Hey Sifus!

I'm a newbie rider getting B-FULL soon.
I have a car for long distances and main transport.
Bike is mainly for urban riding within 5-10km daily with pillion rider half the time. To go kopitiam, go to work, gym etc to skip traffic.

I am looking for a 2nd hand bike and have narrowed down to:-
MT25 vs TNT249s vs Dominar 400


I have test-ridden all 3 but can't make a decision.
I like the mt25, but it is twice the price of the other 2 around Rm12k. Not sure if I should invest so much at the start and not too comfortable for pillion rider.
As for Benelli 249s vs Modenas Dominar 400 UG, they weigh about the same and price the same (6-7k). But dominar is much more powerful however 249s is slightly more nimble. Also 249s is twin cylinder so is smoother compared to single cylinder Dominar.

I'm thinking of getting either the Dominar or 249s for a start (low entry) and if I DO REALLY like riding, I can use the extra cash for a bigger cc bike in the future straight up to 650cc. But those 2 didn't feel as easy to ride as the MT25, so back to square one...

I really would like to ask any experienced rider for some advice.

Appreciate it!

This post has been edited by willybudds: Nov 6 2024, 03:35 PM

I'd go for mt-25 because it is the lightest and easiest to handle out of all the 3.
Also because you are doing urban riding only.
But do note some of the issue it has like idle pump (google/youtube it)

But if you are really planning to go bigger cc in the future then dominar 400 is better for training and getting used to bigger bikes.

No reason to consider benelli 249 if you can go for dominar 400.

So back to your main purpose, urban riding only or preparing for bigger bikes?
IMO, if you go for mt-25 it has good resale value, so you can trade it for a dominar 400 later.

Thanks for your input. I thought the same.
But the thing is, since I'm not coming from scooter or kapcai back ground, I'm unsure if I'll really be invested into riding yet.

Thus, the dilemma should I just start out cheap with a dominar or tnt249s.

Found a 249s (2021) with 20k mileage for about 6k... quite a deal. so I'm tempted.

in terms of looks, ofcourse mt25>249s>dominar. haha

get the one you like

Susah broooo, but I guess I'll go test ride more and I'll know the answer.

I told my friends, check spare part price and it deterred them to get any bikes

some got 2nd hand R25, 1 kena ECU, 1 kena VC issue, then wear and tear, prices for tyres, battery, EO, chain set, brake and suspension service etc

if you want cheap, the the Dominar comes highly recommended by others as commuter and learner bike

Yea, thanks for the tips. Gonna try out a Dominar 400 UG. upgraded specs (39hp and USD fork) and priced about the same. more value, might be the right choice.

The pros of riding the D400, is that it’s a heavier bike. So you are forced to manage a heavy bike, learn on a heavy bike, and drop that bike.

By the time you’re done, you would be confident and good enough to handle heavy bikes.

Then again, ppl say start on lightweight bike is easier. Then you upgrade. But limpeh no print money leh. In Malaysia Yangmahal is always the answer, easy to sell when you’re done.

that USD forks, like many bikes, are probably cosmetic with the same damping rods and not a cartridge kit
get the one that you like, and feel comfortable with

Thanks guys, so far favorite is MT25 by far.

But will test ride the 249s and Dom 400 UG a little more.

Thanks for all the insights!

have you tried kawasaki ninja 250, z250, ninja 400 and z400, or even cfmoto 450nk

if you plan to have pillion, dom400, my wife loves it, till i sell it and move on to er6n, much more basic bike.( no abs/slipper clutch)

dom400 v1, first bike, weight just nice, still can cilok in traffic (took me 3 weeks to build the courage to lane filter. I'm a greenhorn btw).

thing with heavy bike is, it goes both ways. If you able to manage it, no issue with lighter or heavier bike.

Saw v2 at imotorbike around 8kish. I would go for v1 if you plan to sell the bike <1 year time.

Yo do tell how the ER6 is like to ride in traffic. I'm around 162-163cm, looking to an ER6N, but doubtful if I should just opt for a Vulcan instead.

I live in Cyberjaya, so 95% of my commute route is highway estate

This post has been edited by iambryan1234: Nov 8 2024, 04:39 PM

Thats awesome to hear and very relevant to me.

I'm planning to get the V2, since it's much never and only at 7.5k.
Less issues I hope.

Gonna test both the 249s & Dom UG tomorrow.

I was looking at the Vulcan for the longest time too!
But I think I have to go for a naked bike first since more suitable for urban city.

I forgo the idea of Er6n due to the age. And riding it in driving school does feel heavy and huge. I'm gonna feel too stressed to ride in traffic for newbie.

Unexpected, but went with the Benelli 249s for only Rm5.5k!
Looks sweet and rides well. Just a bit heavy.
Can't wait to ride it.

Unexpected, but went with the Benelli 249s for only Rm5.5k!
Looks sweet and rides well. Has a Box, modified exhaust and side mirrors. Just a bit heavy.
Can't wait to ride it.

This post has been edited by willybudds: Nov 9 2024, 02:50 PM

Specifically want a reliable long distance touring bike that can also handle traffic.

Versys is way too tall to be able to handle comfortably
ER6N is very nice to ride, but I haven't had the chance to test it out in traffic which is why I'm debating whether I should topup 5-7k extra for a Vulcan which has lower height, a bit doubtful about riding a Vulcan as well because of road conditions and the lack of standardization of certain speedbumps

not bad.. pretty good deal considering you got free top box too, now better learn about bike maintenance and stuff