200-300cc motorcycle under 2 lakh for a 25-yr-old mainly for city usage

Models that I have considered include TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Apache RR 310, Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and Dominar 250, Honda CB 300F and Royal Enfield Meteor 350.

BHPian USM_1 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I am about to purchase a bike in a month or two, at a budget of around 2L in the 200-300cc segment. I need your valuable suggestions and inputs in shortlisting my bike. I am a 25-year-old IT professional, 6 ft tall and residing in Chennai.

This is not my first bike; I am upgrading from a 150cc commuter bike. I will use the bike mainly in urban jungles and I tour once in 3 months for 1000-1500 kms and it should have good reliability.

Requirements:

• Must have dual channel ABS and possibly new age features like slipper clutch, Traction control, all LED lights and Bluetooth connectivity (nice to have).
• Around 25bhp
• Naked or faired but not too committed riding position
• Assured mileage of 33kmpl+
• Usage: 75% within the city, occasional highway runs and touring
• Should have good low and mid-range
• Accessibility to service and spares is highly important
• Pillion comfort shouldn’t be too bad because I tour with my friends
• I would appreciate touring modification options readily available in the market
• Bike should not be stressed at 100 to 115kmph cruising with a pillion rider

Bikes considered:

• TVS Apache RTR 200 4v: used- 2022+ model at 1.1- 1.2L
• TVS Apache RR 310: used 2021+ model at 2L
• Bajaj Pulsar NS 200: New at 1.99L on road price
• Bajaj Dominar 250: used one – 2022+ model at 1.4-1.5 L
• Honda CB 300F: New at 2.2L or used bike based on availability
• RE Meteor 350: used 2021+ at 1.7-1.9L

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

I have a very good experience with this bike for the last 2 years as it is owned by my dearest friend. I have clocked more than 4000kms on his bike in city riding conditions, on ghats and highways. I felt this bike really performs well in city and ghats but it lacks on highways because it struggles when it is pushed beyond 105 kmph with a pillion.

Pros:

• Good all-rounder bike; practical and user-friendly
• Returns great average of 40kmpl even in ghats or city conditions
• Has new technology and features in-built
• Adjustable front and rear suspension
• Pocket friendly to own and maintain
• It can be taken to track in future and learn (I am planning to do some track days)
• Riding modes and Bluetooth connectivity

Cons:

• I really miss 6th gear for highway cruising
• Under powered ~ 20hp
• Lack of a wide range of touring accessories in the market
• TVS service experience is not up to the mark

TVS Apache RR 310

I had ridden this bike for a very short test ride, I am considering this bike because a pre worshipped 2021 model comes in the price range of new 200cc bikes and it is loaded with technology & features that no bike has in the sub 500cc segment. It is a sports cruiser so I can do touring also as the riding position is not so committed.

Pros:

• It is seriously a looker (mini Daytona at the front end and Ducati from the tail- my POV)
• TFT display which gives more information than anyone requires
• Riding modes come in handy at different riding conditions
• The most powerful bike on my list
• BMW engineering

Cons:

• Poor mileage 25-27 kmpl
• Zero pillion comfort
• Lack of space at the rear to mount luggage for touring
• Spares and service costs on the higher side
• Long term reliability

Bajaj Pulsar NS200

I was about to buy this bike when it was re-launched in 2017, I was studying college but somehow didn’t end up purchasing it. I am considering the 2024 edition with LED headlight and slipper clutch version which I feel has been upgraded to the motorcycle of this age. One of my friends owns a 2023 version with USD forks and I have ridden it so many times.

Pros:

• No-nonsense bike
• Very good mid and top-end performance
• It can do 110-120 kmph cruising speed without any stress
• Sleek and aggressive design, not so bulky
• Around 35kmpl mileage
• Decent service cost and spares
• Neither best nor worst service center experience
• Wide range of touring accessories available

Cons:

• 2012 design and doesn’t have a fresh look
• No exclusivity as NS125 and NS160 is available
• Below average plastic quality
• Poor ground clearance because of underbelly exhaust.
• Pillion comfort is adequate for city rides but not for more than 150 kms
• New all-digital instrument cluster is very compact

Bajaj Dominar 250

Luckily D250 is also available in my close friend circle and I had a chance to ride it in all conditions such as ghats, highways and city limits. I am considering it because 2021 above used examples come at around the 1.5L mark.

Pros:

• Decent cruising speed (120kmph)
• Returns good average 32-35kmpl
• Nothing much to complain about spares and service
• Looks similar to D400 (big bike feel)
• Adequate pillion comfort for long rides
• Essential touring mods are available

Cons:

• Very bulky design and weighs more than 180kg
• Riding dynamics are not so great
• Skinny rear tire
• Missing gear position indicator in pre 2023 (E20 compatible model)
• No Traction control
• Clunky gearbox
• Design and Features seem outdated

Honda CB 300F

I have never ridden this bike and once I visited a Honda Big Wing showroom in my town to enquire about this bike for my friend when it had a price cut of 65K but unfortunately the bike was not available on display or for a test ride so summing it up with the information available in internet. I will test ride this in the near future for sure.

Pros:

• 24 bhp and 25.5 Nm torque (very rare in this naked segment bikes)
• 35 kmpl which is great for 300cc bike
• Very good low and mid-range performance
• Easy 100 - 110 kmph cruising speed
• Good rider and pillion comfort
• Honda Engines are generally smooth and reliable
• Doesn’t compromise on features, it has Dual channel ABS slipper clutch, TC and Bluetooth connectivity
• 110 section tires in front and wider 150 at the rear, so it would give a good grip
• Found a few essential accessories for the bike from Zana

Cons:

• SOHC and oil cooled set up, not sure for a long ride (400-500 kms a day)
• Doesn't have good top-end performance but is livable as I don’t ride beyond 130kmph and it is not safe though
• Availability of spares in future as this bike didn’t sell in good numbers as CB350s
• I am not sure about Honda Bigwing Service experience and cost
• Availability of Bigwing service centers in tier 2 /3 cities when something goes wrong on tours
• Fear of early retirement in the Indian market
• Average plastic quality

RE Meteor 350

Since my childhood I dreamt of owning a Thunderbird 350 or 500 because of its looks, projector headlight, very broad rider seat, LED tail light and distinct handlebar setup, I really miss that bike now but now I can only buy Meteor 350 which is its successor. I am also doubtful as this bike won’t fit my riding nature or should I wait for 5-6 years from now and buy it in my later stage of life to enjoy this bike? I know this bike is meant to be ridden in a relaxed manner and it will not out-perform like other bikes in this list, still, I am considering it because I liked RE Thunderbird.

Pros:

• Very relaxed riding posture
• Great rider and pillion comfort
• J series engine with less vibrations
• Touring friendly
• Good torque figures -good for ghats
• Classy design

Cons:

• Not so modern as compared to other bikes on the list
• Bike can’t be pushed beyond 115kmph
• Weighs around 185kg
• RE service cost and reliability
• Very basic features

I would also be interested to have a look at other bikes in the segment:

• Hero Xpulse 200 4V: The engine seems to be underpowered and the tubed tire is a concern apart from that the bike is good in its stance.
• Hero Karizma XMR: On paper the bike’s specs are good but it has been roughly half a year since the bike was launched, I haven’t seen many bikes on the roads but only one in my apartment parking, I don’t like its design either and due to my OCD the bike is not well put together I have noticed some panel gaps and rough welding in the frame.
• Suzuki 250 Twins: Not considered because I don’t feel it is a VFM product and the new bike is away from my budget, lack of features and not able to find good used examples of the above 2022 model.

Here's what BHPian aargee had to say about the matter:

If you can set a more realistic financial estimate, I can recommend the Suzuki V-Strom 250 and Speed 400, though they exceed your budget. Waiting a bit longer to save up could offer long-term benefits. While KTM might suit your needs, I'm concerned about the quality of their ASC and the availability of spares.

Of all the other models you've shortlisted, TVS has been reported to stock low spares by few members in this forum; Pulsar 200 barely meets your requirement of 200-300CC; Dominar, less said better. Honda, again, spares shortage & limited availability of ASC throughout the country. RE motorcycles are really heavy to handle within the city rides compared to their peers, otherwise, Meteor 350 is really good & again it overshoots your budget as well.

Good luck & pls keep us posted on what you buy.

Here's what BHPian jetsetgo08 had to say about the matter:

My suggestion would be to checkout the new Pulsar N250 or wait for the faired version of Pulsar 250.

Xpulse would surely feel out of breath at 100kmph, forget adding pillion. The new Karizma has more of a KTM 200-like character, short stroke combined with short gearing, check if it suits your riding style.

Here's what BHPian saitvsk23 had to say about the matter:

I would wholeheartedly recommend the new-gen Pulsar N250. It's got just enough power for the city - believe me, 24.5 HP is more than enough on the city roads and is just right for your weekend rides. If I were to buy a city bike, I would definitely buy this. The refinement is just not what is generally expected from Bajaj because it is light years ahead of the previous pulsars!

Do check out the latest N250! It will be worth a test ride too!

Here's what BHPian Ratan Prabhu had to say about the matter:

V Strom SX 250 is a perfect allrounder and will meet all your requirements but will cost around 2.60L on road. The only con I see is the spare parts availability if any small mishaps happen.

In case you cannot exceed your 2L budget, I would suggest going for the new Pulsar N250. The reviews are very good. Engine refinement as per reviews is excellent. I saw 2 reviews saying zero vibes even at 110 kmph. Considering it is Bajaj, maintenance and spare parts won't be an issue. 5-speed gearbox but considering how smooth the engine is at 100 speeds on 5th gear, should be fine. Do take a test ride of this.

From the ones you have shortlisted:

Reliability wise, Honda CB300F makes sense, good value for money, but then it looks like Hornet and it doesn't sell too much I think plus only available in BigWing. So not sure about spare parts availability in future.

Outright performance and fun wise, NS200 is unbeatable in that budget but it feels like an old model now even with the updates. So not suggesting it. But can't go wrong if you buy it. Best VFM bike below 2L on road. But don't think it will be smooth at 100 kmph and beyond like CB300F and Pulsar N250.

Same with Apache 200 / used 310.

Great bikes but buzzy engines.

Meteor 350 - I have ridden this and would not prefer it in city traffic. Good for highway cruising ~ 80-90 kmph. Very relaxed engine at that speed and comfortable for pillion as well.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.