Re: Downgrading to commuter, need help/sanity check

What bike query approved.

This has to be one of the most interesting what bike query that I've come across. It is indeed a wise decision to accept your limitations and to take a step back.

The Gixxer/Gixxer SF seem to fit the bill perfectly!

Re: Downgrading to commuter, need help/sanity check

I had Gixxer SF and 95% use was within City, just to take a short trip here and there within the city. My monthly usage was no more than 250KM approximately. I loved the bike, gave me a good mileage of 55KMPL as I never drove rashly. Now, as you have realized with your usage of Dominar 400 which weights 182KG that you rather have something less bulky, you know how weight ads into the discomfort while maneuvering in city traffic or for short trips.

I had realized the same thing. I kind of felt lazy getting bike out of my house gate slowly due to weight, I often felt it was too heavy to manage in city traffic just for short distance travel. I wished if I had the less bulky bike. Finally, I sold it. I loved the bike, so I thought of getting the Nacked Version of Gixxer, that would have only made 5KG of difference but due to no faring, it would have been better to maneuver in traffic. But, slowly I lost interest and just bought a Scooter. I wished for something which looks cool and is also practical. I still love to own a bike but don't see the point in investing in something I can't put a good use for.

I suggest you consider TVS NTorq, It sounds like Bike, Looks Cool, has all features. It's not like any other simple scooters there. It's a perfect blend of modern features and looks for someone who avoids scooters due to it looks and want a bike that looks good. And for Bike, I would suggest you Gixxer Nacked Version (But it seriously needs an update presently - may be LED Headlamp, wider pillion seat), Yamaha FZ, Bajaj V, Honda XBlade, Honda Hornet - Although all these bikes will still weight between 135kg to 142kg. In short, all cool looking sports bike will be bulky. Now, if you want to go simpler than Honda Shine SP is best.

Think carefully, as you don't want to repeat your mistake again by selecting something for looks and performance only instead of Looks with Practical performance.

Re: Downgrading to commuter, need help/sanity check

Hey man don't sell the dominar...
Instead look for some good conditioned used 150 cc bike ....
You can find plenty in the used market.. Just check the condition with good mechanic...
Cause you'll probably get used to the power in 6 months to a year.. dominar will keep you power happy....

Re: Downgrading to commuter, need help/sanity check

Get the old unicorn (cb unicorn) or the ct 100
But first test ride the bike before making a choice.

Re: Downgrading to commuter, need help/sanity check

I second that too. Later, you'd regret selling it.

Re: Downgrading to commuter, need help/sanity check

I appreciate your advice guys but there's a few other factors I'm considering.

If I get something like Gixxer or comparable bike my dad can also ride it and he likes bikes. Dominar isn't really something he can manage well at his age. Further I might move abroad for a while next year so I don't want to make a commitment to a ride that big. So if I do go out, then a manageable bike is left for my Dad and younger brother to use.

That aside, the Dominar is just very cumbersome for city traffic and I don't think I could get used to that when I can instead be comfortable. Outside of that I'm not really a speedfreak or looking for a lot of power so I think getting rid of the Dominar is something I should do.

Re: Downgrading to commuter, need help/sanity check

I'd recommend the FZ 25 as it should suit you (seat height/weight) and is a fantastic commuter. It's very easy to ride and the torque low down is very useful.

How long have you and the Dominar and how many kilometres have you done so far?

Re: Downgrading to commuter, need help/sanity check

First of all it's not insane to consider comfort and confidence inspiring ride, in fact all other queries on this site are insane, people with back problems, those who travel with wife & kids wanting to buy sports motorcycles! As if sporty motorcycles are best for comfort and family! Just last week in my city I saw a guy on a KTM RC200 with him Mom! She was just hanging on for her dear life on the rear cowl (I don't know whether that's a seat or not).

I decided to buy CB unicorn 160 for my elder brother 6 months back. That bike is so nimble, agile, feather-weight that it almost feels like a honda Navi to me. I am afraid I might fall asleep while riding it, it's that peaceful. Of course it's not sporty, doesn't look trendy, but who do you wish to impress, road bystanders or your own mind and body?

My suggestions for you: Honda X-blade or new apache 160 4V. Honda x-blade is a lot more comfortable and still looks trendy. Apache is not far behind it terms of comfort but the handlebars are set too low for sporty riding and it may feel like a chore in the long run.

Re: Downgrading to commuter, need help/sanity check

A wise decision to let go of the unwanted to make way for something that is actually needed. Most people's ego are directly tied to the size of the engine between their legs, glad to know that there are still people who don't have that problem.

A Gixxer Sf would be perfect fit. Go for it if you like it.

In all honesty anything between 150 - 200 CC will be good for you. The RTR twins are very promising, and are getting very good reviews, check them out once before making a final decision. The Pulsar NS160 is a new comer, but has shown promise, it lacks ABS, which might be a problem. Take a look at it as well.

Re: Downgrading to commuter, need help/sanity check

Play safe and go with Gixxer, I own a pulser ns160 2100km on odo,good performance,everything is fine gives a milage of 42-45 but I don't know why it just don't give me confidence that it's reliable but take a test ride though, if u buy a gixxer it's sure you won't regret it.

Re: Downgrading to commuter, need help/sanity check

I bit the bullet and went with the Gixxer and so far I'm happy I did because it's so light and a breeze to ride.

Thanks everyone.