Motorcycle options for a 20-yr-old enthusiast who just started earning

He wants a TVS Apache RTR 310 but it's out of his budget. His next choice is a KTM Duke 200.

BHPian KiloAlpha recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I am posing this question to the forum as I have little knowledge about motorcycles in general. Requesting all to pitch in with their much better-informed opinion - I am here to listen.

The person - let us call him Mr.S - is a 20-year-old male, who has just about finished his diploma and has got himself a job paying about 15K per month (take home). He lives in a B-town in Karnataka. He has aspirations to study further and complete his graduation. His father has passed away and his mother works as a nurse in Bangalore earning about 25K per month (take home).

Mr.S wants a sports bike. So far he has only occasionally ridden sports bikes owned by his friends/cousins, and has never owned a 2-wheeler. This will be his first bike. He wants a TVS Apache RTR 310. But this is out of budget. The realistic budget they have is about 2-2.25 lakhs OTR. His next choice was a KTM Duke 200, but this is also above budget by maybe 50K.

Which motorcycle will be most suitable for him? And why? Please give reasons for your recommendations, because these can be used to persuade Mr.S.

Thanks a lot!

Here's what BHPian 2000rpm had to say about the matter:

I would strongly suggest a 150 CC bike for someone who hasn't owned a bike before.

FZ would be my recommendation.

Here's what BHPian FURY_44 had to say about the matter:

I am not sure if Mr. S will go for the pre-owned route, but there are a lot of RR310s available within his budget i.e. if he has set on getting only the RR310.

I know a few who have put their RR310s for sale.

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

Buy a 100-150cc commuter motorcycle or a scooter with good average. Earn (invest and budget) for a few years. Then rethink about the dream.

Reasons:

• He has aspirations to study further and complete his graduation.
• His father has passed away and his mother works as a nurse in Bangalore earning about 25K per month (take home).
• Got himself a job paying about 15K per month (take home)

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

Mr. S needs to keep his dream alive. Work hard, save/invest and work towards the dream. Keep Mom's income out of your dream. It will happen.

Which bike to buy? The bike he is dreaming about.

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

Interesting…

Because I also joined my first job in 2022 and a year later, I'd saved enough for a bike. I was desperate to buy one. Didn't want to shell out a lot of money and was definitely against getting a loan or 'help' from my parents. Also, I knew I couldn't spend a lot on running costs due to other responsibilities, a somewhat similar situation to Mr.S.

So, if Mr. S is open, it is always better to go for a used bike any day. It'll be more sensible for him financially as it was for me. And he should buy a good Helmet and riding gear with the remaining money.

And for 'which bike?' question there are some points to look out for-

It MUST be fun to ride- Don't go for commuters

• Great mileage- Should be light on the pocket
• Reliable enough to survive thrashing- you mentioned he is 20yo (I'm not judging, I would have done the same at his age)
• Dual Channel ABS is a must (Saved me at least once in my very short 'Riding career')
• Comfort and practicality- Why?? You don't need it, dude. Buy a car if you're into those things.

I will suggest the Yamaha R15 (or MT15) as it is a terrific sport bike. It can keep up with the 200s and 250s and easily and eat those 350s. Has very good build quality IMO. And that engine is sweeeet and has legendary reliability and fuel efficiency. He can expect 50+ kmpl in city and around 40 kmpl if he's always keeping the VVA ON and doing 100kmph on every stretch. Maintenance cost is slightly higher than 160cc commuters but acceptable for what it offers. He can get a good example of R15v4 (2022) around 1.5L if he has patience.

Remember, no loans for bikes. And again, ask him to invest in good riding gear. I've experienced that also, in my short 'Riding career'.

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