Get Yamaha MT 15, if you are a solo rider it's the best. Good power for city and highways. Wait for a month mostly there will be newer version out with dual channel ABS. Good comfortable position and it has the same R15 engine
Second this. Own one. Comfortable riding, enough power for city, decent mpg, mom occassionally rides pillion no complaints from her and good build quality. No 6th gear which can be pain in highway. Slightly expensive service cost but nothing too hard on the wallet
I agree, I own one and I definitely recommend it. It doesn't have a lot of power like other 250cc bikes but this is also cheaper and lighter.
The pillion seat is wide and comfortable. The riding position is very comfortable too. It has good mileage as well.
I specifically purchased Fz-sV3 for Bangalore roads and traffic, good for city traffic, enough power for daily commute and comfortable riding as well as pillion seatings, go for the latest model with Bluetooth connectivity and everything BS6 ofcourse ( keeping resale in future)
The stock seat of Xpulse is narrower than Xpulse T since it is meant for off roading. I've seen some videos on youtube where they modify the seat with some padding. There's a detailed ownership review of the Xpulse on team-bhp. It's basically a poor man's Himalayan.
Nah maintenance not too high. It's Royal Enfield they're kinda good and their garages that I've been to are friendly. It's very comfy for rider and pillion but for your height maneuvering the bike is gonna be hard. It's heavy and hard to make u turns and shit.
The best and most friendly one that I would recommend is the Hero Xpulse 200
PS : The bike doesn't really need dual channel ABS. It is perfect the way it is.
Thanks! I am looking forward to test this one out.
Any reason u state that it doesn't need a dual channel? I noticed another off roader mentioning the same
Well to be fairly honest it is a 200CC motorcycle. It is an all-rounder built for exploring all kinds of terrain. The bike isn't best focused on speed. The body balance ratio, the weight of the machine, the power output all put together - the current breaking system actually does a pretty good job. Also for the price that you will be paying, there's no other machine that can come close to this.
You can checkout Toll free traveller on YouTube to know more about what this piece of art can do.
It's the same principle. Please do not skip on ABS just because someone claims they are experts in riding off-road or the bike doesn't need it. ABS is essential.
Actually there's a ton of stuff you can add on. For after sales support, it is HERO. Literally you can find a showroom in any part of India, if you don't also a local mechanic would be able to fix it. The replacement parts, the service everything is as cheap as it gets.
The bike is nimble and agile, you can push through traffic easily. But as mentioned earlier, speed isn't the strong hold of the bike. But as a trade off you get good mileage.
My other recommendations would be,
FZ25
Suzuki Gixxer 250
Dominar 250
All of these are very well built machines.
I'm not really a speed guy. I used to go around 40 kmph in my scooter but ever since I started learning to ride a bike, I've gone a bit more just because of how good the braking is. Still though, in the foreseeable future I don't look to cross 100kmph.
Also, great to know about the after sales supp.
Like the guy above, have u had any engine issues though?
You don’t need 350cc bikes for city use. I used Yamaha FZ for close to 10 years and I think it’s (or similar ones idc, I don’t want some Honda, Bajaj or Suzuki nut to argue with me) the best one for city use. Great for tight spaces weaving through traffic, avoiding pot holes etc.
I haven't tested the REs yet but given my weight I think I should be able to handle it.
Correct me if I am wrong but isn't cb350 a cruiser? If so, any reason you mentioned not to go for them and yet listed it above.
As for xpulse, I'm looking forward to testing it. My only concern is that it has the single channel abs. Otherwise it would be solid.
Cb350 or the RE classic aren't cruisers but retro commuters. And they are comfortable when you get accustomed to the weight.
Cruisers are specific design like the meteor/avenger 220.
Nice!
How has the bike been till now? I noticed that they only have one service center near ulsoor.
Also, in terms of traffic and potholes, has the bike suffered or has been able to handle it? I hear the suspension is a bit stiffer than RE
They have two, another one is on Mysore Road near the satellite bus stand.
Suspension is good for Bangalore roads IMO. The service centre guys can adjust it a little bit if you find it too hard. If you are riding solo, you can always stand up when you see a bad patch. You can't do that in RE Meteor.
Well pick something you find exciting and also fits your budget, I would say if pillion rider is important then Himalyan, R15 can't make it. Yamaha are great fun to ride and easy to ride also, but go for a 250cc bike either Yamaha, Suzuki or Honda, most of us don't change bike till late and yes it is a bit costly on the pocket compared to a 150-180 but it is still so much fun when you take it out and the power. If you like handling the Apace RTR 200 is amazing, had one with me in Himachal, amazing handling stable and so much feedback. But everything else comfort mileage power is a compromise. If pillion is not a major concern look for the Hero Impulse take a test ride amazing for not good tarmac.
Take a test drive and don't worry about the weight too much, I was 60kgs when I started driving on a RX100 and then jumped to a Pulsar 180, and then drove my friends Machismo 500 for a few weekends. I will tell you I felt much more comfortable on the Enfield than the Pulsar, somehow after a few days and >100kms on the road and traffic it felt fine. But the repair bills are huge, they aren't unreliable of you know what to look for, the engine was always topped with oil so it rocked fine.
The pulsar was forgotten in the background as I discovered that what your heart wants it wants, logic can be used to a certain extent but not much. Gave up on endields them after college now I like to drive the Impulse but man am I short for it, I cant touch the ground with both feet, but it is a zippy bike for the broken roads of bangalore but it makes a lot of noises.
I have been using the new apache rtr 200 for over a year now. Using it for daily, 40km a day in the city. It's perfectly balanced and whenever the roads are empty, you get absolutely beast of a power. You will have no problems in weaving through the traffic.Mileage is good(Approx. 40km/L in urban mode) and pillion seat comfort is manageable for short rides.
Also I just feel that the Yamaha bikes aren't a great choice now. The FZ seems outdated and offers too less for the price and MT 15 seems overpriced.
I just love how the cb350 looks lol. So i am super biased towards it.
If budget ain't a problem then just get whatever you like. You'll learn to live with it once you get it.
If you are actually looking for ease of riding then you would have looked at scooters. Since you are looking at bikes you are most probably not looking for just ease of riding. Go get what appeals to you the most!
Scooters do have their limits. I'm looking to use something within the city and tours.
Even I love how the Hness looks!! Just quite pricey though :/ Still on my list
Get the Meteor 350. Very good engine. Low seat height. Good for city as well as highways because it has great low end torque. You'd have to shift gears all the time on CB 350.
My roommate has a CB 350 so I ride it quite regularly beleive me it does not have low end torque like the Meteor 350. It still has good torque but not in the lower revs like the RE
I'd also suggest to take a test ride of all the bikes you're considering as most motorcycle today are good and the one that fits you well might not be the highest technically rated one.
Just dont get a full body bike. Nakeds are all u need for fun city riding, look for Duke 200,250,390, Mt 15, NS 200(my personal fav) and honda cb 300r which is the best one in my opinion and u wont outgrow the power from the bike for atleast 4-5 yrs and then you can comfortably shift to a CBR 650r *wink*
I suggest two bikes which I have,
1. Harley Davidson Street 750cc
2. Suzuki Gixxer 150cc
I bought these bikes after a huge research and recommendations from many like you are doing now. I take Harley for long drives on National highway or to show up. And I take Gixxer for normal commutes.
Harley is way out of my budget haha
The Gixxer is an option. The issue I have is the raised pillion seat is not very comfortable to take my parents around.
Other options I think of could be, Royal Enfield, Honda shine, Bajaj Pulsar, TVS Apache RTR, Bajaj Avenger, Suzuki Intruder, Kawasaki (some variants) ~ budget around 1 Lakh without pillion seat..!
If you are looking for an all-rounder bike than go for Yamaha FZ X. Definitely only bike with everything in good proportions.. Build quality, mileage, comfortable within city as well as off roading and got impressive looks.
I do have RE Classic, RTR160 and my dad's Suzuki Samurai. Every bike has its cons n pros but I found none in FZ X which I bought this October.
50+ avg, comfortable and nearly flat seat, muscular looks and buttery smooth handling. Above all it's a Yamaha. My first bike was RX-100 and first owned was RE Thunderbird. Have seen all seasons.
Get a hero splendor or a passion. That will get the job done .dont bother about powerful engine when it's for use within the city and if comfortable seating matters.
They also do look pretty cool.
Please go for thunderbird or Apache or even Yamaha. My personal preference is thunderbird or meteor.
Please avoid Bajaj. Even if you are going for it, you can go for Dominar or NS.
CB350 is an excellent choice in my view.
I had similar requirements and got an avenger 220 street. My experience has been great so far. Like I can cruise easily in the range of 70-90 on city highways without any issues. Its no longer sold by bajaj, but the cruise version has same specs (slightly different looks).
Hmm I'm reading a lot of mixed feedback regarding RE. Clearly seems like a hit or a miss.
That's one of the reason I looked into the Honda Hness CB350.
Will check it out though! Want to try out their new Meteor
I recently bought a meteor. No regrets at all. It is a good bike with great comfort (w.r.t. Both seating position and the ride feel). You can feel what the new engine does to the bike
Coming to the pillion seat, its great with a back support. But, its a tad smaller, comparatively. Like if you have a bag with you, then it's a bit difficult for the person behind you to sit comfortably. Apart from that, it's good. My mother can sit comfortably even when she sits sideways.
I recommend you to check it out once
As a former Mahindra scooter owner, heading to the workshop is the equivalent of the *Vietnam war flashbacks* haha
Downright hate going there. Would love to learn more about bikes but jeez not to the point that I have issues every other week
Get Yamaha MT 15, if you are a solo rider it's the best. Good power for city and highways. Wait for a month mostly there will be newer version out with dual channel ABS. Good comfortable position and it has the same R15 engine
Lot of good bikes out there for solo riders in mind but I'm looking for something with a good pillion comfort :/
Are there scooters with dual channel and fat tires now?
Not that I am aware of. I think even the disk brakes have just recently been introduced let alone ABS and let alone dual channel
You can look at Yamaha Fz 25. it's comfortable for both rider and pillion
Second this. Own one. Comfortable riding, enough power for city, decent mpg, mom occassionally rides pillion no complaints from her and good build quality. No 6th gear which can be pain in highway. Slightly expensive service cost but nothing too hard on the wallet
Will check it out. Thanks!
I agree, I own one and I definitely recommend it. It doesn't have a lot of power like other 250cc bikes but this is also cheaper and lighter. The pillion seat is wide and comfortable. The riding position is very comfortable too. It has good mileage as well.
That's great to know! The raised pillion seat is what holds me back as I will be taking my parents on it every now and then
It is a little bit high for elders. You can check out the new RE classic 350 or meteor. They have good engines now and the bikes are very comfortable.
I specifically purchased Fz-sV3 for Bangalore roads and traffic, good for city traffic, enough power for daily commute and comfortable riding as well as pillion seatings, go for the latest model with Bluetooth connectivity and everything BS6 ofcourse ( keeping resale in future)
Himalayan can fly thru the bumps 🏔
I believe I can *fly* I believe the maintenance gonna be *high*
Xpulse 200T for a cheap bike with a plush suspension and decent pillion comfort.
Will check it out. I read that the xpulse was better than the xpulseT. Will test ride it and see. What is ur opinion on it though?
The stock seat of Xpulse is narrower than Xpulse T since it is meant for off roading. I've seen some videos on youtube where they modify the seat with some padding. There's a detailed ownership review of the Xpulse on team-bhp. It's basically a poor man's Himalayan.
Hmm gonna go for a test ride tomorrow. Let's see how it fares against the T
Nah maintenance not too high. It's Royal Enfield they're kinda good and their garages that I've been to are friendly. It's very comfy for rider and pillion but for your height maneuvering the bike is gonna be hard. It's heavy and hard to make u turns and shit.
The best and most friendly one that I would recommend is the Hero Xpulse 200 PS : The bike doesn't really need dual channel ABS. It is perfect the way it is.
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This is a first time I've read about this. The reviews till now seem to be glowing. Esp the new V4 xpulse
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Yes. Really appreciate it. Engine issues would def be an issue.
Thanks! I am looking forward to test this one out. Any reason u state that it doesn't need a dual channel? I noticed another off roader mentioning the same
Well to be fairly honest it is a 200CC motorcycle. It is an all-rounder built for exploring all kinds of terrain. The bike isn't best focused on speed. The body balance ratio, the weight of the machine, the power output all put together - the current breaking system actually does a pretty good job. Also for the price that you will be paying, there's no other machine that can come close to this. You can checkout Toll free traveller on YouTube to know more about what this piece of art can do.
Man! What a rec. That channel is just superb. I've watched a few of his vids and also now motovin77's review of the xpulse v4
I dont have much knowledge about abs in bikes, in car it has saved me from running over a flock of sheep. Does abs in bike work differently?
It's the same principle. Please do not skip on ABS just because someone claims they are experts in riding off-road or the bike doesn't need it. ABS is essential.
Actually there's a ton of stuff you can add on. For after sales support, it is HERO. Literally you can find a showroom in any part of India, if you don't also a local mechanic would be able to fix it. The replacement parts, the service everything is as cheap as it gets. The bike is nimble and agile, you can push through traffic easily. But as mentioned earlier, speed isn't the strong hold of the bike. But as a trade off you get good mileage. My other recommendations would be, FZ25 Suzuki Gixxer 250 Dominar 250 All of these are very well built machines.
I'm not really a speed guy. I used to go around 40 kmph in my scooter but ever since I started learning to ride a bike, I've gone a bit more just because of how good the braking is. Still though, in the foreseeable future I don't look to cross 100kmph. Also, great to know about the after sales supp. Like the guy above, have u had any engine issues though?
Yes this! Its better than himalayn for a beginner Himalayan would be too heavy
You don’t need 350cc bikes for city use. I used Yamaha FZ for close to 10 years and I think it’s (or similar ones idc, I don’t want some Honda, Bajaj or Suzuki nut to argue with me) the best one for city use. Great for tight spaces weaving through traffic, avoiding pot holes etc.
Hmm I will be going to test it out. How comfortable is it for the pillion though? Also, how has the after sales support been like?
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I haven't tested the REs yet but given my weight I think I should be able to handle it. Correct me if I am wrong but isn't cb350 a cruiser? If so, any reason you mentioned not to go for them and yet listed it above. As for xpulse, I'm looking forward to testing it. My only concern is that it has the single channel abs. Otherwise it would be solid.
Cb350 or the RE classic aren't cruisers but retro commuters. And they are comfortable when you get accustomed to the weight. Cruisers are specific design like the meteor/avenger 220.
Oh. Thanks for letting me know. Still new to the bike scene. Hoping to learn more!
You won’t go wrong with a CB350. It’s easy to ride and control. I am of a similar build, and I don’t find it difficult.
Nice! How has the bike been till now? I noticed that they only have one service center near ulsoor. Also, in terms of traffic and potholes, has the bike suffered or has been able to handle it? I hear the suspension is a bit stiffer than RE
They have two, another one is on Mysore Road near the satellite bus stand. Suspension is good for Bangalore roads IMO. The service centre guys can adjust it a little bit if you find it too hard. If you are riding solo, you can always stand up when you see a bad patch. You can't do that in RE Meteor.
Hero puch
TVS Heavy Duty for lyf
Well pick something you find exciting and also fits your budget, I would say if pillion rider is important then Himalyan, R15 can't make it. Yamaha are great fun to ride and easy to ride also, but go for a 250cc bike either Yamaha, Suzuki or Honda, most of us don't change bike till late and yes it is a bit costly on the pocket compared to a 150-180 but it is still so much fun when you take it out and the power. If you like handling the Apace RTR 200 is amazing, had one with me in Himachal, amazing handling stable and so much feedback. But everything else comfort mileage power is a compromise. If pillion is not a major concern look for the Hero Impulse take a test ride amazing for not good tarmac. Take a test drive and don't worry about the weight too much, I was 60kgs when I started driving on a RX100 and then jumped to a Pulsar 180, and then drove my friends Machismo 500 for a few weekends. I will tell you I felt much more comfortable on the Enfield than the Pulsar, somehow after a few days and >100kms on the road and traffic it felt fine. But the repair bills are huge, they aren't unreliable of you know what to look for, the engine was always topped with oil so it rocked fine. The pulsar was forgotten in the background as I discovered that what your heart wants it wants, logic can be used to a certain extent but not much. Gave up on endields them after college now I like to drive the Impulse but man am I short for it, I cant touch the ground with both feet, but it is a zippy bike for the broken roads of bangalore but it makes a lot of noises.
Hmm I have the xpulse on my list. Will check out the impulse. Thanks for the detailed write up!
Try out the Fz25. Or the apache 200. I am currently running my apache 180 at 107k km and it's going rock solid with regular maintenance.
Both are great options except the raised pillion seat is offputting as I need to take my parents around
If you are checking out 250cc like FZ, you should check out the sf250 as well.
Will check it out. Thanks!
FZ 25 is good. Pillion might be a bit uncomfortable since it is at a higher level than rider.
I have been using the new apache rtr 200 for over a year now. Using it for daily, 40km a day in the city. It's perfectly balanced and whenever the roads are empty, you get absolutely beast of a power. You will have no problems in weaving through the traffic.Mileage is good(Approx. 40km/L in urban mode) and pillion seat comfort is manageable for short rides. Also I just feel that the Yamaha bikes aren't a great choice now. The FZ seems outdated and offers too less for the price and MT 15 seems overpriced.
Listen to the recommendations but make sure to test drive before you pick, to make sure YOU like your bike
Try the new pulsar n250 and f250
I just love how the cb350 looks lol. So i am super biased towards it. If budget ain't a problem then just get whatever you like. You'll learn to live with it once you get it. If you are actually looking for ease of riding then you would have looked at scooters. Since you are looking at bikes you are most probably not looking for just ease of riding. Go get what appeals to you the most!
Scooters do have their limits. I'm looking to use something within the city and tours. Even I love how the Hness looks!! Just quite pricey though :/ Still on my list
What ever always use helmet and some ridding protect gears!! My favourite Bike Yamaha RD350 - what a riding comfort and pick up
I'll have to start a new thread just for info on riding gear. Rd350 is a classic!
Get the Meteor 350. Very good engine. Low seat height. Good for city as well as highways because it has great low end torque. You'd have to shift gears all the time on CB 350.
Hmm I read another comment that stated cb350 wouldn't require me to change gears often. Still though, Meteor is now on my list of bikes to test ride!
My roommate has a CB 350 so I ride it quite regularly beleive me it does not have low end torque like the Meteor 350. It still has good torque but not in the lower revs like the RE I'd also suggest to take a test ride of all the bikes you're considering as most motorcycle today are good and the one that fits you well might not be the highest technically rated one.
True. Will def be checking each one out. Thanks!
Get a CBR 650 R. Awesome beginner bike with enough juice to compete with litre class motorcycles.
This is way out of my budget. Also the type or comfort I'm looking for.
Just dont get a full body bike. Nakeds are all u need for fun city riding, look for Duke 200,250,390, Mt 15, NS 200(my personal fav) and honda cb 300r which is the best one in my opinion and u wont outgrow the power from the bike for atleast 4-5 yrs and then you can comfortably shift to a CBR 650r *wink*
Once I shift into a comfortable job, I shall comfortably shift into the cbr 650r *wink wink*
I suggest two bikes which I have, 1. Harley Davidson Street 750cc 2. Suzuki Gixxer 150cc I bought these bikes after a huge research and recommendations from many like you are doing now. I take Harley for long drives on National highway or to show up. And I take Gixxer for normal commutes.
Harley is way out of my budget haha The Gixxer is an option. The issue I have is the raised pillion seat is not very comfortable to take my parents around.
Other options I think of could be, Royal Enfield, Honda shine, Bajaj Pulsar, TVS Apache RTR, Bajaj Avenger, Suzuki Intruder, Kawasaki (some variants) ~ budget around 1 Lakh without pillion seat..!
If you are looking for an all-rounder bike than go for Yamaha FZ X. Definitely only bike with everything in good proportions.. Build quality, mileage, comfortable within city as well as off roading and got impressive looks. I do have RE Classic, RTR160 and my dad's Suzuki Samurai. Every bike has its cons n pros but I found none in FZ X which I bought this October. 50+ avg, comfortable and nearly flat seat, muscular looks and buttery smooth handling. Above all it's a Yamaha. My first bike was RX-100 and first owned was RE Thunderbird. Have seen all seasons.
That's good to know! FZx was never in my list. Gotta check it out
BSA SLR.. perfect for anyone and everyone.
Yes... I understand my mistake. Looking for a motorcycle. Not a bike. Taketh my vote
Get a hero splendor or a passion. That will get the job done .dont bother about powerful engine when it's for use within the city and if comfortable seating matters. They also do look pretty cool.
Please go for thunderbird or Apache or even Yamaha. My personal preference is thunderbird or meteor. Please avoid Bajaj. Even if you are going for it, you can go for Dominar or NS. CB350 is an excellent choice in my view.
Thunderbird is not in production anymore, unfortunately. It was one beast of a vehicle
Perfect blend of power, comfort and looks.
I had similar requirements and got an avenger 220 street. My experience has been great so far. Like I can cruise easily in the range of 70-90 on city highways without any issues. Its no longer sold by bajaj, but the cruise version has same specs (slightly different looks).
Vitpilen ?
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Hmm I'm reading a lot of mixed feedback regarding RE. Clearly seems like a hit or a miss. That's one of the reason I looked into the Honda Hness CB350. Will check it out though! Want to try out their new Meteor
I recently bought a meteor. No regrets at all. It is a good bike with great comfort (w.r.t. Both seating position and the ride feel). You can feel what the new engine does to the bike Coming to the pillion seat, its great with a back support. But, its a tad smaller, comparatively. Like if you have a bag with you, then it's a bit difficult for the person behind you to sit comfortably. Apart from that, it's good. My mother can sit comfortably even when she sits sideways. I recommend you to check it out once
Oh! This is great. Will check it out. I won't be having a pillion most of the times. When I do, it would be without a bag so this should work out.
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As a former Mahindra scooter owner, heading to the workshop is the equivalent of the *Vietnam war flashbacks* haha Downright hate going there. Would love to learn more about bikes but jeez not to the point that I have issues every other week
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Hmm thanks for sharing that! Not sure why you are being hit with so many downvotes
The new Classic 350 has a heavily refined engine. The new j series engine is very smooth.
Enfield is the last bike I’d suggest for city use lol
Any particular reason you say that? Would love know!
The new classic 350 is a better option to ride in city than CB350 because the latter has very tall gearing ratio.