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Newbie to biking

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  • #1

    Newbie to biking

    Hello All,

    I am a newbie to biking.
    My previous 2 wheeler was a Bajaj Super.
    I have driven other bikes, but not for long distances.

    Following are my consideration:
    1. Budget: Min 50k - Max 100k (for good bike can extend little)
    2. Usage: Daily office commutation up & down 60kms (30km in one direction) with some roads have pot holes & patches.
    3. Age: 29, Height: 5’ 10.5” & Weight: 95
    4. High power or speeds not required.

    I had tried the seating position of Bajaj Avenger Street/Cruise and liked it. (I like the legs planted firmly on the ground when coming to a halt.)
    My friends have suggested Honda Unicorn or Royal Enfield ThunderBird
    Are there any other suggestions for bikes?

    I have ridden both Honda Activa and the Bajaj Super for long distances, but I ended up with a stiff bum and bad backache.

    Are there any Scooters that I can consider? Kindly Help.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Newbie to biking

    Query Approved

    Ride the Suzuki Intruder before deciding!
    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!

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: Newbie to biking

      Hey man,

      According to the parameters you have, the following options are available:

      1. Yamaha fzs
      2. Suzuki Gixxer
      3. Honda Hornet
      4. Pulsar NS
      5. TVS Apache 200

      I'm not including​ the crusier style bikes because of the legs forward seating position, all the shock from the bumps, potholes, craters etc will be transmitted to your back directly. Similarly for scooters, owing to smaller tyres bump absorption is not that good despite a soft suspension setup.

      I have ridden the above 5 bikes and would rate the suspension as such:
      Fzs>hornet>apache>Gixxer>pulsar
      With the fzs being the most pliant.

      Since you have a longer commute, you should consider NVH (Noise, Vibration, Handling) too. More vibration from the handlebars, footpegs, tank etc would lead to more fatigue during your commute. For vibration alone I would rate the bikes as follows:
      Gixxer~fzs>apache>hornet>pulsar.

      Finally, I would suggest you test ride all these bikes (and any other you may have shortlisted) and decide. I was dead set on getting the fzs, but a test ride of the Gixxer changed my mind. Also keep in mind the service/maintainence cost of each motorcycle. You can ask the dealer regarding this and/or go through the ownership thread of each bike right here on xbhp.

      Hope this helps.

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: Newbie to biking

        Originally posted by The Monk View Post
        Query Approved

        Ride the Suzuki Intruder before deciding!

        Thanks for approving my query. I am awaiting the availability of the Suzuki Intruder in Showrooms.

        ----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

        Originally posted by Shumi_21 View Post
        Hey man,

        According to the parameters you have, the following options are available:

        1. Yamaha fzs
        2. Suzuki Gixxer
        3. Honda Hornet
        4. Pulsar NS
        5. TVS Apache 200

        I'm not including​ the crusier style bikes because of the legs forward seating position, all the shock from the bumps, potholes, craters etc will be transmitted to your back directly. Similarly for scooters, owing to smaller tyres bump absorption is not that good despite a soft suspension setup.

        I have ridden the above 5 bikes and would rate the suspension as such:
        Fzs>hornet>apache>Gixxer>pulsar
        With the fzs being the most pliant.

        Since you have a longer commute, you should consider NVH (Noise, Vibration, Handling) too. More vibration from the handlebars, footpegs, tank etc would lead to more fatigue during your commute. For vibration alone I would rate the bikes as follows:
        Gixxer~fzs>apache>hornet>pulsar.

        Finally, I would suggest you test ride all these bikes (and any other you may have shortlisted) and decide. I was dead set on getting the fzs, but a test ride of the Gixxer changed my mind. Also keep in mind the service/maintainence cost of each motorcycle. You can ask the dealer regarding this and/or go through the ownership thread of each bike right here on xbhp.

        Hope this helps.

        Thanks for the prompt response.

        Will check out the options that you have mentioned as well.

        How is Honda Unicorn 150? I know it is old, but wanted to know if it is still good?

        Comment

        • #5
          Re: Newbie to biking

          The unicorn 150 is a good option although it's an older design. Honda has a newer Unicorn 160 that is similar. They have the toe/heel gear shifter too that many people prefer. I'd say both are better than the ones I mentioned earlier when it comes to fuel economy and comfort too. However, I think both look quite generic and bland for my liking.

          Again, I will say test ride everything, back to back if possible. Once you do that you will surely know which bike you want 😉.

          Hope this helps

          Comment

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