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Originally Posted by hikozaru You've got a lot of conflicting wants. A cafe racer with your mother as pillion. Sub 200cc seems too weak to you and yet you are looking at RE350s which are slower than a MT15. What I've realised is torque means f-all if it is not backed up with horsepower. It is the motorcycle equivalent of all bark no bite. You want a cafe racer, get a used R15 (for staying under <2L), strip the fairings, try to source the XSR155 headlight and indicators from outside India |
The whole point of my mom being the pillion, is more of a point of reference, rather than a proper restraint as such. While i would be riding solo, i would require a bike that can also, on occasion comfortably take a pillion. About the torque i'll explain what i mean.
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Originally Posted by DarthFader I agree with Hikozaru that the wants are quite conflicting, but as you are a beginner in this area its kind of understandable. Even experienced riders go through such dilemmas if they make price as the main defining factor. In your case you got a CC limit.
Anyways, back to your options -
1. RE - Hunter, Bullet, Classic, Even Meteor if i get a good deal.
- I would not recommend Hunter as I do not think its bang for buck. Bullet, Classic and Meteor are solid products but I am not sure if they will be good for you as a beginner or not.
2. Jawa and Yezdi
- I would rather stay away from them because of the quality and service issues. Mahindra/Classic Legends are notorious for acquiring brands and screwing them over. My friend owns a Jawa and I can see its not for someone who uses 2 wheelers daily/frequently. For showoff value and occasional rides, these can be considered.
3. TVS Ronin
- I have heard good things about it but above 80-90 its not a very smooth bike.
4. Honda CB350 series (too expensive, unless i get good discounts)(also, please enlighten me as to the material differences in the models)
- I own a CB350 H'ness currently and I can vouch for its rock solid performance. All in all, its a great bike but its just a Smoother copy of Bullet with its own ups and downs.
5. Hero Mavrick and the Harley counterpart (not keen, due to the bad reviews and 440 seems like an overkill
- For a beginner 200-350cc is good enough and this does fall in the Overkill zone.
7. Avenger 220 Street
- These are absolute pleasure to ride and the ladies love it too thanks to its approachable pillion seat. Bajaj svc and parts are cheap and easy to maintain. I used to own one for 7 years and the only negative I feel is the cruiser stance which affects your spine in long term. |
CB350, i have personally ridden more than i can admit and yes, i like it very much. Its just the budget that is the constraint and the potentially expensive service and whatnot.
TVS Ronin. Again. TVS, have heard bad reviews. The point here being, since im a new owner, id need a brand that offers good service, while being cheap.
The hunter, value for money, is more on the rear burner, because, this is completely impulsive.
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Originally Posted by BullettuPaandi
With what I'm about to type, I know I'm being judgemental here; but kindly understand that I only mean to put this into perspective to you and am fully aware that it may not be the case- You come across as someone who hasn't thought about the usage,
Kindly add the following:
1. What has been your experience with motorcycles? Specifically, how did you come about to feel/opine '<200cc motorcycles are weak'. Asking because, an MT15 can get you into a lot of trouble; and I wouldn't recommend that to a beginner (at least based on the original post). And given that you seemingly think RE350s are 'powered and strong', I'm highly suspicious of whether your understand what power means.
2. What will your typical usage of the bike be? From your shortlist, it seems like you're looking for a passable city bike, but a decent weekend highway bike. Although I could be wrong here.
3. Where do you find/imagine your ride being 'pleasing'? Long cruises down the highway? Twisty mountain roads? Early morning or late night stints in the city? In other words, 'Raasaali' or 'Senthaazhampoovil' or 'Endrendrum Punnagai'?
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My experience with motorcycles, is varied to say the least. In my 3 years of college, i have ridden a lot of bikes, across various terrains and in different conditions (city traffic, highways etc.)
(Usually bumming a trip off of college mates. While i havent owned a bike per se, my accumulated experience should easily exceed thousand or more kilometers, shared across different bikes. I know that it is hilariously low, but, yes, i have some experience.)
As far as the power goes. As far as i have observed, there are bikes that are all show and no steam. They are the ones that rush to ~60 and run out of steam if pushed. The other ones are the ones that take a little longer to reach ~80 ~90, but can hold it happily.
Now, i have observed that sub 150cc bikes fall under the first category. They are very peppy and are eager to sprint. They are light and nimble. But they all feel like toy bikes. They feel very torque-ey and like to jump.
The second type, are the ones that seem more refined, controlled and muted. They give you the rush and the thrill, only when you open up the throttle, not whenever.
Since i have marginally more experience in cars, than bikes, i would like to articulate, using cars as an example. (apples and oranges, but it should make sense, in some level)
I'd like to explain this, by explaining the difference between a 1L turbo and 1.5L (NA or turbo)
My usage, is a bike that can handle city traffic and city commutes, while also handling longer drives on occasion
As far as pleasing goes, all three
The handling aspect.
I have found myself being able to handle REs and CBs a lot better than the MTs and Gixxers and Pulsars. Once, On the same route (up and down), i rode RE on the way up and R15 on the way down. (20 odd kilometers one way) Coming from a regular car driver, i found myself handling the RE a lot better than the R15. The latter kept jumping, i constantly found myself over revving it, shifting at the wrong rpms etc. But the RE was smooth. I was almost always in band (sub consciously), shifting was smooth, acceleration was muted in traffic and i was also able to gratify myself by opening up the throttle when the situation presented itself. I dont know if it is my driving style, or my consequent adaptation of the car driving style, but the heavier bikes satisfy me more than the sportier and lighter bikes ever have.
I seem to have rustled quite a bit of feathers with this one.