Re: Need a bike that can sustain test of time

Query Approved

Please format your post to make it readable. If you can wait, i would suggest to wait till March, get a better idea of what is and isn't in the market!

Re: Need a bike that can sustain test of time

MT 03 is not launching here. You can wait for the new Duke 390 or Kratos.

Re: Need a bike that can sustain test of time

Best bike IMO to stand long years without issues is a Honda, but they don't have any bike in your category as the CBR250 is discontinued. You can wait until they introduce the new CBR, but there are other good options right now like RTR200 and Mahindra Mojo.
If you intend to keep it for something like 10years then better to go with desi brands like Hero/Honda/TVS/Bajaj who have extensive service/spares availability.

Re: Need a bike that can sustain test of time

CBR 250R discontinued? Source?

Re: Need a bike that can sustain test of time

I would suggest against a Bennelli. They have high maintenance costs, around 20k a year if you want warranty. The rear disc brake pads cost ₹4000 for the Bennelli TNT 25.

The CBR 250 is not discontinued, one xbhp member got his bike delivered 3 days ago!

If you take a closer look at the Honda CBR 250, you'll find that it has its strengths. Cheaper spares, less maintenance. Honda offers a extendable 5 year warranty, and costs less than a Bennelli. Take a longer test ride of the CBR250, and let us know.

Do consider the Bullet 500 family, and the Yamaha R3.

Re: Need a bike that can sustain test of time

Test Rode CBR 250R before found its riding position not suitable for long rides. Moreover, I am not that into a full fairing bikes and like naked look more. I had Royal Enfield 350 classic and switching 500 don't seems as better option as most things are same and with those same problems that made me frustrated with the bike before.

I agree with you that maintenance is little high for Bennelli but spending that much would guarantee a assured performance from the bike. That's what I mean when I say it should be maintainable.

Re: Need a bike that can sustain test of time

Are you sure about this statement, CBR 250R is one of the best sports tourers in the indian market.

Benelli maintenance is on higher side. Have a look at the ownership thread.

Re: Need a bike that can sustain test of time

I will start with a little bit of OT discussion about the bolded part; First off we're of the same age. So, I have no place in saying what I am about to say and expecting it to stick, but imma say it anyway. I get the whole married by 28 thing. But if you have to marry a woman who results in the bolded part coming true, then buddy, you will be marrying the wrong woman. That is, of course, assuming that your passion for biking is a life long one. If you want to know if anyone is still riding as much as they want to after, the best example is the person who got the first TNT300 in xbhp a.k.a. the person who started the TNT300 ownership thread a.k.a @experimentalhead. He has a wife and I think a kid too. He rides whenever he feels the itch to ride. I avidly follow his travelogues and as a matter of fact, he even got selected into the final 5 of the wrangler true wanderer contest. I will stop here( and hope I have piqued you interest enough to go check out his travelogues and maybe get inspired to do the same).

Secondly, I want to address the italicised part - every bike is maintainable as long as you have the moolah, which you say you do (provided I understand you correctly when you say money is not an issue). If that is the case, the TNT300 is a good match for you(assuming you are okay with the price tag). It's a terrific vehicle as I come to understand. I follow the TNT300 thread avidly and the guys there have seen their fair share of issues with the bikes, but over time things have improved and finally things are sailing smooth for them. Like @leech said, be prepared to spend 20k a year on just the basic maintenance(oil and filter, periodic check ups, wash and stuff like that) of the vehicle, and quite a bit more on every spare you need(I heard the chain sprocket replacement costs 20k ) if you want this bike. BUT, the owners are happy with the quality of the vehicle - just read through the ownership thread.

Of course, if you are looking for a good bike around the 2.5L range, the TNT25 fits the bill perfectly - with all of the above applying to it too. Of course, you have to understand that you really don't know if the Benellis can stand the test of time in India - they only have been around for a year now. So if you are going to invest in one, you have absolutely no proof that the bike can serve you for as long as you want to. :P

Re: Need a bike that can sustain test of time

There is no guarantee that nothing will go wrong with the Benellis even if you pamper the bike. A couple of guys had their stator coil go kaput with no fault of theirs.

Another guy had problems with the footpegs on a year old bike. I have nothing against the bike or company, but don't you think your future wife might question the logic of spending 60~80k for the maintenance of a motorcycle for 5 years, when other similar powered bikes have it at 30k or less.

If naked is your preference, The Kawasaki N250 is pretty hot too. Got a proven engine, good naked looks.


Madhav, I'm in a similar situation too. Parents looking out for 'suitable brides'. Thing is, there is no right or wrong woman, just components. Beauty, body, faithfulness, and maintenance. It damn near impossible to get a girl with all four. We have to compromise on certain components. [emoji6]

And then again, the case comes : would you rather spend more time with your wife and kids, with your bike lying neglected, or spend time with your bike, leaving your wife and kids neglected. Divorce is expensive, and worse, the chance of a friend taking advantage of a lonely housewife is high.

Re: Need a bike that can sustain test of time

That escalated quickly. [emoji13] Let's stick to bikes here. I think we're all a little underqualified to discuss divorce and cheating. [emoji16]

Re: Need a bike that can sustain test of time

Wait for BMW G310GS if you can.

I have very similar requirements as the OP. Budget is 2.5 - 2.8 Lac but can stretch it to 3.5 Lac for the right machine.

• Honda CBR250R: Very reliable, decent power, proven machine, good brakes in the C-ABS version. Cheap to maintain. I was almost ready to buy this a month back but then decided to wait for EICMA.
• Mahindra Mojo: This is a joke. It looks super ugly (personal opinion) and the silencers look ridiculous. The bike has no USP.
• Bajaj Kratos 400: Unless Bajaj changed in the last year, I don't expect the build quality to the anywhere close to the Yamaha or Honda bikes.
• KTM Duke 390 (even the 2017 version): It is manufactured by Bajaj. I expect ordinary build quality (not too good nor too bad). For me, refinement and build quality > sheer power.
• Benelli: Too expensive to maintain.
• TVS Akula 310 (hoping this will be a sports tourer) and BMW G310GS: I think these are worth waiting for. If they use good quality parts, the bikes should not come cheaper than 2.4-2.5 Lac. They have the right amount of power, refinement and good brakes (if we go by the first impressions).

The dilemma is whether to just go for the CBR or wait for the G310GS (and Akula). Waiting will cost me at least 7-8 more months whereas going for the old CBR might make me regret my decision of not waiting for the G310GS and Akula if they turn out to be good! I can't make up my mind.

Re: Need a bike that can sustain test of time

BMW G310GS will be launched only by end of December 2017

Re: Need a bike that can sustain test of time

According to overdrive, BMW G310R and 310GS will be launched together by April 2017. Basically in the current fiscal year.

Re: Need a bike that can sustain test of time

And delivery begins in June