[What Bike]: Trying to decide on the first bike/scooter to buy

Hi All,

This is my first post on xbhp. I am Arshad and am from Sri Lanka. ;)

For the past few weeks I have been researching and reviewing bikes and scooters for my first purchase. And I have not still touched the ground in finding the right choice. I am here to get expert advice from veterans and land on the right wheels.

About Me
I am 28, 5'8". Never before have ridden a bike/scooter on a regular basis (in fact, I still have my license pending) :biggrin:.

Travel details

• My office is 12km away from where I stay
• I have to go to mosque daily about 2/3 times which is about 2km away.
• Once a week I go home which is 40kms away from my place.
• And once in a while I may go to the hill countries about 100km away with my other friends who own FZs.

The roads are typical Sri Lankan paved and tarred roads in and around city limits.


So far my choices are shifting around (but not limited to) Honda Dio and Bajaj Pulsar 135 LS.

Pros for Dio

• Easy riding (since first timer)
• Under seat storage
• Can ride even with 'lungi'
• Good looks
• Durable Honda

Cons for Dio

• It is a scooter and not a bike
• Not good for long rides

Pros for P135

• It is a bike and not a scooter
• Friends saying P135 is more manly than a Dio.
• More control than Dio in faster speeds
• Good for longer rides

Cons for P135

• Vibration is pretty much a standard.
• Not so durable Bajaj.
• Unable to carry goods.
• Difficulty handling in city traffic.

Above pros/cons are what I read/heard from the internet and friends. I understand they could be wrong.

I also welcome suggestions of other bikes within the same price range. Dio and P135LS cost here 212,000 and 236,000 Sri Lankan rupees respectively.

I am expecting a plethora of advice :chuncky:

Thanks all.