For touring I prefer ZMA. I own an apache. I am now planning to buy a used ZMA for my touring requirments due to its relaxed riding posture. Apache is definity an adrinaline pumbing machine.

No waiting period?

Sorry to ask this out of topic qs, but where are you getting zma onspot delivery in pune? no waiting period for zma? please let me know which dealer in pune?
thanks

i just want to know the reason why you excluded P220 F ?

both of the bikes will be good for you. P220 will satisfy this need too.

Zma for going to leh.
you can get lehied on an RTR too and DEFINITELY on a P220 also.

Zma best in this case.
Apache has a sporty posture for rider. pillion comfort is edgy.
P220 semi sporty posture for the rider. pillion comfort better than apache AFAIK but not Zma.

parts availability is decent for all three.
its still expensive albeit some would say Quality matters.
bajaj spares are very cheap.

apache RTR and P220

P220 also includes above mentioned goodies.
and RTR too boosts all this.

YES you can tour on Apache without any fuss.
but if you want to keep it for 7 years..... think only about ZMA R.

i have also included P220 in your list just to tell you that it fullfill all your needs hands down minus last one.
if you hate P220 that much then dont read those words of mine on P220.

happy buying.

Going to leh will be obviously better on ZMA....Apache is better for city rides..

if you tour a lot and want to keep the bike for a very long time, just go for ZMA eyes closed
but if your heart beats a lot for Apache, then better go for it
regarding the spares, yes the spares of ZMA are costly, but if the bike is maintained properly and if you make sure the bike doesnt fall then you wont require spares

zma spares last long compared to others.

Thankyou XBHP guys!!!

A big Thankyou to all of you guys who have given there valuable suggestions.
Yesterday I had a good test drive of Apache RTR180 after I had driven ZMA and got lot of my doubts cleared.

My observations:
1)Initial Pickup of RTR cant be matched by ZMA. ZMA just dosent get the adrenaline pumping.(I am already 32 and people say that I should settle for commuterish bikes but I wonder why my heart still beats for the Adrenaline Rush.)Although on paper both ZMA and RTR give the same power (Not torque) but in real world the way the RTR gives power is like a sudden Turbo boost.It makes me really happy.
2)Although Apache seating position is a bit cramped and "racist" in nature but the body bend required to reach the clip ons is not much.Its only a bit more than ZMA.I was used to driving a victor with my spine straight so any bend in my spine I can feel it strongly.
3)RTR brakes are way ahead of ZMA.
4)Pillion seating is poor even poor than my Victor.ZMA scores high on this.

Finally I have chosen RTR180 for the following reasons:

1)Adrenaline rush is the main reason why I love this machine.I have a 7 year old Victor and I have been complaining from ages about the poor pickup and lack of power.
2)After driving the bike for a while I felt I can adapt to the sporty seating position.
3)About poor pillion seating position I analysed that I would be rarely going double seat for very long drives.
4)I also complained a lot about Victors pathetic drum brakes not at all confidence inspiring. And RTR's brakes were perfect as per my requirement.Sharp braking giving me confidence.Although many people like the modulated type of braking feel.I prefer the sharp de acceleration feel.
5)Other advantages include:Less plastics as compared to ZMA,Rs7000 cheaper in Pune,Good cornering characteristics,Tubeless tyres,Rear disc brakes,Cheaper spare parts and better availability.
6)Regarding reliability of Apache RTR180 and for long term use.I have used my Victor for last 7 years without a single part change.Front drum brake shoe is still the original.I have not replaced a single cable.After 7 years I did replace the rear wheel bearing and the front shock absorber oil seal bcoz I love a bit offroading.Thats all...So with that trust on TVS I go forward lets see..
Not forgetting to Thankyou all for all your valuable suggestions. Xbhpians Rock!!!

I am going to book RTR180 -White today! Any things to check ,to take care of..please suggest. I need to run this at least 2000kms in a month to go to LEH in July End.

congo on ur decision....just make sure the there are no scratches on bike before taking delivery, and just 1000km running in is required not 2000.

gud to hear that you have finally taken a decision and the other gud thing is you went for your heartbeat
as many good people from xBHP say, "Its not about a good ride but a good rider"
All the best for your new ride

pls tell me from where you test drived the two vehicles[from showroom or from a friend]. how much old is the karizma and apache u tested ?? u said that rtr pick up is greater than zma as you felt, in my opinion it could be due to the fact that karizma u test ride may be older with worn clutch plates, bad spark plug etc.???

RTR is faster than a Karizma till the 0-100 dash,
but these all things are relative and hardly matter on road, be sensible, ride safe.

How many kms has your Karizma clocked?
i had to change my valves when my bike did just 14K and she was on a very strict diet of Speed from BP and had oil changes(Power 1) at every 1 K. pls don't get me started on plastics.

@amit--glad you didn't mention, you are 32 years old,
you are 32 years young. good choice.

my zma is 23k old and is stock nothing changed except engine oil.

congrats for your Apache but beware on highway as after 100 kmph the Karizma will take the lead

RTR all the way if ur OK with the riding position for long rides. Itcan kick butt for more than 7 years if u keep it well.
Man u will really enjoy it in ghats . Only bike than can give u wider smile in corners is R15.


Really? How long u think 2300rupee disk pads last more than a 200 rupee disk pads? and how "strong" u think that tail peace is?

Dude its a long established fact that rtr 180 is the fastest accelerating bike in the country. So ther's absolutely no way a stock karizma even the best maintained one could "out- accelerate " an apache 180


@Thread Starter - great choice congrats , you're going to love your choice the moment you show it some twisties