Hello Guys, I hope this one is not repeated or duplicate of any existing Thread.
Since long I was anticipating a move to a different state and hence kept the decision of buying a new bike on the back burner. Now that I have moved to HYD I am buying a new bike. There are THREE choices that I am swinging between and they are as follows: (and EACH OF THESE three are different breed of bikes, I know).
I would also like to put My Perspective into words out here so you can understand the thought that has gone into narrowing down to These Three options and can help me out choosing ONE out of them.
This one is chosen purely out of the Heart. I completely and absolutely, love this bike and the likes of it. Apart from that:-
Pros:
· Riding Stance (this means a lot to me, as it is the key factor in Man Machine Scenario in long drives)
· Stability at low speeds (expected/required in bumper to bumper mile long traffic queues/jams)
· Torque factor
· Shock absorption capability (a definite Must for our Roads)
· Seating Comfort of Rider and Pillion over long drives.
· Full Tank Range
Cons:
· I know the newer Royal Enfield UCE engines are better than the predecessors and that this is not a fill and forget it bike, but Still not sure up to what extent is it reliable, minor niggles I can live with, but breakdowns that can leave me stranded on a road, I cant. (Known issues being those of Sprocket, Sprag Clutch, Tappets and Fuel pump, etc.)
· Braking ability.
· No Alloys, so no Tubeless Tyres.
· Ability to hold three digit speed for longer duration (but then again, I am not sure what is the sweet spot top speed of TB 500)
Honda CBR is the most Logical Choice to me. And I like this bike and the Honda Reliability that comes with it.
Pros:
· Proven HONDA Reliability and Service.
· Newer technology (Liquid cooling, etc.) and gadgetry.
· Its Top Speed (and ability of holding 3 digit speed for longer durations) and Smooth Engine.
· Alloy wheels and therefore tubeless tyres.
· Riding Comfort and Shock Absorption Capability. (I am tall and hence dont have to lean forward much on this bike)
Cons:
· Fully faired bike and hence difficult to maintain in Public/open parking lots.
Duke was chosen for its Street fighter nature and Sharp Handling abilities as well as light High Power to Weight ratio.
Pros:
·Naked bike.
·Newer technology (Liquid cooling, etc.) and gadgetry.
·Sharp Handling abilities (to cut through traffic, when required)
·Sheer Power
Cons:
·Shorter Gear Ratios.
·Riding Stance. And Comfort on BAD TO WORSE roads. I tested DUKE 200 on a long term basis and it was not very comfortable for me.
·And this second factor is quite debatable but I saw quite a few cases where in Alloy wheels and/or chassis of this bike cracked in driving conditions or parts such as Sprockets or tyres wearing out faster than expected.
Let me go over the FAQs:
My budget is within INR 2Lacs, I am 31yrs old. I am 6 feet tall and weigh 95 Kilos.
Intended usage is city commuting and occasional long drives, with the office commute being 104Kms of return trip, Daily through free roads as well as through traffic. This will be my second bike and the 5th two wheeler over the course of 16 odd yrs. The bike Will Not be used for grocery runs and errands as I have another bike for that purpose.
Pillion comfort is pretty much a deciding factor as I do expect to ride with my better half at least 25% of the time if not always.
At present I stay at HYD. And nothing much about fuel efficiency as the bikes I have narrowed down to, have pretty much similar fuel efficiency. Bike should be pocket friendly to maintain too in terms of periodic service and cost of consumables.
(PS: if this is not a thread violation, kindly also suggest a good dealer/Reliable Authorized Service Centre for the choices. I am at Pin Code 502032 at RC Puram in HYD)
Since long I was anticipating a move to a different state and hence kept the decision of buying a new bike on the back burner. Now that I have moved to HYD I am buying a new bike. There are THREE choices that I am swinging between and they are as follows: (and EACH OF THESE three are different breed of bikes, I know).
- Royal Enfield TB 500
- HONDA CBR 250 STD
- KTM DUKE 390
I would also like to put My Perspective into words out here so you can understand the thought that has gone into narrowing down to These Three options and can help me out choosing ONE out of them.
- RE TB 500:
This one is chosen purely out of the Heart. I completely and absolutely, love this bike and the likes of it. Apart from that:-
Pros:
· Riding Stance (this means a lot to me, as it is the key factor in Man Machine Scenario in long drives)
· Stability at low speeds (expected/required in bumper to bumper mile long traffic queues/jams)
· Torque factor
· Shock absorption capability (a definite Must for our Roads)
· Seating Comfort of Rider and Pillion over long drives.
· Full Tank Range
Cons:
· I know the newer Royal Enfield UCE engines are better than the predecessors and that this is not a fill and forget it bike, but Still not sure up to what extent is it reliable, minor niggles I can live with, but breakdowns that can leave me stranded on a road, I cant. (Known issues being those of Sprocket, Sprag Clutch, Tappets and Fuel pump, etc.)
· Braking ability.
· No Alloys, so no Tubeless Tyres.
· Ability to hold three digit speed for longer duration (but then again, I am not sure what is the sweet spot top speed of TB 500)
- HONDA CBR 250 STD
Honda CBR is the most Logical Choice to me. And I like this bike and the Honda Reliability that comes with it.
Pros:
· Proven HONDA Reliability and Service.
· Newer technology (Liquid cooling, etc.) and gadgetry.
· Its Top Speed (and ability of holding 3 digit speed for longer durations) and Smooth Engine.
· Alloy wheels and therefore tubeless tyres.
· Riding Comfort and Shock Absorption Capability. (I am tall and hence dont have to lean forward much on this bike)
Cons:
· Fully faired bike and hence difficult to maintain in Public/open parking lots.
- KTM DUKE 390
Duke was chosen for its Street fighter nature and Sharp Handling abilities as well as light High Power to Weight ratio.
Pros:
·Naked bike.
·Newer technology (Liquid cooling, etc.) and gadgetry.
·Sharp Handling abilities (to cut through traffic, when required)
·Sheer Power
Cons:
·Shorter Gear Ratios.
·Riding Stance. And Comfort on BAD TO WORSE roads. I tested DUKE 200 on a long term basis and it was not very comfortable for me.
·And this second factor is quite debatable but I saw quite a few cases where in Alloy wheels and/or chassis of this bike cracked in driving conditions or parts such as Sprockets or tyres wearing out faster than expected.
Let me go over the FAQs:
My budget is within INR 2Lacs, I am 31yrs old. I am 6 feet tall and weigh 95 Kilos.
Intended usage is city commuting and occasional long drives, with the office commute being 104Kms of return trip, Daily through free roads as well as through traffic. This will be my second bike and the 5th two wheeler over the course of 16 odd yrs. The bike Will Not be used for grocery runs and errands as I have another bike for that purpose.
Pillion comfort is pretty much a deciding factor as I do expect to ride with my better half at least 25% of the time if not always.
At present I stay at HYD. And nothing much about fuel efficiency as the bikes I have narrowed down to, have pretty much similar fuel efficiency. Bike should be pocket friendly to maintain too in terms of periodic service and cost of consumables.
(PS: if this is not a thread violation, kindly also suggest a good dealer/Reliable Authorized Service Centre for the choices. I am at Pin Code 502032 at RC Puram in HYD)