News

Choosing my first bike: Ninja ZX4RR, Scrambler 400x, RS457 or CB 300R?

16th July 2024, 10:03 by Kanad Kalasur

I wanted a 300-650cc bike and the problem of choice was so big that I was also considering getting a new Ducati Monster.

BHPian AkhilAftab recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

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. That show made me realise how freeing it is to ride a bike and discover new roads or go that extra mile you never thought about going before. I was always into cars and bikes, from playing racing video games like Assetto Corsa to watching and reading everything about new/old vehicles.

There's Something about these man-made machines that always fascinates me. I started riding my Activa 125 a lot more than usual after the show, I purchased two MT Thunder helmets, A Revvit Jacket and full leather gloves as well and I was very eager to get my first bike, but it has been more than a year and I still haven't got myself one.

The problem

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

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

Things I don't care about or don't want

Mileage isn't a concern. For me, even 16kmpl is okay as long as I am happy with the bike's performance.
Service cost (I am okay with paying whatever the brand demands as long as it keeps my bike running smoothly)
I don't want bikes like, Z900, Z650 or any KTM bikes.

Budget

Anything up to 10-11 lakhs

The top contenders

Kawasaki Ninja ZX4RR

I know it's a bit much but considering it has 77+3 bhp but only 39nm of torque which is quite comparable to Aprillia rs457 and Duke 390, I love that it is an inline 4 and that sweet sound is just what pleases my ears. I also have a printed picture of this bike on my desk as I thought I would get this only.

Triumph Scrambler 400x

Love how it looks and performs, my hometown is in the Himalayan ranges so it will be fun riding from the city where I am currently living, to my hometown on this one. A 240 km road full of twisties and lots of bad roads. Not as fascinated by this bike as zx4rr.

Aprilia RS457

A P.Twin at such a good price that makes the Japanese look expensive. Nothing to complain about here.

Honda CB 300R

Super Cub (anime) made me feel something about Honda that I can't feel towards any other brand. I always liked Honda as a brand and everyone knows that their engines are the smoothest and the most reliable. The only sad part here is that now it doesn't get Showa SFF-BP like their international lineup and Honda in general seems too lazy to introduce a new bike or update the ones we already have.