Used Bikes You Can Buy For The Price Of New Yamaha R15 V3

The on-road price of the Yamaha R15 V3 could get you bigger, more powerful bikes in the used market. Like these

The Yamaha R15 V3 has been the go-to bike for enthusiasts on a budget looking to hone their skills. It offers a decent amount of kit, killer looks and a motor that loves to be revved hard. But would you still choose the R15 V3 if you could get your hands on bigger, more powerful bikes around the same price range? Rs 1,66,954, the on-road price of the R15 V3, is quite a lot of money, money that could be better invested in used bikes that offer more bang for your buck. We’ve penned down a couple of options that you may find quite intriguing. 

1. 2018 Dominar 400 - Rs 1.5 lakh, 9,000km mileage

Rs 1.5 lakh could get you a used Dominar 400. It’s twice the displacement, has a meaty mid-range and offers a comfortable riding posture which is a big plus if you’re into touring. The after-sales service is also quite reasonable. What you need to look out for is engine vibes, a spongy front brake and a stiff rear suspension -- issues that plagued the earlier Dominars as well. 

2. 2018 KTM 390 Duke - Rs 1.55 lakh, 13,000km mileage

If outright performance is what you seek, it doesn’t get any better than the KTM 390 Duke. A used one with low mileage could fetch you anywhere around Rs 1.55 lakh to Rs 1.90 lakh, one of the best value for money propositions in the market. It’s sharp as a scalpel, blisteringly fast, quite comfortable to ride and offers premium hardware that’s second to none. That said, the bike’s TFT console is known to throw a fit every now and then, giving out ECU or ABS errors. So make the bike has the latest ECU update which irons out these issues.

3. 2020 Jawa - Rs 1.62 lakh, 650km mileage

If you’re tired of waiting to get your hands on a Jawa, you could look at the second-hand market. What you find may surprise you. As is the case with one of the used Jawas we found. It’s run only 653km, which means it is practically new. The bike may even qualify for the free service which will save you some cash. Besides, you wouldn’t have to wait for an eternity to get your hands on one. However, these new-gen Jawas are prone to rust issues, so keep your eyes wide open while inspecting the bike. Also, the seat isn’t designed to carry a pillion rider, unless you and your partner are the width of a matchstick. 

4. 2018 TVS Apache RR 310 - Rs 1.75 lakh, 7,000km mileage

TVS’ flagship bike, the RR 310, is also available if you’re willing to shell out a bit more. Yes, it’s slightly used but 7,000km isn’t much if you ask us. The faired bike in its bright red paint scheme grabs the right kind of attention. Heck, it even looks like a 600cc sportbike thanks to its proportions, so you’ll surely have some road presence. The bike handles quite well and has enough grunt to maintain triple-digit speeds on the highway with ease. Although, the previous-gen RR 310’s biggest downside is its vibey motor. 

5. 2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan - Rs 1.55 lakh, 11,000km mileage

If you’re a sucker for off-road adventures, you may want to look out for a used Himalayan, the BS4 fuel-injected one to be precise. I spent a decent amount of time on the saddle of the Himalayan and absolutely loved it. So much so that I refused to part with it when the time came to return it to the company. It’s versatile, as comfortable as a barcalounger, and pretty well kitted out to take on the trails. That said, there have been certain instances where customers have faced problems with the bike in terms of reliability. So do check the chassis, engine and service history before finalising on a used Himalayan.