Re: Entry Level Touring Machine. ??

Query approved!

CBR250R. Get the ABS version.

Re: Entry Level Touring Machine. ??

Other than the CBR as mentioned by Divya, do check out the Mojo as well, though pillion comfort is a bit lacking!

The Benelli 300 also if you are willing to spend the extra bucks!

Re: Entry Level Touring Machine. ??

When you say not high on maintenance, there aren't really many tourers that are low on maintenance and hassle free. (save for the Karimza R/ZMR, NS200 and P220). Like Divya has mentioned, I also feel its CBR250R for you. Will do everything. Can do 120kmph easily all day long. Saddle bags can be mounted. Pillion seat is OK but I have no idea on how it is for long rides. Let me tell you that even the CBR250R will almost have twice the cost of maintenance of a ZMA or a P220. So you should be prepared for that.

Other options are the Duke 390. Its a good tourer but sucks to ride inside city. Not to forget the puny fuel tank (BTW the CBR also has a small tank)and non existent pillion seat. Then we have the Ninja 300 which is not really a tourer but will do the job. Yamaha R3 has also gained popularity as its more a road bike than a track machine. Pillion seat will be uncomfortable on both the 300s. You must definitely consider the Mojo. Such wonderful VFM tourer. While looks are not its forte it has so many other things going for it. I wouldn't ask you to go for it immediately. Wait for the first batch to run its course and we'll see how it goes. You could also consider the Benelli TNT300. Such a wonderful machine. You will fall in love instantly but its definitely high on maintenance. Maintaining it is like taking care of a superbike. But still if you can afford it, I would say go for it. Benelli is also coming up with the TNT250. BMW-TVS have their 300cc on the cards too. Bajaj will be bringing out its NS/RS400. So its upto you. Either stick to the proven ones like the CBR or Duke. Or wait for the Auto expo for the companies to launch a new range of products. However if you are in need of a bike now, my vote goes for the CBR or the TNT. My head says CBR but the heart suggests the TNT.

Re: Entry Level Touring Machine. ??

CBR250R
TNT300
P220
Mojo
R3
D390
Ninja300



In that order. As per my experience with these motorcycles and your requirement.

Re: Entry Level Touring Machine. ??

CBR might have a small tank but the mileage it delivers cant match Duke. 38kmpl vs 28kmpl on highways. I had even extracted 40kmpl on my CBR250R when i managed to cruise on 80km/hr.

And i like the highlighted point. Absolutely yeah!!!

I would just neglect P220 from your suggestion because he really can afford more than that and its the least refined in the list. Especially that fairing rattling noise and also RVM are useless.

Re: Entry Level Touring Machine. ??

And the Benelli TNT 25, single cylinder bike is going to be launched on 18th December. You might want to check that out as well.

Re: Entry Level Touring Machine. ??

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I recently heard a rumour saying that Honda might actually be interested in getting the CBR 300 after it runs out of units of CBR 250. The testing started somewhere between 2013. Although Honda maintained they have no plans as such. It might be a marketing gimmick just to finish of the CBR 250 stock that they have.
Also does anyone know if we could buy the CBR in colors previously avaioibLe rather than the new 2015 color schemes?

I saw the r3, it felt really small though it looked nice. I feel it's not going to be comfortable for a 6 feet plus guy like me

Mahindra Mojo has a narrow pillion seat , I loved the bike but then again the pillion is where it is lacking. All in all it seemed a good proposition. The looks are subjective. And the need for looks is also subjective. So in my opinion it's a very decent looking bike.


Duke 390 is a no no. I don't know why I just don't want it.

Benelli TNT 300 for touring seems an awesome option but then what about the service back up. It's going to be a pain in the ass if something happens to her in the middle of a remote location and the costs I don't know how costly it will be.
The TNT 25 is a tad weaker than CBR 250 is , so CBR doesn't even let it exist.

Another option which might possibly come in the beginning next year. The Beemer TVS g310r. Looks worthy. But I don't know why BMW won't launch it by themselves in India instead with TVS. And the back up may be an issue. But then again BMW brand.

Re: Entry Level Touring Machine. ??


I'm not sure if you've seen this thread, but he has almost identical requirements.

Re: Entry Level Touring Machine. ??

Did you even sit on it in the first place and manage to take TD ? If not, avoid arriving at a conclusion by just looking at the bike dimensions or the size. There are few forum members here who is feeling much comfortable on a R15v2.

No offense meant, but first take a TD and then eliminate any options.

Re: Entry Level Touring Machine. ??


None taken.
I felt it's small because it looked small to me. That's all.

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Shall check it out, thanks !

Re: Entry Level Touring Machine. ??

R3 looks small but take a test ride I hope your perception changes, I am 5'11" I didn't find it uncomfortable or small.

Re: Entry Level Touring Machine. ??

My opinion as I have been in your shoes ... please consider though that I don't know about long term ownership (except for gyan from xbhp)

Moolah terms
Mahindra Mojo
Honda CBR250 /w ABS
Ninja 300
TNT 300

Pillion comfort
Honda CBR250
TNT 300
Ninja 300
Mahindra Mojo

Range
Honda CBR250
Mahindra Mojo
Ninja 300
TNT 300

Aftermarket
Ninja 300 / CBR250
TNT300
Mahindra Mojo

Also consider that if this is just going to be a step up, you can consider pre-loved vehicles which might cost you less while giving almost the same joy.

The twins are going to be more refined than the single pots. Also consider that some of them have been in the market longer and you can get gyan from the owners on how is it living with them. Things on paper are never absolute.

Cheers and hope you find your ride.

Re: Entry Level Touring Machine. ??


Hey thanks ! I probably just want a bike as a step towards the 650 cc category. as mentioned in my first post. I am going to probably upgrade in the next year so this year this bike will be just the stepping stone. Its not in terms of moolah. But if i am spending upwards of 4 lakhs it doesnt make sense to me then buying a 650 cc.

Re: Entry Level Touring Machine. ??

In which case you can try and source a second-hand CBR250R /w ABS ... you can 2012 for < 1lakh and sell it off for slightly less.

A bigger risk would be to get a Duke 390 used and try do the same. Maybe it might help you get used to the power delivery and the tantrums of a bigger bike (based on what i heard ... no offense to Duke owners)