Thread: A 150-220cc bike for city ride and occasional short trips - tight budget

Originally Posted by prakash_mvpa

I'm going through the ownership threads and considering few models. So far, I've test ride Hero Xtreme 200r and Avenger 220 Cruise model. Both are sedate rides. With Avenger, handling and braking power seems inadequate especially in dusty roads. Hero Xtreme200R OTOH has a 70000kms or 6 years warranty IIRC as the dealer says. But, it's an air cooled old mill refined from old CBZ?

My plans changed afterwards.
Current choices:
1. Pulsar 220F
2. RTR 200

Pulsar 220F has simpler mechanicals including engine as well as parts cost compared to KTM engined models. Is this holds true? But, this bike is really old model from 2007-8 and I wonder how many years more it will exist? Considering an used P220F is worth the trouble? I believe many are owned by youngsters who mostly would've rashly handled it (not generalizing).

I already runs RTR 180 and service quality is pathetic here. They ruined my bike's clutch cover by over tightening a bolt!. I do the service in local garages now. For a good service I've to take to a dealer in another town 20kms away. Add to it the numbing vibrations. If I travel even 40kms on above 70kmph speed, the bike vibrates a lot. The positive is very reliable engine and quality parts. But, owning the same bike looks cliche.

I understand your point.

P220 : Though it is an old horse, you won’t regret your decision anytime. Also ABS models have been launched I think so.
Even if Bajaj tries to stop this model, they were not able to do it, since its sales were in decent numbers.
You have already mentioned you are not into NS and RS. So not talking about those models.
But kindly avoid buying an used 220 or any performance machines.
It might have been modified, rashly driven by youngsters. (Again not generalising)

RTR200 : I own one. Decent low and mid range. Good parts quality compared to 220. Has a dual channel ABS, Slipper clutch, and that digital display gives number of info.
About vibrations part, no, there are no vibrations like RTR160 and 180.
It is so smooth and I enjoy every rides.
But since you mentioned service people has ruined your RTR180, I’m thinking twice to suggest you a TVS bike. Though TVS makes good products, some of their service people are not so well trained. They just ruin a good running machine. This issue is not limited to TVS service alone.

But, pillion comfort is better in 220F.
Since you are a family man, I suggest you to get 220. Maybe you will need pillion comfort in future.
It has good power to commute either in city or in highways.
220 also has a comfortable seating position compared to RTR.

You won’t go wrong with either of these motorbikes, however your priorities matter here.

Since I’m not yet married and pillion comfort is not a deal for me, I chose RTR200. I’ll be riding mostly within city limits and rare trips with friends.

Take someone as pillion and test ride both bikes. Make sure what is your priority list and then choose one.

Originally Posted by prakash_mvpa

Will surely post what bike I did choose.


* Is it worth buying an ABS 220F now,

* Is there big difference in riding posture of RTR 200/180 and Pulsar 220? I think Pulsar 220 has more of a relaxed riding position? And Pulsar 180? Does it have an oil cooler? [/FONT][/SIZE]


Thank you for the recommendations

Bro,

First of all, P220F is carb based, FI is gone for well over a decade now. And no, it doesn't have any problems.

Secondly, it is easier and cheaper to maintain. All you need to do is follow maintenance schedule at regular intervals, and it'll keep you happy. You don't even need special synthetic oils, just change mineral oil after every 2k KM's.

It being a faired bike, offers some advantages at high speed and high at riding. Plus the projector headlamp is a blessing.

I was in a similar dilemma as you a few months ago, then I bought P220 in Nov. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

There is a news about impending re-launch of Pulsar 250 in a few month's time. Is this true? In that case, I think..should wait.

Originally Posted by prakash_mvpa

There is a news about impending re-launch of Pulsar 250 in a few month's time. Is this true? In that case, I think..should wait.

After buying a cell phone and bike you'll always have the same regret " If you would have waited a little longer , you'd have got a better 1".

Originally Posted by prakash_mvpa

Hi,

I'm looking to change my present ride, which served well for almost 10 years now - Apache RTR 180. Vibrations, seating position are the drawbacks of this model. Also, lack of service and parts.
I'm almost 40 now. I don't prefer a vibrating rider now.
I don't prefer Royal Enfied motorcycles or Suzuki Intruder.
My budget for a new bike is around 1lakh.

Now I want a bike with a relaxed riding position, some power for city rides (180-200cc) as well as reliability. Also, no aggressive styling which better suites the youngsters (Pulsars, FZ's etc). Karizma would've been my choice if it was a decade ago. Now, nobody seems to be buying Karizma.

I don't really liked Yamaha Fz's and Royal Enfields now, for my purpose. Currently, I am looking at Bajaj Avenger 220 Street model. It looks not so aggressive, yet seems to pack some power and riding position, I haven't tried the bike yet! But, Avenger 220's are plenty in the used market with low prices. Why is this so? Are these bike's life over after 30000kms or so? You can get a 220 street for 40-45K if you're lucky. But, I wonder whether it's worth the risk buying a used Bajaj bike?
Avenger looks like a small bike or is it good enough for medium tall people? 5feet9in.

So, Karizma is not even visible anymore. Avenger too, is less in numbers. Are there any other models fitting my need from Honda, Hero etc.
Is there any other choices available?

Are you open to SZ-RR? Very few will recommend this bike as it is very underrated. But, could be just the right one for you keeping in mind your age(no offense - I'm 34) and intended usage. Has a very smooth engine and good comfort(pillion comfort is probably the best in 150cc segment).

Originally Posted by krishna77

Are you open to SZ-RR? Very few will recommend this bike as it is very underrated. But, could be just the right one for you keeping in mind your age(no offense - I'm 34) and intended usage. Has a very smooth engine and good comfort(pillion comfort is probably the best in 150cc segment).

I think Hero Xtreme 200R seems better than the above model.

Just to boost your confidence..
Thats my cousin brothers 1yr old p220 which successfully completed ladakh-spitti trip covereing 8500km(rode Bangalore to Bangalore).
All he needed is just a carb adjustment in leh and same normalised in Shimla.
It gave 38 km avg mileage during trip( he is such iron butt guy who rides @80-90/hr for 3 hrs non stop.)
Now p220 is 40k in odo and still feels like new.
All he done is maintained tyre pressure, proper chain lubing and adjusting. Warm up during cold start.
Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by prasadD400

Just to boost your confidence..
Thats my cousin brothers 1yr old p220 which successfully completed ladakh-spitti trip covereing 8500km(rode Bangalore to Bangalore).
All he needed is just a carb adjustment in leh and same normalised in Shimla.
It gave 38 km avg mileage during trip( he is such iron butt guy who rides @80-90/hr for 3 hrs non stop.)
Now p220 is 40k in odo and still feels like new.
All he done is maintained tyre pressure, proper chain lubing and adjusting. Warm up during cold start.
Hope this helps.

220 is a legend

Originally Posted by prasadD400

Just to boost your confidence..
Thats my cousin brothers 1yr old p220 which successfully completed ladakh-spitti trip covereing 8500km(rode Bangalore to Bangalore).
All he needed is just a carb adjustment in leh and same normalised in Shimla.

Which front tyre is that?

So much of practical information in this thread. Thanks guys. I was inclined towards Gixxer earlier, I think Avenger, P220F or NS200 will be better for my needs (commuting, city, never on highway)