Bike for comfort and long rides

Hello Guys,
I'm thinking of buying a bike for daily commute. I have to travel minimum of 50KM + on weekdays. Bike should be very maneuverable and also comfortable for the back and buttocks(yes you read if right). I have been traveling for 40+ km's for the past 15 years and used bike for about 8+, only last two years I started using car for daily commute and its expensive to it daily, so want to have a bike which get get me around quickly and still be comfortable.

I back ache when I use bikes for longer period of time, If I use splendor for 4-5 days continuously I get back ache. so the suspension should be good.

I was thinking of Activa first, but not sure if its good for very long rides and pickup will be low compared to bikes.

Two bikes which I am interested in are Pulsar and Unicorn, Honda Twister is too trendy for me

.
In 125 range Discover 125M and Honda Shine looks good, but not sure if it will have good pickup.

I am not worried

What is your budget?
- 80k~90k

Your height & body build (lean/medium/heavy).
- Height: 5'.5" , Build:Heavy

Looking for 100cc or 125cc or 150cc or >200cc?
- 125 - 150cc+

How many KMs do you travel everyday?
- Min 50 kms max 120 KMS

How do you intend to travel most of the times- Alone or with pillion?
- Alone, may have office colleagues some-times

Looking for Naked/Semi faired or faired bikes?
- nothing too fancy

Do you have preference to a certain brand or interested in any specific bike?
- CB Unicorn, Pulsar 150, Activa.

What do you want most out of your bike? (Mileage/Power).
- Pickup, Power.

Your place of stay and where you intend to buy it.
- Bangalore

What bikes have you owned in the past?
- Activa, Splendor, I have also used Yamaha FZ

How long do you intend to keep the bike?
- 5 yrs

Tvs Jupiter @ 56k
or
Honda Shine @ 65k

Out of all bikes you mentioned, Unicorn has literally got no competition keeping in mind of your requirements. The suspension of Unicorn is very good. You will get a mileage of 50+ if you drive uncle style. But traffic of b'lore won't allow that, I guess (and am sure). Only con is that weight feels on the heavier side.

Also, Activa has a much better pick up than all 100cc bikes. Even though scooties are easier to drive, I don't like them, personally.

Shine also has decent pick up. You don't have to do racing, eh ?

You may say, shine = chhota unicorn.

^^ I am not concerned about mileage, comfort is the primary requirement and also should be lighter. I used my friends pulsar for a small test ride and felt comfortable. I haven't had a test ride with Honda Bikes yet, unicorn does look heavy so I wasn't considering it till yesterday, untill I came to know CB Unicorn is a newer sportier model of the original Unicorn. I want to have a good pickup so that I can speed away from signals

.

Honda CB Trigger @ 86k is also a good bike.Just test drive it once.

R

RCuber said:
^^ I am not concerned about mileage, comfort is the primary requirement and also should be lighter. I used my friends pulsar for a small test ride and felt comfortable. I haven't had a test ride with Honda Bikes yet, unicorn does look heavy so I wasn't considering it till yesterday, untill I came to know CB Unicorn is a newer sportier model of the original Unicorn. I want to have a good pickup so that I can speed away from signals .

Unicorn looks like the bike for you. Pulsar is comfortable but the handling is not that great. Get yourself a Unicorn and you wont regret the buy.

PS:: I had a pulsar earlier and now am using RTR 180ABS

RCuber said:
^^ I am not concerned about mileage, comfort is the primary requirement and also should be lighter. I used my friends pulsar for a small test ride and felt comfortable. I haven't had a test ride with Honda Bikes yet, unicorn does look heavy so I wasn't considering it till yesterday, untill I came to know CB Unicorn is a newer sportier model of the original Unicorn. I want to have a good pickup so that I can speed away from signals .

Unicorn it is then.

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rakesh_ic said:
Unicorn looks like the bike for you. Pulsar is comfortable but the handling is not that great. Get yourself a Unicorn and you wont regret the buy.

PS:: I had a pulsar earlier and now am using RTR 180ABS

How's the ABS buddy ?

I had considered RTR 160, but came across multiple complaints regarding Back Ache for riders. so wont be considering it.

DB Unicorn yes highly considered. but not for Trigger as it a little expensive and also it might not suit me.

Also which one is easier to maintain? I give my vehicles for service regularly (every 3-4 months) .

RCuber said:
I had considered RTR 160, but came across multiple complaints regarding Back Ache for riders. so wont be considering it.

DB Unicorn yes highly considered. but not for Trigger as it a little expensive and also it might not suit me.

Also which one is easier to maintain? I give my vehicles for service regularly (every 3-4 months) .

another vote for Unicorn, but also CBZ xtreme.

has the same engine, but better features (speedometer, lock for key hole)

Its a bit tall though, but i think the suspension can be brought down a bit w/o compromising on comfort (for both cbz & uni)

+1 to unicorn and shine

ps: i own a shine because my father felt that unicorn was a bit heavier.

RCuber said:
I had considered RTR 160, but came across multiple complaints regarding Back Ache for riders. so wont be considering it.

Partially true due to the sporty postition. Also, the fact that it's a boke only for short/avg height riders, and people with 5"10 or higher heights would face a bit problem.

Some poeple find that postition quite good, but some refrain from it (preferring typical bullet style seating).

I'll say take a test ride for at least good 5 kms, then decide. RTR's maneuverability is just top notch (no competiiton on that front), and gives much less issue than at least Pulsar.

I found pulsar 150 to be uncomfortable too after 140kms ride. Probably best to take rest after every hour. But havn't been on longer rides.

R

dashing.sujay said:
How's the ABS buddy ?

To sum up RTR 180 ABS -
1) Its a beast with raw power
2) ABS actually works and can be a life saver for 10K (worth the money spent) compared to the non ABS 180 cc bike
3) Its a rough ride and aggressively postured. Recommended only for people who like the Z shaped seating posture. People with troubled back should not even consider RTR.

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dashing.sujay said:
Partially true due to the sporty postition. Also, the fact that it's a boke only for short/avg height riders, and people with 5"10 or higher heights would face a bit problem.

Some poeple find that postition quite good, but some refrain from it (preferring typical bullet style seating).

I'll say take a test ride for at least good 5 kms, then decide. RTR's maneuverability is just top notch (no competiiton on that front), and gives much less issue than at least Pulsar.

Agree with rest of it but not the height factor.

I am 5 10 and I dont find the ride short. The seating makes up for the generally short looking body (it looks so partially because of the dome).

Faun said:
I found pulsar 150 to be uncomfortable too after 140kms ride. Probably best to take rest after every hour. But havn't been on longer rides.

I won't be riding for 140 kms, its one of the total up and down distance to my home and office. I usually take car if I am driving in that route.

rakesh_ic said:
3) Its a rough ride and aggressively postured. Recommended only for people who like the Z shaped seating posture. People with troubled back should not even consider RTR.

Yes.. this is my concern, so won't be considering it.

Unicorn is a very comfortable bike indeed. But, imo, its looks feel a bit dated. If you aren't concerned with looks, Unicorn is a good choice. If looks matter, check out the CB trigger. It is almost identical in specs to the Unicorn. The main difference is the looks. Highly recommended to test drive both bikes before choosing.

From Bajaj Stable, atm, I wouldn't recommend anything from the pulsar series as the 2 main bikes Pulsar 150 & Pulsar 180 are way too dated. Both these bikes, will however, recieve a major upgrade in 2-3 months.
The Discover series is for those who are mileage conscious. & speaking from personal experience, These bikes tend to become a bit hard to manage after 4-5 years or so..Still, i'd say the bajaj Discover 125ST or the new bajaj bajaj Discover 125 might suit you.

Bajaj Avenger is also a great VFM & comfortable bike , but since your priority seems to be maneuverability, i feel this is not a good choice.

If you can wait though, Suzuki Gixxer will be launched Shortly.
A FZ 170 is alos on the cards.

There is a new model in Discover its 125M , looked good, I didn't see the other ST models.

also Trigger was too fancy, and has shorter pillion rider seat.

I am not sure if I am willing to wait for 2-3 months for the new model. Pulsar though dates is a very tested model. Investing in any new model will be risky cause we will not know if there is any problem which might occur after a few months of use. FZ is out of the question, its not comfortable for me.

I myself use Yamaha SS125. But I would not recommend it against Unicorn, but I would like to suggest this: Suzuki GS150R.

rakesh_ic said:
Agree with rest of it but not the height factor. I am 5 10 and I dont find the ride short. The seating makes up for the generally short looking body (it looks so partially because of the dome).

I said on feedback of other people. I too am almost 5"9 and feel fully comfortable.

Will be going today for a test ride for both pulsar and bikes from Honda. will try to check Suzuki GS150 if possible. Will book the one which I will feel comfortable.

I am more aligned towards Black Pulsar.. but lets see

Aah...not black pulsar. Doesn't look good.

And for safety, choose one with brighter color. Red is fine.

I can't press enough that how many times I have avoided black cars at the end point of a to be collision on hardly lit Indian roads.

pulsar? they were good in last decade, now theres so much choice, like 1000s of Samsingh mobiles or millions of Indica

give KTM Duke a test ride too :))

get CBZ.

yamaha fazer also seems to be comfortable

G

I have Honda gearless variants.Having driven for 4 years.In my opinion you should not buy them as suspension is important for you.

Gearless tyre radius also short and less control in turns.

I recommend any bike as suggested above will be good for suspension ,mileage and control.

If you are lazy guy n not interested in gear or not so much interest in automobiles, go for gear-less.

Booked Black Pulsar.. no one in my family liked Unicorn and a wee bit taller for me. The other pulsar colors were only Blue/Blank and Red/Blank which were not that good looking. I wanted Silver color, but the production is stopped. I got tempted to book Pulsar 200 NS or go look for Duke but held back

~80K Cash. will be paying money tomorrow and will take delivery on Monday on Ugadi. Registration on Wednesday.

Main points for choosing Pulsar over others.
My original requirement was only Activa, but choose a bike as it will have more pickup than scooter.
Its been in market for a long time. Tried and tested. and I can live with old model "Bike".
Maintenance would be easy. Any local shop can fix issues if I get any issue while traveling.
More power than Unicorn (15 BHP compared to 13.4).
At least one feet touches ground fully

.
Bit fancier than Unicorn (it looked too basic for me)

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

PS: Not sure how many facepalms I will get for Choosing Pulsar

umm... aren't cruisers more comfortable for long rides?

Makx said:
umm... aren't cruisers more comfortable for long rides?

Long rides yes, long rides in traffic.. no.

RCuber said:
Booked Black Pulsar.. no one in my family liked Unicorn and a wee bit taller for me. The other pulsar colors were only Blue/Blank and Red/Blank which were not that good looking. I wanted Silver color, but the production is stopped. I got tempted to book Pulsar 200 NS or go look for Duke but held back

~80K Cash. will be paying money tomorrow and will take delivery on Monday on Ugadi. Registration on Wednesday.

Main points for choosing Pulsar over others.
My original requirement was only Activa, but choose a bike as it will have more pickup than scooter.
Its been in market for a long time. Tried and tested. and I can live with old model "Bike".
Maintenance would be easy. Any local shop can fix issues if I get any issue while traveling.
More power than Unicorn (15 BHP compared to 13.4).
At least one feet touches ground fully .
Bit fancier than Unicorn (it looked too basic for me)

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

PS: Not sure how many facepalms I will get for Choosing Pulsar

well your money your choice

congo

1. on delivery check the brake pedal (rear

), my cousin's (180cc) was faulty & would not return to normal position completely. Had it replaced on the 2nd day after delivery.

2. put the bike on main stand & rotate the front wheels, if it makes any sound - disk brake/pads is misaligned. The personnel will say "saar ride 500km it'll adjust itself". If its pad issue, it'll get aligned ( wear & tear) in under 100km, if theres' still noise at front, disk brake needs replacement. They'll say ride another 1000km... tell them to stfu & change the disk.

3. bajaj are prone to oil leak from head (2k+ km), so when you see oil leak, get the gasket replaced by a good service center thats not bajaj.

Its an awesome bike for overtaking, crisp engine, enjoy overtakings :))

and also enjoy finding neutral gear in traffic

(i used to just turn off engine)

just came back after paying full amount. They asked me to take delivery before 12 Noon tomorrow. This has to be one of my fastest purchases ever. The Sales lady was very helpful as I wanted the vehicle on 31st March itself (its a public holiday) on the occasion of Ugadi.

Total on road price 79,865 /-

IND Number plate 750 + and a few Accessories 1800 extra.

That Accessories include Engine Guard, ladies handle, helmet lock etc.

I need to get a wheel lock installed later.

s18000rpm said:
well your money your choice
congo

1. on delivery check the brake pedal (rear ), my cousin's (180cc) was faulty & would not return to normal position completely. Had it replaced on the 2nd day after delivery.

2. put the bike on main stand & rotate the front wheels, if it makes any sound - disk brake/pads is misaligned. The personnel will say "saar ride 500km it'll adjust itself". If its pad issue, it'll get aligned ( wear & tear) in under 100km, if theres' still noise at front, disk brake needs replacement. They'll say ride another 1000km... tell them to stfu & change the disk.

3. bajaj are prone to oil leak from head (2k+ km), so when you see oil leak, get the gasket replaced by a good service center thats not bajaj.

Its an awesome bike for overtaking, crisp engine, enjoy overtakings

and also enjoy finding neutral gear in traffic (i used to just turn off engine)

Thanks for the tips San, will check before taking delivery.
Noted on the oil leaks and gasket replacement. I have a good mechanic who will take care of these.

Yea, I had a problem getting these modern bikes to neutral, its a pita in FZ. I too just shut off the engine.

Also which engine oil do you recommend? I will go for Mobil 1 or Shell Synthetic oil's after the first service.

Aah, so this is ladies handle ?

*2.imimg.com/data2/YH/XX/MY-3039563/activa-ladies-handle-250x250.jpg

^^ Yep..

yea, mobil/shell are good, castrol is also good, but not as good as those two.

btw, Mobil 1 - McLaren F1 Team's official (oil,fuel) partner

& Shell is Ferrari's.

*a.sidepodcast.com/content/2014/03/mclaren-mobil-1-back-in-black-livery.jpg
*www.motorsportchannel.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2014-Ferrari-F14-T-drivers_resize-600x400.jpg

Here it is!!!

*i.imgur.com/n9rpltIl.jpg

How will you take care of your lungs ? Pollution is sick there.

Faun said:
How will you take care of your lungs ? Pollution is sick there.

masks should do it. but for me heat is the problem. Will try to leave home early and return back early.

congrats

G

looks good...congo

Congrats..

I heard that Yamaha bikes are for riders comfort unlike pulsar and all. Is that true?

Wow. dusting up an old thread.

On topic: Yes, all commuter bikes from Yamaha are very comfortable. I am not sure about the sporty ones (R15 and the likes) on longer rides.

I actually meant R15 and FZ, people say they are comfortable compare to pulsar bikes, doesn't give back pain in long rides

LOL bought bike long ago and also met with an accident on the same bike. recovering from wrist fractures ( both hands) . another week to go

Get well soon dude. We are missing u in bf3.

How about FZS F1 v2.0??

Sorry for bumping this. Did not read the whole thread.

Bike already purchased. Closing thread.

FZS F1 v2.0 is good but Honda CBR 300r will release by the end of year in India.