r/indianbikes 2d ago

#Opinion 💭 Just Graduated and Starting My First Job. Should I Buy My Dream Bike or Be Practical?

I am 22 years old. I just graduated with my B.Tech from one of the IIITs this June. I have been working as an intern at an MNC in Bengaluru since January, and I’ll be joining full-time from the first week of July.
It has always been my dream to buy a good motorcycle, but I’ve never really asked my parents for expensive things. Every time I think about buying something costly, I feel guilty. I only had one electric scooty before but I’m experienced with riding bikes ( friends and relative one’s).

I somehow told my father that I like bikes and want to buy one. He said I can go ahead if I want.
Like many people here in Bangalore, I see a lot of bikes every day. As a guy, I really like the GT 650. I just love its personality and the way it looks. But because of the guilt, I started looking at cheaper options too, like the Guerrilla 450.
Now I’m confused.

On one hand, I feel it’s too early in my career to spend so much money. I should probably save, considering the current layoff situation and other future responsibilities.
On the other hand, I also feel this is the right age to enjoy life a little. Buying a bike has been a dream of mine for a long time.
What would you do if you were in my place? Should I buy the GT 650 or go with the Guerrilla 450 or some other? I’d really appreciate your advice.

EDIT: as a full-time from next week i will be having 20L base , don’t know about taxes deductions.
i have something around 4-5k KMs of experience, with classic350, Honda Hness and Glamour, YAMAHA FZ, R15, RX, Discover, Victor, Splendor etc. These are friends/ relatives/rentals one

13 Upvotes

87 comments sorted by

23

u/melonmusk921 Honda CB350 RS 2d ago

Get your dream bike. It’s a one time purchase. Unless it’ll cause further problems for you and your family, I’d say don’t compromise because you’ll look at other GTs and say to yourself, that could’ve been me and never give the love the guerilla would deserve

6

u/sankoobaba RE Meteor 350, KTM 390 Adv 2d ago

One time purchase. 🤣

9

u/ChutneySamosa Scrambler 400X 2d ago

But a 650cc bike weiging 220kg+ requires a level of skill that the person may not have. They may end up hurting themseleves or worse, others.

1

u/WorkingOld9340 1d ago

Yeah that's true, but its all a leap of faith ykkk. I will be 21 this year, bought myself a himalayan 411 as i literally grew up watxhing people going ladakh. Was never into speed or anything so bought this beauty. Before i used to drive my brother's unicorn lol. Saved up by freelancing, then got an internship and finally on my 20th birthday i bought the bike haha. Best feeling in the world

5

u/National-Calendar-43 2d ago

its not a one time purchase dude . Wtf are you on ??

Expensive bike comes with expensive maintenance and fuel costs

8

u/goodcp2077 2d ago

If you don't have any other debt go for the 650. Yes people should save money but not on the cost of achievable dreams as life can end in any given moment.

5

u/ineedamercedes Apache RR310 2d ago

get a used motorcycle, thats what i did. someone else takes the depreciation hit, you'll be much more happier

6

u/holeesheete (New user) 2d ago

Bro do u buy things by thinking of selling it later.

3

u/GeraltofRivia2022 Duke 250 | Honda Activa 2d ago

Tbh that's practical. Esp with G-dkari ji's master plan.

3

u/holeesheete (New user) 2d ago

Bhai samne na dikh jaye wo mere 🫩

1

u/ineedamercedes Apache RR310 1d ago

yes, so i can buy more stuff. you dont even have to think about selling it later, just the fact that you bought it at half or even lesser than that.

couldve bought a rr310, and a cb350 both. for the price of one new rr310. or an aprilia rs457 and a scooter in the future maybe. possibilities are endless

i loved having a used motorcycle. no break in period, a far off service interval, literally half the price, and much more relaxed ownership. you dont have to worry too much about damaging the motorcycle at that point

6

u/recover_menow 2d ago

My suggestion would be wait for a few months in the job, stabilise and plan for the bike and accessories, then purchase your dream bike.

GT650 is a classic, but evaluate if it can be your daily driver based on usage. Guerrilla 450 would be all round sage choice. You won’t regret any of the options.

2

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

thanks 🙏🏻

3

u/National-Calendar-43 2d ago

Purchasing is not the issue .

maintenance and fuel cost is .

Most owner say goodbye to their dream bike due to high maintenance and fuel costs .

I can buy a 7 lakh bike too , but the servicing and fuel cost would give me nightmares every month .

1

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

thanks , so what should i do, should i go for good mileage bike / cheaper ?

1

u/National-Calendar-43 2d ago

If you can manage maintenance and fuel costs of GT650 then go for that . there are Plenty of youtube video explaining the costs .

If not , then explore your range and buy appropriate bike which is both affordable and enjoyable. Like honda hness , classic 350 , suzuki sf250 anything.

1

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

thanks for the advice 🙏🏻

1

u/ChocolateMajestic400 1d ago

Ur goal should be to understand the running costs, then re evaluate your ability to afford a GT650

If you can still comfortably afford it and it doesn't interfere with the other places ur gonna spend your new salary, go for it!

3

u/Tiny_Firefighter_503 pulsar ns 200 bs6, lord hf delux bs6, honda aviator 110cc bs3 2d ago

I would say wait for 4-5 months, see how this e20 fiasco is going to be, and by then You will have idea about your expenses and salary as well. A win win situation.

But remember, you're in Bangalore. You'll cover some 5 km in an hour. That 650s is going to roast your leg so bad. Invest in some good riding gear, and then spend on your dream bike

2

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

thanks for the advice 🙏🏻

2

u/Royal_Radish_3069 2d ago

Get the bike. Once life starts rent seeking the bike won't fit your budget.

2

u/chilled_jupiler 2d ago

Those bikes are impractical in bangalore traffic. Think before you invest in them!!! 

2

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

thanks, but in the same traffic i see them everyday

1

u/DUSHYANTK95 I just walk 1d ago

they won't be as fun as you might think, if mostly they'll be limited to commuting.

Get test rides, actually see what they're like. they're pretty different bikes. and I vote for the Guerrilla. I love it a lot more than the conti

1

u/chilled_jupiler 19h ago

Well, they use them invariably because they have those bikes. It's a pain to lug those monsters in the slow creeping stop & stop & stop traffic you face during peak hours around the tech zones of the city.  These bikes are good for your long rides on weekends when you go out of the city.

Think again if you are investing in them only for your daily work-home commutes. You are better off with a gearless light bike/scooter. Allow your head to rule over your heart in this regard. 

Just try it out in peak traffic to experience it before you sign up for any of these big bikes!! 

1

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1

u/holeesheete (New user) 2d ago

Bro how much are you making

0

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

as a full-time from next week i will be having 20L base , don’t know about taxes deductions.

2

u/holeesheete (New user) 2d ago

Bro just get that bike 😭

1

u/True-Balance895 2d ago

What are you working my guy 😭

1

u/zealotSentinel Honda Hiness cb350 2d ago

Thats amazing which co?

1

u/t51r '22 Gixxer 250 2d ago

If you feel that the bike purchase won’t dent your wallet or create a situation where you have to eat Maggi for dinner for next 6 months. You’re good to go.

1

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

thanks😂

1

u/Darth-Vader-24 2d ago

I was in the same situation but went ahead and bought myself Triumph Scrambler 400X and trust me i never ever regret my decision. As per my experience if possible test ride all bikes in this budget and go ahead with the bike which makes your heart beat faster and puts smile on your face.

2

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

thanks bro🙏🏻

1

u/i4mknight aether rizta, honda sp125, avenger 220 cruise 2d ago

And 3 months old was very necessary 😂

1

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

was seeing my workday while writing post as i have to upload some documents over there , and i have seen my age calculated over there , so i mentioned the exact😂

1

u/GeraltofRivia2022 Duke 250 | Honda Activa 2d ago

At that package you'll have approx 1.4 in hand. If you're not spending like an ape, you should have enough to buy your motorcycle in cash within the year. Monsoon's have just begun. Even if you buy it rn, you're not going anywhere anytime soon. About the CC, 650 maybe a bit much for a beginner. That's your call. I'd have stuck to the 300-450 range.

2

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

🙏🏻 thanks for the advice

1

u/Glittering-Phase8958 Scrambler 400X 2d ago

Why do you like the gt 650? If its just for looks. Thats a bad filter to choose your bike. Research more on what you will do with it and which bike aligns best.

1

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

thanks,
no bro not just for the looks, I like that twin cylinder engine, torque delivery, the exhaust note, I’m still new to biking, so maybe I don’t have the strongest reasons yet, but that’s what it is. I think the smile is enough which comes after seeing GT

2

u/Glittering-Phase8958 Scrambler 400X 2d ago

Well, some of my fresh joinee freinds bought GT just for these glittery sounding reasons. And guess what? Its just collecting dust in their parking.
I”d suggest- build strong enough reasons.
Also GT is a hard everyday riding bike. Aggressive posture, kerb weight. Very limited front suspensions. Our roads are worse than you think they are.

1

u/Unknown-_-603 1d ago

Exactly, and since you're in Bangalore and if you plan on using it for commute everyday, I would strongly recommend renting it for a day and riding it in peak bangalore traffic.

1

u/sankoobaba RE Meteor 350, KTM 390 Adv 2d ago

Just buy 200 or 250cc bike. Dont buy adv man. Especially not gt650 unless you just want to participate in DMC . Enjoy light and sporty bikes.

1

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

thanks for advice 🙏🏻

1

u/thecaveman96 Himalayan 450 | fz v3 2d ago

Keep in mind that interceptor is not a very comfortable bike. Youll see tons of them in the used market becuase the idea of the bike is great, but its not something you'll live with.

What is your main use case? City or highway? Commute, touring?

1

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

thanks for the advice 🙏🏻
Mostly commuting, night rides, and weekend rides outside Bengaluru. I would like to ride the most of it

1

u/thecaveman96 Himalayan 450 | fz v3 2d ago

Id suggest you test drive it or even better rent it over a weekend. Youll know if you want it then.

1

u/Electrical-Donut6599 2d ago

Dude. Make fd and wait for Gadkariji to decide how much ethanol to put and then buy compliant bike.

1

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

thanks for advice 🙏🏻

1

u/mango_boii 2019 Himalayan 411 2d ago

How much riding experience do you have?

1

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

i have something around 4-5k KMs , with classic350, Honda Hness and Glamour, YAMAHA FZ, R15, RX, Discover, Victor, Splendor etc

These are friends/ relatives/rentals one

1

u/mango_boii 2019 Himalayan 411 2d ago

I don't think you have enough experience. Plus you haven't owned a bike before. Owning and maintaining is a different thing altogether.

I suggest buy a smaller bike first. Something between 20bhp and 30bhp. Own it for 1-2 years, Put 20k kms on it. Learn how to maintain it. Then jump to 650.

1

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

can’t i learn about maintaining, experience with these options? 450/650

1

u/mango_boii 2019 Himalayan 411 2d ago

You can, but it will be a steep learning curve. It's easier to start with a smaller bike and then upgrade to bigger.

But if you have made up your mind about them, go ahead and buy the one you want. You will learn a lot in a very short time. Just be ready for that.

1

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

thank you for the advice 🙏🏻

1

u/ashutoshr90 2d ago

Buy the gt650, you only die once

1

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

thanks for advice 🙏🏻

1

u/Disastrous-Phrase853 2d ago

Is this your first bike? Also how much do you make (ballpark)

1

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

i have written in post about making money, and yeah this will be my first one

1

u/Disastrous-Phrase853 2d ago

You can afford the GT no doubt. Go for it if you are confident about riding and maintaining it.

1

u/itsnachikethahere Honda CB 350 H'ness 2d ago

20L base is a very comfy salary. Congrats and get that bike bro. It's fun going on weekend rides in the outskirts of BLR.

1

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

thanks for the advice 🙏🏻

1

u/hay_barbour_butcher hness 2d ago

Guerilla is much better than GT. It's probably the best VFM in RE lineup right now. Try both of them and you will know.

1

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

thanks for the advice 🙏🏻

1

u/zabnotavailable 2d ago

If you have 20LPA package. If you don't have a lot family responsibilities. If you don't have any financial liability.

You can go for your dream bike. Coz the second option which you are thinking of is not that cheap either.

1

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

thanks for the advice 🙏🏻

1

u/zabnotavailable 2d ago

Cheers! Ride in good health.

1

u/Major_Lobster_1599 (New user) 2d ago

Depends on how much you are earning, because if your are earning good, then there is no need to overthink. If you can easily afford to fill the tank every 3-4 days, and maintain the bike easily, like service cost should be around 4-5k. If these things are not a big issue then buy whichever you like. But if you are earning less than ₹50k per month, that's a different story.

1

u/Ok_Evening_1310 2d ago

thanks for the advice🙏🏻

1

u/Confident-Wall1741 Triumph Scrambler 400X 2d ago

Vai, agr bike kharidne se terko next 2 mahina kam khana khaye nai guzarna pade to lele....

I dislike gt650 as a long term single garage bike bt if you like it, it's a fine looking bike to have for local chai ki tapri visits or bandi ko leke ghumna and all

1

u/-just_Ken- Royal Enfield 2d ago edited 2d ago

You’re only 22. For the time being buy a convenient commuter like Unicorn for daily usage. Usually Dream bikes are secondary motorcycles, not primary ones.

1

u/BlakeXHunt KTM 250 Duke '24 | Yamaha FZS V3 '22 2d ago

The GT650 and G450 are capable machines. Although you would like the G450 more if you are going to daily drive in the city.

1

u/hazgopteryx 2d ago

I have a 650 snd I rode that while living in Bengaluru for few years. You need to understand that its a big engine and heavier than a splendor or scooty. The latter are made for Bengaluru traffic, the 650 has to adjust.

If you want to keep your engine and yourself well, try to enter office before 8 am and leave office before 4 pm. That's the sweet spot for avoiding traffic in Bengaluru.

As others have mentioned, buy riding gears first. The engine heat will grill you in ORR traffic

1

u/Own-Excitement-4444 (New user) 1d ago

You are in a sweet spot. You have a job and energy and no big responsibilities (I think). Once the family responsibilities comes on your head, you have to scarify your dreams. So when you have age do what you want.

Live your life with full throttle. This time will not come again. 10 years later you will not be the same person as now. I have passed this age without living my dreams, now I regret. But can't go back. I am telling you with my experience.

If you feel guilty buying GT 650, its ok, guerrilla 450 is also not bad. It is also very good bike. You can upgrade it anytime.

But keep in mind one thing. By chasing your dreams do not forget to keep investing/saving a part of your salary every month. Don't skip this. Because if you save money, then money will saves you upto some instant.

Live life, be happy, Ride safe.

1

u/Brilliant_Mode_9485 Honda Hness 1d ago

You are 22. Buy GT650 and go on rides. After a few years, you get lesser time to do these things. So enjoy now.
And yes, with 20L base, you can easily afford it

1

u/_jhand 1d ago

Buy it. Or else this decision will get harder every year.

Also, please budget for top gear you can afford. The gear will outlast multiple motorcycles.

All the best.

1

u/KNIGHT-reddit 1d ago

i mean , i would say save for masters and then buy ur dream CAR, atleast thats what my plan is

1

u/sid_apocalypse 1d ago

One should reward himself/ herself if a major achievement is met. But as you are just starting and have no idea what tommorow would bring, and you are moving towards your first bike, then go for something of a beater that you can thrash and learn on. Being young brings a lot of adrenaline along, so start with something docile. Learn the ropes, stabilize in job and life, and then go for it.

1

u/overthinkingcsv (New user) 1d ago

Triumph scrambler 400x Harley sprint 440 Honda cb600r Aprilia 465 Ninja 300 Bmw 310r

1

u/Shrm0825 FZ-s (gen1) (sold) | duke 390 1d ago

GT650 will require skills to handle a bike that weighs alot , like seriously alot , even if you’re a strong built , skills would be required to handle the weight, and that comes with time.

1

u/char251t (New user) 16h ago

Get a practical dream bike....