Re: My Dream Bike and Am I Ready For my Ride

Hi Abiram

I can understand your situation because i have been yearning to upgrade from my Pulsar 135 since the Duke 200 launched. Came really close and booked the Rc390 but then got myself into a car accident and then some other priorities crept up etc.
And im still crunching miles on my trusty Bajaj.
Although i do get to ride the ktm's owned by my friends/cousins but still the thought of ruining someone's ride always tightens the throttle.. !!
Now lets talk about your situation :-

1) Finance - If you have the dp amount + no pending loan. Then take the plunge. Normally people go for big downpayment and then a small loan.( I understand why but then i wouldn't be taking a loan if i already have that much cash in hand.)

2) Support - From spouse mainly. Parents have a default setting to deny big bikes to their sons especially age>30. My dad said bluntly," Ab tu buddha ho gya hai. Woh din chale gye ab." (You have aged, biking days are over.)

3) Wisdom - Is your apache abs equipped ?
If its not then don't go for non abs import models at any cost. The repair costs will be like running into a wall.
If you are planning for a 500-800 cc category then every routine service would be approx. Rs.7000 - Rs.8000 every 6k kms.
I guess you are a tall guy so size of the bike is no issue.(unlike me being 5.6 so tall/heavy bikes are questionable).


The worst would be to get a bike but realizing later that the finances are stretched too thin and then having to sell the bike for some emergency cash.

The updated R3 just might have Abs as an option. So you might consider waiting a couple of months.

My (Oblivious) Plan:- Get the new Duke390 on finance in a few months & get rid of the longstanding itch.
Try to tour as much on it and confirm that i CAN and i WANT and i NEED to tour on a big bike and then go for a bigger upgrade in couple of years.

(Thanks for putting up with me... Now we are even )


Cheers.

Re: My Dream Bike and Am I Ready For my Ride

you pulled the words out of my mouth. Although like [MENTION=86462]amaath[/MENTION] and [MENTION=41586]Divya Sharan[/MENTION] suggested on renting a bike, I can take it and enjoy the Ride but again its like riding with shackles, in the end its not mine to completely enjoy.
Services combining to 15k/year is manageable, combine them with the part replacements especially the tires is like eating more than you can chew. I think i can take a bit more time until my finances are stable enough to pull it off. R3 is a very good option to consider as an alternative which i would decide in a few months to take the giant leap to 650 or to a more feasible step to 300 based on my own finance forecast.

Re: My Dream Bike and Am I Ready For my Ride

True!

But in general for OE replacements (depending upon you you ride and maintain the bike):
1. Tires - ~25k
2. Battery - ~12k
3. Sprockets - ~15-18k
4. Brake pads (all sets) - ~15k
5. General service - ~8-10k
6. Various accessories as per need/demand - ~30-100k

And usually the 2nd year of ownership sees most of these replacements come at once (points 1 to 5). It then when people find selling the bike at dirt prices a better option.

Re: Am I Ready for the Big Bike

Well, AbiRam, i have no personal agenda to dissuade you against owning a thing you so desire.

However, opportunity to own a big bike will always be there in future. Just sharing my observations, in 2012 the Ninja 650 was around 6L. In 2017, we have the improved version with ABS, still around 6L iirc.

In 2012, we had the Hayabusa at 18L on road. In 2017, the same bike is now 2-3L cheaper due to CKD.

The Honda 650F had a sweet discount of 1L due to the BSIV/ new model issue.

The HD750 is relaunched with ABS now.

The Z900 has come out, with a low seat height to tempt short riders.

Re: My Dream Bike and Am I Ready For my Ride


Well, when I am confused, I listen to the fellow-riders. I wanted to buy Triumph Street-Twin and Versys 650 (Indian Springfield too at one point) I read every post I could, watched every video I could of these. I even know in which review at what time the reviewer/owner is gonna speak what . Everyone here said, it is not just to initial cost but after sales service, service-parts availability and the cost of all that must not affect your middle-class life. Apart from that the headache and stress you get from all that disturbs your life, trust me I have experience of that. It is real. Only after reading this thread, I came to know people have sold their dearest bikes too.

Suggestion #1: You can get Bajaj Dominar 400, more than enough for your needs and there will be lot of mods available in market for it too to make it whatever you want. 2nd, the money you gonna shell out on one single part of the biggie-bikes can be used to maintain Dominar well like a very good quality engine oil change after 1st 100 km & then every 2K. You can use WD40 to clean the chain and use a good quality chain-lube. You can spend money on it to clean it often in rainy seasons to avoid rusting. Trust me, this kind of caring makes you fall in love with your bike even more. Learn from xbhp, read more than 1000 posts at least and then read more.

Suggestion #2: Bajaj is gonna come up with few more bikes with Dominar Engine and V15 platform. Then SWM is planning their 400cc+ bikes and Hero is gearing up with bigger bikes after they have killed most of their bike-range. Things will only get better. If you do not like Suggestion #1 then wait and let patience take over you and let it show you how much better things gonna be in future. Your feelings and desires and focus will mature with more experience in life.

Suggestion #3: I completely understand your love for bikes. I am rider, I love to ride and at the same time there are 2 things I remember, progress makes one happier, life all about progressing personally, financially and career-wise. Marriage and being family man are also progress in life and real progress and happiness is made by taking responsibility than just being individual in family. Think like a man rather than an individual.

I am not trying to detest you from buying your dream love. There are lot of really good suggestions given by extremely experienced xbhp-ians. I would listen to them if I was you. But you are not me. Only trying to paint a true picture of our emotions and our lives here. Remember what Vin Diesel said in F&F, it is not about the ride, it is about the rider

Re: My Dream Bike and Am I Ready For my Ride

All agreed except one small fact i.e. chain clean with WD40? As I read on the Internet that WD40 should never be sprayed over o-ring chains and ignition lockset. Correct me if I'm wrong. These days I'm a bit cautious about monsoon maintenance and just bought a Zorikk 88 as an alternative for WD40.

Re: My Dream Bike and Am I Ready For my Ride

I think they used wd40 on my CBR's switches at the SVC in Chennai 3 years ago. No problem so far.

Re: My Dream Bike and Am I Ready For my Ride

those rumours are all spread by either newbies or inexperienced riders. You can check xbhp threads on same. Only thing is WD40 is only for cleaning, lubing is separate. Buy a decent chain lube, for that you should check out different threads here. There is a dedicated thread to chain cleaning and lubing here but I lost track of that. I had WD40 earlier but to save some money because I am out of job as now, I am using Diesel to clean and Gear Oil (140) to lube it. Awesome performance bike gives every time I do it, it turns my CT100 into a sports bike, totally uncontrollable beast

My Dream Bike and Am I Ready For my Ride

Actually my main intention to post this thread here was to get your opinions and decide based on it to go for the purchase or postpone my plans for a while. Prior to posting , I was in a personal conflict myself based on the finance, my riding skill and my own knowledge to know if am really ready for the next big step. All your posts made me gauge my decision and look beyond just the purchase. I should definitely thank you all for the guidance you have given me
To make a well informed decision. To sum it up, I am going to buy my dream bike but not just yet. I am going to wait , allowing myself to stabilise on the three points of my concerns.
Do keep your suggestions coming in guys besides if you guys have any info on the maintenance and spare costs for the middle weight Kawasaki bikes after their separation from Bajaj , pls do post here or ping me., As I have still not found a recent ownership review of the kawa 650s.

Re: My Dream Bike and Am I Ready For my Ride

As of no, the Authorised SVC isntthat great for Kawasaki!! They are starting from scratch in a country where they have been selling bikes for close to 8 years now.. I can give information based on my experience with SVC in terms of Ninja 250!!

They don't keep stock of spares til you place an order.. which means, they keep in stock spares which are often required for change. Like Air filters, Oil filters, spark plugs, clutch cable assembly etc.. but when it comes to costly parts, you will have to place an order!! Which also means, you will need to wait for half a month minimum to get the parts you placed an order for!

Re: Am I Ready for the Big Bike

Panic Braking?? Get ABS.
Hunger for Power But inexperienced?? Get a Duke 390 (ABS +Slipper Clutch). According to your choices, I would have chosen the Versys 650. It's got abs, long suspension and comfortable seats (as per reviews) also you want to buy a big bike but remember the average 2k helmet won't be good, one needs to buy riding gear of at least + - 50k for sbk.
Lastly do ride a Duke 390 , its 1/2 powerful , less if not more than the ninja650 and it will give you an estimate of what an sbk can offer in the wrist.

Re: Am I Ready for the Big Bike

Thanks [MENTION=27501]rreneav1987[/MENTION] and [MENTION=73799]Jagzxbhp[/MENTION]
Power hunger is there, My next step would be 300+ category upgrade, for that I need wait till the 2018 government norms are effective.

Re: Am I Ready for the Big Bike


Good Decision. Enjoy your RTR 200 and learn more about bikes before going for a powerful bike.. By the year 2018, there will be plenty of bikes around.. The Akula 310 looks promising as well.. Am pretty sure it will give you the big bike feel..

Moreover, when Mandatory ABS comes into picture. There will be another March 31, 2017 in the making where the big bikes with no abs will be sold at huge discounts.. This is my assumption

Re: Am I Ready for the Big Bike

If such a situation presents itself, why not cash in on the opportunity. May be I would end up again on the what bike section or even on the ownership review section.

Re: Am I Ready for the Big Bike

Haha.. I wouldn't miss that chance too.. probably will get myself ready for an upgrade too..