[doctorque]

Originally Posted by ashis89

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorb...ml#post2848392

This thread contains all my requirements in detail.

The best 2 bikes looking at your requirement seem to be the ZMR and the 200NS. Both accommodate tall riders well and do not put added weight on the wrists/palms. They also have a easy cruising ability of just around triple digits.
The vital reason behind the ZMR not doing well is the design (i too hate the way it looks), which otherwise is a good motor bike.

Also, no one will be able to tell you if the NS is a VERY RELIABLE bike as yet as its just come.

I am also concluding that you are amongst the 99% plus bikers who do not take their bikes to ladakh.

And judging by your history with a Bajaj Pulsar over the last 8 years (Same as mine, 04' P180), i am guessing you will maintain it well for it to last as long as your old pulsar.

Go for it.

[ashis89]

Originally Posted by doctorque

Also, no one will be able to tell you if the NS is a VERY RELIABLE bike as yet as its just come.

I am also concluding that you are amongst the 99% plus bikers who do not take their bikes to ladakh.

And judging by your history with a Bajaj Pulsar over the last 8 years (Same as mine, 04' P180), i am guessing you will maintain it well for it to last as long as your old pulsar.

Go for it.

I am only skeptical about its reliability(niggling issues?) and also it being LC, will it get over-heated in the stop-go traffic situation in B'lore? You could answer since your a K 250R user.

I maintain my bike to the extent possible. My 8 yr,42k kms old P150 still runs on stock clutch and sprockets even though I wring the throttle at all times. And despite that it returns 48-50 kmpl in city limits.

I do plan to undertake a Ladakh trip but it will be in a four-wheeled machine from Bangalore and back.

[doctorque]

Originally Posted by ashis89

I am only skeptical about its reliability(niggling issues?) and also it being LC, will it get over-heated in the stop-go traffic situation in B'lore? You could answer since your a K 250R user.

I maintain my bike to the extent possible. My 8 yr,42k kms old P150 still runs on stock clutch and sprockets even though I wring the throttle at all times. And despite that it returns 48-50 kmpl in city limits.

I do plan to undertake a Ladakh trip but it will be in a four-wheeled machine from Bangalore and back.

I depend on some very reliable sources for this particular information you needed, as they have tested the bike to the limits that we very rarely are able to get close to.

I am told the vibrations arent really there until you reach the red line rpms. Also the bike does not heat up anywhere close to what a Ninja does. Ninja 250R gets over heated without much of an effort here and it really needs some air to bring the temperature needle down.

[Sutripta]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Sutripta, I do not know if you are a biker. I know you have some experience with carb tuning in cars. The fundamentals of course remain the same with bikes as well.

But there is a big difference. In a car when things go wrong, in the wrong place, you always have the relative sanctuary of the cabin to retreat to and work it out. Not so in bikes, exposed as you are to the elements.

So while re-jetting and fiddling with the carb at 5000 meters above sea level in rain, slush, chill wind and biting cold, not to mention low oxygen which makes every manual effort off the bike a planned necessity and a pain, may not necessarily sound like a big deal, or a deal breaker to you, it is something that is a massive PIA for me and most bikers.

That's one viewpoint.
But I would think that a trip to Ladakh is different from a jaunt to Lavassa. Preparation should tell the rider that it has to be done. And he should plan for it at one of the altitude acclimatization night stops.
It should not be treated as a breakdown. And absolutely no experimentation. Which means either the bike manufacturer, or its fan following bring out an authoritative list of what is to be done. Maybe even sell it as a 'Ladakh kit'.

Given our widely different world views, don't think we'll reach agreement! So no point discussing OTs.

As to your other question, I'm essentially a car guy. And a recreational rider. I ride for fun. Essentially in the hills.

Regards
Sutripta

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by Sutripta

Given our widely different world views, don't think we'll reach agreement! So no point discussing OTs.

Don't get me wrong. I believe the NS is a really good bike and a quantum (though much assisted/handed down) leap forward for Bajaj.

My feedback is purely based on my own opinion and experience and what I have heard from close friends who have been thrashing these bikes over the past few months.

Knowing how pro-active and consumer friendly Bajaj is as a biker friendly company, I have no doubt in my mind that they will eventually iron out most of the kinks.

The suspension set up though may take a while .....

[Sutripta]

Hi,
I think you have totally misunderstood my use of the term 'world view'. (And I do think our perceptions/ world views are irreconcilably different)

Eg.
When I say

Originally Posted by Sutripta

Hi,
In your opinion, what could be the (technical/ engineering) reasons for the differences in behavior?

and

Originally Posted by Sutripta

It would have been enlightening to hear the views of the experienced bikers/ biking community as to why.
...
Aren't you curious as to why? I am!

and you say

Originally Posted by ebonho

I have no idea why the Karizma in stock form struggles for breath and pull on climbs at altitude. I have never owned or ridden one.

and

Originally Posted by ebonho

But experienced bikers do not usually have views one way or the other on stuff they have not personally seen, experienced, ridden, or worked on.
.....
Not really, no. I have my hands full keeping the bikes I own running perfectly.

The NS I do not own nor do I plan to.

I would say that this difference (amongst others) is because of a difference in perceptions and the background nonarticulated thinking:- the 'world view'.
Not the (inane) basher/ fanboy difference of opinion which your last post hints at. (If it does not hint at that, I've read you wrong. Sorry in advance)

Regards
Sutripta

[Mpower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by ebonho
Agreed Sutripta. But when a carbed Kinetic and a carbed Fiero can do it, when a carbed first generation Pulsar 150 can do it, without getting older generation Bullets and Yezdis into the equation, one would expect the latest Pulsar to do it with ease.

Hi,
In your opinion, what could be the (technical/ engineering) reasons for the differences in behavior?

Regards
Sutripta

Commuter bikes are generally setup somewhat lean and so when they are up in the mountains, they tend to be 'not-overly-rich'

The new Pulsar being a hi-perf sport bike is already at a less-lean (or rich) setting so it just ends up being overly rich.

Check the owners/service manual. There is usually some blurb about re-jetting for hi-altitude running. Local mechs should also be familiar with this concept.

[0xTKB]

For your help, I'm posting these contact numbers of various bike dealers near Manali. Mods may move it to relevant section.


Maker Franchise Phone number
Bajaj Auto Malhotra Bajaj 01905-221118, 221119
HeroMoto Corp Dee Kay Motors 01905-247074, 246074
TVS Jalpa TVS
Honda A.G. Honda 01905-246330
Royal Enfield Shivam Automobiles 01905-247030
Royal Enfield Heaven On Earth 01902-205032

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by Sutripta

Hi,
I think you have totally misunderstood my use of the term 'world view'. (And I do think our perceptions/ world views are irreconcilably different)

To be honest, I did not really give it much thought, either metaphorically, semantically, perceptionally, or from the loftier perch of world views.

I was simply talking bikes. As a simple biker. Sorry to disappoint.

I would say that this difference (amongst others) is because of a difference in perceptions and the background nonarticulated thinking:- the 'world view'. Not the (inane) basher/ fanboy difference of opinion which your last post hints at. (If it does not hint at that, I've read you wrong. Sorry in advance)

Regards
Sutripta

Again, my comments were to be read purely and literally for what they were - i.e. the NS200 struggling to climb a particularly tough pass at high altitude on its own without needing to be compensate-tuned.

And my surprise and disappointment at why it should be so in a pretty expensive high performance machine, when far humbler machines have managed the same in the past without needing to resort to the same. Why look further? Its older stable mates, the numerous generation Pulsar 180s and 150s too have been able to do so.

My world view or yours, diametrically opposite or not, or the articulation of our respective thought processes, is not going to help the poor bike crest that particular hill.

No verbal or conceptual or philosophical gymnastics there unfortunately. If I disappoint by lack of desired depth, my apologies in advance as well.

[Sutripta]

Originally Posted by ebonho

I was simply talking bikes. As a simple biker. Sorry to disappoint.

Hi,
Good, nay, make that great, to hear.

Regards
Sutripta

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by Sutripta

Hi,
Good, nay, make that great, to hear.

Regards
Sutripta

Thanks man. Maybe we can discuss world views via PM. I would love to hear of yours.

Cheers, Doc

[Sutripta]

^^^
Hi,
We'll leave that for a face to face!
Enjoy your rides.

Regards
Sutripta

[doctorque]

Originally Posted by Sutripta

^^^
Hi,
We'll leave that for a face to face!
Enjoy your rides.

Regards
Sutripta

It will be great to be around when you guys do get face to face. To make things better, mix it up with a short ride in the hills. Will surely learn a thing or two myself especially about committed riding at the twisties.

Cheers
doc

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by doctorque

It will be great to be around when you guys do get face to face. To make things better, mix it up with a short ride in the hills. Will surely learn a thing or two myself especially about committed riding at the twisties.

Cheers
doc

Look forward to it Doc.

Cheers, Doc

[Sutripta]

I'm sure I'll learn a lot.
So when are you guys coming for a Darj/ Sikkim/ NE ride?

Regards
Sutripta