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