Which first bike? Honda CB300R vs KTM RC200 vs Triumph Speed 400

Also would be willing to wait for any upcoming bikes that may be worthwhile and if the bikes above are listed to be upgraded/updated.

BHPian YoungDumbBroke recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello everyone, I'm a long time reader but a first time poster.

At long last I've convinced my parents to buy me a bike and by god was it a task. (Finally managed by telling them that a bike is safer than a scooter because of abs XD). Also I apologise if this is the wrong thread to have posted this query in- as I said, I haven't posted here before.

Now onto my requirements- I'm looking for something that has decent power, great handling dynamics and costs lesser than Rs 3.5 lakhs. Would prefer a bike that is lighter because most of my riding will be done on ORR, Bangalore (an absolute traffic hellscape).

Bikes under consideration:

Honda CB300R

The current front runner due to its power to weight ratio and neo-retro aesthetics

PROS:

1. Light weight (146kg)
2. Assumed Honda reliability
3. Design

CONS:

1. Over priced for what it offers (but willing to overlook that)
2. Horror Stories online regarding availability of spares and the service offered at BigWing. (Especially seek owner inputs regarding this in Bangalore)
3. Worried about discontinuation

KTM RC200

A bike that tugs at my heartstrings however practicality (vis-a-vis both posture and gearing) is a matter of concern.

PROS:

1. Sharp looks
2. Fun riding dynamics

CONS:

1. Unsure about KTM reliability
2. Low power to weight ratio
3. Not the greatest VFM

(Need user experience about how the service and spares scene is)

Triumph Speed 400

Great VFM, however the looks and lack of exclusivity don't make this a top contender.

PROS:

1. Great VFM
2. Powerful

CONS:

1. Very common now
2. Lack of colour options

These are the bikes that I'd shortlisted during my research, would be open to other recommendations from you all.

Also would be willing to wait for any upcoming bikes that may be worthwhile (continental GT 450 intended) and if the bikes above are listed to be upgraded/updated. (Please let me know if there is any information)

Thanks for taking the time to read this, look forward to your opinions

Here's what BHPian Jaggu had to add to this matter:

How old are you and how many years you have been using bikes? If starting into riding I would suggest you get a 150-200 range bike, preowned would be better. Get the hang of it, trash it and then after a year or so go for a bigger CC bike. There is no easy way than experience and practice to tame larger capacity bikes, they may look cool but a smart person would invest in upgrading skills before jumping into this.

On the other hand if you are good rider, I would suggest KTM to start off. It is a hooligan, very easy to maintain thanks to service all across and very reasonable spare prices. But do keep that right wrist under control, it can be a handful bike otherwise.

Meanwhile, here's what BHPian Ratan Prabhu replied:

If majority of your riding will be in city traffic, I wouldn't recommend the RC200 from your list because riding posture is a bit aggressive which is fun on highways at high speed but is a pain on the palms when in frequent traffic. If you a KTM fan, rather check out the new Duke250.

Honda CB300R and Triumph Speed 400 are perfect for city. Although there is 9bhp difference between them, the acceleration and overall performance is very close (triumph slightly faster).

I don't think you need to worry about Honda discontinuing the bike but spares can be an issue as they may take 2 weeks to arrive after placing order at the ASC. But the fast moving spares like air/oil filters, brake pads, cables are usually available in stock (atleast in Mumbai BigWing they are).

I think you should test ride them both and decide between these 2 bikes. My vote goes for the Honda as it is more light weight, slightly less powerful and feels like a perfect first motorcycle to own (since you upgrading from a scooter) and as I own CBR250R since over 12 years, can vouch for its reliability if you intend to keep it for many years.

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