[charanreddy]

Having lived with a 10 Year old Splendour for about 3+ Years in the past, I can say with absolute confidence that you cannot go wrong with it. Mileage is phenomenal as well.

The bike in question is my cousin's, used for 10 years and then I ab'used' it for 3 years and it is now doing the duty of a daily runner in my village with out even a small issue. The engine is a gem and keeps going on and on.

I do not advise Bajaj as I had a Pulsar 180 for about ~18 months *before it was stolen) and the engine is definitely not as confidence inspiring with regards to reliability.

[kadanaJ]

Wow, thanks a lot for so many responses. And really quick as well. I've done a bit of research myself as well, which along with so much advice should help me make a decision soon.

Originally Posted by hellmet

I see a lot of Platinas used for delivering stuff including groceries and Pizzas.

However, being a true TVS fan, I'd recommend looking at the TVS Sport. The Sport is cheaper than the Star and although it comes with a smaller engine (100 v/s 110 cc), TVS is known for great pickup (torque) and throttle response. Also a lot cheaper than a Hero or a Honda of the same class.

Bajaj motorcycles are pretty unreliable and maintenance heavy after a few years from what I've heard. Haven't heard too much negative stuff about TVS, but haven't heard much positive stuff either, so I'm not very sure about them.

Originally Posted by Silverflash

Will these bikes be going longish distances for delivery (greater than 80-90 km)?

If not, and the deliveries are within shorter distances, forget motorcycles, get the Scooty. Cheap, effective, can carry more (behind the rider and in front), nip through any traffic so delays are reduced, not too fast so delivery boys have less chance to get into trouble, quick enough to make good time within the city.

It will be for shorter distances, but scootys don't make that much sense for staff. They will be more expensive than a basic entry-level 110cc motorcycle, and I expect have lower fuel economy. Plus, I highly doubt anyone can go very fast or get into trouble on a 100cc commuter bike.

Originally Posted by dass

Why not a TVS 50/super/xl moped? They are super powerful, extremely low on maintenance and are gear-less too, so should be easy for anyone to use.

I know this was not in the list of your shortlisted vehicles, but I see a lot of them here in Bangalore and some of them carry huge load.

I've almost never seen these in Bombay. Don't know much about them.

Originally Posted by josha10

One more to this list is the YAMAHA CRUX. Good engine and can be used for long haul all day. 103 cc dependable engine, Long seat- maintenance cost need to find out from the dealer.

Hope it helps.

I don't think Yamaha is very big in the commuter segment, nor do I think this is their focus. I own a Yamaha R15 myself, and it's an amazing bike, but I think for a delivery bike, I'll stick to names like Hero / Honda / TVS etc.

Originally Posted by Octane_Power

Even before reading your entire post, the only bike that came to my mind was the Splendor.

The best 'cheap' bike out there for rugged use as you require. Recommending the Splendor cuz I know atleast 10 Splendors being used for such purposes, right from being used at a Stationary shop used for hauling stacks of paper and other stuff, to Splendors being used by metal marts who use it to move aluminium/copper/steel sheets over short distances. Most of these bikes have done over a lakh kms and they have no plans to replace them in near future.

I personally don't advise using two-wheelers for such purposes, cuz its quite scary the way they carry their stuff on the pillion seat and on top of the tank. Its quite precarious. But I stated it to just explain that the Splendor is indeed a tried and tested bike for such purposes. If you are going to make mods for storage on the rear seat then I think it won't be a problem.

And maintenance? The workers literally abuse the bike and the owners don't even look into regular maintenance. Still the bikes take the beating and serve without a single day of breakdown.

-Bhargav

Originally Posted by comfortablynumb

Check out the Hero Dawn too. It is cheaper than a Splendor, but has better power & torque figures. Rest of the specs are almost the same as a Splendor.

Cheers,
Vikram

Originally Posted by rahul4321

I would go with a Hero CD Deluxe! Slightly more expensive than a Hero Dawn but is well worth every additional penny.

Originally Posted by ciddharth

IMO you should purchase a Hero CD Dawn (a more basic version of the CD Deluxe) for your staff.

The Splendor and the Honda Dream 100 is more expensive than the above two by 5k - 10k but the inherent Honda characteristics remain common.

It is a no frills, no nonsense bike. Not at all expensive, extremely reliable and quite fuel efficient with good pick up to buzz around the city.

Nippy in the traffic and the seat is flat enough and can be definitely modified.

I have seen CD Dawns and CD Deluxes being used for hauling purpose in the interiors of Maharashtra, and by milk vendors/ delivery guys in Mumbai.

You wouldn't ever go wrong with a Honda or Hero. Since this clearly won't be used personally the bikes would go through much neglect and abuse and being a former CD Deluxe owner I can safely suggest this trouble free bike.

Bajaj bikes such as the Platina or Discover though initially cost cheaper than Hero/ Honda - age rapidly and require much maintenance if not looked after with care after a few years.

And remember a Honda or Hero always fetches a better resale value than low end Bajajs. So the premium is worth it.

You may read the review of the same.

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorb...ip-review.html

Good luck with your business prospects.

Originally Posted by carfreak7

You should go for Hero CD Dawn since
- Cheap to buy and maintain
- Less plastics ensure less rattles in the long term
- Very good bike for rough usage since my neighbour has a CD Dawn which has done 80000 kms without any issues
- Tried and tested engine

Originally Posted by model-t

Keep yourself stuck with the Hero/Honda brand. Do not deviate. I had Crux from 2004-08 and it was a nightmare. Yamaha is good above 125 cc. Keep your eyes closed and get the cheapest Honda/Hero. If I were you, I will pick up the Honda.

Originally Posted by amit_purohit20

Hello,

The best bike for your would be:
http://www.tvsmax4r.com/default.aspx

It comes with:
1) Double suspension at rear for higher loads.
2) Higher strength Spoked wheels for rough usage and absorb shocks without cracking like alloy wheels.
3) Detachable seat and a ready flat bed for carrying luggage.
4) Cheap and reliable TVS spare parts and service.
5) Time tested 4 stroke TVS Victor engine.

Disadvantages:
1) Spoked wheels means tube type tyres- read less safety and more headache of replacing tubes every now and then during an incident of puncture.
2) Engine though good and reliable is not as good as Honda engines in terms of Noise Vibration and Harshness and Very long term reliability.
3) TVS engines are not able to sustain their high mileage figures for a long period of time and settle for reasonable mileage figures after certain time. (From my own personal experience)

If you donot want to carry heavy loads the other best option would be CD Dawn to satisfy all your requirements.
Positives:
1) Load carrying nature and rear carrier to carry luggage.
2) Tried tested and proven Honda engine.
3) High on quality and reliability.
4) Spares easily available with Hero Honda.

Negatives:
1) Little bit pricy spares but not much.

Originally Posted by charanreddy

Having lived with a 10 Year old Splendour for about 3+ Years in the past, I can say with absolute confidence that you cannot go wrong with it. Mileage is phenomenal as well.

The bike in question is my cousin's, used for 10 years and then I ab'used' it for 3 years and it is now doing the duty of a daily runner in my village with out even a small issue. The engine is a gem and keeps going on and on.

I do not advise Bajaj as I had a Pulsar 180 for about ~18 months *before it was stolen) and the engine is definitely not as confidence inspiring with regards to reliability.

And the most popular responses I've gotten so far all revolve around the Hero CD Dawn, CD Deluxe and the Splendor, all from which I've gathered are almost the same bike.

Thank you everyone for your help and your responses. I think I'll most likely stick with one these 3 Hero bikes based on the price and features they have (and if I can get any sort of bulk discount).

I never expected to get so many replies so fast. Really goes to show Team-BHP is one of the best online communities around. Thanks again, everyone.

[dhruvafc]

Why not look at Yamaha Crux? It's cheaper, faster and fuel efficient than most bikes you have listed.

[aashishnb]

Since your motorcycle is going to be used for deliveries i.e. driven by employees and not you and therefore will take a lot of beating, I would suggest you look for a decent 2nd hand bike instead of going for a new one.

A decent 2nd hand bike will be cheaper (upfront costs) and hopefully well run-in. Moreover, you will not get a heartburn if you see some nicks, etc. on it, which is definitely bound to happen in a delivery vehicle.

Older honda models (CD100, CD100SS) are quite reliable and last really long. Yamaha RX100 is one of the best in terms of maintenance, but has very low fuel efficiency.

Off topic, on a 2nd hand bike, depending on how much you get it for, you can try and covert it into CNG (since you are in Mumbai) - use the kits that are fitted into Rickshaws.
Not sure if there are anyone doing it Or if RTO allows it, but definitely worth a try as FE and cost per km will then be least of your worries. Can other BHPians please throw some light?