Q. I am planning to buy Duke 250 BS6. Is the bike reliable for long term use? Can be used for rides say 300 to 400 km? Asking because of seat hardness. What about the suspension, is it suitable for rough Indian roads?

Seat is a bit on stiffer side, but that shouldn't be a problem because it isn't that uncomfortable. I've driven my Duke 250 BS6 continuously for 3 hours without much problem. Suspensions are good. But in the BS6 version, the clearance is a bit less. So the lower end of the bike may touch the road if a bumper is a bit too high. Clearance is less than normal bikes. It's not a very big problem, just that be careful with bumpers or deep pits. As the suspension if soft, lower end may touch the road if you move fast on a high bumper or if you have a pillion. Because a pillion will compress the suspension significantly.

Go for Apache 200 4V or Dominar 250 or FZ25 which can save you a lot of money while not missing so much. All the 3 bikes here offer Excellent seating comfort for long rides and better mileage as petrol prices are soaring up now a days. Hope this info helps.