Hi all,

This is my first post here. I haven't driven a bike so far (I am 30 now ). I have only experience with driving scooters. I read many posts, reviews, bike reports, owners experience etc etc...but still could not nail down any bike.

Brief intro about myself....I am in Bangalore, I am a short guy 5'3" and weigh 60kgs. I am about to get married soon and I want to have a bike, goof around with it and be ready to take my wife confidently on it.

Moreover, there is a possibility of buying a second hand car within a year. So I don't want to buy a too expensive bike....budget say 50-55K max

The things that I am looking for are
1. Mileage
2. Ergonomics and ride comfort (no aches of any sort) for the rider and pillion
3. Should be able to go on long drives (~100kms) on weekends
4. Resale value
5. Long engine life with min. maintenance
6. Cost max Rs 55 K

Please help me in choosing between
a) Discover 100 cc
PROS: mileage (I talked to some owners and they claim 80kmpl easily and one weird guy goes triples on this bike for 400kms almost every weekend !!), good pick up, 5 speed, Nitrox suspension, Electric Start (ES), DC headlight (though i don't how good it will be at night), wider rear tyre.. cost 47000 on road
CONS: Just released Jun 09...long term performance?, worried about Bajaj's reliability, 4 free services, 2 yrs/40000 warranty, resale value?, 2 level adjustment of rear shocks

Discover 100cc looked better than the Discover 135cc and I did not feel any difference in ride quality or pickup between the two (I was the pillon rider ). Discover 135cc is 55K on road.

b) HH Passion pro / plus
PROS: Hero Honda proven engine + technology, looks, 6 free services in 1yr, resale value, 5 level setting for shocks
CONS: Not comfortable for long rides it seems, no electric start (HH pro), rear tyre same as front 2.75" specs

c) TVS star city (110cc)
PROS: ES, pick up, mileage (80+), cost 39000 (ex showroom), 16 litre tank
CONS: maintenance?, engine reliability? resale?, i called some mechanics...none of them advised TVS bikes..

d) Honda Shine (125cc)
PROS: Reliable Honda engine, very smooth, 125cc bike for the price of HH Pro (47000 base spoke+kick...55000 for Electric + Mag wheels), resale value
CONS: Vibration beyond 60kmph, A.S.S not very good, parts costly, low mileage (45-55kmpl), thin rear tyre, OK looks, Waiting period for delivery

e) Suzuki Zeus (125cc)
PROS: low end torque, smooth engine,
CONS: mileage?, A.S.S, resale?

Thanks a lot
Venkat

PS: I gathered information from...maybe too much of it ..now confused!
Bike Reviews,
INDIABIKE.COM - Infobank: Driving Tips, Safety, Bike History
Overdrive - India's No.1 Car & Bike Magazine
Bike Reviews | Autocar India
and of course XBhp!