Mid size motorcycle for Commuting

M

M.D.Saab

New Member
Hi BCMians,
How are you all??
I am writing to seek your advice on suggestions of a bike.
I took time to convince my self that I am ready again to ride a bike.
Now days, I am totally dependent on car comfort (owns a MS Alto and Toyota Yaris)

Now that I'm 35 (wrong side of 30s) I feel drawn towards comfortable cruisers much more. I prefer sitting like a king to being crouched like a mouse (no offence to sport bike lovers, I used to love Sports bike, when I was in School)

Requirements
  1. Cruiser
  2. Comfortable
  3. Mid sized engine (Anywhere between 200-600cc is sufficient)
  4. Smooth engine and low vibrations on the handlebars (Are 2 or more cylinders necessary for this?)
  5. Reasonably reliable - Don't want to visit mechanics regularly
  6. Doesn't heat up in traffic (Had a bad experience with Harley)
  7. Preferably local and well known brand
  8. Budget: 2-5 lakhs

Usage
Occasional commute in not-so-heavy traffic, weekend errands and Escape-from-Work short rides to cool down. I'm may plan to go on long rides in a group or solo trip (you never know)

Last Ride
A well maintained, Yamaha RX100 that didn't gave me any major problems. Sold it few years back, I was keen to have it till date, until buried under work load and missed riding it on weekends. Bajaj Avenger in the family. Younger brother still owns it and a Bajaj Wind 125 during my college days.

Short Lists
RE Thunderbird 350x. Looks much more modern and delicious. But I prefer the bent bars on the 350 that let me sit straight up over the 350x. But the two deal breakers are too much vibrations and abysmal reliability. Which is a bummer, as it would have been the perfect bike for me.

Interceptor 650 Not a cruiser. Seats not comfortable (looks like). Quality (doubtful being RE) isn't good enough for the price. Reviews of Engine and suspensions are good.

Honda Rebel 300 (Upcoming). Seems like the perfect bike for my requirements. Only known con is I don't like the looks half as much as the Thunderbird. And it might not feel like a real cruiser and Gods knows when Honda is going to launch it

Dominor 400. I had a Bajaj Wind 125 during my college days. Love it or hate it but you can't ignore Bajaj products.

Jawa-Perak and 42. Heard a lot of stories of Jawa from my uncles. Even Both bikes are head turners. Doubts on its service and reliability factor. Loved Perak's looks and specifications, but its a hobber not cruiser.

I'm looking for advice from this highly experienced forum.

I am in no hurry to buy a bike as I am borrowing Bajaj Avenger from brother, may be in next 6 months to avail year ending benefits.
Thank you
 
Mandar_C500

Mandar_C500

Super User
Hi,
What a timing man, I was about the start the same thread, I am in the same boat however, I have few more in my list (and no Java).
Also I will prefer light bike this time (I already own RE Classic 500)
Yamaha FZ 25 : Hope Yamaha has resolved the light issue with the new model.
Suzuki Gixxer 250 (naked) : More power than Yamaha.
Both the bikes are most reliable and niggle free. No Vibs and fits the budget and good KMPL too.

REH: Its RE and go anywhere bike, however heavy and very costly. Also I already own a RE, so need a change
Dominar too heavy and little difficult to handle on ghat section due to top heavy nature.



Regards
Mandar
 
M

M.D.Saab

New Member
Hi Mandar,

My friend owns a Suzuki Scooter.
Service is pathetic in Gurgaon.
Most of Service centers, focused of Moolahs ($).

However,Yamaha has good bikes.
No Cruiser after Enticer.
If you are looking at naked bikes, do consider MT15.
For me, Yamaha and KTM has college kids feel.

as RE user, you don't want another RE? is it?
 
Gaurav Chopra

Gaurav Chopra

zestbiker-if there is a SPIRIT,I ride it
@Mandar_C500 -i test rode the Suzuki250 for a good 40kms and loved it for its featherweight lightness, zippy engine and overall refinement -but it feels like a better Avenger220 in engine feel and hence did not feel like investing in it and went with the Himalayan-your case is reverse of mine and the Gixxer will be great for your needs.
 
dichkaun

dichkaun

Well-Known Member
What is your height?
If not too tall, Avenger 220 is pretty decent for a commute and occasional long rides.
Dominar is good, but that's not a cruiser.
 
Mandar_C500

Mandar_C500

Super User
Gaurav Chopra said:
@Mandar_C500 -i test rode the Suzuki250 for a good 40kms and loved it for its featherweight lightness, zippy engine and overall refinement -but it feels like a better Avenger220 in engine feel and hence did not feel like investing in it and went with the Himalayan-your case is reverse of mine and the Gixxer will be great for your needs.
Click to expand...
From the reviews what I have learnt that, its a powerful (than FZ 250) but not exciting, also it didn't justify the extra price over FZ25.
As per friends from riding circle, getting Dominar 400 by paying 10K more is a wise decision.

I am confused with FZ25 / Gixxer 250 / Dominar 400 / REH.
 
Gaurav Chopra

Gaurav Chopra

zestbiker-if there is a SPIRIT,I ride it
@Mandar_C500
Actually go with the Dominar400 with eyes closed -i didn't buy it just because I wanted the Himalayan for so long and finally took the plunge

Sent from my POCO F1 using Tapatalk
 
foadbear

foadbear

Pirates Skulls and Bones
If I had some more money, I would have had invested it in BMW 310 GS.

Of course, its pricey but the comfort on it was something that I have not felt before. Since I have been riding kTM rc 390 for like 6 years now, I loved BMW 310 GS.

When I brought Rc 390, I used to ride it at speeds more than 160-165 kmph in Bangalore, but that was when I was not married.

Now I wish I had a bike like Avenger or BMW 310 GS. RE is too much for me and will never buy it. Have had it in my home since I was born, when RE had gear on right side and brakes on left side with a lever for kicking back the gears into neutral.

Avenger 220 seems to be the most apt choice. I took it on rent in Nainital and even though I am 5ft 11 inches, I felt quite comfortable on it.

With my wife as pillion, I loved the freeness that came with the bike. Bike always felt in control even in the terrains where bikes skid.
 
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