[t3rm1n80r]

OP, let me start by telling that I'm a relatively new rider with around 23k kms under the belt, most of which are quality kms (or so I think). There are far more experienced riders on the forum who have given some really good advice. Still, here are my two cents:

I strongly agree with the points mentioned by @neil.jericho, @Nilesh5417 and @SaurAswale.

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

As someone who has been motorcycling for a fair while, my honest feedback is that your budget is swaying you towards motorcycles that you want and not strongly towards the motorcycles that you need.

How do I know?
Because I've been in a similar situation as yours. It's okay to have the best of everything you can afford. But there are certain things you'll be able to appreciate more once you've got the quality taste of the spectrum.

Originally Posted by Nilesh5417

The rush is just unbelievable and you truly need to be able to still stay rational and well within your limits until you get back home. And be able to do that every single time you ride.

One of the reasons I've stuck to relatively small capacity motorcycles for now. Less chances of me not returning home.

Originally Posted by SaurAswale

Trust me, the bikes you say are boring has still a lot more to give than we can explore.

I consider myself lucky to have found out about it without getting into trouble or putting others at risk. I was amazed by the engineering and how high the bar is set by the manufacturers. My respect for professional competitive riders has increased multi-fold, where they are able to extract every bit from the machine.

[omranga98]

Originally Posted by AkhilAftab

Quick background and why I want to get a bike
I started riding my Activa 125 a lot more than usual after the show


I have ridden a few 350cc, 200cc, 180cc and 150cc bikes that my friends own and these bikes don't spark anything in me, a rather boring feeling.

From what i make of the post, riding Activa 125 and occasionally riding bikes of your friends, you do not have much experience with faster bikes yet.

Maybe you should take a more linear route?
Get something like RS 457 (Which is plenty fast), get used to the power it offers and also get more experienced with it. Then probably down the road, trade in with something faster like a Street Triple R or Ducati Monster?

This would be a much safer and a smarter route of doing things IMO.

Happy Shopping!

[jackofsome]

Welcome to the forum.

Here are a couple of pointers from a perspective of a motorcyclist who upgrades only when he achieves a set goal and not get a 200hp monster just because he can.

Its best to start small when it comes to motorcycles as they are unforgiving. However in the specific case where you are sure you can handle a relatively big bike and you have 10 lacs to spend just get the ZX4RR. Why?

Looks a quintessential Kawasaki big bike.
Sounds like a dream across the rev range and especially when you rev the nuts out of that little engine.
Kawasaki service is in general better than all other big bike services.
It has just enough power so that it keeps you engaged and does not scare you low down in the rev range and in the higher revs its a proper beast.
Tyres wont be eaten fast like in bigger bikes.
The suspension on the RR is good for 99% of the situations.
You can track the bike in BIC and learn what actual sportbiking can be. And i promise the paddock will envy you even though most there will run 200hp monsters.
Last but not the least- it’s a 400cc inline four. Aprilias, Ducatis, Triumphs will come and go, however there wont be another Zx4R. Its a collector’s item.
I really hope I could convince you to buy a bike which is an icon to my eyes, overpriced to most.

If you still want to start with something small, which would suit you alright, get any small bike you fancy.

[theqca]

Originally Posted by AkhilAftab

Quick background and why I want to get a bike

What I want

1) A bike that is a great handler
2) Smooth engine with minimal vibrations.
3) Anything between 400-800cc I am open to any cc as I won't be buying a second bike soon.
4) Reasonable heat management.
5) I like modern dash and connectivity features as well.
6) I am open to any bike suggestion but lean towards sports bikes a bit more.
7) It will be mostly used for joy rides and early morning coffee runs.
9) Prefer brand new bikes only.
10) Prefer Japanese bikes.
11) I like bikes which give off a big bike feel.

I was in a similar dilemma many many years ago when I was 20. I bought a Rajdoot RD350.

My comments to some of the points you've mentioned based on my experience over the years.

1) When people tell you a sports bike is a "great handler" they are saying this in comparison to other sports bikes. A sports bike will not be a great handler if you want to ride even in mild traffic or on bad roads. So include that in the equation.

2) Avoid a single cylinder bike (I have a Duke 390 but I'm still saying avoid a single cylinder). Its okay if you already have other bikes to ride and want variety.

4) All large bikes become hot and that heat starts hitting your legs. Unlike some bikes which are known to have over heating issues (depending on which part of the country you live or ride in ) you'll get your fair share of heat if you ride wearing open footwear and shorts even if its just a short ride. So accept the fact that heat will exist.

6) Riding a CBR and a Hayabusa many years ago made me hate Bombay traffic. The traffic is even worse these days. Its not like you cannot ride, you can but its just a very painful and unhappy experience.

My view -
I like bikes which "feel" big and sound big even if they are not all that "big" in terms of engine size. I bought a Himalayan because it feels like a big bike even though I will never use it for touring. A ride from town to Bandra is the max I ride on it.

One of the reasons I am at present contemplating the Continental GT 650cc twin from RE to add to the stable because I am assuming it will feel like a sports bike and sound nice and at the same time will be okay on the roads in Bombay. Yet to ride one though. One of these days perhaps.

And lastly - I agree with the views some others have given on gradually moving upwards. It doesn't mean you start with a hero honda cd 100. But do be a bit reasonable - do an honest evaluation of your existing skill level / capability and take a call.

[Mission_PGPX]

Originally Posted by AkhilAftab

Quick background and why I want to get a bike

I am a 21-year-old who started earning well enough to get started on a motorbike, my love for motorcycles sparked from an Anime called Super-Cub as the name suggests is based around Honda's super-cub.
The problem is choice, yes you read it right.
The choices are making me feel like I would regret buying a bike.
I have ridden a few 350cc, 200cc, 180cc and 150cc bikes that my friends own and these bikes don't spark anything in me, a rather boring feeling.
I wanted a 300-650cc bike and the problem of choice was so big that I was also considering getting a new Ducati Monster.
I would appreciate opinions from people who have been where I am and help me choose a bike I won't regret buying.

What I want

1) A bike that is a great handler.
2) Smooth engine with minimal vibrations.
3) Anything between 400-800cc I am open to any cc as I won't be buying a second bike soon.
4) Reasonable heat management.
5) I like modern dash and connectivity features as well.
6) I am open to any bike suggestion but lean towards sports bikes a bit more.
7) It will be mostly used for joy rides and early morning coffee runs.
9) Prefer brand new bikes only.
10) Prefer Japanese bikes.
11) I like bikes which give off a big bike feel.

You are just 21 and have a full life to enjoy riding. Why it sounds like you are already bored of small and mid capacity bikes. These are years for getting experienced at riding before you pull the plug on something like litre class.

My suggestion would be to ride a mid weight, mid capacity bike for couple of years or 10-11K kms and gather the experience of riding in different conditions and challenges. something like Speed 400 or CBR 300 should serve the purpose. Sharing what I learned, It is easy to ride slow bike fast compared to fast bike slower.

Also, As you go higher in engine CC, you face increased heat and weight as well. The heat is specifically an issue in Indian Climate, since air temperatures are relatively hotter baring dec to feb. The engine cant cool for any speeds less than 60 kmph. Imagine grilling your legs in city in summer with 38 C air temperature. Also if possible and get a chance try moving Hayabusa in tight space with your legs and engine off.

Issue with Sports / Super sports: They are just not practical unless you have 6 pack physic and only want to ride for 40-45 min. If you are into riding, you would want that comfortable riding position, which none of the sports bike give. Naked sports is one alternate here, thats where Triumph street triple and Kawasaki Z series shine, they give the same power at a better ergonomics. Try riding something like Daytona or 6R for 1 hr and come back on Z900 or street triple, you will know what I mean.

I hope I have not confused you but I indeed did that.

[shankarbn]

240km of bad roads and twisties = screaming for an ADV, not sport bike. Modern dash connectivity means KTM, Triumph and Ducati. Not including BMW because too far away from budget. If I were you I'd wait for the big LC twins from KTM or check out the tiger 900/800. Neither will be well within your budget but a bit of a stretch brand new and within budget used.

The new KTM 390 adventure is not bad either, with a new shape coming in hopefully soon as well. Even though I don't like RE at all, don't discount the himalayan. It is a quirky and capable bike.

[Cyborg]

Akhil, get a smaller cc motorcycle and get used to it first as so many experienced riders have mentioned.

At 21 or actually any age without experience of the explosive power delivery and braking capability of higher capacity bikes it’s easy to make a mistake and have an accident because we underestimate the bike and overestimate our capabilities. This takes fractions of a second and is usually over in the blink of an eye. Rather than regret later it’s so much better to take a cautious approach.

Even after gaining experience it’s always better to control the right wrist on any new motorcycle until you figure out what she’s all about and how she behaves all around.

You are 21, take your time, there’s no hurry. All of us or let’s say most of us have made mistakes in bike purchases, sold and moved on

Cheers

[ps_abhijith]

Hi,

It all comes back to your intended purpose of usage for the bike.
If its commute within the city with occasional long rides, a sportier bike would be better.
But if you are planning to do mostly tours and long rides, something a bit more comfortable, and forgiving should be better.

Like most experienced riders here have pointed out, it is not very safe or wise for you to go headfirst into this and get a 600+ cc bike with more than 50 bhp. A wise choice would be to get something below 500cc, a bit forgiving and get used to the bike and riding overall considering this would be your first bike. You could consider the parallel twins from RE if you are comfortable with them.

Do detailed test drives of the bikes you have your eyes on, and make an informed decision post the test drives.

Don't be discouraged, once you are used to the bike you can always move on to bigger bikes.

[Rachit.K.Dogra]

Originally Posted by AkhilAftab

6) I am open to any bike suggestion but lean towards sports bikes a bit more.
7) It will be mostly used for joy rides and early morning coffee runs.
9) Prefer brand new bikes only.
10) Prefer Japanese bikes.
11) I like bikes which give off a big bike feel.

Personally I feel the top contender in your list should be 6R. It comes with enough headroom for you to grow as a rider. It's power will have some learning curve for you, which will motivate you to focus on skill and technique. It was a world of options available to mod, tweak, improve and make the bike your own version of a sport bike.

Best of Luck!!
Rachit

[R15M_Rider]

Hi,

Having gone through your post, I think it is best if you would take out two things out of the equation - the amount of cc and the amount of power a bike has. The best way would always be to experience it. The numbers displayed on a paper might wow you, but the true indication the bike is for you is of course through a test ride.

I got into biking at 23 with the R15, having never ridden a geared motorcycle before it. Its just been around 21 months and I have clocked around 19.3k km. Each time I ride, it always brings so much joy and to put it simply, I don't think I will ever let it go. I bet you hear on social media about how people ridicule about the puny 155cc engine and other things like they only approve of 400cc+ machines. On the flipside, if you see in Europe where licensing is cc based, I have seen people laughing their hearts out on 125cc machines on YT.

Now, of course, I know you have already ridden lower cc bikes and may not have found them exciting, which I won't question that because everyone has different tastes. But I still believe the decision should not be based on the spec-sheet and should be based on the experience of riding it and how it makes you feel.

Looking forward to see what machine you end up with!

[kika]

Young ones are always hot blooded and always look for their adreline rush leading to umdesriable outcomes. Your post makes me feel the same way so I hope you will take your ride responsibly. Dont forget to buy safety gear too.

For your budget, if you are ok with used bikes you can go for Ninja1000SX which is a good looking and comfortable sports tourer. Other Yoi can also go for the recently launched Pulsar 400 or Dominar 400 to keep your finances in check and move the remaining money to your savings.

[kd_r16]

The Ninja 650 or any 650CC bike should be ideal for you, these are your formative years of motorcycle riding, I would suggest buying average riding gears which the market provides without compromising on the safety and quality something like LS2/Rynox.

Like many have suggested just go test ride the bikes whatever makes you feel confident get that one, if your 90% use is in urban area you can live off with any type of bike no need of getting an ADV just for its ground clearance.

You are super young and have the means to explore all of your curiosities, so instead of going full in get the best above average product and see if you enjoy it, who is to say two years down the line you'd still like riding ?

[AdvRider]

Are you open to an ADV? If yes, go for NX500 or Transalp.

[TheVDR]

The first step to riding fast is mastering riding slow. Isn't it ironic? The fact is, accuracy builds speed. Riding right at a slow pace will help build the foundation of righting right at high pace. Given the age and the description of experience, you should buy something that is sporty yet comfortable, something that quenches the need for speed yet it is forgiving, in case you make an error. To me, there's only one bike that can check these boxes - R15.

Run the hell out of it. Learn everything there is to learn. And within 2-3 years, you'll be comfortable enough to upgrade.

Bikes are higher end of the spectrum are not versatile. They are purpose driven. They'll be the best at what they do and what they are meant for but then suck at everything else. I call this the biking ikigai. To figure out which purpose driven bike you need, you'll have to figure out what your purpose is with bikes!

[Indraneel Bhat]

Originally Posted by AkhilAftab

Quick background and why I want to get a bike

Hey Akhil,

My 2 bits? Earn your cc. Start off small and then buy bigger bikes as your skills develop. I would say start off with a good 160cc (Honda Unicorn, TVS RTR 160), but you may not want to do that.
So the KTM Duke 250 and TVS RTR 200 4V are GREAT learner bikes, though the KTM would take some getting used to. The TVS comes with good tech and 3 riding modes and very manageable power. The kind that would allow you to make mistakes.
The Honda CB350 RS is also a good option.

Also read up and watch videos on good riding techniques

1. Sport Riding Techniques: How to Develop Real World Skills for Speed, Safety and Confidence on the Street and Track by NICK IENATSCH (book)
2. The Cornering Bible by Keith Code (instructional video)

You're 21 and have your whole life ahead of you. So please take the time to inculcate proper riding technique. Just remember Valentino Rossi or Marc Marquez would look just as cool on a 100cc as on a 1000cc motorcycle.

Hope you find a great bike and wish you happy and safe riding!!!