Re: Help needed for daily commuter plus Sporty bike

Topic Approved.

Re: Help needed for daily commuter plus Sporty bike

Thanks for the approval.
All the suggestions are welcome.

Re: Help needed for daily commuter plus Sporty bike

I own a Honda Hornet (CBS). It lived up to my expectations. I had to stiffen up the suspension to max. level to avoid the main stand hitting ground in some unpaved sections when riding with a pillion. The suspension feels good for me, even now. Other than that no problems at all. Happy with the ownership.
On the list, I think RTR 160 4v is the most modern one with FI variant. But suitability on rural conditions is not known. Gixxer was the best in the segment. (I chose Hornet only for the bigger look and pillion comfort.) Pulsar 160, I don't know, I never found one on the road here. Maybe a good bike, not selling because Bajaj already have 180, 200, 220, avenger etc. in somewhat similar price bracket. Yamaha FZ is selling like hot cakes even now.
So I personally think, you don't go wrong with any of these 160s. If you are very keen on some specific element, go with the one that have it, like feature loaded console in Gixxer or RTR, CBS in Hornet, FI in FZ and RTR, etc. NS 160 maybe the cheapest, but it looks less sporty with a narrow rear tyre and drum brake setup. Other than CBS, Hornet has the basic features only, in my opinion. Go with the one that appeals to you, RTR 160 isn't it?

Re: Help needed for daily commuter plus Sporty bike

Thanks for your views.
I have submitted the quotation for Apache 160 4v.

Today came to know about the compulsion of ABS on every bike above 125 cc.
Should I place the order for my new bike without ABS or should I wait for it to get ABS.

Also, I think same bike with ABS will have pricing nearly 15K extra.

Re: Help needed for daily commuter plus Sporty bike

That compulsion comes into effect April next year i.e. 2019
I doubt if TVS will launch an absolute version before next year.

Re: Help needed for daily commuter plus Sporty bike

Indian roads are far from safe and there is always so much chaos that ABS is going to be a necessity. There are always going to be jaywalkers talking on their phones, not looking where they are going, dogs running suddenly from one side to another, autos turning right without giving indicators, etc etc. Any of these conditions will have you grab a handful of brakes which will result in losing the front end and kissing mother earth. The ABS is specifically designed to keep you safe in these unforeseen circumstances. And we have to face these situations on daily basis. I'm sure you too are going to face them in your long commute sooner than later.

So if you have the budget and can spend a little more on the ABS version, I would recommend you to go for it. A few thousand rupees more will ensure your safety on rainy day when grip is minimal, it will prevent the tire from jamming on roads where gravel, sand and other construction material is carelessly thrown and also for all the above unforeseen circumstances.

Re: Help needed for daily commuter plus Sporty bike

As per my knowledge, Gixxer SF FI and Intruder have ABS (single channel) in 160 segment. Honda launched Hornet ABS (single channel) but don't know the availability. This is a bad scenario. If you want a bike with ABS now, choose one of these ( I'm afraid no other options are there as of now). Or go on with the RTR 160 4v, accept the risk (it is always there), maintain safe speeds, be alert and learn to brake safely.
To be honest, most of us are helpless here.

Re: Help needed for daily commuter plus Sporty bike

I will enquire about hornet abs today.
As I have already submitted the quotation for Apache, it makes one more constraint for me.

Re: Help needed for daily commuter plus Sporty bike

I am getting 45 days waiting for black Apache 160 4v.

Anyone has any idea about the availability of Hornet ABS version?

Re: Help needed for daily commuter plus Sporty bike

Here in Mumbai (Fort branch) they don’t know Honda has launched Hornet ABS version. And the sales force was least interested to talk about anything.

Although I would really ask you to wait for the ABS version to come to the showrooms it’s really VFM and much safer to ride with ABS.

Re: Help needed for daily commuter plus Sporty bike

I am waiting for the hornet abs.
Probably thinking of prebooking it as I have already test driven present Hornet.

Re: Help needed for daily commuter plus Sporty bike

Hornet ABS is listed in the website and you can see that in features list. Many websites are quoting the price. I have seen some newspapers reporting this as a silent launch with no announcement. Only this much I know. It's better to confirm in multiple showrooms. Either they have not received the new batch so forcing customers to buy the available stock or Honda is delaying the sale for some reasons. I doubt it is not ready for sale since no reviews showing a first ride surfaced in the internet. Sorry for your inconvenience, if my opinions delayed you.

Re: Help needed for daily commuter plus Sporty bike

I asked almost all the dealers in Pune. They do not have any idea about when they will get the first stock.
Though they have got the price list and ate giving quotations for abs version also.

Re: Help needed for daily commuter plus Sporty bike

Any reason for not considering apache 160 other than abs?