Re: Need some help for a newbie

Query Approved

Looking at your timeframe, i would suggest the Gixxer or the Apache RTR 200. The latter over the former.

I would also suggest not to expect a 12 year ownership! That's a long time, a lot will change. Roads, you, bikes, skills, life etc. 5-6 years is more realistic!

Re: Need some help for a newbie

Thanks a lot for approving.

If there is something worth waiting I can wait upto October-end and not more than that.
I always thought a bike would serve me that long, understood your point. Updated my mind.

Since you preferred RTR 200, just wanted to know for a rider like me does FI and ABS matter?
I am a noob in these.

Re: Need some help for a newbie

Have a look at SZ-RR. Very underrated bike. Won't give you power like an Apache but rides and ownership experience would be smoother.
A basic Spartan jacket(Nemesis/Helios) will cost you anything around 7.5-8K. Aspida is a good semi gauntlet glove and will cost you around 2.2K. Studds Shifter helmet is around 2K.

Re: Need some help for a newbie

Well, if your are considering RTR200 then a bit of waiting may be good. RTR200 is a new bike and the firs few batches are like beta test versions. The buyers buy the bike ride them and face niggles and problems which are then reported to service centers and these issues are corrected in the next batches of the bikes. So waiting and keeping an eye out for the long term ownership would be good for RTR200.

Next comes the FI and ABS.
FI is not that important, a carbureted bike is equally good. FI eliminates the carb tuning hassles, cold start problems and gets rid of AFR tuning niggles. Crisp throttle response is good on FI bikes. The downside is that only authorized service center can work on the bike if something goes wrong. No road side mechanic will be able to fix it.

ABS is a life saver, especially in a country like India, where people have no road sense. It is recommended to get it even if you have to pay a bit extra for it.

Re: Need some help for a newbie

You seem to be pretty clear on your requirements so here's my suggestion.
Among your choices RTR 200 seems a better bet so far we haven't heard about any major issues but the doubts of being perfect cannot be ruled out yet.
Apart from that its bang for the buck but not sure it can give 35-45 kmpl upto 40 yes beyond 40 may not be possible.

Since you also mentioned other bike suggestions are welcome my current favorite in the segment is Honda Hornet being a Honda you will get one of the best engines money can buy but, also Hondas have bad quality plastics and electrical (I own cbr250 I know a thing or 2) nothing major but if you compare in competition they don't last long as rivals but you won't be disappointed by your purchase. Its like buying one of those Oneplus smartphones which are as good as top end smartphones but has few omissions.

Re: Need some help for a newbie

Hello.
I would suggest you the RTR180 abs.

Reasons I chose the 180ABS Over 200.
1. The seat height of the 180 is lesser than the 200. The 200 is a much taller bike and I've seen short people struggling to rest their feet on the ground.
2. ABS over standard.
3. Price. 1L (ABS) vs 1.10(Without ABS).
4. Can take up quiet a beating. And easy to maintain.
5. Cheap spares and availability as of now.

Cons :
1. Vibrations (Nothing severe). But yes, present.
2. Older generation product.
3. Looks are subjective, but The 200 is a beautiful looking bike.

Also, in jackets you can try Rynox Tornado Pro. Good quality jacket.

Re: Need some help for a newbie

@JS16 I am kinda worried about vibrations of RTR 180, if not I would've preferred RTR 160 by now. I love both 160/180 but vibrations and old engine is my concern and nothing else. I have noted the jacket you mentioned, I did like it.

Thanks a lot for helping. But I am avoiding Hornet because of looks and price.

@krishna77 I did look at SZ-RR, its now into my shortlist. I loved the bike being smooth. The things which I didn't like is looks. I feel power is ok for my kinda riding. Seat height is something I might have to get used to, feels a bit tall(I use Scooty Zest these days). Jacket and glove didn't check yet. Helmet seems good. Just wanted to know which brand seems better? Here I see people using LS2 and Studds evenly. If same I can shortlist based on looks.

So far these are my shortlist: SZ-RR, RTR 200, RTR 160. Thanks a lot for your time.
Since I have a long time(upto Oct) to buy, I shall try RTR 200 ABS before finalizing. Shall keep updating when things change.

Re: Need some help for a newbie

When you say 50-60 Kms in a day, for each day of week, (assuming all city drive, so traffic unavoidabe) then seating comfort becomes utmost priority.
You have limited your choices to only 2 bikes so far (3 variants ). This being your first bike, I would suggest to you to take more test drives test drive on more bikes and explore all options and then make an informed choice.

Re: Need some help for a newbie

[MENTION=85167]vinayus[/MENTION] The vibs aren't more or less the same on both 160/180. And they aren't anything you cannot live with :P

Re: Need some help for a newbie

Thanks a lot @rugved . I have taken SZ-RR. Will check the possibilities for others too.

This weekend I rode my friend's RTR160(old model, 2009) and Hornet(while returning) for a drive(60km).

I felt both are good. But Hornet brake legging was something which my leg was not satisfied, felt my right leg was pushed forcibly back(nothing major troublesome just a feeling). RTR160 old model I didn't feel that.
Old model and New model has any difference with respect to this?
@JS16 I don't know, but somehow while riding bike I didn't feel any vibrations on RTR160 either on legs or wrist. Might be because of enthusiasm with friends and not worried about it or is it because I was constantly around 70-90 speed?

Update:
Still I didn't find a place nearby for taking test drive for RTR200. But local TVS dealer told me these when I visited:
->On road RTR200 carb, tvs tyres is 109750. He said accessories included but I doubt him.
->ABS might come within September even though he wasn't sure though.
->ABS can be added later for a cost of around 15k, again not sure by him regarding price.
->After booking I can get bike in 10days.

Since Honda dealer is nearby I just gave a visit.
->STD variant Hornet 160r will cost 98700+Accessories
->1 month waiting period
->No plans for engine killswitch or switchgear upgrade.
->She told me to buy Unicorn 160 which is 5000rs less and can be delivered in 24-48hrs for which I said no.

So after all these, now my shortlist is
RTR200, RTR160, Hornet 160r, SZ-RR in the order.

Since my plan to buy is around August_End<-->Mid_September, I'm still confused.
Never thought choosing bike is this hard. I think I rather write my degree exams again.

Shall keep this thread updated. Thanks in advance.

PS: Didn't get chance to check bike gear. Made some Vega and LS2 helmet online search.
A friend of mine suggested Skully AR1. Its wow but again felt out of my budget.

Re: Need some help for a newbie

If you are ok with that type of vibrations it's good then. If you have an option to buy a 200cc bike, what are you waiting for? :P

Re: Need some help for a newbie

Bro go for RTR 160/180,
RTR 200 is for tall guys and being 5.4" you will struggle, don't be emotional by its look but take a wise decision is all i would say.
Yes 180 has vibration but that should not be deal broker, tell me how many times you would revv it that much hard.

Re: Need some help for a newbie

[MENTION=83277]Neerajvayu[/MENTION] Thank you so much for your advice. Very true.
Few days back I rode old RTR 160, I didn't feel vibs so as [MENTION=76522]JS16[/MENTION] suggested it should be ok with current series I hope.
But before dropping RTR200 I atleast want to give a test drive so I won't regret later.

No updates regarding bike test/choice over these many days because of my troubled hectic life. Shall update when possible.
Hopefully by September-mid I should be clear with my choice.

On other note can we ask for 2nd test drive from same dealer for same bike?? Or should try with other dealer or its not allowed??

Thanks everyone.

Re: Need some help for a newbie

I think go to some other dealer and show them that you are so enthusiastic to buy one but do a test ride without pillion.
I feel RTR 200 heave in right hand side