Re: Suggestions for a 150cc - 160cc Two Wheeler for a 31 year old.

I can totally relate to that. I was going to remove the apache from the list due to the. Showroom experience but then one of their better showrooms gave me a call. The sales rep. arranged a test ride and kept following up every weekend updating me on any price change and offering discounts.
Though I can't help think about the after sales support if this is how they treat potentials buyers.

Re: Suggestions for a 150cc - 160cc Two Wheeler for a 31 year old.

Well, sales and service are two different things. I bought P220 on last Diwali. The sales team was better at one showroom, however the service team of the other service centre is many leagues better than those I bought it from. I'd suggest everyone to change service centre if they don't find the service good.

Re: Suggestions for a 150cc - 160cc Two Wheeler for a 31 year old.

I'd like to add that service is quick at service centre A, while B will take some time and some time tell me to come on the next day. But, A is more like a commercial operation, all they know is to quickly perform service and make money, while B will take their time for proper service and even have suggestions for mods.

Re: Suggestions for a 150cc - 160cc Two Wheeler for a 31 year old.

While Apache 160 4v seems like the complete package here with fancy features and VFM, I would suggest going for a FZv3 if you really want a reliable engine that will serve you just like the Unicorn did. Nothing beats Yamaha's bullet proof reliability of engines. I own a Unicorn 150 myself and ride a Hornet 160R on regular basis. xBlade is basically a 160 Unicorn with design elements changed. It's not sedate as a Unicorn 150 or fun as FZv3. Suspension on the xBlade is stiffer compared to the Unicorn 150 and FZ which don't do well on large potholes. Why FZv3? A friend of mine owned a FZv2 (2014) and he rode 1.16L KMs on it from August 2014 to April 2019 with no major maintenance on it apart from Engine oils, other consumables and all. He used mineral oil all the time and flushed every 1500-1700kms. He exchanged it for a FZv3 due to the fact that his V2 needed a new bore kit/cylinder. And that in my experience is one hell of a reliable bike. Honda engines will last long but the quality issues these days are not worth it TBH. Apache engine (160 2v) are unreliable enough and don't go as much as a Yamaha would. Even a complete rebuild won't make the bike as refined as new bike. So, if you're looking for a long term companion, go with the v3 or else if you're looking for something that you would ride for a couple of years and then sell, get the 160 4v.

Edit: Forgot to add about SVC's and after sales. TVS Scooty ES is the only TVS vehicle we ever had and even then the service was terrible. I have friends who owns Apaches and don't service them at showrooms because the mechs either don't know how to work properly or because spares are unavailable most of the time. Go to the SVC and ask if a 160 4v carb is still in stock. It isn't and the TVS guys here don't know how to replace the FI pump. 200 4v owners have been dissatisfied with ASC for as long as I've known. Staff are as callous as you can have and don't care what happens to your vehicle.

Honda SVC and ASCs are decent and treat customers well. While they do most of the work really well, some advance issues that require uncommon parts and all, it's hard to find. Quality control issues are again with the production. I am of the opinion these days that mass popular Honda bikes have lost their quality in the name of cost cutting and quicker production. That's a sad truth. Check a new Activa 5G and you'll know what I mean.

Coming back to Yamaha, never seen them unable to source any part that you want. Hell, most of their vehicles use common parts. If not, parts as old as RX135 are still available. I bought a RX headlamp bulb for my Shogun a few days ago. It was still available in the old RX packaging and cost Rs 50. If that's not reliability, what else is?

Re: Suggestions for a 150cc - 160cc Two Wheeler for a 31 year old.

Thank you for the detailed response. This was the kind of Input I was looking for. Am still leaning towards the Apache but your points about the Yamaha has made me reconsider my decision and give it some more thought.
And it is actually the Yamaha that seems more vfm when you compare it with the FI variant of Apache. The Apache carb dual disc abs version costs 1.14 Lakhs on road for the Carb version while the FI variant is around 1.23L where as the FZ costs 1.17L On road. I thought it would be more expensive than that.

Re: Suggestions for a 150cc - 160cc Two Wheeler for a 31 year old.

Both are good bikes, get what ever you like- My vote goes to RTR though.

Re: Suggestions for a 150cc - 160cc Two Wheeler for a 31 year old.

Do you know how TVS' service is usually like? That's the only thing that worries me

Re: Suggestions for a 150cc - 160cc Two Wheeler for a 31 year old.

For all the manufacturers the service is always a hit and a miss, be it Bajaj or BMW.

Have good relation with your service incharge at your preferred servicing centre, that will go a long way in getting you good service.

Re: Suggestions for a 150cc - 160cc Two Wheeler for a 31 year old.

That's truth . It's applicable to any company.

Re: Suggestions for a 150cc - 160cc Two Wheeler for a 31 year old.

Adding some of the experiences from friends who own motorcycles in these categories.

1- Fz v3 - Fz has always been a reliable motorcycle from Yamaha, but not anymore it seems, my friends who own the recent iterations of these motorcycles and have owned the old fz in past cry about the reliability, parts and spares quality, especially the plastics are very poor. The owner has just done 15000 kms on the motorcycle and he also shares how the motorcycle lacks the power and the character old Fz possessed. Not to talk about the elder sibling fz25 and the quality on it, not something to talk of. Although the spec sheets are just fine, it is the real world quality where Yamaha is falling back with the new motorcycles. You can already see fzv3 motors falling apart, visit any Yamaha SVC around, I am sure you will find them.

2- RTR160 4v - The issue here was unable to start the motorcycle, which was found to be a simple vapour lock, apart from that, the motorcycle has done 11k kms and is a carburreted variant, no issues yet, motorcycle has ample power for our highways, overtaking and certainly built better than counterparts from Japan, I can say this since I myself work on motorcycles and know how the things go. Adding to this, Apaches have always been reliable workhorses in the past generations, although a little vibey, but TVS has really worked hard and this machine gets smoother than gixxer, yes I say this after riding them both. Also, parts availability has been a problem with TVS, although it is actively being solved and you can get spare pricing online, probably order it online soon too. Adding to parts, it is a known fact that TVS is best when it comes to the quality of spares, anyone who works enough on motorcycles knows this.

3- Honda Hornet / Xblade - Our group has very few of these machines, as such Honda service sucks in my city, and Hornet is definitely vibey-er than the Apache, has clunky gearshifts despite all clutch adjustments being done, not to talk of that hard rear suspension and unsettling front. Didn't quite like the Hondas this time. Also, Hondas are notorious for bad QC on spares. Although pricing of spares is just fine.

4- NS160 - Isn't as exciting as the RTR, is smooth, mileage is somewhat a concern on this one, spare quality is superb, availability is superb, rest is unknown to me as the owner is not my close friend, just get to ride and check this one sometimes.

Not writing about Gixxer since it has been written a countless times.

Adding to this - TVS has the best braking and handling out of these, also has the best headlamp illumination, console, overall fit and finish, suspension setup and is engaging to ride.

Worst headlamp, tach, overall fit and finish shall go to the Yamaha, not impressed with fzv3 at all.

Re: Suggestions for a 150cc - 160cc Two Wheeler for a 31 year old.

Well, I have some great experiences with TVS. Star City(90K kms), RTR 180(70K kms), Jupiter(52K kms), Now Ntorq(11K kms). They have improved by leaps and bounds. Service in my area is OK type. If ever I faced a problem, one call to the regional Area head solves the matter. Do some research in your area, before getting the bike. Honda will give you the worst service experience(I was fed up with my CBR before selling it). Yamaha and TVS will be more or less same.

Re: Suggestions for a 150cc - 160cc Two Wheeler for a 31 year old.

You are exactly right about Hornet , i myself own the 2018 abs model.

Apache 160 4v is way ahead of the competition, it's very smooth and rev happy, also i found out that the paint quality, switchgears, fit and finish to be premium. And most importantly, it has got the most advanced suspension setup, which is soft and confidence inspiring while leaning at the same time. This machine is simply amazing !

Re: Suggestions for a 150cc - 160cc Two Wheeler for a 31 year old.

First of all, Tvs RTR 160 FI ABS cost more then FZ V3.0 b'coz the RTR has slightly larger engine displacement and it generates 16.8PS of power compared to FZ's 13PS.
Now I've ridden FZ V3.0 for around 50-60KMS and trust me it's nowhere as fun as the 1st Gen FZ's use to be. The current iteration feels lazy, sluggish and the only things I liked about FZ 3.0 is its slick shifting gearbox and handling.
New RTR on the other hand is a complete package. It's smooth, refined, punchy, ride & handling balance is also spot on.
As far as reliability and longevity is concerned, no matter if it is a Japanese or Indian, as long as YOU take good care of your Bike the Bike in return will take good care of you!

P.S. - The only 160cc bike that comes close to RTR 160 is Pulsar NS160. I'd suggest you to take a test ride of both these machines and then decide.

Re: Suggestions for a 150cc - 160cc Two Wheeler for a 31 year old.

Thank you for all your inputs and Suggestions guys. It is much appreciated.

I test drove the Fz and Apache again yesterday. The showroom experience was amazing when it comes to Yamaha. Great sales team and they were eager to help me out. I almost wanted to buy the vehicle just for the way I was treated. Anyway, I Test drove the Fz and it is very smooth but it is a sedate vehicle. The gear shifts were very smooth, switch gear were good but not as good as the apache I felt. Suspension was stiffer when compared to the apache. Great vehicle overall.

Went to TVS after that and the sales team were a Stark contrast to Yamaha. They weren't interested in answering any questions. But they had the carb drum variant for TD. Took it for a spin and I felt that even though the riding posture is a bit more demanding than the Fz, the tvs felt more comfortable thanks to the Suspension set up. Switch gear were excellent and the lights were great as well. It is a throttle happy vehicle and it put a smile on my face.

So I went ahead and booked the Apache. I would have picked the Fz had there been no Apache. Getting a helmet and Full tank of Petrol for what am paying. Anything else I need to keep in mind while taking delivery of the vehicle?

Re: Suggestions for a 150cc - 160cc Two Wheeler for a 31 year old.

Thank you for the input but the pillion seat is too high on the ns 160 for me to consider it. Would have been interested if it were bit more pillion friendly.