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Advice regarding new bike!

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  • #1

    Advice regarding new bike!

    Hey there, some quick info about me.
    Age: 22 years
    Height: 5'10"
    Weight: 82 kgs

    I'll be getting my first bike pretty soon and since I'm still a student, my mom will be paying for it.

    I've narrowed it down to three options

    1. Suzuki Gixxer Carb 155 ABS - Rs 1.11 Lakh
    2. FZ FI v3 ABS - Rs 1.23 Lakh
    3. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Carb ABS - RS 1.19 lakh

    The Gixxer would also be 10k cheaper if I book it in the next four days, however only one colour is available.
    Also, Yamaha offers an extended warranty on the engine for three years at Rs 777.

    Test drove all of them, but since I'm a noob, I couldn't appraise them as closely as I would like plus the test drives were pretty short.

    My main expectations would be:

    1.Riding comfort - I experience discomfort in my lower back if I ride more than 30 kilometres on my dad's Aviator, so that's the foremost priority.

    2.Mileage - Don't want to burn through my pockets on fuel (At least 40-45 kmpl)

    3.Preferably as low maintenance as possible.

    Also, I would be grateful if anybody could tell me as to which I should prefer, the Carb or FI.

    I've been perusing quite a few threads on here, and I've also been wondering if I should just buy a commuter like the Shine SP or the Unicorn 150 given that mileage and low maintenance are high priorities and I've also heard the Unicorn has a comfortable riding position.

    Cheers!
    Last edited by xBhp; 04-20-2019, 01:42 PM.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Advice regarding new bike!

    Thread approved.

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: Advice regarding new bike!

      Hi @skillerpal

      So, three main requirements that seem to stand out are:
      1. Comfortable riding
      2. Budget motorcycle
      3. Good mileage

      I can think of these bikes. Do test-ride the following and see what works for you.

      1. Apache RTR 160 (Value for money, single channel ABS, sporty looks, easy maintenance, TVS has fixed vibrations now. I own a TVS Apache 200 4V, lovely motorcycle)
      2. Bajaj NS 160 (Do test ride this. Great handling and perimeter frame. I would recommend the NS 200 because it gets the ABS + 6th gear. It's slightly expensive, but worth every penny)
      3. Hero Xtreme 200R (Brilliant value for money, comes with ABS, 200cc!)
      4. Honda Hornet 160 (There are CBS and ABS versions. For safety, go for the ABS version)
      5. Honda xBlade (You may want to test ride this too)
      6. Yahama SZ-RR (Very underrated bike, comfortable, looks great, has excellent mileage, missing ABS)

      I would personally stay away from other 150cc class Honda motorcycles due to their pathetic outdated suspensions.

      If mileage and commute comfort mean more to you, then do look for the Discover 125. Good bike and good mileage. You can test comfort on test ride.

      Hope this helps!
      Last edited by sansubr; 04-22-2019, 11:10 AM.
      ---
      नमो नमः

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: Advice regarding new bike!

        Originally posted by sansubr View Post
        Hi @skillerpal

        So, three main requirements that seem to stand out are:
        1. Comfortable riding
        2. Budget motorcycle
        3. Good mileage

        I can think of these bikes. Do test-ride the following and see what works for you.

        1. Apache RTR 160 (Value for money, single channel ABS, sporty looks, easy maintenance, TVS has fixed vibrations now. I own a TVS Apache 200 4V, lovely motorcycle)
        2. Bajaj NS 160 (Do test ride this. Great handling and perimeter frame. I would recommend the NS 200 because it gets the ABS + 6th gear. It's slightly expensive, but worth every penny)
        3. Hero Xtreme 200R (Brilliant value for money, comes with ABS, 200cc!)
        4. Honda Hornet 160 (There are CBS and ABS versions. For safety, go for the ABS version)
        5. Honda xBlade (You may want to test ride this too)
        6. Yahama SZ-RR (Very underrated bike, comfortable, looks great, has excellent mileage, missing ABS)

        I would personally stay away from other 150cc class Honda motorcycles due to their pathetic outdated suspensions.

        If mileage and commute comfort mean more to you, then do look for the Discover 125. Good bike and good mileage. You can test comfort on test ride.

        Hope this helps!
        Thank you for the comprehensive reply!

        1.I've test ridden the Apache, and it was great,but the motorcycle is on the smaller ride and I think I would have to lean a bit while riding, so on the fence.

        2.I like the NS 200, but as for Bajaj, I've heard conflicting reports of poor build quality that shows up after a year or two.

        3. Yeah, the Extreme looks VFM, but the 200cc engine means I'll have to compromise on the fuel efficiency.

        4&5 Honda bikes always feel grossly overpriced for the performance and features they offer.

        6. Will be sure to check that out, Thank you!

        Also, do you have any inkling about the after sales service of Yamaha and Suzuki in general?
        I've heard Suzuki's after sales service is subpar as a whole!

        Comment

        • #5
          Re: Advice regarding new bike!

          If you don't mind the plain looks, Honda Shine and Unicorn 150 are more than a decade old goodies that are refined, trouble-free reliability, comfortable and solid for a decade long ownership experience.

          Comment

          • #6
            Re: Advice regarding new bike!

            Buy unicorn 150 abs or wait for pulsar 150 neon abs.

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: Advice regarding new bike!

              Originally posted by Zapps View Post
              If you don't mind the plain looks, Honda Shine and Unicorn 150 are more than a decade old goodies that are refined, trouble-free reliability, comfortable and solid for a decade long ownership experience.
              Originally posted by #bpk View Post
              Buy unicorn 150 abs or wait for pulsar 150 neon abs.
              These statements are just hearsay but I've heard the relaunched Unicorns build quality has declined, also is there any credibility to statements that say the Bajaj starts to lose it's refinement after a couple of years?

              Comment

              • #8
                Re: Advice regarding new bike!

                Originally posted by skillerpal View Post
                These statements are just hearsay but I've heard the relaunched Unicorns build quality has declined, also is there any credibility to statements that say the Bajaj starts to lose it's refinement after a couple of years?
                All bikes have their positives and negatives, if u want an allrounder choose between unicorn 150 and szrr . Pulsar 150 is also a reliable and good bike.

                Comment

                • #9
                  Re: Advice regarding new bike!

                  Originally posted by skillerpal View Post
                  These statements are just hearsay but I've heard the relaunched Unicorns build quality has declined, also is there any credibility to statements that say the Bajaj starts to lose it's refinement after a couple of years?
                  I've myself owned Honda Shine for a decade and 2 of my cousins had Unicorn for around 5 and 3 years. So it's not just me copy pasting stuff.

                  Bajaj loses its credibility in the mind of the people who lost their minds. They make decent bikes which sell well too, NS200 and P220 are well liked bikes, the later one being a legend in itself. Yes I bought it last year replacing my Honda Shine.

                  As for the refinement of Unicorn, I don't know about 160, but the model I'm talking about is Unicorn 150. It still sells co of demand, you might not even find it at Honda Showroom, but they will book it for you.
                  Last edited by Zapps; 04-23-2019, 09:07 AM.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Re: Advice regarding new bike!

                    For your use, just get a TVS Apache 160 4V if you want a power packed choice.

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Re: Advice regarding new bike!

                      Originally posted by #bpk View Post
                      All bikes have their positives and negatives, if u want an allrounder choose between unicorn 150 and szrr . Pulsar 150 is also a reliable and good bike.
                      Thank you, will check out the SZ-RR and the Pulsar too.
                      Originally posted by Zapps View Post
                      I've myself owned Honda Shine for a decade and 2 of my cousins had Unicorn for around 5 and 3 years. So it's not just me copy pasting stuff.

                      Bajaj loses its credibility in the mind of the people who lost their minds. They make decent bikes which sell well too, NS200 and P220 are well liked bikes, the later one being a legend in itself. Yes I bought it last year replacing my Honda Shine.

                      As for the refinement of Unicorn, I don't know about 160, but the model I'm talking about is Unicorn 150. It still sells co of demand, you might not even find it at Honda Showroom, but they will book it for you.
                      Originally posted by Zapps View Post
                      For your use, just get a TVS Apache 160 4V if you want a power packed choice.
                      Yes, I've always liked the NS 200 but the ABS version is out of my budget!
                      Another query, why would you recommend the Apache over the Gixxer and the FZ?

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Re: Advice regarding new bike!

                        Originally posted by skillerpal View Post
                        Also, do you have any inkling about the after sales service of Yamaha and Suzuki in general?
                        I've heard Suzuki's after sales service is subpar as a whole!
                        After sales service is different from workshop to workshop. Sometimes you get great service, sometimes they rip you off, sometimes they screw your bike. It's all part of the ownership experience and needs to be handled.

                        Slightly off topic, but wanted to add this too:

                        Bajaj and TVS both make fantastic motorcycles are known to push the envelope of the market. They launch new segments and niches.
                        Foreign manufacturers just use the space to bring in products. They have the advantage of good engineering, but are pointlessly overpriced.

                        I decided to only buy a desi motorcycle, so my choices were clear. It is after all our responsibility as citizens to support our companies. So, I always make it a point to buy Indian products whenever possible. Not only can we grow our economy, but also expect innovation and better service from our companies.
                        ---
                        नमो नमः

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Re: Advice regarding new bike!

                          Originally posted by sansubr View Post
                          After sales service is different from workshop to workshop. Sometimes you get great service, sometimes they rip you off, sometimes they screw your bike. It's all part of the ownership experience and needs to be handled.

                          Slightly off topic, but wanted to add this too:

                          Bajaj and TVS both make fantastic motorcycles are known to push the envelope of the market. They launch new segments and niches.
                          Foreign manufacturers just use the space to bring in products. They have the advantage of good engineering, but are pointlessly overpriced.

                          I decided to only buy a desi motorcycle, so my choices were clear. It is after all our responsibility as citizens to support our companies. So, I always make it a point to buy Indian products whenever possible. Not only can we grow our economy, but also expect innovation and better service from our companies.
                          Yeah, you make a good point about the after sales service.
                          I understand the buying Indian sentiment, but I need to use the bike for a minimum of 5-6 years, so can't afford to take any chances

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            Re: Advice regarding new bike!

                            Originally posted by skillerpal View Post
                            Yeah, you make a good point about the after sales service.
                            I understand the buying Indian sentiment, but I need to use the bike for a minimum of 5-6 years, so can't afford to take any chances
                            Any bike that's maintained well will last as long as you want. No issues there. Pick what meets requirements
                            ---
                            नमो नमः

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              Re: Advice regarding new bike!

                              Originally posted by sansubr View Post
                              After sales service is different from workshop to workshop. Sometimes you get great service, sometimes they rip you off, sometimes they screw your bike. It's all part of the ownership experience and needs to be handled.

                              Slightly off topic, but wanted to add this too:

                              Bajaj and TVS both make fantastic motorcycles are known to push the envelope of the market. They launch new segments and niches.
                              Foreign manufacturers just use the space to bring in products. They have the advantage of good engineering, but are pointlessly overpriced.

                              I decided to only buy a desi motorcycle, so my choices were clear. It is after all our responsibility as citizens to support our companies. So, I always make it a point to buy Indian products whenever possible. Not only can we grow our economy, but also expect innovation and better service from our companies.
                              Originally posted by sansubr View Post
                              Any bike that's maintained well will last as long as you want. No issues there. Pick what meets requirements
                              I see, thank you again!

                              Comment

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