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  • Which bike?

    Hi,
    I am Jayant.I am riding a Pulsar 180dtsi right now.That boy has been with me for 10yrs now.It would be hard to let that bloke go but I guess it's time for me to move on to a new bike.
    I have given it some thought & I have decided to be realistic.I would like to move on to a slightly bigger displacement bike with a little more bite.My bike usage is pretty minimal these days but I can't imagine myself without a bike.
    I started searching for the bike which would fit my requirements.I have always loved the kind of stability,power & peace of mind that the Pulsar has given me in the last 10yrs.I am in the market to buy a bike that can be a daily commuter with a more relaxed seating position & one that can be taken for some short trips on the weekends as well.
    I have sorted some bikes & test driven some.Following are the bikes & my inferences:
    1) RE classic 350/500 :- The seating position was alright,stability decent,pick up ok.One thing I loved is lesser gear changes in city traffic but for a reason very weird I was disappointed.I felt I was sitting very high even though the bike ain't that tall.I didn't feel like I was a part of the bike & was disappointed.Not considering this bike.

    2) Yamaha FZ25:- One word.Fantastic.The bike is refined,handling is top notch,comfortable.though the bike seemed a little under powered yet I liked it.I didn't like the position of foot pedals though but i am sure that is more subjective as i am searching for something else.Definitely a contender but I feel I am missing something.

    3) RE TB 350/500 :- Well,my experience with the classic had put me off & I felt I am not going back to an RE showroom again.It took a little bit of convincing from my friends to try this bike & I took a test drive.The test drive bike that I got had some issues with the bearing because of which the handle was a little wobbly.Seating position was exactly what I wanted.Absolutely relaxed.Straight back,relaxed & semi flexed elbows,forward placed foot pedals & this RE gave the feel that I was a part of the bike,totally in-sync.Not so happy about the brakes though.In city traffic it did well as the speed was on the lower side,but with higher speed the brakes didn't inspire the same confidence that I have felt with my Pulsar.Seems like the bike that I would end up buying but brakes are a cause of concern.

    4) Bajaj Dominar 400:- Yet to take a test drive.

    I will be updating the thread after I take a test drive of Dominar.I am not planning to go for a KTM duke 250/390 since I am not able to associate myself with the design of the bike.
    Guys,now why did I post here? Its because I could take a few suggestions on what bike to test drive before I decide which one to buy & if there are any issues post-sales about the bikes that I have sorted out which can help me to choose please let me know.
    Thank you.

  • #2
    Re: Which bike?

    Query Approved
    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: Which bike?

      Update
      4) Bajaj Dominar 400 ABS:- Took a test drive of the bike a couple of days back.Easily the best bike that Bajaj has made so far in my opinion.The power was really refreshing.From 16Bhp to 35Bhp,I could feel the difference at the start itself.I found the gear ratios a little weird in city traffic but once I got into a free highway the bike was a dream.Handling was at par with FZ,brakes were excellent.Seating posture was more or less similar to that of FZ & was comfortable.I was a little apprehensive about the weight of the bike but I felt that the weight distribution was really good & the weight in itself seemed to be a plus point.Even at speeds Of 90-100 I felt I had total control on the bike.Loved the test drive.

      Conclusion:-
      1) I am not going for any of the RE bikes even though the Thunderbird still lurks around some corner of my mind.
      2) I felt that I should go for more refinement in engine,stability & lesser vibrations in the modern engines instead of the ones available in the RE's.
      3) Now its a battle between FZ 25 & Dominar ABS.FZ 25 does almost everything that a Dominar can do but in less style,lesser power & lesser muscle.One big negative for FZ compared to Dominar were the Headlights.FZ just can't match the headlight illumination in Dominar.

      FZ25 Will be an easy to ride bike in city & can do a decent job on the highway.
      Dominar will keep me busy in city but that extra power is definitely something that will make me happy on the highway.
      As far as maintenance is concerned,I believe that both these machines will be more or less the same.
      Mileage is better on FZ.
      Both these bikes come in my budget range.
      I own a Bajaj as of now & about the service,availability of parts & cost of maintenance,I must say that Bajaj have kept me happy always.
      Suggestions please.Would it be a huge compromise on power if I buy FZ which stands cheaper than Dominar by 30k+.Would Yamaha keep me happy like Bajaj have done in the last 10yrs.Anything that I should know about Yamaha,service,spare parts or anything else?

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Which bike?

        Hey, you have all the points needed to make the decision.

        If you are a kind of guy who won't cross 100kmph mostly or need lightweight bike then Fz
        Speed or torque junkie then Dominar.

        Cheers!
        Instagram Xpulse Review Blog

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        • #5
          Re: Which bike?

          Hi,

          Im not biker but I'm traveler. I was looking for bike to travel. Apache 200 Abs was in my list waited patiently for 1 year due to delay in launch I consider Dominar based on xBhp members reviews. Dominar is good bike on Highways and open roads with potholes you can easily manoeuvre, once you settled in riding in city it wont be problem too. One thing I hate is Petrol Tank capacity and 3 liters reserve petrol for Fi, Fi is new to me I'm scared I may end up frying it up by not keeping reserved petrol. Other than this I'm full confident on bike in good speed and any condition of road.

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          • #6
            Re: Which bike?

            I would buy the dominar, were I in the same boat.

            Just because of the ABS. Abs is like a helmet, 99% of the time you don't need it, but the time you do, it would save your life.

            You die only once.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Which bike?

              Originally posted by Imam Jafer Ali View Post
              Hey, you have all the points needed to make the decision.

              If you are a kind of guy who won't cross 100kmph mostly or need lightweight bike then Fz
              Speed or torque junkie then Dominar.

              Cheers!
              My thoughts exactly.I am not a speed junkie but once in a while I definitely like to go @ speeds more than 100kmph provided I get really nice roads which are well lit.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Which bike?

                Originally posted by jayantjha View Post
                Update
                4) Bajaj Dominar 400 ABS:- Took a test drive of the bike a couple of days back.Easily the best bike that Bajaj has made so far in my opinion.The power was really refreshing.From 16Bhp to 35Bhp,I could feel the difference at the start itself.I found the gear ratios a little weird in city traffic but once I got into a free highway the bike was a dream.Handling was at par with FZ,brakes were excellent.Seating posture was more or less similar to that of FZ & was comfortable.I was a little apprehensive about the weight of the bike but I felt that the weight distribution was really good & the weight in itself seemed to be a plus point.Even at speeds Of 90-100 I felt I had total control on the bike.Loved the test drive.

                Conclusion:-
                1) I am not going for any of the RE bikes even though the Thunderbird still lurks around some corner of my mind.
                2) I felt that I should go for more refinement in engine,stability & lesser vibrations in the modern engines instead of the ones available in the RE's.
                3) Now its a battle between FZ 25 & Dominar ABS.FZ 25 does almost everything that a Dominar can do but in less style,lesser power & lesser muscle.One big negative for FZ compared to Dominar were the Headlights.FZ just can't match the headlight illumination in Dominar.

                FZ25 Will be an easy to ride bike in city & can do a decent job on the highway.
                Dominar will keep me busy in city but that extra power is definitely something that will make me happy on the highway.
                As far as maintenance is concerned,I believe that both these machines will be more or less the same.
                Mileage is better on FZ.
                Both these bikes come in my budget range.
                I own a Bajaj as of now & about the service,availability of parts & cost of maintenance,I must say that Bajaj have kept me happy always.
                Suggestions please.Would it be a huge compromise on power if I buy FZ which stands cheaper than Dominar by 30k+.Would Yamaha keep me happy like Bajaj have done in the last 10yrs.Anything that I should know about Yamaha,service,spare parts or anything else?
                You could also consider the bs4 Himalayan

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Which bike?

                  Originally posted by Harideep View Post
                  Hi,

                  Im not biker but I'm traveler. I was looking for bike to travel. Apache 200 Abs was in my list waited patiently for 1 year due to delay in launch I consider Dominar based on xBhp members reviews. Dominar is good bike on Highways and open roads with potholes you can easily manoeuvre, once you settled in riding in city it wont be problem too. One thing I hate is Petrol Tank capacity and 3 liters reserve petrol for Fi, Fi is new to me I'm scared I may end up frying it up by not keeping reserved petrol. Other than this I'm full confident on bike in good speed and any condition of road.
                  Well,May be you are right.Once I get settled with the behaviour of Dominar then I won't have much problems negotiating it in city.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Which bike?

                    Originally posted by leech View Post
                    I would buy the dominar, were I in the same boat.

                    Just because of the ABS. Abs is like a helmet, 99% of the time you don't need it, but the time you do, it would save your life.

                    You die only once.
                    Makes total sense.Just cant take any chance when it comes to traffic & roads these days.Case becomes stronger for Dominar.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Which bike?

                      Originally posted by prashnagpal View Post
                      You could also consider the bs4 Himalayan
                      I want a neat looking bike,not that I feel that Himalayan is ugly.Thing is Himalayan has a different design & is more inclined towards an off-roader/Touring bike.In the looks dept I would prefer a bike with a more polished looks.Have not taken a test drive of Himalayan though.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Which bike?

                        I am not fond of the dominar after two test rides... but not sure y but starting to lean over more towards the dominar cas of latest refined engine & abs etc... heart still says classic

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Which bike?

                          hello jayantjha, i own dominar 400 ABS and have completed almost 2000 km with first service done. it is very reliable and extremely fun to ride with loads of torque present at early low RPMs, engine is very refined as far as vibrations are concerned after first service they have reduced significantly.in my opinion it suits your purpose of city riding and occasional highway rides with refined engine and great reliability, just go for it you wont regret it !.
                          Last edited by aashray223; 08-24-2017, 01:08 PM.
                          " Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window."

                          - Author Unknown


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                          • #14
                            Re: Which bike?

                            Originally posted by aashray223 View Post
                            hello jayantjha, i own dominar 400 ABS and have completed almost 2000 km with first service done. it is very reliable and extremely fun to ride with loads of torque present at early low RPMs, engine is very refined as far as vibrations are concerned after first service they have reduced significantly.in my opinion it suits your purpose of city riding and occasional highway rides with refined engine and great reliability, just go for it you wont regret it !.
                            Hi Aashray! Even my usage is 80-85% city commute but not exactly bumper to bumper, do you seriously feel its a good option considering the weight & size.. my concern also is city & hence am very confused with the dominar.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Which bike?

                              Originally posted by prashnagpal View Post
                              Hi Aashray! Even my usage is 80-85% city commute but not exactly bumper to bumper, do you seriously feel its a good option considering the weight & size.. my concern also is city & hence am very confused with the dominar.
                              hello to begin with dominar is an exteremely well balanced bike, it handles very good in city as well, weight wont be a problem at all once you are on the go. the clutch is very light compared to other bikes on this segment so that will save you from the pain caused in fingers and wrist due to continuous operation of clutch and frequent gear shift in traffic. Also, the heat management system is excellent the engine doesnt heat up that much in worse traffic conditions, even if it does you wont feel the heat at all around your legs so that is a very big plus.however, there are few cons like gear ratios are not meant for traffic riding so frequent gearshifts will be bit tiresome, taking a U turn with narrow room would be difficult considering the weight of the bike and large turn radius and drop in mileage to around 25 - 27 kmpl. overall it is very great bike and since you mentioned that traffic you would be facing wouldn't be bumper to bumper, there should be no issues at all. its a very great bike. you will enjoy everybit of it.

                              i hope this reply helps you with your confusion.

                              PS. i too ride in moderate traffic conditions most of the time. :P
                              Last edited by aashray223; 08-24-2017, 01:48 PM.
                              " Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window."

                              - Author Unknown


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