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Bajaj. Should i trust this brand for my first bike worth approx 2 lakhs? (Kratos 400)

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  • Bajaj. Should i trust this brand for my first bike worth approx 2 lakhs? (Kratos 400)

    Hello Everyone,

    After a lot of research I have finally decided to buy the Kratos VS400. My other options were Himalayan, Mojo and CBR 250R.
    Mojo's specialty - Touring ( which i'll be doing only for like once in a month or once in two months.)
    Himalayan's specialty - Off Roading (which i wont be doing because i like to treat my vehicles really good.)
    CBR 250R's specialty - A good tourer and city bike (This perfectly fits into my requirements but then its a 4 year old model with no changes other than decals. So I'm kind of a bit sad about that part.)
    And yes my Budget is max 2 lakhs.
    STRAIGHT TO THE POINT FROM HERE
    I need a bike for some rides and normal day use. ( Yes weekly rides are important)
    So i really don't have any other options to go with.
    But the people told me the following things,
    BAJAJ ISN'T TRUSTWORTHY, YOU SHOULD NOT INVEST 2 LAKHS FOR A BIKE WHICH IS FROM BAJAJ, ONE YEAR AND YOU'LL KNOW WHAT BAJAJ BIKES ARE.
    I really don't understand this thing and i would like to know from people like you who've been into bikes from a long time and know them perfectly.
    Please help me out guys!
    Am i doing really doing something wrong by investing 2 lakhs in a Bajaj bike?

  • #2
    Re: Bajaj. Should i trust this brand for my first bike worth approx 2 lakhs? (Kratos 400)

    Approved!

    Only those who ride Hero Hondas are the ones who say Bajaj bikes fall apart in a year. Don't listen to them.

    Read through Bajaj ownership logs here, on the forum. Do the same for Hero/Honda. And decide for yourself.
    Got a $5 head? Get a $5 helmet.
    Because everyone who passes, isn't a martyr!

    Bullet Service Guide CBR 250R Parts Manual Fz16 service manual - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1-...VFQmJzakk/view
    Hero Moto Corp Bikes' Parts RE STD 350 Wiring Diagram (CI) Service Manual - Classic 350/500
    ZMR parts - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-U...it?usp=sharing
    P200NS Spares' prices - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...taGd5R2c#gid=0

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Bajaj. Should i trust this brand for my first bike worth approx 2 lakhs? (Kratos 400)

      Divya bhai got it spot on. I spoke to a lot of Activa, Hero Honda Passion Fz and Hornet customers in the past month: all of them are of the opinion that Bajaj vehicles start having problems after a year or two. Resale value also is better in the Japanese motorcycles than Bajaj.

      Is it a matter of following the herd, or is there some truth in what they say?

      I see two rs200 for sale in the local second hand market, no CBR 250. The market was dominated by Bajaj bikes.

      In 2012 when Bajaj's NS 200 was popular, I considered buying it instead of the CBR 250. Look where it is now : discontinued. Whereas the CBR 250 still lives.

      The KTMs have so many small niggles that whenever somebody posts about coolant overflow or air filter crack, or engine oil leak or sensor failure, more than a dozen people have the answers ready. Will Bajaj come up with something better than the KTM 390? I think not.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Bajaj. Should i trust this brand for my first bike worth approx 2 lakhs? (Kratos 400)

        8 years with a pulsar 180 classic. 7 years with a pulsar 220. I have never faced the falling apart issues reffered by the "people". Bajaj has improved a lot. In the end your bike becomes what you believe it to be because you treat the bike with the same belief. Bajaj bikes may not be as sophesticated as hondas or yamahas, but they will outlast a nuclear war if kept right.
        HYPERTHRUST CLEARED AND COUNTING
        5.....4.....3....2.....1

        sigpic

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Bajaj. Should i trust this brand for my first bike worth approx 2 lakhs? (Kratos 400)

          Originally posted by Divya Sharan View Post
          Approved!

          Only those who ride Hero Hondas are the ones who say Bajaj bikes fall apart in a year. Don't listen to them.

          Read through Bajaj ownership logs here, on the forum. Do the same for Hero/Honda. And decide for yourself.
          First of all Thank you for approving the thread.
          Made me really happy.
          And i went on a ride with my bullet friends and 3 of them were like Don't buy a Bajaj.
          When i told them that it has the KTM 390 engine, one was like yeah well then its okay. Other one was like, No! Doesn't matter. Don't waste 2 lakhs on a Bajaj. Third one was like, Rather buy a Benelli 25 or Mahindra Mojo. Hint: All of them are bike owners for like 10 years now.
          And then today i heard the news that one guy had a cello tape taped to his ignition coil or something, directly from then Bajaj SV to hide a crack.
          Plus I'm going to pick up the bike as soon as it launches. So i hope i really don't turn myself into a guinea pig as it will be from the very first batch.
          PS: I really have to buy a bike in the next 2 months as i've been successful in making my dad agree to buy a bike from the past 5 years.
          So i better hurry before he changes his mind again.

          ----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

          Originally posted by leech View Post
          Divya bhai got it spot on. I spoke to a lot of Activa, Hero Honda Passion Fz and Hornet customers in the past month: all of them are of the opinion that Bajaj vehicles start having problems after a year or two. Resale value also is better in the Japanese motorcycles than Bajaj.

          Is it a matter of following the herd, or is there some truth in what they say?

          I see two rs200 for sale in the local second hand market, no CBR 250. The market was dominated by Bajaj bikes.

          In 2012 when Bajaj's NS 200 was popular, I considered buying it instead of the CBR 250. Look where it is now : discontinued. Whereas the CBR 250 still lives.

          The KTMs have so many small niggles that whenever somebody posts about coolant overflow or air filter crack, or engine oil leak or sensor failure, more than a dozen people have the answers ready. Will Bajaj come up with something better than the KTM 390? I think not.
          Better than KTM 390? I'm not even expecting for something like that. Each bike and car has its own uniqueness, let it be a nano or CT 100.
          As i said in my first post, i can't go above 2 lakhs and i explained things with the other bikes.
          So i really don't have an option but to go with the Bajaj Kratos 400. With the ABS, it will be the best bang for the buck.
          The only question is, Will it Bang me later when it comes with some problems?
          As i'll be buying it in the next two months. (Launch is confirmed for this November)
          I'll be from one of the few people who get the bike from the first batch.

          ----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

          Originally posted by Bibhu View Post
          8 years with a pulsar 180 classic. 7 years with a pulsar 220. I have never faced the falling apart issues reffered by the "people". Bajaj has improved a lot. In the end your bike becomes what you believe it to be because you treat the bike with the same belief. Bajaj bikes may not be as sophesticated as hondas or yamahas, but they will outlast a nuclear war if kept right.
          Thank you Bibhu. But is buying a bike from the first batch is called Bravery or Stupidity?
          Again, if i don't buy a bike in the next 2 months I will never get one.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Bajaj. Should i trust this brand for my first bike worth approx 2 lakhs? (Kratos 400)

            Originally posted by Zerocool1431 View Post
            First of all Thank you for approving the thread.
            Made me really happy.
            And i went on a ride with my bullet friends and 3 of them were like Don't buy a Bajaj.
            .................................................. ................................................. Hint: All of them are bike owners for like 10 years now.


            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Bajaj. Should i trust this brand for my first bike worth approx 2 lakhs? (Kratos 400)

              If you are so sceptical, better look for other brands. When your Mind is not with something, no point trying to convince it. You will always have it in mind, that the other option might have been better. I honestly feel Himalayan is your best bet as U are more tilted towards it.
              P.S. Had it been me, I would have taken the Kratos among your options. No question asked
              HH Dawn - TVS Star City - Yamaha Gladiator - TVS RTR 180 - Honda CBR 250R - Yamaha R3

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Bajaj. Should i trust this brand for my first bike worth approx 2 lakhs? (Kratos 400)

                It's not stupidity or bravery to buy a bike from the first batch. It's just prudent. Too much thinking will hurt rather than help.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Bajaj. Should i trust this brand for my first bike worth approx 2 lakhs? (Kratos 400)

                  Do what ur mind says to u... Reviews and sugestions will keep on blocking u away... If u like bajaj... Then dont think about falling parts n all just make up ur mind if u dont think of the one u like... I used bajaj disvover 2005 the very first with graphic version. its still there no falling parts no nothing all good... I own a suzuki lets since last 1 year all good... Now i also bought yamaha r15s... Yet to receive number... And i hope its going to be all good too 😊

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Bajaj. Should i trust this brand for my first bike worth approx 2 lakhs? (Kratos 400)

                    Originally posted by HyperRetard View Post
                    What is that old man trying to say?

                    ----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

                    Originally posted by interl00per View Post
                    Do what ur mind says to u... Reviews and sugestions will keep on blocking u away... If u like bajaj... Then dont think about falling parts n all just make up ur mind if u dont think of the one u like... I used bajaj disvover 2005 the very first with graphic version. its still there no falling parts no nothing all good... I own a suzuki lets since last 1 year all good... Now i also bought yamaha r15s... Yet to receive number... And i hope its going to be all good too 😊
                    I really can't just go with what my mind says. This is my first bike and I'm going to arrange every single penny for it as my parents are against two wheelers. So i kind of need some expert's opinion.

                    ----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

                    Originally posted by sambit View Post
                    If you are so sceptical, better look for other brands. When your Mind is not with something, no point trying to convince it. You will always have it in mind, that the other option might have been better. I honestly feel Himalayan is your best bet as U are more tilted towards it.
                    P.S. Had it been me, I would have taken the Kratos among your options. No question asked
                    I respect Himalayan in its Off roading capabilities but let's see the truth here. It is definitely underpowered for a 411cc Engine.
                    Ad other brands?
                    I told you i don't have much options left other than those 3 which i mentioned in my first post.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Bajaj. Should i trust this brand for my first bike worth approx 2 lakhs? (Kratos 400)

                      Originally posted by Zerocool1431 View Post
                      CBR 250R's specialty - A good tourer and city bike (This perfectly fits into my requirements but then its a 4 year old model with no changes other than decals. So I'm kind of a bit sad about that part.)
                      And yes my Budget is max 2 lakhs.
                      Please note that sports bikes see less changes compared to tourer or commuter bikes. Only changes may happen is increase in engine size accordingly chassis and other stuff gets redesigned/strengthened. In sports model at the most happening will be to upgrade additional features keeping engine and chasis without any change in the present model. Best examples are Ducati, Yamaha R1,R3,R6, R15 (India/Asia model).
                      If there is any hitch, in mind, it's advisable to revisit the selection process. In my opinion you should select a bike keeping longevity in mind apart from easy availability of spares, maintenance free, ease on pocket, should serve purpose on top of it.
                      Tried and tested models are the best in its class as they have seen many changes from the date of launch.
                      Hope this helps in narrowing down the choice.
                      All the best.
                      Avoid noise pollution. Avoid honking.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Bajaj. Should i trust this brand for my first bike worth approx 2 lakhs? (Kratos 400)

                        Take a test drive of CBR250r and see it that's the bike which suits you, it's still a good buy despite being little old.

                        I won't suggest you getting the Kratos from 1st lot because if anything goes wrong you will have that guilt feeling with you always. You can either wait 2-3 months after the launch or get a CBR now or look for other option like the RS, Avenger, RTR200.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Bajaj. Should i trust this brand for my first bike worth approx 2 lakhs? (Kratos 400)

                          Originally posted by Zerocool1431 View Post
                          Plus I'm going to pick up the bike as soon as it launches. So i hope i really don't turn myself into a guinea pig as it will be from the very first batch.
                          You said you've 2 months. Book the bike after those 2 months (assuming Kratos launches in the meanwhile). At least you'll have reports from people about whatever niggles that arise from the bike. If there are too many, you can go for another bike.
                          And regarding Benelli - cost price of purchase may be low, but servicing even a Benelli tnt302 is costlier than a Honda CBR 650F. Each service of Benelli (interval - 4000 km) costs north of ₹ 3500.
                          Got a $5 head? Get a $5 helmet.
                          Because everyone who passes, isn't a martyr!

                          Bullet Service Guide CBR 250R Parts Manual Fz16 service manual - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1-...VFQmJzakk/view
                          Hero Moto Corp Bikes' Parts RE STD 350 Wiring Diagram (CI) Service Manual - Classic 350/500
                          ZMR parts - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-U...it?usp=sharing
                          P200NS Spares' prices - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...taGd5R2c#gid=0

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Bajaj. Should i trust this brand for my first bike worth approx 2 lakhs? (Kratos 400)

                            First lot owners ARE Guinea pigs. Be it Honda or Yamaha or Tata or Bajaj.

                            First lot CBR had poor quality nuts and bolts, and paint coming off engine. Some guys didn't even get oil filter and fairing parts 6 months after launch, because of the demand.

                            Same thing you can expect from Bajaj. You can keep aside 20k as first lot niggle repair fund, if you go for the Kratos. That is what I'd do, if I ever pick up the courage to go for a newly launched vehicle.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Bajaj. Should i trust this brand for my first bike worth approx 2 lakhs? (Kratos 400)

                              Originally posted by kausarayub View Post
                              Take a test drive of CBR250r and see it that's the bike which suits you, it's still a good buy despite being little old.

                              I won't suggest you getting the Kratos from 1st lot because if anything goes wrong you will have that guilt feeling with you always. You can either wait 2-3 months after the launch or get a CBR now or look for other option like the RS, Avenger, RTR200.
                              RS, Avenger, RTR200? Nah. :/
                              My first condition is a bike >=250cc.
                              So those don't even come in my list.
                              Also about the CBR 250R, Yes that a perfect beginner bike for someone like me. Good engine, good design. But, i hate the decals on the 2016 model. 😭
                              The dual tone colour CBR 250R looked really good. Like the black and silver or red and silver one.
                              So that is why I'm a bit deviated from CBR.
                              I'm going through a really tough time between choosing the right bike.
                              I hope you can understand.

                              ----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

                              Originally posted by leech View Post
                              First lot owners ARE Guinea pigs. Be it Honda or Yamaha or Tata or Bajaj.

                              First lot CBR had poor quality nuts and bolts, and paint coming off engine. Some guys didn't even get oil filter and fairing parts 6 months after launch, because of the demand.

                              Same thing you can expect from Bajaj. You can keep aside 20k as first lot niggle repair fund, if you go for the Kratos. That is what I'd do, if I ever pick up the courage to go for a newly launched vehicle.
                              Leech, you know what?
                              When i read your message, i was like even if i have to keep 20k aside for first lot niggle repairs, I'd still go with the Kratos.
                              Just imagine my condition if i buy a CBR 250R instead of Kratos and then look at a guy riding Kratos beside me.
                              Damn I'll be like, i should've taken the risk and I'm riding a 5 year old bike.
                              Can you understand my feelings? xD
                              I don't know what exactly is happening with me.
                              I was never confused even about a girl so much. xD

                              ----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

                              Originally posted by Divya Sharan View Post
                              You said you've 2 months. Book the bike after those 2 months (assuming Kratos launches in the meanwhile). At least you'll have reports from people about whatever niggles that arise from the bike. If there are too many, you can go for another bike.
                              And regarding Benelli - cost price of purchase may be low, but servicing even a Benelli tnt302 is costlier than a Honda CBR 650F. Each service of Benelli (interval - 4000 km) costs north of ₹ 3500.
                              Benelli? *Laughs*
                              The only Benelli that can fit in my budget (after stretching it a little bit) is the 25.
                              And yes about the servicing, I'm sure I'll have to pour money at each service. Plus it looks like combined version of Yamaha SZR and Duke 200. xD
                              And the 2 months time period I'm talking about starts from this November to December end.
                              So right now I'm really on a fire. 😝
                              And another bike?
                              Which one do you suggest for me.
                              Assuming that my first condition is a bike >=250cc and considering the points of my first post.

                              Comment

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