[rrahul_2778]

Hi Friends,

Been reading a lot of reviews and kinda dilly dallying on whether to buy a new bike or not. I presently ride a HH Passion 2003 model (bought 2nd hand in 2006) and its ~ 65K kms on the odo. I had bought it as a stopgap since I was frequently travelling between Chennai, Hyd or UK with no permanent base location.

But now I am seriously considering an upgrade since I miss both speed and touring ability on my present bike which is getting old now .

My preference is the any of RE line of bikes, electra, TBTS or Classic. Only constraint is the shortage of Vitamin M, so TBTS and Classic is ruled out.

I did a TD of the Apache RTR 180, simply loved the bike. Since it was a short TD couldnt determine if its too uncomfy for me to ride, I am 5 11". Wifey simply loved the Apache and the finance deal with HDFC too looks ok to me.

Then a TD of RE classic 350. Just did it because they didnt have an electra or std for TD and having gone all the way I couldnt hold myself. Bike is great, but I dont think I want to buy it now.

The main query is - I MAY go abroad again next year sometime and possibly for longer duration like say 2-3 years. My planned onsite trips in 2009 got cancelled couple of times and I couldnt book a bike over this year in anticipation .

I dont know if it is possible to keep the bike unused and take precautions to ensure no damage, rust etc happens. If this can be done then I would go ahead and pick up an Electra.

If it is not possible, then I may pick up an Apache, use it and sell it off whenever I go. I dont think I would want to keep an Apache for 2 years unused coz by then newer models would have got launched and reduce the resale value of the bike.

Pls help folks!!! What do you suggest - RE Electra or Apache?

Disclaimer: I am not intending to compare RE and Apache

[n.devdath]

It is possible to store a bike for long periods without any issues if you have safe covered parking place which will be regularly inspected by someone. The only issue is, that the value of your bike will depreciate.
Apart from that, a few stainless steel parts may gather a thin layer of rust if not coated with anti rust covering but they can be easily cleaned and brought back to shape.
Rubber parts are the most affected and you would need to take proper precautions about them as their shelf life is limited in terms of raising your bike off its wheels, ensuring all rubber parts are dry and clean, there is no petrol in the carb, etc.

[abhinav.s]

Originally Posted by n.devdath

It is possible to store a bike for long periods without any issues if you have safe covered parking place which will be regularly inspected by someone. The only issue is, that the value of your bike will depreciate.
Apart from that, a few stainless steel parts may gather a thin layer of rust if not coated with anti rust covering but they can be easily cleaned and brought back to shape.
Rubber parts are the most affected and you would need to take proper precautions about them as their shelf life is limited in terms of raising your bike off its wheels, ensuring all rubber parts are dry and clean, there is no petrol in the carb, etc.

Agree with all of the above... And to add to that, you can remove the battery and store it safely, charge it once you are back and get riding again. And yes, taking care to ensure that the bike is in a safe, covered parking space with the tyres not touching the ground [both front and back] etc would ensure you can use the bike once you are back.

Coming to the bike choice, since you want a tourer, Electra would be better compared to RTR 180. Though RTR180 is a good bike as a city ride, i have all my doubts on its capabilities as a tourer mainly because of its lean forward seating position and low set clip ons.

Happy hunting!!

[bantejas]

IMO, buy a second hand RE bike.
1. The value doesn't depreciate much. first hand's value depreciates much faster.
2. Initial issues would be seen, but once done, it will be smooth.
3. Just remove the battery and go off shore for your work, you will get your bike where you left it.

Tejas

[JayPrashanth]

Bullet Electra. You won't be able to buy one new after 4 months. It is the last of the classic CIs.

Cheers,

Jay

[rrahul_2778]

Thanks for your responses guys.

@Jay - Yes that is what is tilting the favour in terms of electra. I know I can buy a UCE 500 later on as well since that is going to be the future of RE engines.

Originally Posted by n.devdath

It is possible to store a bike for long periods without any issues if you have safe covered parking place which will be regularly inspected by someone. The only issue is, that the value of your bike will depreciate.

Originally Posted by abhinav.s

And yes, taking care to ensure that the bike is in a safe, covered parking space

I dont have a covered parking space. I do have a decent parking space, it is an independent house. But yes I do have my parents who can inspect the bike and do regular cleaning, etc. But no one else at home can ride the bike which is the main prob here.

Does it help if the bike is just started and idled at regular intervals? I can find someone to do that for me definately. Will that help keep things in some decent shape? I dont want a situation where I return back to find my bike in an army reject condition and spend weeks and lots of money to restore it.

Originally Posted by bantejas

IMO, buy a second hand RE bike.
1. The value doesn't depreciate much. first hand's value depreciates much faster.

Not too worried about depreciation in terms of resale value because if i pick up an electra I would intend to keep it for many years . Depreciation will come into picture if i pick up an apache and would plan to sell it in a year or less.

Second hand RE is something I am looking at as well. Both my vehicles are 2nd hand only. Only thing is I am not too technical in these aspects and both my vehicles came from trusted sources. Now I dont know anyone having a good used RE. Also secondly, since I am going to take finance option to buy the bike, the 2 wheeler loan for new vehicles is 10.5% and for used bike I would have to take personal loan coming at 17% (approx, both HDFC, yet to check other banks)

Any tbhp volunteers from chennai to help me source a good used bull

[Gooney]

Buying a brand new Apache and selling it after a year does not make sense. If I were you I would buy a RE (cast iron engine) bike in a decent shape at about 25-30k and spend additional 15-20k to bring the bike to a decent shape. After you return, you would be happy at the RoI

[n.devdath]

Originally Posted by rrahul_2778

Does it help if the bike is just started and idled at regular intervals? I can find someone to do that for me definately. Will that help keep things in some decent shape? I dont want a situation where I return back to find my bike in an army reject condition and spend weeks and lots of money to restore it.

Thats all it needs buddy,
If you can have someone start it every week, depress the clutch a few times, operate the brakes a few times and probably turn the wheels on the axis while on the stand, the bull will be in very good running condition. You need not worry at all. The air pressure will go down in a few months but that is not a cause for concern.

In case you need a used RE from Bangalore, just let me know.I know quite a few trustworthy people in the field.

In my opinion, go ahead and take the plunge. New or used, thats your call, though I would have bought a new one. This is going to be a classic soon and it is good to have a new piece while available.

[Beast_of_Burden]

Originally Posted by JayPrashanth

Bullet Electra. It is the last of the classic CIs.

Wholly agree. Make it a Electra 4s if possible, the neutral finder is a god-send in our traffic. I dont much care about the ES, but the electronic ignition and disc brake are a boon. These options are best factory fitted, retro fitting them on used bikes is somewhat dicey and not exactly cheap when you add up the costs. Besides, finding an older used bike for 25-30k in decent condition is difficult these days. But a used Electra from 2004-2007 can be had between 65-70k.

[vinmechanic]

As Gooney said, Buying new apache and keeping it for 2-5 years without using much doesn'nt makes sense.Also, Apache's sporty riding position doesn't makes her a good tourer bike.also Apache gives its max torque 1.58Kgm @ 6500rpm whereas Electra gives its max. torque of 3.2Kgm@3000rpm, which is considered as important factor in touring point of view.

If you are opting for Bull just because you love its thump or its masculine characterstics, RE std.350 is your bike(used one, which you can get at lesser price than used electra). but this Bull requires regular check-ups and too much attention. also Oil leakage is guaranteed.

Else, used Electra within range of 35-55k, would be the choice, considering your budget and nature of usage.

[rrahul_2778]

Guys thanks for your inputs.

If the bike is not started at all for a longer period, but is well covered from the elements (rain, sun, etc) does that have any impact on the moving parts like engine, gear box etc? Or along with the battery does it make sense to dismantle the engine too and keep it inside the house

@Gooney - I had thought in same lines like you said. But getting a decent used bike is a big challenge. And I am not very technical in this, so I wouldnt know much about whether the bike is good or abused too much.

@ n.devdath - Agree new one would be good, but I am open to used ones as well as long as its not abused. You think you can find out about used REs in Chennai? Would prefer ones after 2007 with not too many kms in the odo.

@Beast_of_Burden - I am not sure I am into the 4s style of riding, would prefer the 5s. But yes I agree the right side gear system has its own charm, so that option is open too . The idea behind choosing electra is that I can buy UCE 500 later on, at the moment cannot put 1.5 lacs on a bike. Also, in 2-3 yrs the UCE would be tried and tested probably lot more refined than now.

@vinmechanic - Apache wont be kept for 3-5 yrs, maybe just a year or 2 max as long as I am in India. It would be just a stopgap again, just a much better stopgap than my HH Passion.

I love the bull for various reasons, not necessarily the masculine thing. It is that it suits my relaxed outlook of life and a relaxed riding style. And yes, the all metal body does attract me. Thump is nice to have. Std 350 I have ruled out. I agree it is a great machine and each time one goes near me I turn around to see it, but thats pretty much it. Electra is the only RE bike which is on this side of a lac, which is what I am considering.

[Devil on Wheels]

Originally Posted by bantejas

3. Just remove the battery and go off shore for your work, you will get your bike where you left it.

Tejas

As Tejas said, just remove the battery. But then this applies only to the Bull. The Pulsars and Apaches are no doubt very good bikes, but they simply can not compare to the Bull.

I own a Yezdi (14 years) and a Pulsar (5 years) and the Yezdi has always been easier to start after leaving both of them out in the cold for months. In fact I have given my Pulsar to a friend so that he can keep it running. And I have left the Yezdi parked below my building knowing absolutely well that I can bring it to life any day any time with minimal effort.

The Bull is definetely better than Yezdi IMO.

But if you are going to leave your bike unattended for a longer period of time lets say 6 months to a year. Make sure you drain your tank and get it treated with FUEL TANK CLEANING KIT liquid marketed by ESCORTS LTD. This will prevent your fuel tank from getting rusted from the inside due to the moisture/water content in petrol.

The other way to prevent corrosion will be to fill up your tank to the top before you leave, but then its not advisable.

[rrahul_2778]

Originally Posted by Devil on Wheels

Make sure you drain your tank and get it treated with FUEL TANK CLEANING KIT liquid marketed by ESCORTS LTD. This will prevent your fuel tank from getting rusted from the inside due to the moisture/water content in petrol.

Thanks Devil on Wheels. That is sound advice.

What I gather from all above posts that it is pretty much possible to keep a bull idle for longer periods and with a basic precautions can get it up and running .

Now I just need to keep my hunt on for a good used bull and parallely work on my finances to see if I can get a new one

[amit_purohit20]

Buying and selling vehicles nearly always brings you loss unless the bike becomes a anitque piece and people are dying to purchase it for its antiquity.So always think long term.
Options:
1) Buy an electric start bike and tell your dad to start it once a week by using the start button,Idle it for some time and thats it.If you put it on centre stand such that both wheels do not touch you can ask him to also shift through gears.Fill petrol upto the brim of the tank.(I dont know its disadvantages if any what i know it will not allow corrosion).
2) Dont buy New apache if its a stop gap decision.
3) Buying any RE which is below 1 lac is not a good option bcoz soon these will be obsolete and you will be running finding its spare parts.
4) I suggest you buy a 1.5 lac modern RE bike when you return. AVL designed non CI engines are reliable,do not leak oil,good for touring at higher speeds.
5) My suggestion do not purchase a bike now and go abroad soon LOL or otherwise purchase a second hand non RE bike and sell it before u go.
6) As you plan to wish RE for long term its always better to go for the best and the latest product.You deserve a 1.5 lac RE so wait for it.

[rrahul_2778]

@Amit - Even if someone can start the bike every week, is it ok to leave the battery on the bike when its unused? The push button start would require the battery.

Somehow I dont think it is safe to fill petrol to brim on stationary bike.

CI may go out of production, but I am sure since it has been around for 50 odd years there would be ways and means to get parts as of now. Maybe 5 years down the line it could be a different story.

I agree AVLs are more reliable, if i had the cash I would have got the UCE classic 500. The LB 500s are available 2nd hand for 70-80K but there are very few numbers of those on the road and production is stopped. I am sure finding its spares would be a challenge in less than 3 yrs.

The main problem is that my abroad trip is not certain as to when it will come. The last 4-5 years I have been in and out of the country on assignments and I am sure that would continue for some time. I had postponed buying a new bike for last 3 years for same reason, but now I am seriously considering an upgrade