Re: Suggest a bike for me-my expectations in detail

Query Approved

If you like and are comfortable with Yamahas then i would suggest the FZ 25.

Re: Suggest a bike for me-my expectations in detail

FZ25 is an ideal choice as per your requirements. It'll return you anything between 35-40 kmpl as this is a 250cc.

Re: Suggest a bike for me-my expectations in detail

Thx Krishna and Monk.

I TD'ed FZ25 few days back as me too had feeling that would suit me.

Like I said I have no idea about other brands on how good or bad they are so went for Yamaha. But found few issues in TD of FZ25:

Stiff gears, very difficult to change. I TDed in lanes of city so felt it very much disappointing. And somehow felt ride quality is not better or not like Yamaha. All could be due to the TD vehicle (may be poorly maintained) but TD vehicles are the sales pitch.

Headlight not so great but suitable only for city due to it's minimal spectrum. 6th gear is not there which I learnt from reviews from our site (x BHP) and since I go in highway I assume 6th would have been better.

Lastly most of bikes in this segment comes with ABS but this lags.

On pros yes it's Yamaha, good looking, claims better fuel efficiency on papers, light weight in this segment.

Re: Suggest a bike for me-my expectations in detail

It will be a bit difficult to get a bike which fulfills all your requirements.
If you want FE of 40-45, then you would need to look at commuters like Hornet. However on the highway, you might feel it to be underpowered.
For effortless crusing on the highway, you need to look at something between 200-250cc. However bikes in this class will more often than not return less than 40kmpl (30-35kmpl is what most return under sane riding).
In 150cc catergory, you can consider the following:
1. Yamaha R15S (riding position is very commited) You can expect 40+ kmpl.
2. Honda Hornet (Premium commuter). 40+ FE.
3. Suzuki Gixxer (only this model has a version with ABS in 150cc category afaik)

In 200+cc category:
1. FZ/Fazer 25 (seems like you didint like it much).
2. Dominar (non-abs should be around your budget, you can spend more for ABS).
3. Duke 200.
4. Apache RTR 200 4V.
5. CBR 250R ABS (if you are open to 2nd hand bikes).

Re: Suggest a bike for me-my expectations in detail

Like fellow member hellgate suggested, for your usage requirement of 70% city and 30% highways and good fuel economy requirements. Your best bets now, since you didn't like FZ25.

1)The new ABS equipment Gixxer SF FI is your best VFM bet. Fairing aids nicely in highway.

2)The Apache RTR 200 FI-ABS(launched?) is also great option. These are the only comfy options which will return close to 40 kmpl when ridden sedately.

3)R15S has a supersport riding position designed for track days. But has good lower-end punch with 6th gear for highway cruising, no ABS though.

4) Dominar is worth it too, but you might feel heavy for city use. Has comfy wide seats for pillion and rider though.

Also please realistically expect 25-30 kmpl only, when going above the 250cc segment.

Cheers!

Re: Suggest a bike for me-my expectations in detail

Thx Hellgate and Jazzysaravana.

I understand the mileage was not realistic will set my expectations accordingly! I'm not getting another TD with different FZ25 hence unable to comment much. As i had mentioned there were issues which may be due to poor maintenance of the TD bike.

R15S i understand has seating comfort issues for long rides as its track specific. I had impression like this only for R15 V1 and V2.

Dominar i will stay apart due to its CC as it will be too much for my requirement.

Thanks for the list, will try Gixxer first.

How good is Bajaj NS 200? i was recommended by a new buyer of NS200 but couldn't get much details on his experience? Like i said i haven't had chance to ride so have no idea-even my close friends use either Yamaha or Honda (be it bike or scooters) but interested in knowing other brands if that's better.

Re: Suggest a bike for me-my expectations in detail

Why have anyone not suggested Bajaj RS 200? It have ABS, FI, 6 gears, sports fairing, good for race track, looks good with matte black paint scheme and comes under 1.5 lakh as well. Only thing you have to compromise is fuel efficiency.

Re: Suggest a bike for me-my expectations in detail

Sir, the test ride vehicles are badly abused and not maintained properly, that is why they don't ride well. The R15 V2 test vehicle I rode had different color fairing panels on either side, the cone set was bust and there were so much engine noise that I came back after 200 meters.

Please have a test ride from a different showroom.

The gixxer SF and the R15 is going to be too cramped for a person of your height and weight (I own a R15 V2, anyone more than 5'8 feels out of space on these bikes).

Check out the Pulsar NS200, the new one comes with optional ABS, more power than the gixxer and liquid cooled engine.

If you can extend your budget a bit, Dominar is a good tourer. It has all the bells and whistles that you would want in a modern bike.

Take test rides back to back and then decide. Happy bike hunting.