Re: Touring bike

Topic Approved.

I own Duke 390 (2013 model). Its good for touring, and you can maintain any speeds between 80-150 kmph easily in top gear, although its not the best option out there for touring with its hard seat, slippery uncomfortable pillion seat, etc.
There are no significant vibrations, only as much as you need to feel involved, but CBR 250 for example is smoother overall.

We'll have to test ride and judge the BMW, but its a single cylinder at the price of a double. We expect the quality to be awesome, but can't say this early.

Speaking of which, you can consider the CKD variant of the recent Ninja 300 (its a twin, costs about 2.98L ex showroom). Its a tried and reliabe touring machine, in general, which can also handle some hard riding on racetracks too!

Versys should be a good choice in my opinion, but only if you're ready for expensive spare parts, although its generally reliable.
If you're having access to MT03, then go ahead with it. Is it available somewhere (imported, etc.)?

Re: Touring bike

Yes, the twin cylinders are best for touring. Bikes like Triumph street twin, Yamaha R3 are all good. Most bikes you listed are naked bikes and dont give much sheilding against the wind when touring. These are all mostly for short rides. I can help you decide on the next bike if you can provide these inputs:
1. What is your budget for the tourer?
2. What kind of places do you want to tour? (this tells me if you want a semi adventurer, sports tourer, or a classic)
3. Any medical issues like back pain, injuries etc. ?

P.S: I have toured pretty much most places in south India, and even completed Ladakh circuit on my 150cc Yamaha SZ. I believe the Dominar is a very good cheap and best contender for touring cross-country.

Re: Touring bike

Thanks for the views.
KTM, I tried once, I didn't find comfortable position of the leg break. MT03 might get launched during end of this year.

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Budget : 5-6 lakhs

I'll visit places which may have few stretches of off-road.

I have no back pain. But I don't feel comfortable with aggressive style (R15 or CBR).

Re: Touring bike

If thats your budget, surely you could look into Ninja400 or Ninja650

Re: Touring bike

But I felt those are aggressive. Aren't they?

Re: Touring bike

I cant comment on this with experience.

I had a very brief test ride on both those vehicles and for the duration of that ride I was fairly comfortable throughout.

Re: Touring bike

Too many quality control and niggling issues in the 2017/18 Duke 390 so can't recommend it like the old 390 which I used to own.

The Benelli Leoncino Standard/Scrambler 500 could be your best bet. Likely launch in between November-January. Feedback from international markets are all surprisingly positive. Great practical features like remote preload adjuster for rear suspension like Versys 650. This lion cub has an awesome exhaust note and linear smooth acceleration due to a 360 degree crank. Superb engine and dynamics with stylish neo retro looks. Price should be less than ₹5lakhs on road. This is the first Benelli I would recommend to anyone.

There are no signs of Yamaha launching MT-03 so don't wait for it. Could've been an ideal machine for India but sadly Yamaha India is missing it's mojo here.

The upcoming September/October launch of Royal Enfield Interceptor twins could suit you well too if you don't mind Royal Enfield. Price will be less ₹4lakhs on road.

Kawasaki's Z650 would've been your most ideal machine if it had just a little bit better ground clearance. If your tall and can manage the weight of Versys 650, that's a superb all rounder too.

Z300 would've been great but missing in India. Can't recommend Z250 because only a handful of units were sold since it's launch, and there is a likelihood of you getting a very old stock. Also the 250 twin engine is really old, though reliable it brings good power and torque only at the top end above 10,000 rpms.

G310GS is just overpriced and if you don't mind the single cylinder and the brand, that seems to be good machine too. Though I must say the power and torque figures are mediocre for a BMW frankly.

Cheers!

Re: Touring bike

Looks like the Ninja 300 should tick off all the boxes from what you have mentioned. Having toured extensively on the N300 I can vouch for this incredible bike. With the recently announced price drop this bike makes a VFM proposition.

Re: Touring bike

How about cruisers in this price bracket (of Rs. 5-6 lakhs)? HD Street 750 and Vulcan 650 shall be a good proposition too!

However, Kawasakis are expensive to maintain...

Re: Touring bike

Hi,

Iam relocating to india and searched internet and couldnt come to any conclusion.
Need a touring bike:
- currently have honda xr150l, harley
-previuosly had bajaj avenger 180, 220
-need a comfortable rider +pillion too.
-price below 2 lacs

Any suggestions?

Re: Touring bike

Dominar Will be perfect for you it's a tourer and it will fit in your budget and a pillion can travel comfortably

Re: Touring bike

Exactly, like our member points out, Dominar ABS fits your bill perfectly