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Looking for a Naked Commuter within 1.5L INR on road

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  • Looking for a Naked Commuter within 1.5L INR on road

    Hello,

    This is Soumo from Kolkata, SW Engg by profession. I had an FZ16 from 2013-2015. I had to sell that when I had to relocate outside India for job purpose. Now that I am back home, I am looking for your views and suggestions again for a new ride for me.
    All the relevant details are given below. Please let me know for any questions.

    About me

    I'm 5'10'' and 85KG, yes a fat one, unlike my wallet. So..

    My Budget


    1.5L INR on road. Can't spend any more


    What I want


    # A commuter bike, 150cc+
    # Naked bike. My last bike was a 2013 FZ16
    # This will mostly be used for city riding, 50KM a day. A 200-300km ride once or twice every quarter at max (if the wifey permits )
    # I will ride with a pillion. Bike should not be out of breath in crawling traffic or during climbing uphill
    # Reliable, I do not have enough time to run to a service center every two weeks. Also, I would not want to leave it to the service center due to unavailability of parts
    # Finally, a mileage of 40+


    Good to have


    # ABS and 55W+ headlamp. While ABS is not a dealbreaker the illumination is. If stock bulb is 35W, I would need your suggestion on how to change that
    # A large fuel tank (16L on the Apache 160 comes to my mind) and a tankful mileage of around 500KM


    What I don't want


    # Any bike with fairing (R15, Gixxer SF etc.)
    # Bajajs




    What I am considering


    # FZ25
    +My last bike was a Yamaha FZ. This looks like a proper upgrade.
    +Powerful, reliable, frugal
    -No ABS
    -35W lights
    # RTR200V
    +This looks like a proper upgrade.
    +Powerful
    -No ABS
    -Not sure about FI model availability
    #Gixxer/Hornet/FZ v2.0
    +FZ like style
    +Reliable, frugal
    -No ABS and in some cases, no disk break also
    -35W lights
    -Unsure about service (Suzuki has very few service centers here. Honda just does not care)
    #Uni 160/SZ-RR v2.0
    +Reliable, frugal
    -No ABS
    -35W lights

  • #2
    Re: Looking for a Naked Commuter within 1.5L INR on road

    Query Approved

    The FZ25 seems like a good option. But i don't know about the fuel efficiency part of it. Check on the Ownership thread.
    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: Looking for a Naked Commuter within 1.5L INR on road

      Originally posted by arsenalfan001 View Post
      Hello,

      # FZ25
      +My last bike was a Yamaha FZ. This looks like a proper upgrade.
      +Powerful, reliable, frugal
      -No ABS
      -35W lights
      FZ25 would fit your needs except for the Lamp. I just got mine and have done ~800KM all in city traffic, it runs like magic and also gives around 39 KM/L.

      Only odd thing is the gear box is bit clunky, shifts would require getting used to.

      And just another thing, the pickup is good and easily does 70KM within 4500 RPM. Hadn't gotta chance to peak yet since its still in run in period.

      All the Best!

      MC
      Last edited by MC_AngryBoy; 06-29-2017, 01:34 PM.

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      • #4
        Re: Looking for a Naked Commuter within 1.5L INR on road

        Originally posted by arsenalfan001 View Post
        ,
        Your budget allows you for it. Just buy the FZ25. It's well worth it. Dont worry about the ABS, the brakes are progressive and have a good bite. I am just waiting for 2018 when ABS will become a mandatory element for 150cc+ vehicles.
        There are no short-cuts to any place worth going. So ride safe when you are treading uncharted roads.

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        • #5
          Re: Looking for a Naked Commuter within 1.5L INR on road

          I suggest you FZ25 as prajnyan said. Now it's the best VFM bike under 1.5L.

          Since you have already know the FZ and its reliability, you can choose FZ25.

          But before getting one have a test ride on your choice & select one that your comfortable.

          All the best !

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Looking for a Naked Commuter within 1.5L INR on road

            Originally posted by MC_AngryBoy View Post
            FZ25 would fit your needs except for the Lamp. I just got mine and have done ~800KM all in city traffic, it runs like magic and also gives around 39 KM/L.

            Only odd thing is the gear box is bit clunky, shifts would require getting used to.

            And just another thing, the pickup is good and easily does 70KM within 4500 RPM. Hadn't gotta chance to peak yet since its still in run in period.

            All the Best!

            MC
            Have you checked adjustment of the headlamp nut? You can lower the focus to get a very good spread on the road. I think factory default is set to specifically for some Norms. You can adjust the beam alignment. It's the same for old f 16 as well. If we tilt headlights a little down the road illumination is more.
            There are no short-cuts to any place worth going. So ride safe when you are treading uncharted roads.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Looking for a Naked Commuter within 1.5L INR on road

              Guys, Thanks for your responses!
              It seems the Yamaha FZ25 is the favorite here, hands down.
              Now, I have already ridden it a couple of times at different Dealerships and I was at home. It feels this is what the original FZ16 should have been.

              Coming back to my confusion, my requirements are very basic. So, do you think of any of the 150cc bikes is good enough for me? This is the only thing that is bugging me that I may not need the quarter-liter FZ25. Maybe I can do with a 150cc also. With the way most of the 150cc bikes are priced, I will be able to save around 40K also.

              I have spent some sleepless nights(!) trying to find an answer and have delayed my purchase.What do you think? If you were in my place, what would you do?
              Thanks again for your responses. Please help me to clear this up also.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Looking for a Naked Commuter within 1.5L INR on road

                Originally posted by prajnyan View Post
                Have you checked adjustment of the headlamp nut? You can lower the focus to get a very good spread on the road. I think factory default is set to specifically for some Norms. You can adjust the beam alignment. It's the same for old f 16 as well. If we tilt headlights a little down the road illumination is more.
                Yeah I saw videos and DIY's..Yet to meddle with it held up currently

                Thanks

                MC

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                • #9
                  Re: Looking for a Naked Commuter within 1.5L INR on road

                  Originally posted by arsenalfan001 View Post
                  Coming back to my confusion, my requirements are very basic. So, do you think of any of the 150cc bikes is good enough for me? This is the only thing that is bugging me that I may not need the quarter-liter FZ25. Maybe I can do with a 150cc also. With the way most of the 150cc bikes are priced, I will be able to save around 40K also.

                  I have spent some sleepless nights(!) trying to find an answer and have delayed my purchase.What do you think? If you were in my place, what would you do?
                  Thanks again for your responses. Please help me to clear this up also.
                  I can understand your confusion there mate. It's always sleepless nights before making such decisions and I think that's one of the joys in process of buying an automobile

                  I guess the price difference of 40k over the FZ25 comes into picture only when you choose bikes such as Unicorn 160/150, FZ v2.0, Hornet, and Gixxer. This list makes the decision making even more difficult as there are only few things to differentiate these bikes and the decision making should be more of a personal choice. Putting down few points to confuse you more :P

                  Unicorn 160
                  + A relaxed riding position
                  + A proven engine
                  + Healthy mileage
                  + Good pillion comfort
                  - Honda's bad A.S.S
                  - Not a contemporary design

                  Hornet
                  + Most powerful engine of the lot
                  + A proven engine
                  + Healthy mileage
                  + Good looks
                  + Good pillion comfort
                  - Honda's bad A.S.S
                  - A very slightly committed riding posture (Not a deal breaker, just nitpicking).

                  Gixxer
                  + A very good engine.
                  + Good riding position
                  + Best looking(my opinion)
                  -/+ Suzuki's A.S.S(Suggest you ask fellow bhpians from Kol)
                  - High pillion seat
                  - Least powerful of the lot(Though it's least powerful, it's very brisk owning to its less Kerb weight)

                  Not bringing FZ v2.0 into the picture as you've already owned one.

                  Barring all the above bikes, if you're ready to spend some 15k more, you may get the RTR200. It's a win win as it's not only an upgrade but also you'll be still saving close to 25k. I'm mentioning this at last because it's the least FE bike among the above but if you can live with it, that's a very good choice.

                  Cheers!

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Looking for a Naked Commuter within 1.5L INR on road

                    Originally posted by arsenalfan001 View Post
                    Guys, Thanks for your responses!

                    Coming back to my confusion, my requirements are very basic. So, do you think of any of the 150cc bikes is good enough for me? .
                    Since you are an experienced rider and if you intend to keep the new bike for long time, then better to go for 250CC since with 150CC you might get bored soon.
                    In 250CC FZ25 is a good option since it is a powerful commuter rather than a performance oriented motorcycle. You can check the ownership thread for prros and cons.
                    If you really need sub 250CC, then better option is Apache RTR 200 since it is a city oriented powerful commuter.


                    <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< START WIDE AND FINISH TIGHT >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

                    TVS Apache RR 310 : 2018
                    Hero Honda HUNK : 2011-2018

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                    • #11
                      Re: Looking for a Naked Commuter within 1.5L INR on road

                      Thanks guys for your responses. So, if I leave the Hondas out due to their bad A.S.S, I am left with FZ25, Gixxer, RTRs.
                      The practical me is saying me to even go for an SZ-RR. The impractical, whimsical me wants the FZ25 badly
                      Sometimes my so called problems amaze me!

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Looking for a Naked Commuter within 1.5L INR on road

                        FZ25 seems to be the best upgrade as per your requirements. Bang for the buck!
                        90% of the popular Indian two wheelers have below per headlights. For a 250cc, 35W is not acceptable. You can upgrade to Philips Extreme Vision(55W) later on.
                        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

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Looking for a Naked Commuter within 1.5L INR on road

                          Originally posted by krishna77 View Post
                          FZ25 seems to be the best upgrade as per your requirements. Bang for the buck!
                          90% of the popular Indian two wheelers have below per headlights. For a 250cc, 35W is not acceptable. You can upgrade to Philips Extreme Vision(55W) later on.
                          Hey Krishna, thanks for your response. I am also almost certain to get the FZ25 too. Just waiting for the rainy season in Kolkata to get over.
                          One quick question, is it that easy to swap the headlights? I was under the impression that the entire headlight assembly needs to be replaced.
                          Something definitely needs to be done for the headlight though!

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Looking for a Naked Commuter within 1.5L INR on road

                            Originally posted by arsenalfan001 View Post
                            Hey Krishna, thanks for your response. I am also almost certain to get the FZ25 too. Just waiting for the rainy season in Kolkata to get over.
                            One quick question, is it that easy to swap the headlights? I was under the impression that the entire headlight assembly needs to be replaced.
                            Something definitely needs to be done for the headlight though!
                            Check out the Fz25 owners thread for the headlight adjustment. They are just fine for regular use and occasional Highway touring.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Looking for a Naked Commuter within 1.5L INR on road

                              Guys, quick update, after few more sleepless nights and thoughtful days booked the FZ25 in White. Could not resist the Yammy just like the last time.
                              Should be delivered this weekend. Will share some pictures once I see her in flesh.

                              Thanks for all your kind help and suggestions.

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