Budget 2 lakhs: Which bike should I buy as a beginner

My growing need to ride bikes have only been increasing with the passage of time and with intermittent rides.

BHPian shresan23 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

I have always been fascinated by automobiles as such, cars, bikes and almost anything on or off wheels.

With cars taking the top spot, bikes, a close second. My growing need to ride bikes have only been increasing with the passage of time and with intermittent rides. I have finally gotten the permission to purchase a bike of my own (with my own money of course, 21 year old on an articleship stipend.)

My budget is stretched to a strict 2 lakhs on road, Chennai. Mileage is not the biggest concern as my duty runs are only 10kms a day. I am buying one for the sheer pleasure of riding. (how B2B traffic will help this, is beyond me, but this is more of a youthful and impulsive decision)

I want a bike that is >200cc. I know i am asking a lot for a beginner, but the sub 200cc bikes just seem so underpowered and weak. They dont seem like they have the kick. Of course, TDs will take place, once i have lined up bikes from your suggestions, but, my general opinion is that the sub 200cc bikes, are weak. I am open to arguments that change my mind.

I absolutely hate the bikes that look like proper sport bikes. Naturally that brings me to Retro Classics and Cafe Racers.

Now, i guess the list has been condensed.

1. RE - Hunter, Bullet, Classic, Even Meteor if i get a good deal.
2. Jawa and Yezdi
3. TVS Ronin
4. Honda CB350 series (too expensive, unless i get good discounts)(also, please enlighten me as to the material differences in the models)
5. Hero Mavrick and the Harley counterpart (not keen, due to the bad reviews and 440 seems like an overkill
6. Karizma, an exception to the rule, because nostalgia. (would get vehement opposition, due to the pillion seat being placed at the first floor. My 5 footer mom would have to dive onto the bike)
7. Avenger 220 Street

I have been riding an electric scooter for a couple of years now. Planning to keep it, for my dad and other small commutes (and for saving a little bit of petrol cost here and there)

I would also like to look at electric bikes, but i am not too keen. The silent, torque-ey runs and their fascinations have faded. I no longer do pulls from signals, just to show off the torque of an electric motor. So, electric bikes are on the back burner

Besides, i also have eyes for the Yamaha fz-x, which looks like a cafe racer but is sub 200cc. One of my mates reported a fire issue under his seat, wherein a fire promptly burst out, in the named location. Scary.

Also, on the back burner, is the pulsar 150, the Classic one from a very famous tamil movie. If all else fails, bajaj it is.

This is it. Please do give me valuable insights, as to the bike, my choice, whether i should purchase it fresh or seconds, etc.,

Here's what BHPian Ratan Prabhu had to say on the matter:

Suggest you to not restrict the choice with engine CC limit. Take a test ride of the Yamaha MT15. It's a lightweight fun bike specially in the city. Lacks pillion support.

If you want more power, check out Honda CB300F. It is also lighweight, more powerful and has good torque. Only disadvantage is I'm not sure how well the BigWing service support will be.

Both the above should cost on road around 2.10L in Chennai.

Best value (performance) for money would have been Pulsar NS400Z but not suggesting as it is a 40bhp bike which may not be ideal as a first bike and it will go up to 2.30L on road Chennai.

Cheers.

Here's what BHPian anjan_c2007 had to say on the matter:

The RE range is quite good and these bikes sell. You can select one of your choice. The Jawas and Hondas (Big Wing bikes) are not selling due to obvious reasons and need to be kept at a distance.

TVS Ronin and the Bajaj Pulsar / Avenger ranges are good bikes too. TVS bike components are long lasting but many of the Bajaj bike components conk off even prematurely ( not sure how much they have improvised lately ).

Finally, you can browse through Team BHP two wheeler sales on relevant threads. As I have burnt my fingers, I would suggest purchase of a bike that sells well. Spares for the lemon bikes could go out of stock sooner than for the better selling ones.

Here's what BHPian wheelspinner had to say on the matter:

The Pulsar 150 is the best for a beginner. Please don't even look at 200 cc. It is a murder weapon between your two legs. Trust me, you will be very much inclined to ride fast and then get into an accident. This is my story, I crashed my NS200 (bought for cheap second hand) and broke my leg after getting confident riding it for a while. Our roads are best suited for max 150-180 cc bikes. Anything higher is dangerous, best suited for expressways.

One more thing that works against your favour is that every 200cc+ bike (performance oriented) will heat up like crazy, which will be inconvenient even though manageable in B2B traffic. Also comes with all the expensive maintenance of changing coolant, flushing it and all.

For just city rides, a Pulsar will be fun and punchy. Good luck. Based on my experience of 10 years riding the wild cities.

Keep in mind, in cities you have to be very agile. In your TD, take sharp cuts and see if you can maneuver the bike quickly without stressing out. The REs are very heavy in traffic. Not for a beginner.

Here's what BHPian FireBlade had to say on the matter:

If you can stretch your budget to around 2.5 lacs, then CB350 RS would be a perfect choice for you. Currently I own CB350(Classic) and it's one hell of a bike from looks to comfort to sound/feel and everything. It feels very special as well.

However, as a first time rider, you could also go for Hornet 2.0. It has a very punchy 184.4cc engine that is both smooth and powerful at the same time in typical Honda fashion. The motor is extremely tractable inside town/city and is very fast when you want it to be. It has power to entertain without overwhelming you. I own this beauty as well and absolutely love it.

Kindly go and take a test-ride of Hornet 2.0 and decide for yourself

Here's what BHPian NiInJa had to say on the matter:

Similar to finding a life partner, you won't find the 'best' bike, but you will have to make it perfect for 'you' over time. If you are ready to accept this fact, then any bike you have your heart on, you will make peace with it, despite its shortcomings

Here are some tips that will help you (or confuse you further)

• Short stroke, 4 valve cooled engine: usually rev happy and ready to lurch ahead. But torque concentrated in higher revs -> Have to work with throttle, but power will not taper off at higher rpms -> Higher top speed, sweet sound at higher rpms
• Long stroke, 2 valve engine will oil cooler -> More Torque produced lower down, power tapers at higher rpms -> Easy to ride in cities and less twisting of throttle -> Get noisy above legal speeds with no perceptible feel of increase in power.
• Sharper rake angle (R15) -> Sharper feel at front, good on twisties and safer to lean
• Longer rake angle (Avenger) -> Loose front feel, not good/confidence inspiring when leaning in
• Longer Swingarm (Yamaha FZ250, Dominar, Avenger) -> better feeling of stability at straight line, but risk of rear wheel locking when braking.
• Cradle frame (old Pulsars) -> Engine resting on chassis. Higher center of gravity -> less 'stickiness' on the road -> Higher weight
• Deltabox/Trellis/Single tube frame -> Engine suspended from mount points. Lower center of gravity -> More sticky feel -> Less weight (depends on materials used as well)
• Handlebar, footpeg and seat geometry : will give you either a normal, relaxed, sporty or offroading stance on the bike. Make sure you test this out.

I always felt the Honda Unicorn is the best bike ever made  If only it had more power.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.