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**The Monk** · 05-13-2015, 02:25 PM

Re: Confused about which bike to buy...

Query Approved

Sandeep, you have mentioned the shortlisted bikes, but you have forgotten to mention what is your requirements and usage. You might need to enlighten us with your "usage and passion" before anybody can give any decent advice! I emphasise on this, since you have mentioned bikes which are very different from one another!

All the best with your new bike though

**TheArcher84** · 05-13-2015, 03:51 PM

Re: Confused about which bike to buy...

Be it NS or RS, they are all from the KTM D200 platform, Its damn reliable, Any NS owner will say, he hasnt regretted buying one after 3 yrs of ownership. May be Pulsar 200's or 180's are not that reliable. But the current gen models are very much.

Like Monk quoted, if you can share us your requirement, we may be able to throw in our thoughts. But from the afore mentioned bikes, my pick will be NS if you like street fighter.

**sandeepks** · 05-13-2015, 04:38 PM

Re: Confused about which bike to buy...

Hi Monk. Thank you very much for approving my thread and for your comments.

My requirements are:
1. Commute to work daily(alone). One way 25km through Bangalore traffic.
2. Use it on weekends to go on occasional short rides with my wife . Max 150km one way.
3. I thoroughly enjoy riding bikes in high RPM.

TheArcher84, Thank you very much for your feedback on new generation Pulsars. My first choice was RS200 when I saw the review on youtube and also took a test ride. I was very happy and felt comfortable riding the bike also. However, it suddenly struck me when I saw the name PULSAR. Hence I also added CBR150R to the list.

Sandeep

**The Monk** · 05-13-2015, 04:51 PM

Re: Confused about which bike to buy...

With wife, then pillion comfort is very important. Most of the bikes not very comfortable for the pillion, with best being sitting on a plank of wood and the worst being perched at the top of a cliff!

The AS200 and CBR 250 would be a better bet. Commuting would be easier on the Pulsar, while pillion comfort and high RPM riding would be more fun on the CBR. Do take reasonably long test rides with your wife on both bikes before you finalize.

**sandeepks** · 05-13-2015, 05:05 PM

Re: Confused about which bike to buy...

Hi Monk,

I definitely will take long test rides on all bikes. However, is a new CBR250R in the pipeline ??? If yes then I would want to shorten my list and consider AS and RS 200 only. Because I don't want a new bike to be outdated in less than 6 months.

You guys are inducing more confidence in me to buy a Bajaj.

Sandeep

**Deathmate.Zed** · 05-13-2015, 05:14 PM

Re: Confused about which bike to buy...

Originally posted by sandeepks View Post

Hi Monk,

I definitely will take long test rides on all bikes. However, is a new CBR250R in the pipeline ??? If yes then I would want to shorten my list and consider AS and RS 200 only. Because I don't want a new bike to be outdated in less than 6 months.

You guys are inducing more confidence in me to buy a Bajaj.

Sandeep

Nobody knows when the CBR250 new version/300 will be launched. But the production of the current CBR has already stopped, so it is already dated IMO. As far as reliability of pulsars is concerned, the newer batch(NS,AS,RS) is way ahead of earlier gen models. Heck, the 200 NS is better peace of mind compared to the Duke 200! I would suggest go for the RS if you liked it so much. The AS is also a great choice for an all rounder, but I feel you will be happiest with the RS.

**sandeepks** · 05-13-2015, 05:58 PM

Re: Confused about which bike to buy...

Any thoughts on CBR150R ??? Even this bike felt very comfortable, but is it really worth 1.5 lakhs???
Do you guys have any other bikes in mind for my needs???

I heard Yamaha is also gonna upgrade R15 to Version 3. Is this still a rumor or is it due for a release in next 1-2 months?

Sandeep

**kundanghanekar** · 05-13-2015, 10:28 PM

Re: Confused about which bike to buy...

Hey sandeep,
well i own CBR 150 and it works excellent. Pillion support is a issue in bike but if you buy CBR 250, that one is awesome....one more thing is this,CBR 250 is much better than any of the other bikes you ride. Bajaj showroom personal personally told me that dont buy NS 200 because of resale value is zero.
I ride CBR 150 for long tours and its awesome. On the other hand, its your need that is much important. Try every bike and decide on comfort. Not on style but on comfort.

rgds,
kundan

**sandeepks** · 05-14-2015, 12:07 AM

Re: Confused about which bike to buy...

Now that CBR250R production in India is stopped, I am not considering it. However CBR150R is still in the list.

So the list is reduced to
1. RS200
2. CBR150R

I love the reliability of Honda but comfort and specs of Bajaj is great. My mind is going bonkers now ....

Is there any other bike I am missing ???

**harishkumarko** · 05-14-2015, 06:03 PM

Re: Confused about which bike to buy...

Originally posted by sandeepks View Post

Now that CBR250R production in India is stopped, I am not considering it. However CBR150R is still in the list.

So the list is reduced to
1. RS200
2. CBR150R

I love the reliability of Honda but comfort and specs of Bajaj is great. My mind is going bonkers now ....

Is there any other bike I am missing ???

CBR150R is probably one of the underrated bikes in India. It has awesome power at higher rpms (which you have asked for) and is very comfortable to ride. Excellent highway cruiser. Sadly it doesn't match your other requirements. City riding on a CBR150R is very difficult task and even more difficult with a pillion. The low end torque is very poor and bike will not gain momentum until you cross 5k rpm. If your riding routes are not jam packed with traffic you could still go for it. However, also know that pillion comfort is not its forte.

I would suggest NS200 rather than RS for two reasons. One RS has had some changes to engine like Fuel injection. Not sure if any issue will or will not creep out (The first batch NS had some problems which were sorted out in later batches). The other important reason is NS would be far easier to handle in city than the RS. The RS is heavier and has a fairing which makes filtering troublesome. The positives RS offers are ABS (optional) and slightly better fuel efficiency. I don't really see an advantage for you in the RS. The NS will satisfy you with it high revving nature and decent pillion comfort.

Honda:
Pros: Honda has reliability and good build quality on its side
Cons: Costly spares, poor to okay service (lucky if you find a good one, better enquire around)

Bajaj:
Pros: The newer Pulsars have come a long way ahead in terms of reliability, decent service, cheap spares
Cons: Mild vibrations(no matter which bajaj bike), OKAY fit and finish

**Ankey** · 05-14-2015, 11:44 PM

Re: Confused about which bike to buy...

200NS will fit all your requirements perfectly. Its high revving engine will put a big smile on your face every time you twist the throttle. Its is considerably refined and reliable. and has proven itself in recent years.

if you like fairings, and want to go for RS, I'd suggest to wait for a few months, because the very first batches have lots of problems because no quality control or testing is done, so the first batches act as testing dummies or beta versions, and the problems encountered in them are fixed in the later batches. so it would be good to avoid buying a RS right now.

**superbhikari** · 05-15-2015, 12:35 AM

Re: Confused about which bike to buy...

My 2 cents - Better choose from Pulsar RS200 or AS200 if you are not interested for a KTM ride. Avoid Honda CBR. New model is soon to be launched + high spare part cost. The only other option under 2 lakh will be sourcing a good used Kawasaki Ninja 250/300.

**sandeepks** · 05-15-2015, 06:26 PM

Re: Confused about which bike to buy...

Guys,

Thanks for your feedback and comments. RS200 is definitely on top of my list. I was looking into RS200 owners thread and go to know that there are vibrations in handle and tank section. Is this an isolated case which I can treat as is it advised that I wait for couple of months (which I dont want to). I dont want to consider AS200 unless there is a serious problem with RS200.

I am not a big fan of naked bikes, so 200NS may not fit into my list (though its rated the best bike in the segment). However, the option to consider a used Ninja 250/300 actually rang a bell in my mind.

What about Hero HX250? Is it still a distant dream?

**krishna77** · 05-15-2015, 07:29 PM

Re: Confused about which bike to buy...

Hero might be waiting for the festive season.

Sent from my Xperia L.

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