Re: The same old tale of Two wheelers!

Query Approved

How important is pillion comfort? That would strike off some bikes from your list!

Re: The same old tale of Two wheelers!

I would throw in Apache-200 EFI in there for city riding and GS150R if you're into touring(long journeys).
And take out Apache 160/180 and Gixxer for comfort and pillion-comfort.

Note : you're not concerned about mileage.

Re: The same old tale of Two wheelers!

Xtreme seems to be a good bet for your requirements.
Also check out the Fz 2.0 which os extremely well built and has good amount of comfort.

Sent from my Xperia L.

Re: The same old tale of Two wheelers!

I am really sorry for the delay in responding and thank you for the suggestions.

To "The Monk" -
I am estimating a monthly distance of 500+ km and only 15% will be with a pillion; however, pillion comfort is at the top surely.
The monthly distance can be considered to be equally split between city and highway roads.


To "Freak inExile" -
I am not worried about the mileage, you're right; however, do have a limit on the budget (INR 100000). That means I may not be able to afford Apache 200 EFI version.
I literally fixated on Suzuki GS150R, the moment I started looking for options. But, the real bad news was, they stopped it as soon as Gixxer went on sale.
I do not understand the freaking strategy behind this move, given both are different types. I called a great many dealerships, just hoping they may have some leftovers and I might get lucky (to no avail, of course!). Anyway, a 16-litre fuel tank was the motivating factor behind including the Apaches in my list. Most of the other 150-cc segment bikes have a fuel tank around 12-13 litres only.


To "krishna77" -
For me, it is possibly a choice only between Xtreme and Hunk; but, it's interesting you chose Xtreme (personally I thought Hunk was better and under rated).
Is there a particular reason for that?
Regarding FZ 2.0 versions, will it be comfortable for the pillion rider too?

Re: The same old tale of Two wheelers!

The Apache 180 ABS, Apache 200 carb and Gixxer SF seem like good options.
Note : Gixxer is the most sedate of the lot here. Apaches being agressive on every aspect.
Performance wise it is like this A200>A180>Gixxer SF.

Refinement wise
A200>Gixxer>A180.

Mileage wise, if i am not wrong A180 gives 42-47Kmpl easily and same with the Gixxer.
Apache 200 on the other hand around 40-ish.

Hope this helps in deciding.

Re: The same old tale of Two wheelers!

I am estimating a monthly distance of 500+ km and only 15% will be with a pillion; however, pillion comfort is at the top surely.
The monthly distance can be considered to be equally split between city and highway roads.

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I am not worried about the mileage, you're right; however, do have a limit on the budget (INR 100000). That means I may not be able to afford Apache 200 EFI version.
I literally fixated on Suzuki GS150R, the moment I started looking for options. But, the real bad news was, they stopped it as soon as Gixxer went on sale.
I do not understand the freaking strategy behind this move, given both are different types. I called a great many dealerships, just hoping they may have some leftovers and I might get lucky (to no avail, of course!). Anyway, a 16-litre fuel tank was the motivating factor behind including the Apaches in my list. Most of the other 150-cc segment bikes have a fuel tank around 12-13 litres only.

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For me, it is possibly a choice only between Xtreme and Hunk; but, it's interesting you chose Xtreme (personally I thought Hunk was better and under rated).
Is there a particular reason for that?
Regarding FZ 2.0 versions, will it be comfortable for the pillion rider too?
And honestly, I am inclined to consider Gixxer, but am wary of the pillion seat height and all the plastic they've got in it.
Nowadays, it is like only the fuel tank's metal and the rest of the body is made up of either plastic or some "so called tough" fibre. They really freak me out!

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I may not go as high as Apache 200 (want to keep the budget as low as possible); however, would like to consider 160/180 cc models, mostly due to their 16-litre fuel tanks.
I am not too concerned about mileage and anything like 40 kmpl is good enough for me; but, are the Apaches suited for a pillion?

Regarding Gixxer, am all for it, except for the plastic/non-metal body parts and the pillion seat height.
By the way, you have not commented anything about Xtreme or Hunk. Have you any particular disliking towards Hero Motocorp bikes?

Re: The same old tale of Two wheelers!

The Apache 160/180 have a more agressive seating for the rider. Coming to the pillion, its good enough. Specially ladies who can get on the bike without issues (My mom sits). The Apache 200 on the other is more comfortable, but the rear seat height is more.

Coming to the gixxer, i think for extra 3K you'll get so much bike for your money i.e Apache 200. The Gixxer isn't an agressive bike to ride either, its a sedate no nonse commuter. The pillion comfort is on par with the apache 160/180 siblings. Though lookout for the low GC issue.

Coming to the Hero bikes, i don't hate them. But tell me one usp on which they should be considered? Price? Features? Handling? Looks? They have a key slot on the side of the headlight, reminds me of the 80's. They had one good product, Karizma. Now they butchered that too.

Re: The same old tale of Two wheelers!

Why is Honda Hornet not included in the List ?

Re: The same old tale of Two wheelers!

I feel Hondas are too under-featured for their price tags, honestly and I've been riding Unicorn 150 for 6 years now. I am not really sure how far they can go with features that are age-old or non-existent and just with an immortal engine.
For example, their premium bikes lack a provision as simple as an engine kill-switch.

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I really struggled to come up with any and yes, the odd placement of the key slot in Xtreme did rub many the wrong way; but hey, fortunately for Hero, they'd Honda and hence, their ever durable engines are keeping Hero afloat (I think).

But, to be honest, I really liked the new Hunk before I saw it in person, noticed the asymmetrical design of its fuel knob and the overall finish.

Regarding Gixxer, I'd so love to buy it, if it weren't for all the plastic in the rear. I think I said that already, but with a price tag of INR 90000 on its head, I just hate seeing all that cheap looking, non-metal covering a brilliant engine, don't you? It would really help if a Gixxer owner could share their opinion.