[aargee]

Originally Posted by Sudipto-S-Team

When I click it says the link does not exist. Could you please check and let me know?

Sorry, I don't know why the link didn't work; here's the working one - http://motohive.in/bike-encyclopedia...ership-review/

Originally Posted by zenx

Thanks! So, in that respect, not that much between the 200NS (or the new RS) and the 250R for longer rides?

Well, yes & no
No - Anything with two wheels & an engine is a motorcycle, it doesn't matter if its Honda or Bajaj

Yes - The ergonomics, refinement, comfort, control, engineering, riding posture, manufacturer, features & the roads ofcourse, makes a world of difference.

[zenx]

Originally Posted by aargee

Well, yes & no
No - Anything with two wheels & an engine is a motorcycle, it doesn't matter if its Honda or Bajaj

Yes - The ergonomics, refinement, comfort, control, engineering, riding posture, manufacturer, features & the roads ofcourse, makes a world of difference.

Of course. From what I've read, the NS is fairly vibe free till 110-120 too, and gets there fairly quickly too. I really need a 100+ steady for 4-5 hours at a stretch. From what I've read, the 250R is a lot easier to ride on the highways thanks in part to it's stability, and to the fairing+visor. Wanted your views on that. Because it's a 50k difference, buying either used!

P.S. Have dome numerous 300+ km rides on the P180 1st edition, including 2 up on the Spiti-Ladakh routes for 1200+ kms. But I was younger then Ride an Avenger now - still manage the 300km day, but keep wondering if I should upgrade to something more stress free.

[Sheel]

Originally Posted by zenx

what I've read

I will say, ride both prior to opting for one. Honestly, a P-200 cannot match the 250R on many counts, relaxed cruising is one of them.

I do not mean any disgrace to P-200, just that the 250R IMO is better for your needs from what I managed to comprehend.

My impressions of P-200 NS is here

[zenx]

Thanks much! The CBR 250R indeed seems like the better choice.

[Sudipto-S-Team]

If I may butt in on a different issue and give my "gyan" to Zenx - never buy a used bike or car unless you personally know the owner. You never know what you will be sold and what hidden issues are suppressed for the sale. In your place I would buy a new AS 200 rather than opt for a used CBR 250. When people compare two bikes - feature to feature or performance to performance - they are not taking into account that one might be a used one and the other new. A new CBR 250 will definitely be better than a new AS 200. But a used CBR 250 may not necessarily be better than the new AS 200. Because you are never sure with an old piece of machinery that has been owned and operated by someone else.
Just some gyan from an old owl. At the end of the day, it is for you to decide.

[zenx]

My P180 was used. And I took it into Ladakh Yeah, in this case I do know the owner. Plus will get it checked out. Thanks for the tip, and for looking out!!

OTOH, am very curious about the AS. As I am about the Pulsar 400s - if those ever launch.

[zenx]

Pretty much decided on the 250R. One final question - is a 20k bike too old? Or, being Honda, good for another 30k or more easily? I'm very happy with my OHC at 14 years, but have heard from many about the CBR that "This isn't really a Honda".

[aargee]

Originally Posted by zenx

I really need a 100+ steady for 4-5 hours at a stretch

I cannot share some numbers here on account of being a pubic forum, but all I can say is we (2 CPRs), did entire GQ in 5.5 days & few 1000s of Km in a day, not once, but several times in the speeds of more than what you've quoted above.

Originally Posted by zenx

Pretty much decided on the 250R. One final question - is a 20k bike too old? Or, being Honda, good for another 30k or more easily? I'm very happy with my OHC at 14 years, but have heard from many about the CBR that "This isn't really a Honda".

If you look at the history of Honda, they've always stood for few things like reliable, Practical with affordable technology.

When we talk about on those lines, yes, there was an engine seizure on my CPR despite a proper run-in, but today, after 80000+ Km, I can confidently take it to any corner provided its serviced ONLY at JSP Honda in Chennai. Like I keep saying, every manufacturer makes a perfect product, its the ASC who screws up.

And one thing I've understood one firm basic point is that, when you brake at high speeds, you don't have to throw yourself to brake hard on CPR, the forward leaning posture takes care of that part, yet, the forward leaning is not so back breaking that it will trouble your back, as a matter of fact, its the butt that rests on the seat so even hitting a pothole at high speeds, the impact is distributed to the body muscles rather than to the back bone all the way up to the spine

Last but not the least...
1. Its also very important to learn how to get a correct seating posture on CPR especially on bad roads so that there's less pain on the shoulders, its not like riding a regular commuter bike
2. Practically speaking, its not possible to do 100+ speeds for straight 4-5 hours because, even if one does 100 Kmph steady, right after 3-3.5 hours one has to refuel & not to mention there's very few roads/stretches like them in India. I hope you've taken all these into consideration

Having said all above, I will still encourage you to give a try on RS (and not to be in a hurry) & after careful consideration, go with what you like

PS - I hear CPR is coming with upgraded twin light setup & slightly improved FE & power

[zenx]

Of course, my "at a stretch" did include 5 min fuel/coffee breaks

The CBR looks like a great highway option, and a keeper. (In town, I've learned to "flick" the very strange Avenger too so I'll manage). I've learned to ride and brake easy, early. My earlier P180 was always in a rush and I expect the RS200 (though much more refined) to have the same. At 41 I'm looking to ride more peacefully for sure. And a 110-120 is plenty for me - even in more powerful cars I rarely push beyond that. So pretty ok with the CBRs capabilities-as-read.

Maybe I'll get the ECU remapped later, at most. Thanks much for all the inputs!

[aravind.anand]

Originally Posted by aargee

PS - I hear CPR is coming with upgraded twin light setup & slightly improved FE & power

I have been waiting for quite sometime for the updated version to be launched. No one really knows what Honda is up to - there have been reports that the production was stopped in September last year, there have been details that a batch of updated CBRs were brought back after testing in Japan last November. There is also news on the net, that says Honda has begun exporting the new updated CBR from its Indian factory.

But I don't really understand this lethargic launch strategy from Honda!

[BANDHAV]

Not really in line with the discussion here but still would like to add that CBR 250R has a terrible demand in pre-owned market. I am trying to part with my March 2014 Std model with only 2600 kms on odo and there are absolutely no takers even at a very reasonable asking price.

[zenx]

Just got one home. 23500 on the odo. Rode about 36 kms home on the ORR late in the night, after rain. Got the hang of it in about 5kms, and opened up a bit on the empty stretches - the torque is easily evident - didn't matter much what gear I was in. As is the low rev clatter My first "fixed headlamp" - took a little getting used to when cutting through traffic in a jam.

It'll probably need a better bulb for highways.

Is it better to always use both brakes on this one too, or just the front?

[autocrat]

Hello Aargee,

One thread that kept me glued from first post to the last! I am in the market for a good commuter / tourer and from what I read here, the CBR fits the bill perfectly. I am not sure if I want to wait for the 300, as extra 4 bhp does not mean much to me. I rather see more low end torque than top end power.

The only thing that keeps me waiting is the (expected) twin headlamps on new one, as I ride a lot at night.

Your riding trips are very inspiring, keep the wheels rolling

Originally Posted by BANDHAV

Not really in line with the discussion here but still would like to add that CBR 250R has a terrible demand in pre-owned market. I am trying to part with my March 2014 Std model with only 2600 kms on odo and there are absolutely no takers even at a very reasonable asking price.

BANDHAV,

I feel the issue is because of the expected replacement to CBR250R. Although the story has been going on for long, there isn't really any concrete information on the successor.

[jaganm]

Originally Posted by BANDHAV

Not really in line with the discussion here but still would like to add that CBR 250R has a terrible demand in pre-owned market. I am trying to part with my March 2014 Std model with only 2600 kms on odo and there are absolutely no takers even at a very reasonable asking price.

Tell me about it, parted with my CBR after a year, around 6k for 60k less than my buying price. I think it is because this like most Honda bikes appeals to the "sensible" buyer, but most sensible guys are buying Unicorn.

[aargee]

Originally Posted by zenx

It'll probably need a better bulb for highways

May I suggest you to give a try with Osram Nightbreaker+ H4; I switched from the stock about 6-7 months ago to this & found this to be slightly better in terms of throw as well as in luminosity. Since I'm a stock lover, I had to compromise on this bulb without affecting the reliability, otherwise there're plenty of other options.

Originally Posted by zenx

Is it better to always use both brakes on this one too, or just the front?

With a very little theory/reading & a great amount of experience, I found the hard truth that, the best braking comes when both front & rear are applied & on sports bike like CPR, the front has to be applied more progressively.

Originally Posted by autocrat

I am not sure if I want to wait for the 300, as extra 4 bhp does not mean much to me. I rather see more low end torque than top end power

Well, you're not alone & here were my thoughts...
- On a stretch like Tumkur - Chitradurga - Davangere - Hubli - Belgaum or Kishengarh - Jaipur or Allahabad bypass, CPR is highly underpowered motorcycle. But then, how many times have I ridden through these stretches compared to my regular office commute or short interstate runs or state highways?
- Higher capacity of 286cc means, higher fuel consumption or atleast marginally more than a 249cc; if HMSI equips the same mini 13 liter fuel tank on the 300cc, then, I simply don't want to consider it for long rides as already a simple Madras - Bangalore run requires one fuel stop & a 300cc will need additional stops for longer runs than a 250cc for that extra 37cc & 4 bhp!!
- Personally I'll be satisfied with a 17 liter tank for a 300cc, twin lamps & the same old rear suspension & that makes it a super duper sports tourer. If they're able to tweak the fuel map to yield 150 Kmph & yield a FE ranging anywhere from 30 to 38 Kmpl (depending upon the road & rider) it becomes the most practical bike to own (provided HMSI don't "jazz" the price)

Originally Posted by autocrat

The only thing that keeps me waiting is the (expected) twin headlamps on new one, as I ride a lot at night.

I would say, its worth the wait rather than trying to experiment trying to retro fit a twin headlamps on older CPRs

Thank you for your kind words; I'm only sharing what I experience & if it helps anyone I'm humbled by that.