It never happens in the morning when I start the bike to go to work.

BHPian SkylineGTR recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I have a Yamaha FZ25 BS6 model, bought 8 months ago. I have a rather strange issue with the bike: it will randomly fail to start on some occasions, behaving as if it has run out of fuel. I will have to crank it 4 to 5 times in order to start the engine, sometimes by giving it some throttle (which is bad for FI vehicles)

The issue happens completely randomly so far however I have noticed some patterns:

• It never happens in the morning when I start the bike to go to work.
• It mostly happens when the bike is started a short time after turning it off. Say I get home from the gym, park it, then 20 minutes later I have to go out, so I start it again; and it refuses to start.
• Many a times this happened when the bike was parked in direct sunlight. I have a theory that the sun is causing the injectors to heat up and making the petrol inside them evaporate, requiring extra fuel when starting again. Cranking it 4-5 times provides this extra fuel which allows it to start. Don't know if this theory is technically sound though. Another reason I am not sure about this theory is because it has sometimes happens in evenings too, after sunset.
• Everytime this happened, the bike was parked on a side stand. I initially thought it had something to do with the side stand kill switch but the SVC said it was all good.

Its not a major issue, but it is still annoying to have a new machine behave unpredictably. You expect starting trouble on machines with carburetors, not FI ones.

Any advice is appreciated, thanks in advance.

Here's what BHPian Balaji31582 had to say on the matter:

 It happened to my FZS25 also. I was told that we need to maintain certain fuel level as sometimes when we have the bike with side stand it could eventually take little more seconds to regulate the fuel flow. I also have a main stand added to my bike. I also tried using main stand but still had this issue. I am not 100 percent sure about this theory. But once I start maintaining the fuel level with minimum 2 bars, I haven't face this.

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

Get the fuel lines checked for small leaks or blockages. Also get the injectors and fuel pump checked since you say the bike is behaving like it is not getting fuel. If these three systems are fine, ask the service centre to check for any electrical issues. I had similar experiences with an old Suzuki gs150 and my own BS3 unicorn and the culprit was a faulty CDI unit in both cases. They would run fine most times and out of nowhere start behaving strangely. Sometimes they would turn off as if starved for fuel and refuse to start. Then after 5 minutes would turn on as if nothing happened Mind you, the bikes were already around 8 or 9 yrs old at that time, so I don't know if this issue can arise in such a new bike. Could also be due to fouled spark plugs.

Here's what BHPian RD150 had to say on the matter:

Hey, faced the same issue with my R15 long time back.

Please check if:

• Fuel pump is ok
• If there's water in fuel tank
• If injectors are ok

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

• Maintain a chunk of fuel, basically 2-3 litres of pseudo-fuel capacity one shouldn't ever use, lest you cook your fuel pump
• Contend with an inaccurate digital fuel-level indicator
• Protect the fuel pump like an infant, from the heat, from the water, from itself!
• Clean the throttle body every so so kms
• Shoddy self-starter motors, along with no kick start to start with...
• Connectivity features that may randomly drain the battery
• Fragile ECUs about which regular mechanics know jackshit, replacement is guaranteed a 5-figure slap to the pocket

Why are these BS6 bikes such wussies?! How did we come from an era where some bikes used to function completely normally without any battery, or without any fuel in the tank(fuel in the carburetor), to these dark times where one risks catastrophic failures by using all the fuel that they pay for. A double whammy for someone who lives paycheck to paycheck, for whom these two-wheelers are supposed to be a necessary means of transport.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The problem persisted even after getting the throttle body cleaned at the service centre.

BHPian Samba recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Got the 5th year service done at 8,500 km

Due to less running, my bike's battery gave up in Jan this year. But luckily it was just under 23 months, so got a new replacement battery for free from Amaron.

From the last one month, I was observing that while riding in traffic, whenever the bike comes to the idling rpm it was stalling.

As the servicing was due, I took the bike for the 5th year service.

• At the Yamaha service center, they heard about my complaint and said it requires a throttle body cleaning. I gave them the go-ahead. They cleaned it.
• The Spark Plug and the air filter looked fine. So instead of replacing they just cleaned, and put them back.
• The old engine oil was drained and new Yamalube 10W40 (full synthetic) was poured in and the oil filter was replaced.
• The chain was cleaned and lubed.
• They took a test ride and informed me, that the problem is solved.

Total bill came to Rs 2,570.

While returning, I again found the bike to be stalling whenever the rpm came down to idle. I called up the service center guys, and they told me the FI needs to be cleaned.

What I noticed was, this was happening only when the engine is warm, & when the engine is warm the idling rpm was coming down to 1000, which should be at least 1250+.

In my earlier KarizmaR which had a carb, I used to tune the carb myself and adjust the idling rpm, but with this FI engine, I was not very sure how to proceed about it.

So, I did some research myself and interacted with some very helpful guys in the pan India Yamaha FZ25 WhatsApp group. They directed me to follow the owner's manual and do it step by step.

This video on YouTube was very helpful too.

With the help of a number 8 Socket, I opened the front seat.

The left side panel was removed by opening a few screws and plastic clips.

The idling adjusting screw is located inside the marked area.

I rotated the screw anticlockwise and increased the Idling by 1 bar (1 bar = 250 rpm) while the engine was warm. This needs to be done on a warm engine, as while starting a cold engine, the rpm automatically goes up by a bar.

After increasing the rpm, I rode the bike for some 15 km, and it looks like the problem got resolved. Earlier the engine was stalling every time it was going down to the Idling rpm. If the problem returns, then will get the FI checked once. While riding there is absolutely no knocking or hiccups while accelerating or decelerating. The bike rides as smooth as new.

My 5.5-year-old bike with only 8,500 km on its odo!

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

I have shortlisted the TVS Apache RTR 200, Yamaha FZ25, Suzuki Gixxer 250 and Bajaj Pulsar N250.

BHPian ShattereDarknes recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello folks.

A bit of an intro first. I wasn't always into bikes. Actually, I wasn't always into driving as a whole. The only reason I learnt to drive a scooter was that I lost my bus pass and had to get to college. My mom tried to force me to buy a bike in my first year itself, but I thought the bike was just a waste of money. I never got why people buy them. I was the guy that would judge friends for preferring manual over automatic and saw bikes as being extremely impractical.

I drove one poorly maintained Bullet 350 once, just once, and that was enough to change my perspective completely. The feeling of actually being in control of the vehicle, changing gears, using the clutch, all of this made the riding so engaging, I absolutely fell in love with it. Unfortunately, I was yet to get a DL back then.

I'm mainly looking at naked sports bikes, but I'm willing to look at other categories as well. But having travelled all the way around the sun only 21 times, I'm not that big on retro bikes. My dad was never a fan of them either, so I guess it comes from that.

So I learnt how to drive via a friend's FZ25 about a month after driving a bike for the first time. Since I knew the basics well, I learnt it surprisingly quickly. Now I'm in the market for a bike, and honestly, there aren't a lot of bikes in the segment I'm looking at, which made me happy.

But man, the few bikes that are there, make it so confusing because of differing ownership experiences. My kind of driving style is 95% relaxed driving, with 5% fun fast acceleration. And I'll be mostly driving in the city. I don't know when, or if I'll ever have the confidence to make a long outside city travel, but I'd like to buy a bike that can do that if needed. But it's not a big priority though.

• Comfortable
• Easy to drive and forgiving to an extent. Basically beginner friendly
• Easy to maintain. I want a pretty reliable bike
• Has dual channel ABS
• Has a nice smooth engine. The top-end rush is nice, but if the engine has good torque, like the FZ25, then I don't mind it
• Has a usable pillion seat. Doesn't have to be extremely comfortable, just usable for at least city commute occasionally
• Has a decently comfortable suspension for Bangalore roads

I'm willing to compromise on looks, top-end performance for the above. Basically FZ25 > MT15 for me, no offence to the MT15 owners.

So let me list all the bikes I'm considering:

Apache RTR 200

One of the frontrunners. One of the first bikes I test drove as well. Has a very smooth engine, is quite rev happy, has a lot of features, has a gear position indicator, good looks (especially that blue), ride modes, adjustable clutch, suspension, you name it. This machine has it. I had almost finalised this. But there are a few question marks.

• How bad is the pillion seat?
• Being a 200cc, will I outgrow it too soon? Will it cry on the highway?
• How good is TVS reliability?
• Are the features really useful? Are they good enough to tip the decision in this bike's favour?

Yamaha FZ25

With that we come to the 2nd bike, the bike I learnt to drive on, the FZ25. I seem to have a different opinion of this bike than most. When I first drove this, it didn't feel that comfortable. And I could feel mild buzzy vibrations in many places. Perhaps it was just my friend's bike, but when I hopped back onto my Activa, I felt more relaxed because of how smooth it was. I also find the lack of a gear position indicator rather frustrating. Also, the rear brake level is so high, I cannot rest my foot on the lever.

But when I took a test drive of a new FZ, it somehow felt different. It had all the same problems, even the vibrations. But the ergonomics felt more comfortable, and the bike's strong punch in the mid-range was very addictive. I was more experienced with driving when I test drove, and I didn't once look at the console/display. There are a lot of things about this bike to love.

I loved the punchy, torquey engine, the fat rear tire, and the overall looks of the bike, the ergonomics are not amazing but it's comfortable and the pillion seat is generous. The vibrations were not annoying either, and it was somewhat enjoyable. This seemingly fills the gaps left by the Apache.

But there are a few big cons.

• The bike feels quite dated. Instrument cluster is very basic and it doesn't even have a gear position indicator. The BIGGEST factor I'm scared of is if Yamaha releases an updated FZ sometime this year with a better instrument cluster, and I miss out on it, I will regret it a lot.
• I trust Yamaha more than TVS for reliability, but is this particular model that reliable? I've heard about the brake pads wearing out too soon, and the front brake oil leaking. And also a few other issues here and there.
• Is the ground clearance a hindrance? Keep in mind that I live in Bangalore, and there is always one invisible hump around the corner waiting to kill me any time.
• Doesn't feel as refined as the Apache. The Apache felt butter smooth at every rev range
• Doesn't have a slipper clutch

If anyone knows about a new FZ25 coming, please do comment. Between these 2, the FZ has my heart, only for that punchy mid-range, but my mind says go for the Apache for a more up-to-date motorcycle. Honestly, I like both, but I might end up valuing the smoothness of the Apache's engine, the easier travel to the service center (2KM vs 5 KM for the Apache vs FZ respectively), the better instrument console and the ground clearance, the GTT tech, and the slipper clutch. Honestly, I can see myself being happy with either of these, but if a new FZ releases with better features, then I'll regret it.

Pulsar N250

And with that, we come to the Pulsar n25N. I haven't test-driven it yet, as I was told by a Bajaj showroom near me that they're out of stock and I had to go to only 1 main showroom. But talking about the bike itself, it feels like other than the fat rear tyre, it has everything the FZ does, along with a much better instrument cluster, higher ground clearance and a much better top end and also a slipper clutch! It also has a great suspension I've heard. It feels like the almost perfect bikemwith the right compromises for me.

But there are a few concerns:

• Bajaj's reliability - how reliable is this bike going to be? I've heard Bajaj's engines are good only for 1-2 years and they deteriorate quite fast. How true is this?
• That's pretty much it actually.

Bajaj's service center is just as close, if not closer than the TVS. But since I haven't test-driven it yet, can't comment.

Gixxer 250

I haven't test driven this either. But the price of this bike has to be a joke, right? It's about 2.37L on road right now. Back when it was 10k more than the FZ, it was a good deal. But now, with the FZ being 2L on road, other than a good engine, it doesn't have much going for it. It has a hard clutch, not-so-great ergonomics, poor service, vibrations at about 4.5k rpm according to some users and a stiff suspension. Why do people still suggest this bike? Still I'll test drive it once before taking a decision.

Also, I keep talking about suspension, I just want a suspension to feel more comfortable than the Activa I have right now. I don't want to feel a jolt whenever I go over a pothole. From riding the FZ, I can tell you that any suspension around that stiff is totally fine for me.

Well, that was a long post. Looking forward to your opinions

Here's what BHPian ajay0612 had to say about the matter:

Pulsar N250 is the best for you at the moment. Don't worry about reliability, etc. for bikes which sell in good numbers. It is comfortable, has useful features like a slipper clutch, has better power than FZ25, and has good Value for Money.

Here's what BHPian Boringrider had to say about the matter:

Would suggest you wait for Yamaha MT-03 if you are interested as they have recently showcased it and launch seems highly probable although I am not sure if it will be priced in the budget you have set.

I am a bit surprised you are not considering the new RE Classic 350 as it's one of the best in the business for comfort and relaxed driving. Should take decent care of you on the highways also. Suspension is also great, especially those springs under the seat. They do make a noticeable difference.

But if you really want to max out in the comfort and suspension game, why don't you look at ADVs? Beware though, once you get used to one, nothing will ever match that experience ever again.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The shortlist contains the KTM 390 Adventure, Bajaj Dominar 400 and Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.

BHPian SiLxNcE recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi,

So the upgrade bug has slowly started to bite me too, and I am keenly looking forward towards something bigger than what I ride now.

I got myself a Yamaha FZ25 mid of last year and have put 5000 km on it so far. My first bike too. It has been with me to hills, hairpins, super fast highways, off-road, and city commutes. The perfect "hot-hatch" city bike that can do highways too. Love the bike. Especially its body balance and how well it handles. The low-end torque is like a dream. "Low spec-sheet power figures", but it's one of those bikes that you need to ride to understand that a bike is more than just numbers on paper.

Okay, so why the upgrade itch? Well, the FZ is a little basic. Not much electronics. At the top end, it struggles. Have made it sit at 130 kmph for quite some kms on a safe highway stretch and it just kept refusing to pull anymore. There are mild vibrations at 70-80 which is apparently a good lazy cruising speed. And I think I am used to the power so much that I probably just need a little more. Well, maybe a little more than "little more".

Over these 5k kms, I have realized that as much as I enjoy the low-end torque, I also need something that screams and is enjoyable at the top end. A moderately fast highway cruise is what I want probably. And as much as I loved sports bikes because they looked good in photos, after riding a few of my friends' R15s and Ninjas, I have realized I don't see myself all crouched up with wrists at knee-level, tearing through the roads at mad speeds. I want something comfortable but not super comfortable too. The FZ25 has spoiled me a little with its perfect riding posture. Just a little bit of sporty attentive lean. Also, something that can go comfortably outside the tarmac will be a welcome addition.

That brings me down to a similar shortlist as this thread:

KTM 390 Adventure

I seem to have fallen in love with this bike. It's probably what I need, but that humongous price tag is, well, 'a small good used car territory'. I even went to a KTM showroom to sit on it to check if my feet can reach the floor. I was half expecting it won't, but it did, given I am 5'10''. Test ride wasn't available but the cockpit view was awesome, just like in all the countless ADV 390 videos I have watched on youtube. I am unsure about how that supposed lack of low-end torque would feel like.

Bajaj Dominar 400 Touring Edition

So, clearly, a compromised bike for me, since I like the ADV much more. But there is a huge price gap. Almost 1.3lakhs. That can buy you 1200+ litres of petrol. Or around 30k kilometers. Mind-boggling maths. Also, the Dominar can do almost everything that the ADV can. And arguably sounds better too.

RE Interceptor

I love how the Continental looks. Everyone does. But the Interceptor is more practical. And has the same parallel twin at a similar price point. The only reason. Other than that, I find nothing special about it. I personally find the analogue dials too old school too. I would prefer them digital, with more info.

FZ25

My current bike. It's on the shortlist because, well, I have only done 5k kms on it. So, I should ride it more, right? Or this upgrade mentality is the right way forward?

Forget the upgrade, ride the FZ for a few more years and then get a multi-cylinder bike some years down the line: Like maybe a Z650, a Triumph, or a CBR650R. Also, can something like an ADV 390 be daily driven in Bangalore with some decent mileage?

I just want to make sure of the bike I want to keep a target fixed and finances sorted. Might get it at the end of this year. All of your inputs in the decision-making process will be super helpful.

Thanks!

Here's what BHPian tarmacnaut had to say about the matter:

The thread is pretty old and the best addition to the shortlist will be VStrom SX 250.

It has a wonderful engine which is a tractor with an amazing low end and a powerful, exhilarating top end built for highways. Exactly what you are looking for.

And it also has the best Rider's triangle much better than the FZ and the unique suspension setup which is softer in the beginning and progressively stiffness ensures it is good off the tarmac and bad roads, at the same time avoids being bouncy on highways and nosedives on braking.

Do take a test ride and with the discounts being offered including an exchange bonus of 7000 you should get a good deal for the VStrom.

Even the ADV250 heats up heavily in traffic and the suspension is stiff for city speeds (I have not tried the adjustment in 390, 250 is non-adjustable).

VStrom SX excels here, I use it for my daily commute in Bangalore, no heating, great mileage with excellent comfort for both rider and pillion. At the same time, the highway performance is outstanding pulls cleanly even above 110 and can cruise at good triple-digit speeds with juice left for overtaking. Perfect all-rounder in my opinion.

Here's what BHPian shancz had to say about the matter:

• Agree and very comfortable too, that is something you'll miss in a lot of bikes over 250cc. You haven't realized it but you're spoilt by the refinement and low-end torque too. In such a case I would recommend a day's rental for the 390 Adventure to get to terms with what you're dreaming about.
• You'll have a multi-cylinder, something like a CBR650R.
• In single cylinders, it'll be difficult to get a strong low and top end. Bikes like the R15 have an average low but strong top end and the FZ25 sacrifices the top end for the better low and mid-range which is more practical in everyday riding.
• The high compression KTMs have a strong mid-range and top end but below average low end. But maybe the newer versions have changed it a bit. Anyways the only time you'll feel it is in crawling traffic otherwise you won't even spend a couple of seconds in low rpms.
• I'll recommend renting it out for a day and seeing for yourself as this is highly subjective. A friend rides his 1st gen 390Duke regularly in city traffic but I don't.

Inputs

• KTM Adventure 390: Rent it for a day
• Bajaj Dominar 400 Touring Edition: it has better low and heat management than the KTMs but is heavy and no point compromising.
• RE Interceptor: Not the bike you want so skip it.
• FZ25: I consider the FZ25 as an ideal city and highway cruiser and I would suggest keeping it even when you get your dream bike if it's feasible since its maintenance costs are basic.
• Ride the FZ for a few more years and then get a multi-cylinder bike some years down the line: This is my recommendation but start your search and test rides now starting with the 390 Adventure.

The most important part is to keep upgrading as your wants change. How big of an upgrade and when, is the question you have to answer. Whether it's the 390 now and then straight to a 1000cc later or straight to 600-700cc now then a 1000 or a lateral switch to an ADV are some of the many options available.

If getting the 390, wait for the 2023 iteration which has been launched overseas but let's see when it makes it here.

Also, consider the ADVs when considering multi-cylinders as they can be the only bikes around and handle all situations.

Here's a video I think you might like. Credits to Providers.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Fuel efficiency and maintenance costs are not an issue as long as it is close to that of its competitors.

BHPian aravindb_0711 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

My cousin has the need for a motorcycle to be used in and around his city. His requirements are:

• Comfort (he will travel through a lot of broken roads)

• Adequate power

• Stability at highway speeds

The maximum distance that he might cover in a trip will be around 30-40km. His budget is 1.5 lakhs, ex showroom. He can stretch to a maximum of 2 lakhs, ex showroom. What are his best options?

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

The VStrom 250 SX seems like a good choice here, do check it out.

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

Does not get any better than the MT-15 by Yamaha or Duke 200 whichever fits the budget

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

1. Can the FE or maintenance cost be quantifiable pls? Reason being, for 1.5L OTR we could suggest xPulse or even Splendour that can match the requirement
2. Can the Adequate Power be quantified pls as xPulse & CB300F are powerful & so is MT03
3. Can the budget be extended to about 20-30K more pls?
4. How many years the motorcycle is to be retained?
5. Nearest availability of ASC? Is that a factor to be considered to be a significant or least importance? (Eg. BigWings/Royal Enfield etc, hope you get the point)
6. Most importantly, how much money has been set aside for maintenance?
7. Vehicle ownership exclusivity to be considered or a mass market vehicle is OK?
8. Scooters? Especially Suzuki Burgman/Yamaha RayZR/Aprilia SR 160 considered & discarded for any reason?

Alternative thought: Not necessarily Ather, but any EV?

Reason: For a distance of an average 35 Km a day & 5 days a week should be ~8500 Km a year. Even if the average FE hoovers around 40 Kmpl (considering the cost of vehicle segment), 8500/40 Kmpl is ~210 liters of Petrol should cost ~Rs 22000 a year excluding the maintenance. All put together should be about 25K a year; suggesting this as the budgeted cost is nearly the same as EV (Ather 450+ should cost about 1.55L OTR) & the running cost should not be over Rs 1300 for the same distance a year. Subscription? Yes, ~Rs 4300 a year which is way too less than running a petrol motorcycle; and with an added convenience of carrying additional luggage under the seat as well as at floor board & missing the visit to ASC, oil & air filter changes.

All put together running a EV scooter should cost no more than 6K a year compared to 25K a year of a Petrol motorcycle

BHPian aravindb_0711 replied:

• He feels that FE and maintenance costs are not an issue as long as it is close to that of its competitors. He doesn't have the experience of owning bikes before, hence, he isn't clear with numbers in this area.

• He mostly drives cars and hence was disappointed when their new car, an XL6, didn't have enough power. He wants to avoid that this time.

• He can extend the budget by 30k.

• The motorcycle will be retained till the end of its life. So, good reliability is also important.

• Since all major brands have showrooms in his town, he is open to all of them. Though, small brands like Benelli and electric brands like Ather and Ola don't have showrooms in his town. Hence, they are not in consideration.

• Exclusivity is a bonus!

• He has not considered any scooter; he told me he needs a motorcycle

BHPian aargee had the following say:

• Money, FE, Service cost - no barrier
• Life - 15 years
• Comfort - top priority
• Power - must
• Riding experience - Nil

So, for 2L OTR, all the middle weights cane be eliminated safely. Since reliability takes priority for longer duration, the Japs are to be more inclined towards; which leaves us with Honda, Yamaha & Suzuki (Kawasaki retails nothing in 2L OTR, atleast comfortably)

I would've suggested ADV KTM 250/390 or GS310(owing to comfort factor), however the ex showroom should be over 2.5L for all of them

Since money is no bar, would suggest CB300R (owing to 7 step rear suspension) or CB300F from Honda

Next choice is 250cc from Suzuki in the order of VStorm or Gixxer 250; the second choice is made because of some minor niggling issues reported here.

Last choice of mine would be Yamaha FZS 25; although the price, 154 Kg & adjustable suspensions sounds tempting, I'm not a fan of 5 gears (My 30+ year old Rx has 5 gears & this is 2022 a performance oriented motorcycle ought to have 6 gears)

Last but not the least, CB350 can be suggested as the concerned person is getting into riding & over 30; if he's young enough, then its strongly suggested taking the rides slow along with a very reliable helmet if the riding gears are ignored.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

I have a budget of around 80k max, I will buy a good helmet, jacket, boots and pants too after getting a bike.

BHPian Doge recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi all,

After years of contemplating and want, I have decided that I want to get myself a motorcycle, my first one. I have always loved motorcycles, but worried parents never let me hop on one.

I also resisted, thinking I’ll get one in Europe or somewhere else where I won’t be run over while riding.

Anyways, I can’t wait and have been looking around. I want to ride a bike, even if it’s just an hour long early morning ride a few times a week ( for now ).

I don’t really need the bike and probably won’t commute on it, this will be an A to A machine.

So I have a budget of around 80k max, I will buy a good helmet, jacket, boots and pants too after getting a bike. Since I have only ridden a Thunderbird for 5 mins so far, I don’t have the option to test bikes as I can’t really ride them yet. I am in my early twenties and am 6”5 tall and weight 90 kilos.

FE is not a problem, but don’t want a bike which keeps breaking unexpectedly. Most important I suppose is that the bike should be able to cruise at 100 kph easy all day as I live right next to some of the fastest expressways in NCR and I use them all the time to get anywhere. I am a sedate rider but I have seen how fast cars overtake 110 cc bikes in the left most side of the express way and I don’t wanna be the guy who gets hit from behind riding at 60. Abs would be great too but I think it will be tough to find it in this vintage. Decent breaks are a must.

I will learn on this machine only. Here is what I have found:

• My first choice is a CBR 250R, I still find the 2012 VFR coloured ones gorgeous and have heard good things about it. Problem is finding a nice one, they are usually used by boy racers in slippers. These gaudy looking ones are the early VFR coloured ones and are around 50k, 2012 or 2013 model years. Nicer and later ones are in the 70k range but rare and don’t have the VFR colours. Abs ones are even rarer. I am not sure if this bike has good parts availability? Also the fairings are a bit worrisome, if I drop the bike I will break them.

• Second choice is the Yamaha FZ25. Found a 2018 for 70k. Seems low on power compared to the Honda, looks a bit too busy but not a deal breaker. Still in production so that’s another plus point.

• Third one- the Pulsar AS200, I like the way it looks, seems to have decent power and should be a good cruiser at 100 but it’s so hard to find, and the RS 200 is hideous.

• Wildcard choice is the Honda Unicorn. I just like the unicorn, it’s a handsome honest machine. Has a mono shock and from what I’ve heard, a great engine. Also cheaper than others but I think that this bike will struggle on the expressway and probably tops out at 100.

So I look forward to your suggestions, what bike for under 80k that can cruise all day over 100 and is not tiny to sit on?

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

Was gonna say Duke 200 for 60k plus 10k on tyres and another 10k on other service bits and bobs. Then you mentioned you are 6'5"  I find most bikes to be built for people between 5'7" and 5'10". CBR250R may sound great but I found it a bit scrunched up (I am only 6'0") which to an extent is bearable on well balance nakeds like the Duke 200 but not on something with a sportier stance. Certainly not for someone that is 6'5". Personally I bought the RC390 as my first bike mostly because it genuinely felt roomy and felt like it fit well not leaving me feeling too scrunched up. I understand that you want a bike asap but I would recommend taking the time to actually ride and sample a whole bunch of bikes before buying one. Just to find out what fits you and doesn't even if it might look great.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.