Re: Best upgrade for Touring and day to day City commute

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Duke 390 should be an instant fit for touring with longer gearing, taller more comfortable handlebars, except that you will get a tank range of about 300 kms before you must refuel at all costs. I have a Duke 390. You also get additional advantage of ABS that saves you from falling down, or thinking too much, during panic braking.
I've toured on the Duke and I love it! Its vibe free if you choose the right gear and revs... It can deliver 40 kmpl on the highway at a constant 80 kmph, but doesn't go beyond 30 kmpl in the city mostly. No big issues. Seat is hard though. Have to shift front and back while touring.


Ninja 300 has a masterpiece all rounder engine, and the 250's upgrade has made it more practical. Its a great choice if you're ok with the price tag, and the limited color options. The twin cylinder exhaust note makes it worth the money. Its like a soundtrack!

YZF R3, a similar twin cylinder, might be tiring for touring due to its riding position, but is otherwise a very good bike overall. I would ride it to the Racetrack and back ideally.


My honest suggestion would be that you get a Honda CBR 250 ABS model. Because its a great option for silent, comfortable, vibeless touring.

Another suggestion for many years of solid experience would be Kawasaki ER 250n. It has the reliable parallel-twin engine from the now defunct Ninja 250R, which is a great news! Although, please note that this bike would feel busy on highway, as it has a shorter than expected gearing.


I can't comment on Benelli TNT 300, but a friend of mine who rode the 250 found it "comfortable and nice".



Think about it:- If you do a lot of intercity touring, why not keep it as least stressful as possible by getting a bike like CBR250R?
If power is your concern with CBR, I would suggest Ninja 300R (39~ bhp), although even its spares are expensive so think of the future too.
In midst of all this, maybe the Duke 390 (43 bhp) can deliver great power with a solid package, for some good money saved in the process?


If you haven't found your ideal bike yet after reading all this, take a test ride then of the above three.

Re: Best upgrade for Touring and day to day City commute

CBR yes should be a perfect choice but as far as i have seen its quit heavy and will male city commuting difficult, looks like i have to ask my friend to give his duke 390 for a 500Km ride and understand the bike as most suggestions are of 390,the only thing i am worried about is KTM service to my duke 200 is not satisfying, SVC are not responsive and Duke being a naked bike is high to maintain as Ninja, not sure about the maintenance of CBR

Re: Best upgrade for Touring and day to day City commute

Duke 390 should be a solid upgrade.
However, you can also take a look at Mahindra Mojo if you can digest the styling. Adequate power for highways and hills. Solid road presence and able braking. really comfortable too. Also, wait for the pulsar CS 400 and the BMW G310 R. Both promise to be extremely capable machines while being more economical than the Ninja/R3. Since you mentioned touring I would suggest you to stay away from bikes like the RC 390/R3/Ninja 300.
Stay away from the TB500/CL500 too as they have MAJOR reliability issues. A friend of mine had a brand new desert storm which broke down on him out of nowhere in Kasol.

Re: Best upgrade for Touring and day to day City commute

If you find the CBR250 heavy then the Ninja300/R3 would be equally hefty if not heavier and the TNT300 is definitely carries much more weight.

As far as maintenance is concerned i don't think D390 servicing receipt would surpass D200's by a large amount. (ofcourse the >oil change)
and kindly have a look at the price tag of consumables for Duke and Ninja you will get an idea of the annual maintenance costs.
i didn't get it when you say "being a naked bike is high to maintain as Ninja"





We have a Kawasaki naked ER 250n

Re: Best upgrade for Touring and day to day City commute

I think he's talking about the Z250

Re: Best upgrade for Touring and day to day City commute

I'm sorry for the confusion. Yes, I was talking about Z250.

Well, if you find the CBR250R heavy, then it wouldn't be advisable to choose any bike from the list of Ninja 300, R3, etc. too.

Duke 390 should be great! Remember, no vibes at the right revs, ok? All the best.

Re: Best upgrade for Touring and day to day City commute

took the duke 390 along with CBR for long ride on the way to place Duke felt exiting where as on the way back CBR felt powerless.

Duke 390 seems to be the right choice for me as compared to CBR, let me get more details from 390 delivery and other things....will keep you guys posted

Re: Best upgrade for Touring and day to day City commute

[MENTION=24386]Samarth[/MENTION]619
Please check if this is the right location for this thread.

Re: Best upgrade for Touring and day to day City commute

Go for Ninja 300 a perfect machine ...R3 is good but overall appeal is missing...acceleration and other factors are same for both

Re: Best upgrade for Touring and day to day City commute

If you are considering the D390, then you don't have any other option in that price bracket and the power(43bhp) safety (ABS) components (steel break lines, dicast swing-arm) and with the spare cash you can buy gear for you and windscreen(10000rs) for the bike for highway

N300 and R3 are good bikes but i don't think they are twice as good as the D390(if you consider the price)

TNT300 sounds good of all but cost is also high+maintenance

A friend of mine bought TNT300 ower the D390 as he is happy about it.

Hear what everyone says but do what you heart says.

Re: Best upgrade for Touring and day to day City commute

Agreed, did a Bangalore to Tirupati ride yesterday, D200 and pulsar 220F understood that fared bike will be lot more painful for me due to height, hence now fixed it for D390.

can anyone please suggest me wher can i share my Experience of tirupati, i would like to spread some awareness among People so that they dont struggle as we did