[Ripcord09]

Hero Karizma XMR

What you'll like:

• Massive brand recall as it was the first successful "sports bike" in India
• Fantastic styling coupled with acceptable build quality
• Value for money! We find the Karizma well-priced for what it offers
• Powerful 210cc engine mated to smooth 6-speed gearbox with slip & assist clutch
• Comfortable seating for both rider and pillion
• Hero MotoCorp's widespread sales and service network
• Features such as adjustable visor, automatic headlamps, slip & assist clutch, dual-channel ABS, turn-by-turn navigation, USB Charger etc.

What you won't:

• Not as ground-breaking as the original Karizma. Might not live up to its legendary status
• Market is dominated by competition. Hero needs to aggressively market this bike if they intend to get a breakthrough
• Fairly neutral to ride. Not as exciting as some rivals
• Small 11-litre fuel tank will limit touring range
• Missing features such as riding modes, upside-down fork, traction control etc.
• Available in a single variant only and just 3 colours
• 6,000 km service interval is on the shorter side

Review Link

Yamaha R15

Ownership Review

Suzuki Gixxer SF250

Ownership Review

Bajaj Pulsar RS200

Ownership Review

KTM RC 125

Launch Thread

Hero Xtreme 200S 4V

Launch Thread

[Omkar]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line.

[DivyanshuDiv]

My vote goes for Yamaha R15.
1. Entry level sports bike with true racing DNA.
2. After sales and service experience is superior.
3. Looks beautiful.
4. Great performance and fuel economy.
5. Fit and finish, parts and overall quality is superior than the competition.
6. Cheapest sports bike that you can own in India.

[hikozaru]

How is the Suzuki 250 even getting votes when so many people here have reported issues with it. R15 on the other hand is a legendary tale that keeps on building with each iteration.

[surjaonwheelz]

You have not shared your requirements, like a sharp handler or an overall package in a Supersports form?

It has to be between the R15 vs the SF250. A test ride can settle the scores. If you're track focused then the RC200 (used) may be perfect for you!

Please share your intent of usage.

[Nikhildrao]

I don't understand this love for the SF250, it's a very unremarkable motorcycle. Heck ! even the SF155 is far more enjoyable bike than the 250. The R15 V4 is in my opinion is the best in the segment, and I put my money where my mouth is and actually bought it. Most people who voted SF250 won't buy one if given the money. The arrival of triumph, updated Duke 250 and the cb300 are objectively better. The ones who will tag it as a sports tourer, well Suzuki has the V Strom 250.

[RD410]

Karizma XMR - very honest attempt at resurrecting the legend. So many things done right and cleverly. VFM all rounder, long term reliability needs to be seen. Also, a more premium edition with USD forks may be on the cards for next year.

R15 - For the asking price, it desperately needs more performance. It's about time Yamaha increased R15's displacement to 200cc and FZ's to 160cc.

RS 200 - Bajaj is sleeping on this. Once a revered machine, has now been choked by Bs6 norms. They gave all these updates to NS while neglecting RS on the other side.

Suzuki 250 - good example of a well engineered, all rounder product. Also a good example of bad after sales, service and spares support. It's quite clear that it's the 155 and not the 250 which is Suzuki's favourite child.

KTM 125 - I don't see any point in buying this bike, unless you have lot's of disposable income

Xtreme 200S 4v - should be discontinued. Much better options like RTR200 & Pulsar 250 are available for the same price. Hero's 200cc 4v engine is still not upto the mark in terms of performance and refinement. That engine is ok for an offroader like Xpulse, but not suitable for a street bike. Xtreme 210 is up for launch next year anyways.

Others

Pulsar F250 - ultra smooth, refined, torquey, has more performance than any of the bikes in that price segment. With the new N & F series Pulsars, Bajaj has managed to beat Honda in refinement. You have to ride them to believe it. It's powerful LED projector headlamp, bezel-less infinity display and backlit switches lend it a very premium appeal at night. Should have been a massive success if not for Bajaj's messed up marketing

CB 200X - overpriced. Typical Honda traits like refinement, light clutch, etc aside, the cornering prowess of this bike is amazing. It's basically a Hornet with a comfy riding position, slightly softer suspension and better seats. That 184cc engine has good low and midrange punch. FE is good too.

[SaurAswale]

Voted R15- I currently own one but that is not the reason. Yes it seems overpriced but that engine is the best in the segment. It's efficient when you need it to be and fun when you twist the throttle. It will do 98% of things that its competitors can while giving 50% better fuel economy. (Yes it matters when you are trying to survive on pocket money or always insufficient first salary).

And I don't need to explain anything about the handling.

[pravint]

If not going for fully faired, I will choose Honda cb300f over all of these.
With Ex-Showroom price 1.7 Lakh (Delhi),The value proposition and quality easily trumps everything else on this list and segment.
The powerful 24 bhp engine is very friendly with good low end 26Nm torque.

[siren373]

How long has Bajaj been selling that Pulsar? The Duke 200 has seen more than 3 updates in the same time, I believe and yet the RS 200 remains unchanged. Not sure if it is arrogance or ignorance on Bajaj's part

[venukrithish]

Originally Posted by hikozaru

How is the Suzuki 250 even getting votes when so many people here have reported issues with it. R15 on the other hand is a legendary tale that keeps on building with each iteration.

I guess it's a bike that appeals to the emotional side but when making practical purchase decisions, buyers simple ignore it.

[venukrithish]

Originally Posted by RD410

[b]
Others

Pulsar F250 - ultra smooth, refined, torquey, has more performance than any of the bikes in that price segment. With the new N & F series Pulsars, Bajaj has managed to beat Honda in refinement. You have to ride them to believe it. It's powerful LED projector headlamp, bezel-less infinity display and backlit switches lend it a very premium appeal at night. Should have been a massive success if not for Bajaj's messed up marketing

Absolutely, it's a gem of an engine and I test rode it twice to confirm. It's honestly so smooth and power delivery is so linear. Even the handling impressed me. I can't wrap around my head as to why it didn't sell well. But I expect this engine to be part of upcoming motorcycles of Bajaj.

[NB_4763]

Voted for the Gixxer SF 250 for it's VFM. Karizma is not far behind (Haven't taken a test ride so I cannot comment).
R15 is overhyped (2.5lakhs for a 155CC Just doesn't makes sense to me). RS200 is also a good option but no updates makes it uninteresting.

[sanchari]

Originally Posted by pravint

If not going for fully faired, I will choose Honda cb300f over all of these.
With Ex-Showroom price 1.7 Lakh (Delhi),The value proposition and quality easily trumps everything else on this list and segment.
The powerful 24 bhp engine is very friendly with good low end 26Nm torque.

Might be a very naive question here. What is the difference b/w CB300R and CB300F for price difference of almost 70k between them? What does the R & F suffix denote?

[neil.jericho]

What is the purpose of this thread?

A random poll with no stated requirements or usage, will certainly not help us vote or make meaningful recommendations.

Hopefully the person who started this thread will share his / her motorcycling background, intended usage, budget, preferences etc, so that we can contribute meaningfully to this thread.