Re: Upgrading from Fazer to quarter litre (or more) city and tourer bike.

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Re: Upgrading from Fazer to quarter litre (or more) city and tourer bike.

Benelli TNT 300 hands down ! You can take a look at the Ninja 300 too.

Re: Upgrading from Fazer to quarter litre (or more) city and tourer bike.

Also take a look at R3 and Ninja 300 if you budget is 4L

Re: Upgrading from Fazer to quarter litre (or more) city and tourer bike.

Well it depends on what you want really. Out of the 3 you mentioned, benelli would be good, however you'd have a much higher maintenance cost(upto 20k a year apparently, but don't quote me on that) However you pay for what you get, and I've heard they have excellent service. It has an amazing exhaust note too.

CBR is a proven bike, good for city as well as touring, with very few niggles. However, its an old bike, and while some believe that doesn't matter, I gave it a pass when choosing which one I'd like to take.

The Duke 390 would be a practical choice when it comes to cost. Cost of spares is minimal, has a crazy amount of power. The downside is that vibrations are significantly more, and has a few niggles once in a while, and the exhaust note. Heating is there, but I can't compare it to other bikes, having only tried out the ninja till now.

The R3 comes in your budget, the Ninja being slightly higher, which are considerably smoother and niggle free. I've seen people go for the R3 over Ninja, but personally I wouldn't be able to resist that green color

I was in the same dilemma a few months ago, but went for RC 390, as it was my first bike(ABS+Metzeler+low maintenance), which suited me perfectly, and till now haven't had any real issues(but yeah, vibrations are a definite con). In your scenario,to sum up, seeing how you've been riding for a while(assuming), the Ninja/R3 would be a perfect faired option, Benelli for naked(if cost isn't an issue), and Duke 390 if you want ABS+Metzeler+Slipper clutch, but can live with the exhaust sound and heating, all in a very VFM package.
(PS Long term usability wise, KTMs aren't known to be a more than 3-4 year usage bike).

And finally, if you are unable to choose, go with whatever makes you happy, I did that, and no matter how practical another option may be, what you want would be the one which would make you love your bike

Have fun , and do update us on what you choose

Re: Upgrading from Fazer to quarter litre (or more) city and tourer bike.

+1 on the above post.

Re: Upgrading from Fazer to quarter litre (or more) city and tourer bike.

If pillion comfort is the concern then please rule out ktm duke. Because I have a pretty bad experience with my friend's duke390 where I was the pillion. First of all the pillion seat is small and uncomfortable and secondly the slight blip of throttle will leave only the pillion behind and the rider and the bike will move on as usual.

Re: Upgrading from Fazer to quarter litre (or more) city and tourer bike.

All 3 are different bikes with different characters.

Benelli TNT is twin cylinder and exhaust sound is one of the best and most expensive option , bad part (its not that bad) you have only one option for service i.e DSK. They are not bad but not that good either as per discussion threads.

Duke 390 is like college kid high on testosterone it will be always jumping most of the times its fun but if you want to go slow it will be like nope. its the best value for money.

CBR250 ABS riden, proven, HONDA's refined engine, got old but still looks handsome and that back seat though probably most comfortable pillion seat in your selection.

What I would recommend ? TEST RIDE IT for me buying a bike is like buying a good pair of jeans it should look good on me and nothing else matters.

Regards,
Mohan