Re: Buying my first ride - heavy city use

Being there is no much difference between Duke and RC 200 on engine and maintenance wise, I am writing up my views:
I had a rc 200 for 1 year..... The power of the bike will amaze you like anything else... But on changing spares will put a hole in your pocket for sure...(more than the spare parts cost, service charge will give you a heart attack) Also if you are riding with shorts on any short rides, your legs will be burnt by the radiators. To get mileage from a Duke is another thing (based on your riding style) I got a 38 kmpl.

Cbr 150r could be a better choice as the riding position is more relaxed than R15 but you won't get engine kill switch and switch cluster will look like a unicorn's... Of course Honda service centers will also shoot a hole in your pockets.. But you can be more relaxed and you can get decent mileage around 40 - 45kmpl

My suggestion would be to go with cbr 150r comparing with gixxer sf

Test ride both the bikes to get better understanding

On cost saving purpose you can go gixxer not with gixxer sf (extra 15000 for plastic is not worth it)
Also try test riding RTR 200

Re: Buying my first ride - heavy city use

Because of some looks reasons I may not go for Gixxer SF. So keeping Gixxer aside from the list for a while I have this bikes in mind

KTM DUKE 200 - Service on this looks costly but service intervals are longer as compared to Gixxer. Also new Duke 2017 will be out maybe soon so is it good decision to go for this model now ?

CBR150R - Personally I haven't seen any new 150R on road. But keeping in mind the Honda durability, I have this on my list.

Upcoming Yamaha 250cc bike - I don't know how long it will till it comes on road and estimated price.

TB350 or Classic 350 - Enquired few recently purchased owners and they are happy with the bike. Also someone on TB350 Ownership thread claimed that all leaks issue use to be on older versions. But as I will be traveling in bumper to bumper traffic a lot so don't know about heating issue in traffic. Please advise on this.


P.S: I don't mind paying slightly high on services but also I don't want to end up in service center every month coz of some issues.

Re: Buying my first ride - heavy city use

Duke 2017 would be a better option as per your city usage.The power in duke is too good as compared to cbr 150r.The R25 is for city usage but it would cost high

Re: Buying my first ride - heavy city use

Well the Duke200 will outperform the CBR150R and the Gixxer. I've heard the CBR150R's engine is a high revving one and you've to keep it in the mid range to extract the best performance so you may find it difficult to ride in the city. Yes Hondas are reliable, but I feel they are overpriced but hey some decisions are made from the heart right?

The 2017 RC200 and RC390 brochures have been leaked and apparently there isn't much of a mechanical upgrade in the RC200. So I feel the Duke 200 too won't get much of an upgrade apart from few cosmetics one. So if your heart wants it, just go for it.

Source : 2017 KTM RC200 & RC390: Brochure Leaked | Team-BHP

Regarding the new Yammy, we'll get a flavour of what the bike has to offer once we see its specs. So fingers crossed for Jan24th.

I would also suggest the RTR200 as it's a very good offering for its price tag. It's good city machine and also capable of doing from occasional highway runs.

Cheers!

Re: Buying my first ride - heavy city use

Planning to wait for Duke 2017 but any idea how long it would take ? I may be going for 125 or 250cc model as 390cc would be over budget.

Also in meanwhile I'll try Dominar 400 but I doubt Bajaj durability and service. Had heard very bad reviews from almost every Pulsar owner.

Re: Buying my first ride - heavy city use

U can look at the duke 200...short gearing means easy pull in top gear...very light weight...very low maintenance costs, if any..and how about the trusty cb unicorn

Re: Buying my first ride - heavy city use

If few good riders whom i know, tested the dominar and apart from the headlight throw and hard shocks, they didnt find any issues with the test bike.

Re: Buying my first ride - heavy city use

How is Bajaj nowadays in terms of Durability and Service? As if I go for Bajaj then I expect it to last for atleast 5yrs as I'm not a bike enthusiast and won't be changing bikes anytime soon.

Also for a beginner going with 400cc bike a good idea ? I have experience of riding my Honda Dio for around 5yrs and have a good road knowledge. But coming towards bikes, this will be my first one.
I'm having more than 150cc bikes in my list as later on in future I don't want to see at other bikes and cry for that [emoji14]

So far this is what I have in list now

KTM Duke 125/200/250 2017
Dominar 400
Classic 350 Redditch
Gixxer SF(If I fail to wait for KTM)
And Maybe Yamaha's upcoming bike if it fits into my budget.

Re: Buying my first ride - heavy city use

Quality wise there won't be much issues but the service from SVC will be pathetic. You'll have to keep them pressing. Although this is the case even with other Companies. Using 200NS for 2 years with 20K on ODO. Haven't faced any issues. Haven't replaced any parts except Spark plugs once, oil and air filters during services and crash guard once (That was after a drastic fall. Fortunately the guard saved me from injuries)

Though there'll be typical Pulsar elements such as Vibes in 5.5K - 6K RPM range. Gets reduced with FS oil.

In Indian biking scenario only TVS and Bajaj are offering VFM products.

Duke is more of track bike and has very short gear ratio. It has outright power. That's a Mini rocket which I won't recommend for driving in City. D390 throws too much heat on the Legs.

As far as RE is considered I'm not a big fan so my opinions will not be Good towards RE. I can't stand the Vibes that REs give after 70KmpH. They haven't made any changes to the Engine for a very long time.

Gixxer is a very Good bike. Handles excellent. Looks good (Pure white Gixxer SF). Has ample low end Torque.

Better test ride all your options bro.

Re: Buying my first ride - heavy city use

Booked: DOMINAR 400

Thanks to all for sharing your opinion.

Re: Buying my first ride - heavy city use

Got Delivery of my Dominar today.

Thank you all for help.

MODs can close this thread.

Re: Buying my first ride - heavy city use

How much did it cost?

Re: Buying my first ride - heavy city use

1.79L On road