Bike decision: help !
Hi Everyone,
I ve been a Chennai-pug since 2003, but a passive one since 2007. I couldnt own
a motorcycle for the last 2years due to various practical reasons but i picked
up full-blown/unrestricted driving licenses from 3 countries. Now, I am back
and in the market for a motorcycle- yippie! I have shortlisted the following
(1) Pulsar 220* (2) Karizma* (3) RE LB500. But no sales(woo)man wants to sell
me one. So, here I am to my
favorite riding pack...asking for suggestions(a bit selfishly). Beware, I take
suggestions seriously.
RE LB500: or the other RE models are not available for test ride. The salesman
put the number at 25days wait- my god. This is 20km from the RE factory!
Further, the conversation drifted towards RE Classic and the Sman tried to make
a fool of me(perhaps,it is true). Later, he pointed me to a showroom 40km away
and broke the conversation...like a busted gasket. Since... 2010 onwards, all
the non-UCE engine production will stop-- my desire to own a proper enfield
made me consider this both positively & neg.
P220: I dont want to buy one now and be helpless when Bajaj (blackens) changes
over the model and gives a new pipe-job(carbon fibre). I dont want to look like
a White Republican when Obama walks past. Bajaj keeps everything so mysterious
---i m wondering what do they do with Corporate Communications. Any inputs on
how long i may need to wait for Pulsar220-black-edition? They have the Ninjas
sitting on inventory and they are least bothered about depreciation? I like
Pulsies, I had a 2002 classic for 4years and didnt even change to ZMA (even
though I like(d) it).
HH Karizma: Comically, this is still around, yet the most sensible touring
bike. But, i m embarassed with all the new* stickers on the zma and its tubed
tyres. I cant find much fault, for HH hasnt tried much with ZMA anyway.
I think the yamahas R-teen and other small bore, big power looks are not for me
-kudos to this new direction though. I also suffer from the inflated ego
problem, my last bike was Suzuki VStrom 650 and therefore not interested in
stepping down to commuters. I even thought radically about buying a
Suzuki-Access.
My requirements for the bike
1) touring/ comfort
2) i dont mind getting fingers dirty(but ive been spoiled by my prev bikes)
3) good kit (lights, brakes, options)
4) no racing/showing off/stunting.
5) i dont want to throw away money in recessionary times (like buying multiple
bikes)
Sorry to make you read my rumblings. Please do post ur opinion--also info if
you have a used bike to sell.
Happy Riding!
Prathap.
(i ride my sister's bicycle now)...
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