[zulfi hansi]

All guys here have covered almost everything, so my 2 cents here only on this aspect;
End of the day he is a college kid, none of us here have learnt well enough until we slid, knocked, crashed a little bit here and there, so he is bound to follow this rule of every biker, ABS or not, and IMO an ABS will help only a mature and responsible rider.

The other most important part or any college kid is the image that the bike emits, the CBR has that typical expensive bike look which will translate into rich kid for the rider. On the other hand the Duke emits that bad boy look (which was a rage with RX100 in our days, girls would not come even near to those RX guys, but those were those days), and in these times of liberated freedom of both sexes, this kid is bound to score with Duke any day, it still looks expensive (may not be as much as CBR) but more than that this bike has an attitude. Riding the Duke he will be a rich kid with an attitude.

[needmorebhp]

Originally Posted by Furebo

Given the specs the comparison is inevitable...NO?

Attachment 876597 Attachment 876598

Guys, I have a friend who is in college who is buying his first bike, he is acquainted with gear-less scooters and has ridden the Karizma occasionally...

He was looking out for the CBR250R ABS initially, but the price and risk of biking was a deterrent.

Somehow, he has booked the DUKE but his dad now wants him to go for the CBR250R given the added safety of ABS and Honda being more reliable...

He initially liked the CBR but now has his heart set on the DUKE, His dad however wants him to get the CBR ABS even if the price is around 75-80k higher!

So do you guys have any advice for him? Please mention valid reasons when voting for any of the above bikes.

I have told him to go for the DUKE!

I've been waiting for this thread to come for quite some time but it came after I got my CBR. I celebrated launch of Duke by taking out my CBR for a reaaaaally long ride. . If I can offer some advice, well just some words.. I was really looking forward to KTM but a delay in launch and a tentative 3 month waiting period really put me off. But after buying CBR, I think I made a good choice. To start with, If you love going long distance, CBR is the choice. Its heavier and that makes a difference over open highways. KTM might be a pocket rocket but I am not entirely sure how it would react to cross winds on open highways. Another point, I am not really sure I can take KTM to office with those "Hey dummy!! look..I am here" body graphics. And as pointed out by suhaas307, this is new. Let it prove itself. remember horror stories of initial CBR owners.

And then theres the question of "can you wait for that long?" I couldn't wait for 2 weeks for my choice of color once I decided to get my CBR.

And if that helps, look at the attachment

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by Sutripta

I think we should wait commenting/ voting till the KTM hits the streets, and has logged some miles. One of the biggest unknowns so far is the FE. (For me, range is important.) Another thing is seat height.

Regards
Sutripta

I completely agree on the FE front. Its an important factor for everybody, regardless of some who just feel its "cool" to say it doesn't matter.

The seat height is not really an issue. My son (who is only 5' 8" still) sits on it with both feet comfortably flat on the ground.

Its a compact bike, but is still not surprisingly "small". At 6' and 92 kilos I thought I would look absurd on it - thankfully such is not the case as well.

[brraj]

Originally Posted by ku69rd

KTM is more of street brawler for the younger crowd who would want to use it for their short commuting or for die-hards who would want to relish off roading (to be read as places where tarmac is hardly existing).

Can KTM be used for off-roading? Looking at the exhaust placement i doubt if i can water wade.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by brraj

Can KTM be used for off-roading? Looking at the exhaust placement i doubt if i can water wade.

The silencers of Bullets are lower, and they have been off-roading and water wading to and from Leh, year after year, since the beginning of time.

[ku69rd]

Originally Posted by brraj

Can KTM be used for off-roading? Looking at the exhaust placement i doubt if i can water wade.

My guess is as anybody's hunch, it should be able to water wade with liberal use of right hand and not let it gurgle in water. Ground Clearance seems to be pretty decent which should allow it to do some off roading with minimum of fuss except for in water when one has to be careful.

[Sheel]

Different strokes for different folks is all I can say.

The prospective rider should test-ride both and then chose & pick.

[PatienceWins]

In my opinion, it is not fair to compare both. CBR is a sports tourer - mile cruncher. You can cruise all day at 100 kmph comfortably. If he is looking for a tourer with decent kicks thrown in, go for CBR. If he wants a street bike that is fun to ride and can be occasionally taken to highway, go for Duke.

Being a CBR owner, I would say that it is definitely value for money and economical to maintain. The spare parts and quality issues are also sorted now.

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. So no comments there.

[zulfi hansi]

Originally Posted by brraj

Can KTM be used for off-roading? Looking at the exhaust placement i doubt if i can water wade.

They have a attachment provision in their accessories which can replace the stock. It looks like any other regular exhaust which might be mounted just below the seat side, IMO it will enhance the looks also.

[Furebo]

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[Furebo]

Hey guys, Thanks for the views! Will reply to individual posts later.

For now; Here are few pics of my friend on the duke..!





@GTO: I wanted to attach the pics in my previous post but the attachment tool was not functional.

[akshayasok]

My 2 cents, although both can be compared on Specs and Price, they both fall into different categories of motorbiking. CBR250 is a great tourer and can munch miles with ease. Whereas KTM transcends different categories with being a naked roadster , as well as having a very torquey engine powering a comparatively lightweight bike, in short loads of power power on tap. But for long touring can get uncomfortable due to the lack of a winscreen, upright riding position , exposing you to loads of windblast etc. If I was in India right now, I would definitely go for the KTM.

[Furebo]

Like you'll can see in the above pics, my friend checked out the DUKE in person and he was allowed to rev it too. He found the size a bit small but overall was very impressed with the shift quality and the overall product quality! Quite simply it was miles ahead of the Indian CBR.

He has ridden the CBR many times over and he found the DUKE different in a good way. TD's will start soon, I can assume that he will go for one and let me know.

Even Majority of the votes are in favor of the KTM, But ABS seems to be a benefit that should not be overlooked.

The logic is simple he is a safe rider, but rains and wet roads can challenge anyone out there. Even if ABS can save him once IMO it will be worth it.

Apart from that the bike is for short and occasional use in the city, the DUKE fits the bill there. At the end of it, it will be his call.

Again, thanks a lot to all of you for your contribution!

Will update you'll on the rest of the progress soon...

Originally Posted by SAS

It all depends on...

...is absolutely VFM and its styling is bold and modern.

Thanks, that was a very helpful post!

Originally Posted by prateekm

IMHO, the CBR and...

...for the primary reason being that it has ABS.

Originally Posted by Shubz

What I meant was...

...bikes for both the purposes with a little effort.

Well said, Both are indeed different but he is only considering these bikes.

Originally Posted by suhaas307

The Duke is new...

...At least, not for now.

Well the waiting depends on him, if his patience runs out the CBR is readily available!

Originally Posted by chevelle

I agree with everything you said...

...about it. YMMV

Well said! The KTM indeed fits the bill.

Originally Posted by ebonho

At a price difference of...

...(the CBR is butt ugly IMHO).

Thanks for the info!

Originally Posted by salunkhe.vizz

I think, like many have...

...street bike in my repertoire)

Very interesting observation there! Good luck on your buy.

Originally Posted by bigron

Two different bikes eyeing...

...experience of the prospective owners.

The KTM looks very smart indeed!

Originally Posted by n_aditya

Here are my two cents...

...in today's market.

Very true, But the thing is that if short occasional use is accounted for the KTM makes sense. Alternately, I feel if in future he moves to a better bike it will be easier to part with or retain the KTM.

Originally Posted by motorpsycho

It's a little difficult to...

...more touring friendly riding posture.

But I think it can definitely take on occasional highway jaunts!

Originally Posted by tejus.s

If your friend is new to bikes...

...and ride safe

He is already ridden the CBR and karizma so 150cc? I don't think he is considering that. He is pretty clear about getting either CBR or KTM. He rejected the R15.

Originally Posted by rk_sans

Actually KTM is the best...

...if you don't want to that is!

Originally Posted by Shivank

Wow! I haven't seen many...

...could turn into a fatal ride!

Well said! KTM does look like a good option at the moment. Lets see if the waiting and TD changes his perspective!

The budget is not the only concern, picking the correct bike is!

Originally Posted by ku69rd

CBR Vs KTM is a unfair...

...mono suspension at the rear.

Agreed it may sound unfair, but these are the bikes he has shortlisted.

Originally Posted by rk_sans

you are right, it is just 26. But think about the jump from 7-8 bhp(Gearless) to 26, Its huge.
I have seen minimum 1 CBR in Honda service centre every time i have visited, where it would be laying for repairs after accident and the main reason would be, unable to handle the power.

He has biking experience, But this thread is about his OWN first bike.

Originally Posted by SankalpDesai

I voted for...

...Honda CBR 250R ABS it is.

You are pretty much correct about buying an established product. Lets see which way it goes!

Originally Posted by Shubz

For one...

...prospective owner of the DUKE.

Reliability adds to peace of mind! In that sense the CBR being a year older is at least niggle free.

Good luck on your buy!

Originally Posted by mantrig

This comes from a CBR 250 owner....

...which is kind of close to the feel that CBR would give him.

Thanks a lot for the unbiased opinion mantrig, My friend could relate to what you posted!

Originally Posted by Sutripta

I think we should wait commenting/ voting till the KTM hits the streets, and has logged some miles. One of the biggest unknowns so far is the FE. (For me, range is important.) Another thing is seat height.

FE is not an immediate priority, Regarding the seat height could you refer to the pics in the previous post of mine?

Originally Posted by shortbread

The Duke outdoes the CBR...

...will be a lot closer!!

True, Honda could see a price correction. Apart from the price would you choose the CBR?

Originally Posted by Surajit333

Well, if waiting isn't a problem...

...manageable in traffic.

Correct again, lets see if he can wait it out!

Originally Posted by zulfi hansi

All guys here have covered almost everything...

...with an attitude.

Thanks for your view zulfi! It helped the DUKE...

Originally Posted by needmorebhp

I've been waiting for this thread...

...look at the attachment

He he, Thanks buddy! if he cant wait then we already know who won!

Originally Posted by ebonho

I completely agree on...

...thankfully such is not the case as well.

So were you comfortable on the bike? Do share some pics...

Originally Posted by Sheel

Different strokes for different folks is all I can say.

The prospective rider should test-ride both and then chose & pick.

Well said Sheel!

Originally Posted by PatienceWins

In my opinion...

...So no comments there.

Yup, the 1 year old proven Honda does seem to trump the KTM here!

Originally Posted by akshayasok

My 2 cents, although both can...

...I would definitely go for the KTM.

KTM or not I feel you have put your views across clearly!

Personally, I told him that now may be the right to to buy the DUKE.

Lets see if Honda catches his fancy!

Thanks again people!!

Note From Team-BHP Support-Team: Please avoid quoting large/entire posts, as it tends to inconvenience small-screen and mobile users. Thanks!

[ContiMental]

Originally Posted by Furebo

Hey guys, Thanks for the views! Will reply to individual posts later.

For now; Here are few pics of my friend on the duke..!

Attachment 878664

Attachment 878663

@GTO: I wanted to attach the pics in my previous post but the attachment tool was not functional.

For your friend, who looks healthy, i think the CBR250 would be a good option. The Duke, what i feel, will make him look too overgrown on the bike, if you know what im trying to mean.
The CBR is with ABS, giving you ample safety, even though you practically dont need it on the Indian roads. On these roads, you barely can touch 50/60kmph, and then you have to hit on the brake lever to slow down.
Keep us updated on what your friend is finally buying!

[akshayasok]

Originally Posted by ContiMental

The CBR is with ABS, giving you ample safety, even though you practically dont need it on the Indian roads. On these roads, you barely can touch 50/60kmph, and then you have to hit on the brake lever to slow down.
Keep us updated on what your friend is finally buying!

I still dont see the point in having ABS on small capacity bikes the CBR250. As long as you are not acting like a retard on a bike, ABS would be an absolutely useless investment with the illusion of safety.