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**The Monk** · 03-29-2016, 11:10 AM

Re: First Bike under Rs. 1 Lac

Query Approved

A 150cc should be sufficient for your current needs. The Gixxer, FZ or AS would do well me thinks. Of course there is a strong possibility the Gixxer might get a rear disc soon, wait for that if you can!

**BikesRUs** · 03-29-2016, 01:15 PM

Re: First Bike under Rs. 1 Lac

Hi The_Two,
If you are concerned with reliability and durability of the bike go for Yamaha (Fazer, FZ-FI, FZ S I) new and old version, or Suzuki Gixxer (naked), or the Honda Hornet / CB Unicorn 160 or the last choice is Hero Xtreme Sports. Stay away from Bajaj, TVS and other Indian brands if you are more inclined towards durability of bike. Pulsars and Apaches are good for 2 to 3 years of riding, and then they rattle (You can read users reviews on Internet sites and the main reason for users selling their Pulsars after 3 years of riding). Pulsars stills having poor quality plastics, and you'll find many user complaints about service centers and spares all over the Web. Instead, Honda is better in terms of service, and since Suzuki wants to emerge and make presence in market for long-term, they do take services/spare seriously than their established Indian counterparts.

It will be repetitive if I write down my latest test-rides done in March 2016 here, so I'm giving you the link of another thread where I've written pros and cons of some of the models/variants you've mentioned. Do read it.

http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/what-bik...ml#post1220050

Honda Hornet does not have engine kill switch, but has LED tail lamp.
Gixxer has both engine kill switch and LED tail lamp, and clear lens indicators
Pulsar has set Torque at high RPM which is major disadvantage.
Gixxer has set Torque at low RPM which is a major advantage as you don't have to throttle much to gain speeds.TVS Apache RTRs have also low RPM high Torque and its an advantage over Pulsar, but again, its a TVS Indian made engine.

My personal suggestion would be:- Go with Yamaha or Suzuki. Though I will add Honda Hornet, but it seems you have already opted out from considering Hornet.

P.S. I can't say about Hero Extreme, but I own Hero Honda CBZ, its 100,000 kms in 11 years, still giving me 35-38 kmpl, and only maintenance was brakes, accelerator wires, brake pads, clutch etc. No engine problems.

So choose wisely

**awesomearkoofficial** · 03-29-2016, 04:40 PM

Re: First Bike under Rs. 1 Lac

Originally posted by the_two View Post

hello members.

I have joined some time back. I am 18 year old, 5'8" and 59 kgs, with a super-slim (i.e. Weak) frame.

I am looking to purchase my first ever bike by april 2016. Budget has been set at rs. 1 lac maximum. I love semi faired as well as naked bikes (semi > naked) as long as the overall look is appealing.

I am looking for reliability and durability (mainly of engine) as i plan to keep it for the next 8-10 years with 70-80k km running in total. I travel in traffic-free city roads and 2-lane medium-traffic highways a lot, and the bike will spend most of the time at 30-70 kmph range and low-mid range rpm. Part availability is not an issue as long as the underpinnings are reliable and the bike is easy for any decent mechanic to work on.

I have shortlisted the below options available -

bajaj avenger street 150 - rs. 85k
bajaj avenger cruise 220 - rs. 96k
bajaj pulsar 220f - rs. 1 lac
bajaj pulsar as150 - rs. 90k
tvs apache rtr160 - rs. 82k
tvs apache rtr180 - rs. 88k
yamaha fz16 v1.0 - rs. 83k
suzuki gixxer - rs. 85k
yamaha fazer v2.0 - rs. 97k

budget - rs. 1 lac on-road delhi (or 90k ex showroom)
requirements - durable, reliable, easy and cheap to maintain in long run, suit my size
good to have but not necessary - clip on handlebars, led taillamp, analog tacho, kick start, engine kill switch

did not consider some bikes (like v15, fz v2, apache rtr160 dual disc, hornet, avenger 220 street, etc.) as either they were visually not appealing to me or not worth the price according to me.

I have heard japanese (suzuki, yamaha, honda, etc.) are the most reliable and durable, but also heard that bajaj is improving with their newer engines and variants. I want trouble-free ownership with cheap maintenance costs. Quality, ergonomics, body type, etc. Can take a backseat. Performance is a bit important as i do not want to feel bored with a low-performing 150cc. This is tilting my decision towards pulsar but i am not sure if it is durable. Will the engine need repair very soon? I drive very sedately and take proper care of my vehicles. My aviator is at 40k km now and is as good as new.

Please suggest which one should suit my needs better, most importantly engine reliability needs.

try the gixxer.... But i guess the hornet was a better option.

**The_Two** · 03-30-2016, 02:51 AM

Re: First Bike under Rs. 1 Lac

Thank you guys for the suggestions.

I went through the suggested thread as well and have only a few doubts in my head.

Is Pulsar 220F that bad? I have read some ownership reviews but around half of them say that Pulsar 220 has been a good bike for them. Some of the comments say that Pulsars have lasted for close to 80-90k km also.

I am a sedate rider and take care of my vehicles very nicely. Pulsar 220F offers me looks, power, handling (not bad for a first timer

), features like LED taillamp, projector, analog tacho, clip ons, split seats, etc. All this under 1 Lac. If the engine lasts for around 60k kms, I might go for a change at that time (or maybe get engine work done) and will get a Pulsar now. Rattling issues don't bother me much as a friend's 220 has held up very well after 49k kms after being treated with double sided tape (in fairing) to solve rattles at 9-10k kms.

If not, I will visit Suzuki showroom and try out Gixxer (I heard SF has overheating issue due to full fairing on air cooled engine). Problem is that Gixxer has not been much successful despite being a good proposition. Still the FZ v2 sells more!

Also are Yamaha engines that good? I know it will last longer without any major repair work than Bajaj engine but can anyone give an idea of how much longer will Yamaha engine last with similar use? Damn FZ V2 at 92k makes the Pulsar 220 a steal at 99k.

Not considering Hornet as Honda doesn't have any good selling product in this price range. Hornet is also as rare as Gixxer.

**Bibhu** · 03-30-2016, 07:47 AM

Re: First Bike under Rs. 1 Lac

The new 220s are near perfect pulsars. Yes they rattle a bit after say 2 years but it can be easily taken care of with some tape or other types of packing. The engine is still solid as ever and the newer 220s handle much better and feel lighter than the first gen bikes. It still isnt a honda or yamaha in overall build, fit and finish, mainly due to the fairing being made of thinner plastic and not enough padding for it. However its still vfm. Also take a look at the as200 which is an even better package.

Sent from my XT1033 using xBhp Connect mobile app

**BikesRUs** · 03-30-2016, 10:01 AM

Re: First Bike under Rs. 1 Lac

Yamaha engines are good and so are Suzuki. You will see 1 Gixxer with 10 Yamaha's and 50 Pulsars on the road, just because Suzuki didn't market aggressively in India, as they market around the globe that's the reason people are not aware of Suzuki bikes except Hayabusa so people are more inclined to Pulsar and Yamaha. This does not means Suzuki is anything less than Yamaha. Check out their Global site and you'll WOW! Even I didn't knew about their Gixxer bike before visiting Suzuki showroom and test-riding it! And I was like WTF, how did I miss this machine. Gixxer is as good as Yamaha Fazer/FZ/FZ I/FZ S/FZ S I with same refinement, pickup and braking, high quality plastic, switches, overall build and finish!

Pulsars are good in everything except engines and plastic parts for long-run (3 years / 60K kms ahead). As the other member @Bibhu has stated "they rattle". That is why I didn't recommend it to you. If you are planning to use it for 3-4 years and then upgrade to more performance bike, then go and buy a Pulsar or for long run (more than 5 years), like me, buy a Yamaha or Suzuki. I purchased Suzuki for durability, reliability as I'll be using it for minimum 9-10 years from today, just like I used CBZ.

So it's your choice at the end of the day!

----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

Originally posted by The_Two View Post

If not, I will visit Suzuki showroom and try out Gixxer (I heard SF has overheating issue due to full fairing on air cooled engine).
.

SF has air vents. So no overheating issue. its not full packed!

**Bibhu** · 03-30-2016, 10:01 AM

Re: First Bike under Rs. 1 Lac

Originally posted by BikesRUs View Post

Yamaha engines are good and so are Suzuki. You will see 1 Gixxer with 10 Yamaha's and 50 Pulsars on the road, just because Suzuki didn't market aggressively in India, as they market around the globe that's the reason people are not aware of Suzuki bikes except Hayabusa so people are more inclined to Pulsar and Yamaha. This does not means Suzuki is anything less than Yamaha. Check out their Global site and you'll WOW! Even I didn't knew about their Gixxer bike before visiting Suzuki showroom and test-riding it! And I was like WTF, how did I miss this machine. Gixxer is as good as Yamaha Fazer/FZ/FZ I/FZ S/FZ S I with same refinement, pickup and braking, high quality plastic, switches, overall build and finish!

Pulsars are good in everything except engines and plastic parts for long-run (3 years / 60K kms ahead). As the other member @Bibhu has stated "they rattle". That is why I didn't recommend it to you. If you are planning to use it for 3-4 years and then upgrade to more performance bike, then go and buy a Pulsar or for long run (more than 5 years), like me, buy a Yamaha or Suzuki. I purchased Suzuki for durability, reliability as I'll be using it for minimum 9-10 years from today, just like I used CBZ.

So it's your choice at the end of the day!

There is nothing wrong with the 220's engine. I own a 7 year old 220 which is still going strong after 90k+ kms. The only major overhaul was done at 85+k kms. Admiteddly the 220 motor is infinitely more fun than an underpowered fz or gixxer.

To the threadstarter, have a look at the as150 as well. Its a good machine if you are on a budget.

Sent from my XT1033 using xBhp Connect mobile app

**BikesRUs** · 03-30-2016, 12:00 PM

Re: First Bike under Rs. 1 Lac

Originally posted by The_Two View Post

heard SF has overheating issue due to full fairing on air cooled engine

Actually SF has many air-vents in its design so no overheating issues, but yes, if anybody drives at very high rpm 110kmph for continuous extended hours, then any bike would face engine overheating issue for air cooled engine. Pulsar as150 will the first among them though! I've taken a ride in the ghats with a pillion and the engine was literally exhausted pulling our weights. Pulsar 200cc > bikes are better, but again engine and plastic problem prevails. As I said in my earlier thread that in last 13 years Bajaj had hardly improved the engine metallurgy which results in not-so-good refined engine as compared to its Japanese counterparts. So even if you buy as150 or other upcoming 4000cc bike or avenger you will still be getting something not durable in long-term.

Also, if you are concerned about SF overheating then in such case you have option to buy oil cooled engine variants of other brands if available in market. I would suggest you that if you can hold up to Dusshera/Diwali then you may get more options in Yamaha/Suzuki/Honda/Hero to test-ride and compare with, as new variants may be available in FI/rear disk/ABS and/or more performance oriented engines with added bHP, torque.

**The_Two** · 03-30-2016, 12:14 PM

Re: First Bike under Rs. 1 Lac

It is comments like these (from owners) about P220 that is making me tilt towards the bike. It is a good VFM offering and still looks fresh (neat and tight) than newer offerings.

Most Pulsar owners I know have got some major overhaul (engine) done at 55-60k kms, and as far as I know, they were the ones who ripped their bike to glory on the highway. I have heard that Pulsar durability issue was on earlier versions, and they have improved. But yes they are not in the league of Yamaha and other Japs. A Pulsar 220 (at 99k) offers me rear disc, healthy 21ps power, better torque, fairing, projector, better instrument cluster, clip ons and LED taillamp over the Yamaha FZ v1 (priced at 84k) for a difference of 15k. If I go for the AS150, the price difference reduces to merely 6k and except rear disc and 220cc engine, I get all above goodies + better handling + fresher looks + refinement. Thus the VFM proposition of Bajaj is very tempting. I heard that newer gen Pulsars (AS series) have improved a lot on refinement and part quality.

AS200 is close to 1.06 Lac, and since it is my parents' hard-earned money, I want to strictly stick to under 1 Lac budget. Parents are saying that get the one you like (and they know it is the R15

) but I don't want to put much burden on them. R15 is close to 1.36 Lac.

This is how the current list looks like -
1. Yamaha FZ v1.0
2. Suzuki Gixxer
3. Pulsar AS150
4. Suzuki Gixxer SF
5. Pulsar 220F

Most reliable out of the lot would surely be Suzuki and Yamaha. Yamaha is very overpriced (according to competition) and Suzuki is a new player, part availability, pricing and service quality are still unknown. I am saying this because I will have to stick with whichever bike I get for the next 8-10 years. Confused!

EDIT - And sadly I can't wait that long. If I have to wait that long, I would get the 150NS (if Bajaj launches it by then) eyes closed as I am a big fan of the bike. Also for me, older but trusted products are better than newer ones in the market.

**TheArcher84** · 03-30-2016, 02:24 PM

Re: First Bike under Rs. 1 Lac

P220 is a rick-solid bike for a starter, It has enough punch and power to keep you happy all day. I never had any major issues with the bike, I ride under 65kmph inside city and it gave me a decent mileage of 40+.

I have driven around 35k kms in it in my 4 years of ownership and I kick myself now for selling it.

If you are planning for an upgrade some 5/6 years later, this is a good bike to start of with. With that amount of money you have to spend, you can buy yourself a good safety gear as well.

Ride safe and Good luck.

**The_Two** · 03-30-2016, 04:16 PM

Re: First Bike under Rs. 1 Lac

I talked to an old mechanic today. He advised me to avoid Pulsar for more tha 4-5 year use. He says that it is good for one who will use for 40-45k kms and 3 years and sell it off. Not one who is looking for 8-10 year commitment. He said Suzuki engines are also good, but spare parts are costly than Bajaj and are not available everytime. He also said to avoid Apache as TVS and Bajaj are almost the same in quality and durability. He hasn't worked on AS series of Pulsar but says that 200NS was built more like a Suzuki than Bajaj. He said I can opt for newer gen Bajaj bikes also.

He says that Yamaha is the best brand so far for bikes worth 70-80k above, and he has seen FZs with 60-70k kms running absolutely fine with only regular consumables.

Now I am considering Bajaj Pulsar AS150, Suzuki Gixxer SF and Yamaha FZ v1/v2. AS150 costs 90k, Gixxer SF is 95k, FZ v1 is 84k and v2 is 92k. Help me guys.

EDIT - And sure I will get a good riding gear, but in stages. I will get a decent helmet for now, and will get gloves and jacket as time passes by.

**soundar.d.gr8** · 03-30-2016, 08:02 PM

Re: First Bike under Rs. 1 Lac

Every bike will have its own pros and cons. Test drive all the bikes you shortlisted. Something will pull your heart towards the right bike for you.

**The_Two** · 03-31-2016, 02:58 PM

Re: First Bike under Rs. 1 Lac

I have made up my mind for a Yamaha now. Either it will be FZ 16 v1 (new) or an R15 v2 (used).

I will look for used R15 v2 of around 2012 with less than 20k km on the odo, will keep it for around 5 years and then change.

Else I will get a new FZ, and sell it off after 8-9 years.

Which is a better option guys? And is there a detailed PDI checklist for bikes/R15 where I can inspect a used bike thoroughly?

**maxi** · 04-07-2016, 06:11 PM

Re: First Bike under Rs. 1 Lac

Man 200ns is out of production!!!! Trust me if u ride a 220 and also use it at night i bet u cant get off the bike....ride the fastest indian!!! Its blazing fast rock solid!!!! Quality is not that bad..i hve one myself... At traffic bikes like fz cant event match 220s pull with full throttle wen 220 is at only 5 to 6k rpm!!!!such brutal is the power...if u ride it u cant buy anything else i bet!!! Buy a 220 or as200 and rule the road both at day and night😀

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