Hi,

I have a 2015 RE Thunderbird UCE ( 7 months old run 22,000 kms ).

To state the reason for a new bike :

I used to own a 2005 RE Thunderbird AVL which I had kept for 5 years. In spite of the Thunderbird being a comfortable bike I had developed severe shoulder pain during the ownership. Had sold it off in frustration and bought a Suzuki Access 125 which I had kept for 2 years and again changed the same to a Pulsar 220F ( 2013 model ). So I still had the issue of the shoulder pain with the Access but miraculously during the ownership of the P220 this subsided. Have done extensive touring on the 220 and finally sold that off in 2015 and got a Thunderbird UCE.

Now the shoulder pain has resurfaced and taking a toll on me. My daily travel is 160 kms to and fro from office which includes 70% highway and 30% city ( Greater Noida- Gurgaon-Greater Noida ) through expressways and city roads and highways. That is the daily schedule apart from my weekend trips of around 800-900kms in a day.

The TB UCE is serving me well with no engine issues till now apart from the disc replacement and fuel gauge replacement. I am in a dilemma to carry on riding this or change it. I have tried changing the handlebar from stock to RD 350 but no respite. I have also changed the alignment of the stock bars and tried different seating postures but it seems to persist.

My family would shoot me between the legs if I mention of selling the bird in 6 months, however am realizing this might get worse.

Now for the replacement have 2 bikes in mind.

Pulsar 220F and AS200.

Pulsar 220F - Have ridden the same extensively and toured for 35K on the ODO in 2 years. Have really roughed it but miraculously it was a gem to own. It was regularly serviced and fed on Motul 5100 and 7100. The riding posture was pretty comfortable for me except some knee stiffness and calf muscle tension because of the sporty stance, but no should pain issues. Had sold it because it kind of lost the finesse it had in the engine after a trip to Himachal with pillion and luggage, where it was constantly ridden at 95+ on NH1. That trip seemed to be the nail in the coffin and it never regained its charm. Also after selling my TB AVL was dying to get back to RE once again.
With the P220 my riding style had changed. I am not a boy racer however found it really chuckable in the city and fast. With RE its a different story altogether and I am still getting used to the fact that I cannot ride it unlike how I used to ride the 220. Overall a very good ownership of the P220 which makes me go back to it. All P220 owners would know what the experience of having one is.

AS200 - The new kid on the block with refinement and modern tech. Haven't gone extensively through the ownership of the AS200 thread to find its negatives and positives. However know for surely its a pretty high revving bike and can solve my purposes of work and touring requirements. Would it be bullet proof as the P220 in the ownership. As already stated my usage is around 3500kms every month through pretty much grueling conditions.

Now should I sell the TB. Its is pretty immaculate condition except a dent in the front mudguard from the crashbar. It is heavily modded for touring requirements with a set of halogen fog lamps along with the headlight, a set of LED Fog Lamps on the crash bar, a retro windshield ( the one we used to find on the Machismo ) a Ladakh Carrier fitted, racing stripes running all along the length of the bike ( for look and reflective appeal ). It is cleaned on a daily basis and serviced every month from a RE SVC. If I sell it how much is the price I am looking at ???? Please suggest

Also among the P220 and the AS200 which one will be a better option. I am assuming a lot of people might suggest me the AS200, however I have been a P220 owner and know for sure obviously that the AS200 makes slight better power figures in a refined and modern way. My speeds never exceed 80-90kmph so the bike will be ridden in that range. Like I had mentioned I am not into any antics and am a pretty careful rider but do take the opportunity to make a quick dash if the situation demands through the city and the highways. Consider the usage to be used almost 4000k every month.

Please do suggest and mods if possible approve the post urgently !