Re: Bike under 1.25lakh for daily commuting

Query Approved

Pillion comfort is rather subjective. A lot of pillions hate the cramped up seating of the Avenger. It would be best if you take your pillion along for the test ride before deciding on any model.

Re: Bike under 1.25lakh for daily commuting

I have a made a list of bikes in 3 price segments below that way depending on my final budget I can choose the bike. Although I will do a test ride of all of them, I feel they help us know how we feel when riding these bikes, power and the comfort to some extent however long-term experience may be different. Therefore I would like to get an opinion from the experienced XBHPians.

Under 1 lakh
Gixxer (rear disc) - 0.99 lakh
Apache RTR 160V - 0.95 lakh
Honda Hornet 160R - 0.96 lakh
FZ V2.0 - 0.95 lakh
Pulsar NS 160 - 0.97 lakh
Avenger 180 street - 0.99 lakh

1.0 - 1.3 lakh
Apache RTR 200 V (ABS) - 1.3 lakh
Pulsar NS 200 - 1.16 lakh
Pulsar 220F - 1.1 lakh
Avenger 220 street - 1.1 lakh
Gixxer SF (rear disc) - 1.1 lakh
Gixxer SF Fi (ABS) - 1.19 lakh
Fazer Fi V2.0 - 1.3 lakh

1.4 lakh and above
FZ 25 - 1.47 lakh
Yamaha R15S - 1.4 lakh

All prices above are on the road estimates. I tried to keep them under 1.5 lakh. I excluded some variants of these bikes for this analysis but can be included if they really make a difference. What bikes do you suggest for each price segment considering performance, comfort, fuel efficiency and VFM? Maintenance would also be one important factor as I believe I was not that good in maintenance when I used to drive my Splendour 10 years back. Although I think I would be better and more cautious around this time.

Re: Bike under 1.25lakh for daily commuting

I upgraded to Honda Hornet CBS from a humble HH CD100SS. So far happy with the ownership. The CBS variant costed me 1.01 lacs here in Kerala. So I think it would be little bit costlier in Bengaluru due to tax structure. In the 160 segment I believe the RTR 4V would be the modern, feature loaded one with the FI variant, with a single seat layout favouring pillion comfort. You have to be very keen to select one in the 160 segment (excluding the 'cruiser' Avenger 180) or the 1 lakh segment since all works the same. Unless you are an expert in finding the difference between14 bhp and 16bhp (some people are out there, tbh) or such specs while on a city ride, go with the one that have the features, even if it is a trivial one, you like. That's my suggestion, not an expert advice.

In the higher segment, only Apache has a proper dual channel ABS, if you prefer one, with the new variant having an ART slipper clutch, but no FI along with it. Fairing may not be helpful in your city usage, even though it change the looks. Pulsar 200 have liquid cooling which helps in slow traffic. 220 F may have the best pillion option. FZ 25 is a city bike while R15 is track focused and aggressive, but both have premium price tags.
As a general opinion, in a city like Bangalore 160s are good as they are proper commuters, gave 40+ kmpl FE for sure, lower price, pillion friendly. The Japanese are reliable and have service facilities in all major cities. Regarding Avengers, it is a trade off between comfort and handling, Cruisers love highways. Choose wisely.

Re: Bike under 1.25lakh for daily commuting

I'd suggest Hornet or SZ-RR for their pillion friendly seats and comfortable rides within 1 lakh. Though Gixxer is a good bike, the rear seat is on the higher side.
At approximately 1.4 lakhs, FZ25 is a no-brainer. It's an excellent tourer too.

Re: Bike under 1.25lakh for daily commuting

I recently saw an intruder on the road. It looked pretty comfortable with a tall rider on it.
I am not sure about its price but you should have a look at it.
Ya it looks bulky but then just take a TD.

Re: Bike under 1.25lakh for daily commuting

Thank you all for your suggestions.

I read and watched a couple of reviews of Intruder. It seems to have good performance however from the pictures I have seen the look of the bike from the back did not impress me much. I will have to take a look at it in person and then decide.

I have driven Hornet of my cousin once, although for a very short distance. I also sat as a pillion. I will do another test ride of it. The SZ-RR looks good from pillion seat perspective but I do not know much about its performance. Will need to check it out.

I liked the looks of Apache RTR (both 160 and 200) compared to FZ/Pulsar. I will pretty much have to TD all the bikes suggested before deciding.

I keep ready many forums, reviews talking about ABS. The term 'ABS' is a fairly new thing to me. I have been reading a little about it and its importance. Motorcycle technology has changed and improved so much and I have not kept up with it. When I used to drive motorcycle 10 years back, disc brakes were a new thing. The pulsar, apache, unicorn all started providing bikes with disc brakes. I used to drive Splendor that had drum brakes(think still does) and yet I used to drive it like I have a super motorcycle. I have always wanted to own one but again those are not very practical for daily commute, fuel efficiency etc., However, I decided that when I would return to India, I will own one, although not super motorcycle but one that provides ample performance (power, torque - all those technical terms) for me to rev when needed at the same time is comfortable at least to an extent that I can take my pillion (mostly my mom and wife) to nearby places, for shopping or groceries. But in the last few months that I have been reading and researching about current motorcycle industry in India it appears that bikes are either 1) good for daily commuting, fuel efficiency, pillion comfort but lack performance or looks 2) good for daily commuting, decent fuel efficiency, looks great and also provides good performance but comfort wise not so good specially for pillion 3) great performance, good for touring, but less mileage and absolutely no comfort in seating. It is almost like you have to compromise on one or more of the features.

I return to India in June and need a vehicle to start commuting to work. Anything above 180 or 200cc I think is not really required for daily commuting, perhaps 150cc is better. I can choose one of the Yamaha 150cc FZs, Apache RTR 160v, Pulsar NS 160 but they all lack ABS and I see it is very important in today's world, however, the motorcycle industry is compelled to bring ABS into all 125cc and above vehicles from April 2019 which is another 1 year from now. I'm now little confused as to buy now or wait and use my dad's activa in the meanwhile.

Re: Bike under 1.25lakh for daily commuting

A couple of bikes are there like Gixxer SF FI, Suzuki Intruder, and Hornet (new edition) that offer ABS (single channel ABS working only in front brake). (1)The importance of front brake in stopping the vehicle, (2) sale of lower segment bikes is important and so they should be priced competitively, (3) rules should have exceptions and considerations for the proper enforcement !! Ideas like these favour single channel ABS and companies may hold on till last date without much changes (like the BS IV rule). So 1 year wait may not be fruitful but definitely worth waiting...Depends on your needs and urges. If Activa is good for one year? If you really love to ride a motorcycle than a scooter? If you can go for a higher segment bike having ABS now, like Apache 200 ? You have ridden non-abs bikes for a while, so if you are willing to take the risk? and many more questions....

Re: Bike under 1.25lakh for daily commuting

With the kind of traffic in Bangalore, I'll suggest you to take a look at Gixxer or Hornet, these 2 are proven machines, if comfort is your priority then go for intruder, do consider ABS variants, it's a necessary thing.