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RC390 or CBR250R - A bike for next 5 years

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  • #1

    RC390 or CBR250R - A bike for next 5 years

    My friend is looking for a bike to upgrade from his pulsar 200 dtsi. his requirements are written below:

    1. Budget: 2.5L max
    2. Age: 23
    3. Height: 6 ft 4 inches
    4. Weight: ~85kg
    5. Intended usage: daily commute of 30-35km, weekend rides of 80-150km
    6. Fuel Efficiency requirement: doesn't matter
    7. City & Highway percentage usage: 80% city (40-70kph speed, 2-3 traffic signals) 20% highway (70-100kph)
    8. Approximate Daily / Monthly running: 1000km per month
    9. City / Town /Village of residence (so we can evaluate road conditions / traffic / terrain / altitude / OTR pricing): Lucknow
    10. Brand / Bike type preference (if any): Fully faired, 200cc or more. Big no to nakeds, royal enfields or cruisers

    He has considered three options so far,

    1. KTM RC390
    liked: Acceleration, VFM
    disliked: felt too small, build quality and refinement wasn't upto his expectations, reliability issues, engine braking, hated its looks and sound


    2. CBR250R ABS
    liked: refinement, reliability, comfort level, better for everyday use,
    disliked: lack of power, pricey compared to ktm

    3. Used ninja 250R
    likes: parallel twin engine, looks, sound
    dislikes: difficult to find good options in used market, lime green colour


    he had finalized rc390 but now he's having second thoughts, considering the bike is going to be his daily commuter for next 5 years or so, he cannot compromise on reliability and spare parts availability. Moreover he is 6ft4 and couldn't ride the rc long enough to see if he is comfortable on it for longer period.
    Any suggestions will be highly appreciated.
    Last edited by hgps; 01-27-2016, 04:27 PM.
    There is no destination, I just want to keep riding.

    Honda CBR 650F / CBR 250R ABS Repsol (Sold) / Yamaha FZ-S
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: RC390 or CBR250R - A bike for next 5 years

    Query Approved

    I wouldn't recommend a KTM for five years! Better off with the CBR 250. Or even the Ninja 300. A 250 would already be old for it to last another 5 years, too much would be required on maintenance.

    Wait for the Auto Expo. Something good might be up and coming!!
    Biking is not about what you have between your legs, its all about how well you use it!!!!!!!

    Give your details here if you want to help your fellow xBhpian stranded in your city

    Touring Blog: Cycling in Mongolia!

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    • #3
      Re: RC390 or CBR250R - A bike for next 5 years

      Originally posted by hgps View Post

      1. Budget:       2.5L max
      He has considered three options so far,

      he had finalized rc390 but now he's having second thoughts, considering the bike is going to be his daily commuter for next 5 years or so, he cannot compromise on reliability and spare parts availability. Moreover he is 6ft4 and couldn't ride the rc long enough to see if he is comfortable on it for longer period.
      Any suggestions will be highly appreciated.
      For someone who is 6' 4", an RC390 with its rear set would be rather uncomfortable. I'm assuming you are looking for faired models based on your choices...

      The other two options you mentioned are old ... especially the Ninja 250 (why not 300). If a twin is what you desire, you might have to stretch to get a good specimen, but might last you 5 years.

      As mentioned ^^^ wait for the Auto Expo as the CBR might get an upgrade or you might find something you like.
      When I'm on the road, I'm indestructible. No one can stop me... but they try.

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: RC390 or CBR250R - A bike for next 5 years

        He cant afford a ninja 300. Max budget is 2.5L
        There is no destination, I just want to keep riding.

        Honda CBR 650F / CBR 250R ABS Repsol (Sold) / Yamaha FZ-S

        Comment

        • #5
          Re: RC390 or CBR250R - A bike for next 5 years

          He booked a cbr250r abs.
          There is no destination, I just want to keep riding.

          Honda CBR 650F / CBR 250R ABS Repsol (Sold) / Yamaha FZ-S

          Comment

          • #6
            Re: RC390 or CBR250R - A bike for next 5 years

            Originally posted by hgps View Post
            He booked a cbr250r abs.
            That was most sensible choice that he made.

            Ride safe
            Ride Hard

            http://flic.kr/ps/2A1U7A
            Baja Pulsar 2004 - till date
            Duke 200 -2013

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            • #7
              Re: RC390 or CBR250R - A bike for next 5 years

              Originally posted by hgps View Post
              He booked a cbr250r abs.
              Good and wise choice. Its definitely a great touring machine and does its job inside city as well. I hope he did take a Test drive before booking it, I mean a long one, since short rides doesn't show its characteristics and the rider can't say much too,
              R15S - Current
              Honda Dio - Current
              TNT 600i - Sold
              Classic 500 - Sold
              Pulsar 220 dtsi - Sold
              Yamaha YBX125 - Sold

              Comment

              • #8
                Re: RC390 or CBR250R - A bike for next 5 years

                Originally posted by TheArcher84 View Post
                Good and wise choice. Its definitely a great touring machine and does its job inside city as well. I hope he did take a Test drive before booking it, I mean a long one, since short rides doesn't show its characteristics and the rider can't say much too,
                He had extensively ridden his friend's cbr250r (1000+kms), delivery is expected between 10-20 march. Dealer promised it will be a 2016 manufactured bike


                EDIT as of 22 april: If anyone interested in knowing if 2016 manufactured CBR250R are available or not, They are not available, only november 2015 manufactured CBRs are available at local showrooms (visited 4-6 showrooms). As far as i know, honda manufactures CBR250R in small batches every 6-8 months, and 2016 lot is not manufactured yet.
                Last edited by hgps; 04-22-2016, 11:56 PM.
                There is no destination, I just want to keep riding.

                Honda CBR 650F / CBR 250R ABS Repsol (Sold) / Yamaha FZ-S

                Comment

                • #9
                  Re: RC390 or CBR250R - A bike for next 5 years

                  Sensible choice.
                  A bike on the road is worth two in the shed.

                  Weekend Rides Around Kolkata
                  My Ride To Sunderbans -                   Hemnagar & Samsernagar
                  Saagar Kinare - Bakkhali Calling

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                  • #10
                    Re: RC390 or CBR250R - A bike for next 5 years

                    Compared to rc390 , he made a sensible choice with CBR.

                    Comment

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