Re: Which Big Bike to Buy?

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Re: Which Big Bike to Buy?

You really really need a TD of both bikes. I have ridden neither bike so can't say which one will suit you better. I have friends who own both bikes and both are very very happy with their purchases so there are no wrong answers here just between awesome and even more awesome.

The Triple RS has the advantage in the weight department as its very light so if you love the Duke 390 riding characteristics of a fast flickable bike that can run circles around any track then the Striple is a great option. Its a more aggressive bike between the two.

The Z900 is no performance slouch but it's a lot heavier and while it's still a good handler its nowhere near as good as the Street Triple. Both bikes have sublime exhaust notes so its a wash there.

The electronics package are also similar now between both bikes so not a huge difference there either.

So it all comes down to pricing which is where there is a significant difference of 4 lakhs which can make or break your decision.

So do try the test ride and see which one suits you best. To give you a good example I had decided on a Ninja 400 which ticked everything on paper for me. I rejected the Z650 as it had poor ground clearance and I read it wasn't good for tall riders. I tested both bikes and the z650 just suited me better in everything and so all the research was tossed out the window and I picked the Z650 :P

Re: Which Big Bike to Buy?

So here is the deal, I absolutely loved the way the ZX6R and Striple RS handle, strangely the Triumph is more flickable than the 6R, but maybe there's something wrong with that assessment. The only reason I'm not considering the 6R is the riding posture. For an only bike, it's simply not comfortable enough for me. My last bike was the first gen 390 Duke and I absolutely loved it. Maybe that's why Iike the Triumph so much.

QUOTE=bf1983;1393320]
The Z900 is no performance slouch but it's a lot heavier and while it's still a good handler its nowhere near as good as the Street Triple. Both bikes have sublime exhaust notes so its a wash there.

The electronics package are also similar now between both bikes so not a huge difference there either.

So it all comes down to pricing which is where there is a significant difference of 4 lakhs which can make or break your decision.
[/QUOTE]

So one of the considerations I have is that I'm no street Rossi. While I like wringing the wrist as much as the next rider, I'm quite cautious and defensive in my riding. I don't expect to be carrying hooligan speed into corners and exits on open Indian roads, so, while I haven't had the chance to test ride the Z900, I wonder if the torque makes it a better real world bike for me. Then there is the double edged sword of weight. With the increase in weight, I expect the Z900 to be a more stable bike, especially at highway speeds in a straight line.

I really don't care for electronics beyond TC and ABS. I'd have loved it if both or either came with an IMU, but that's not gonna happe for a year or two, maybe more.

While I love the idea of a trackday, I'm being realistic in my thought and I'm fairly certain that at 15-20 grand a day in tires, it's something I'd only be able to afford as a rare treat. Can't use that scenario as a buying decision. If I were, I'd buy the ZX6R. I definitely plan on doing the school though.

It's one thing testing a bike for a 20-30 minute ride, it's another thing owning it, living with it and riding it under various circumstances. Not sure which would suit me more. Hence the confusion. While I could stretch for the Striple, I'd have to put more down and/or increase loan term. I'm willing to work around that, don't know if I should though.

Congratulations on the 650 bro, if I'd bought a bike to replace my 390, I think the 650 would have been in the reckoning. It's going to go down as one of the iconic Indian bikes. It definitely holds a special place in all our enthusiast hearts.

Re: Which Big Bike to Buy?

Thanks

However the Z650 does have an issue which is why I had knocked it off my list in the first place which was its ground clearance. The Z900 and the Street Triple both have that problem though so it seems there is no escaping it.

One thing I should mention is that if you love the RS package you might have to hurry. The Street Triple R version is launching soon for maybe 10l ex showroom. And to sweeten the deal there is rumors they will increase the RS variant by 50k more. So that would be an almost 80k price increase considering the increased taxation and RTO fees.

If you don't mind the toned down specs of the R version then the price difference comes down to just 2.5 lakhs or so between the Z900 and the Striple R.

Re: Which Big Bike to Buy?

Yeah only way to escape GC issues is to buy an ADV unfortunately. That only makes sense if you're touring several times a year and atleast one long cross country ride.

I've been following the R launch. It's expected within a week. I hope they don't push the prices up anymore. As it is Triumph seem to be bleeding RS sales to the Z900. I don't think I can make a decision and buy in a week, I definitely would like to ride the Z900 properly before deciding. I'm not sure the R would be in contention, but, as they say, never say never.

Re: Which Big Bike to Buy?

Hey there!

If you got the money and also you are going to use the bike long term, I suggest - go for the Triple. It's lighter and compact compared to an i4. Sounds as good as an i4. It's a great mid-ground between parallel twins and high revving i4s. This will also suit to your riding style that you have mentioned.

You can also consider MT09 which is another triple. Slightly heavier than Triumph and a lot less lighter than the Z900. Cheaper than the Triumph. However, I'm not sure if it's available to buy now.

Cheers!

Re: Which Big Bike to Buy?

Can afford/find a way to afford is very different from whether it makes sense to buy. Need to figure that out very carefully. It's definitely a sweet bike.

Yamaha MT09 is ridiculously priced in india, not available for test rides and, to be frank completely not my cup of tea. I don't want to have to fight the bike mid corner to keep the front tire from stepping out. Damn thing is a total hooligan, very twitchy and while I'm sure it's fun to ride, absolutely not for me. MT10 now, that's something I'd consider if it were available here.

Re: Which Big Bike to Buy?

One more option for you. Now almost same price as the Z900.



You lose the fancy new instrument cluster, you get smaller brakes, a tiny drop in power. The R retains the showa adjustable dampers, bi-direction shifter, and three riding modes

Re: Which Big Bike to Buy?

Street Triple R is also here now at 8.84 L!

Re: Which Big Bike to Buy?

I really don't care for Triumph's TFT display. It's lovely to look at and completely illegible while riding. Kawasaki and BMW ones are simply superb though. So, I am not considering the TFT angle at all. The rest of it, how much do you think it will make a difference in 90% of the riding we do? It is something I have been thinking about very carefully. I was supposed to go test ride the RS last couple of days but haven't been able to get out of work to do so.

RS OTR BLR: 15 Lakhs
R OTR BLR: 11.6 Lakhs

The net price difference after financing is taken into account will be somewhere around the 4-5 lakh mark depending on accessories put on the R over the RS. Really don't know if I should even bother considering the RS. Max price difference should have been 1.5-2L between the two.

It is a fantastic price point for India isn't it?!

Re: Which Big Bike to Buy?

The R is incredible vfm. The RS is mainly if you would be using it for to its limits. The R would require a belly pan though so thats an additional cost and if you like bar end mirrors then its an extra cost as well.

Other than that its 98% of the RS in a cheaper package. You really won't miss those few horses on Indian roads. Would have maybe made a difference if riding in Europe on their amazing highways.

Re: Which Big Bike to Buy?

Yes, I was actually quite shocked at the pricing. I think it makes sense now over the RS.

Re: Which Big Bike to Buy?

Agreed on all counts. I'd also like a rear cowl, because, well why not? I doubt one could use anything other than a Duke 390 to its limits on our roads, and in all likelihood not that either. I have a test ride coming up, so lets see what the next few days bring!

Re: Which Big Bike to Buy?


Skeptical of the T since their de tune fiasco, my votes for Kawasaki.

If budget permits Z900RS combines both comfort and performance.