikes are completely different. You may like one of them or both. Make sure you know what kind of a rider you are. CBR cannot give you the thumping experience and RE cannot give you the adrenaline rush or high speed cruising experience.

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