Hi All,
I'm starting this new thread since I am in a dilemma on which bike to buy. I have gone through several threads where members have posted their queries and clarifications on a specific bike, but my case is a little different and hence the reason for starting this new thread.
We'll I'm 35 years old, have a lovely family (wife + kid), more or less settled with a decent job and moderately luxurious life. As you might have guessed by now, this is a typical middle aged professional's story. I'm sure 9/10 people in the age bracket of 35-45 yrs would have the same state of life. But we are not here to discuss the about different phases of life so let me get straight to the point.
The last time I rode a bike was in college (about 15 years back) and the bike was 1st generation Bajaj Pulsar 150 which I had named 'YAMDUT' !!! We'll it's a long story on why the name YAMDUT and besides it's out of scope for today's discussion. I still have that bike, though it's in my native and used by my cousins.
Off late I have been gripped with a very strong desire to purchase a bike. It was not the case for the past 15 years and I was very happy to graduate to a CAR and loved the comfort it provided against my bike. But i guess "once a biker always a biker"!!!. So i started researching and went through various threads, reviews, ownership reports etc on multiple bikes and their variants. To be honest all of this got me confused.
So one day I sat down and noted down my requirement and expectations from a bike. I have listed the same for your reference:
Requirement & Expectations
90% city commute & 10% highway or long rides
Monthly run limited to 500 Kms - Since, I would be using my car along with the bike
Pillion comfort mandatory - Otherwise from "being happily married" it would be "was happily married"
Will not be used for racing or track days
A notch above standard 150 CC bikes. I'm looking for atleast 250 CC
A fun bike to ride
Budget - 2.5 lacs Max
Based on the above I shortlisted a few bikes and I would request you help and guidance in choosing the correct one
KTM DUKE (200/390)
Overall an exceptional VFM Bike. Crazy Power and highly popular among youth.
Why it doesn't work for me?
Not very fond of Orange. Doesn't go with my age (again it's my own prerogative)
More tuned towards the youth
Too much power and doesn't like sedate driving or cruising. More race oriented
Pillion comfort has very low score in 99% of the reviews I have gone through
KTM RC(200/390) & Why it doesn't work for me?
All the reasons for not choosing Duke + Riding Posture
NINJA 300
Exceptional bike. Very good riding dynamics, showstopper looks and that envious green color.
Why it doesn't work for me?
Price, Price and Price!!!!
Confused Between (See Below)
ROYAL ENFIELD
Well I don't need to write anything about it. Superb brand, cult following and the Thump. Enough Said!!!
Why I like this
SUITS My Physique - I'm 6 ft tall and weigh 88 KG
Durable - This bike will age with me and would suit me even when I hit 60.
So where's the Problem
Niggling royal enfield issues, Hell lot of maintenance, sub standard After Sales Service, Outdated technology
MAHINDRA MOJO
Heard a lot of Good things about this bike. More Cruise Oriented and solid bike. Riding Position is upright. Power flows in linearly and doesn't go into beast mode right from the word Go.
Good Price
So where's the Problem
Not sure about Mahindra's capability as a bike manufacturer in the first place. The bike has not proved it's mettle as yet. After Sales service remains a question. Design is a bit quirky (again it my personal opinion).
BENELLI TNT 25
Read good things about this bike in XBHP ownership reviews thread. I have checked it personally in the showroom and it looks great in flesh. Fit and Finish is impeccable.
So where's the Problem
I feel it is overpriced for a 250 CC bike
Not sure about DSK. They where with Hyosung earlier and now Hyosung is nowhere to be seen
After sales service and spares are bit expensive based on the information present in various forums
I would therefore request all the fellow XBHPians to help me in making a choice based on my requirement. Any suggestions, guidance will be highly appreciated!!!
THANKS,
BAJRANG
I'm starting this new thread since I am in a dilemma on which bike to buy. I have gone through several threads where members have posted their queries and clarifications on a specific bike, but my case is a little different and hence the reason for starting this new thread.
We'll I'm 35 years old, have a lovely family (wife + kid), more or less settled with a decent job and moderately luxurious life. As you might have guessed by now, this is a typical middle aged professional's story. I'm sure 9/10 people in the age bracket of 35-45 yrs would have the same state of life. But we are not here to discuss the about different phases of life so let me get straight to the point.
The last time I rode a bike was in college (about 15 years back) and the bike was 1st generation Bajaj Pulsar 150 which I had named 'YAMDUT' !!! We'll it's a long story on why the name YAMDUT and besides it's out of scope for today's discussion. I still have that bike, though it's in my native and used by my cousins.
Off late I have been gripped with a very strong desire to purchase a bike. It was not the case for the past 15 years and I was very happy to graduate to a CAR and loved the comfort it provided against my bike. But i guess "once a biker always a biker"!!!. So i started researching and went through various threads, reviews, ownership reports etc on multiple bikes and their variants. To be honest all of this got me confused.
So one day I sat down and noted down my requirement and expectations from a bike. I have listed the same for your reference:
Requirement & Expectations
90% city commute & 10% highway or long rides
Monthly run limited to 500 Kms - Since, I would be using my car along with the bike
Pillion comfort mandatory - Otherwise from "being happily married" it would be "was happily married"
Will not be used for racing or track days
A notch above standard 150 CC bikes. I'm looking for atleast 250 CC
A fun bike to ride
Budget - 2.5 lacs Max
Based on the above I shortlisted a few bikes and I would request you help and guidance in choosing the correct one
KTM DUKE (200/390)
Overall an exceptional VFM Bike. Crazy Power and highly popular among youth.
Why it doesn't work for me?
Not very fond of Orange. Doesn't go with my age (again it's my own prerogative)
More tuned towards the youth
Too much power and doesn't like sedate driving or cruising. More race oriented
Pillion comfort has very low score in 99% of the reviews I have gone through
KTM RC(200/390) & Why it doesn't work for me?
All the reasons for not choosing Duke + Riding Posture
NINJA 300
Exceptional bike. Very good riding dynamics, showstopper looks and that envious green color.
Why it doesn't work for me?
Price, Price and Price!!!!
Confused Between (See Below)
ROYAL ENFIELD
Well I don't need to write anything about it. Superb brand, cult following and the Thump. Enough Said!!!
Why I like this
SUITS My Physique - I'm 6 ft tall and weigh 88 KG
Durable - This bike will age with me and would suit me even when I hit 60.
So where's the Problem
Niggling royal enfield issues, Hell lot of maintenance, sub standard After Sales Service, Outdated technology
MAHINDRA MOJO
Heard a lot of Good things about this bike. More Cruise Oriented and solid bike. Riding Position is upright. Power flows in linearly and doesn't go into beast mode right from the word Go.
Good Price
So where's the Problem
Not sure about Mahindra's capability as a bike manufacturer in the first place. The bike has not proved it's mettle as yet. After Sales service remains a question. Design is a bit quirky (again it my personal opinion).
BENELLI TNT 25
Read good things about this bike in XBHP ownership reviews thread. I have checked it personally in the showroom and it looks great in flesh. Fit and Finish is impeccable.
So where's the Problem
I feel it is overpriced for a 250 CC bike
Not sure about DSK. They where with Hyosung earlier and now Hyosung is nowhere to be seen
After sales service and spares are bit expensive based on the information present in various forums
I would therefore request all the fellow XBHPians to help me in making a choice based on my requirement. Any suggestions, guidance will be highly appreciated!!!
THANKS,
BAJRANG