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**Divya Sharan** · 07-18-2016, 12:27 PM

Re: Touring motorcycle ~ 2 - 2.5L

Approved!

Himalayan - better maneuverability, good GC, initial batches turned out niggly. RE has been working on the same since.
500 - torquier, better pillion comfort, pulls like a truck but not good for maneuverability.

Apart from this, have you looked at Mahindra Mojo?

**Hemant Singh** · 07-18-2016, 12:54 PM

Re: Touring motorcycle ~ 2 - 2.5L

As per my experience, both TB500 and the himalayan hav enough torque to carry the heaviest of pillions with luggage be it uphill or long tours.
The area where himalayan exceeds is the handling. When carrying a pillion, the ride will be mostly sitting on the saddle rather than standing on the pegs and thats where the himalayan shines over TB. Add to that the upward angled exhaust to avoid scraping on sharp stones.

**rugved** · 07-18-2016, 03:37 PM

Re: Touring motorcycle ~ 2 - 2.5L

Originally posted by TheBellJar View Post

Hello there!

I am sure this has been done to death time and time again, but I have specific queries that I could not find answers to despite spending considerable time searching for it. I apologise if it is repetitive.

I am in the market for a motorcycle to be used primarily for long distance riding and only marginally for city riding (when not in the mood to drive). The natural candidates seem to be Himalayan and TBTS 500.

The issue is that a fair bit of the riding may be with a pillion (and accompanying luggage). The Himalayan does seem to be a nice package, but I read somewhere that the bike sags with a pillion (even more so with luggage), which would naturally blunt the advantage the bike has in terms of riding rough terrain and its comfort and maneuverability. I am also unsure whether it can churn out enough torque to comfortably ride uphill or over long distances at steady speeds without tiring the rider.

The TBTS 500 does seem a better offer on those accounts, even though a bit archaic now. However, reports seem to suggest it does not have the same level of handling, maneuverability, or comfort as Himalayan.

The ideal choice would, of course, be to put in more money and get a better - and proper - tourer. However that is not possible at present, and I will have that for my next acquisition.

In given circumstances, what would be my best bet?

Bike requirement for touring primarily.
Hence you will need the ability to hold good top speed for prolonged times. (i dont mean to say every one looks for speed. But in case of a good highway stretch, speed comes handy for many reasons!)
Fluid cooled engine will come in handy too.

You have a good budget to start with, why dont you consider CBR250R as well!. I dont know about Himalayan. It is too young in market to make any judgement. TBTS is a mighty bike, I own one too and its amazing each time to ride it. But For Touring CBR will be more rewarding and Reliable. It fits all criteria and people have made terribly long journeys with it.
Has all basics like Tubeless tyres, tall body, Engine that can churn out well in variety of conditions. Pillion comfort, tell tale lights and a whole lot!
Do consider it!

**hellgate** · 07-18-2016, 06:57 PM

Re: Touring motorcycle ~ 2 - 2.5L

For frequent touring, its best to get a bike which is both reliable as well as for which service center is easily available.
As suggested by [MENTION=36417]rugved[/MENTION], you can look at CBR 250R. It has proven itself as quite a tourer over the years.

**Ankey** · 07-18-2016, 07:02 PM

Re: Touring motorcycle ~ 2 - 2.5L

If you want a capable tourer, get a CBR250R or Mojo.

CBR250R is the boss when it comes to touring, reliability and mile munching capability.
Mojo is the new kid in the town but is proving its worth. Owners and testers have really good reviews.

If you think that you have set your heart on RE. Then Himalayan makes more sense, cause its more versatile, it will do everything you ask it to, be it on roads or off roads.

**krishna77** · 07-18-2016, 07:29 PM

Re: Touring motorcycle ~ 2 - 2.5L

Apart from the bikes mentioned above, have a look at the Benelli 25. It's a good bike and owners are not complaining either!

**kannanmr16** · 07-20-2016, 07:48 PM

Re: Touring motorcycle ~ 2 - 2.5L

Originally posted by krishna77 View Post

Apart from the bikes mentioned above, have a look at the Benelli 25. It's a good bike and owners are not complaining either!

Except the cost of ownership is high.

I would suggest CBR250 with ABS.

**prakash86** · 07-21-2016, 06:38 AM

Re: Touring motorcycle ~ 2 - 2.5L

As above, cbr250 abs is much much much better than any r.e in all departments. but if you want to save big bucks and are willing to compromise a little pillion comfort for better servicibility, no abs and lower maintenance go for the pulsar 220, or even the AS 200

Sent from my SM-P900 using xBhp Connect mobile app

**Shubhamdatye** · 07-21-2016, 04:58 PM

Re: Touring motorcycle ~ 2 - 2.5L

Originally posted by krishna77 View Post

Apart from the bikes mentioned above, have a look at the Benelli 25. It's a good bike and owners are not complaining either!

The benelli tnt 25 is indeed a great bike but there are less service centres and short service intervals might be of concern. As mentioned,cost of ownership is high. Stays in line and steady till 120. But vibrations creep in after around 110 for me.

**saikatbyte** · 07-21-2016, 08:18 PM

Re: Touring motorcycle ~ 2 - 2.5L

I hope you are in love with RE, but practically CBR250R ABS wins hands down!

**leech** · 07-26-2016, 01:44 AM

Re: Touring motorcycle ~ 2 - 2.5L

CBR owner here, I love the Bullet 500 series better than the CBR250, but three things -

Performance, mileage, reliability. Add in tubeless tyres and you can scrub the bullets off the board.

**Fmeeran** · 07-31-2016, 05:10 PM

Re: Touring motorcycle ~ 2 - 2.5L

Originally posted by TheBellJar View Post

I am in the market for a motorcycle to be used primarily for long distance riding and only marginally for city riding (when not in the mood to drive).

The issue is that a fair bit of the riding may be with a pillion (and accompanying luggage). The Himalayan does seem to be a nice package, but I read somewhere that the bike sags with a pillion (even more so with luggage), which would naturally blunt the advantage the bike has in terms of riding rough terrain and its comfort and maneuverability. I am also unsure whether it can churn out enough torque to comfortably ride uphill or over long distances at steady speeds without tiring the rider.

In given circumstances, what would be my best bet?

Hi mate,

I have a CBR250R, have a few friends who ride the TBTS 500 and have rented the himalayan out for a day ride (150 kms, with 30 kms of offroad).

The answer to a lot of what you have asked is what is your maximum cruising speed on the highways? If your answer is more than 90 kmph, get the CBR250R.

If on the other hand, your answer is 80 kmph or lower, don't bother with the CBR. I hate going on rides with my friends on the RE due to this exact reason.

The himalayan is a beautiful bike till about 80-90 kmph. After that the vibrations are a bit too high and there's not much acceleration to overtake vehicles. This is the bike I would suggest for very bad roads and inside the metros, with or without pillion.

Thunderbird has better torque but frankly is not as comfortable for the pillion as the himalayan. It's a different deal for the rider though.

Frankly, test ride them before you decide.

And remember to pack spare tubes for your rides if you get either of the enfields.

Good luck for your rides.

**AngadV** · 07-31-2016, 08:43 PM

Re: Touring motorcycle ~ 2 - 2.5L

CBR, its an old bike, but its a proven one.

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Touring motorcycle ~ 2 - 2.5L

Touring motorcycle ~ 2 - 2.5L

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