[hot_wheels]

Okay, so I decided to return to motorcycling after almost 15 years. I am in my early 40s. After getting married, I gave up motorcycling (not consciously) and completely used cars for both commute and long trips. Now, I started to miss the joy of motorcycling and want to slowly get into it. Although I want to eventually get a higher capacity tourer (preferably a sports tourer), I am thinking of starting with a decent low-capacity city bike to say dip my toes and see how it goes. I also have a back issue from a past injury, so want to take it slow to begin with. My current use case will be occasional city commutes and weekend city outskirts rides with friends.

I am a sucker for neo-classics and my dream bike is the Triumph Speed Twin 1200. I also like some of the REs like the Shot Gun 650, Guerilla, and the Scram 411. I like the Triumph 400x Scrambler as well. I am 6'1'', so would appreciate a riding stance that is not too cramped. So far I have test driven only the Guerilla. While the bike looks good and feels powerful, I felt the bike is too low-slung and the pedal placement too high that it didn't feel very comfortable.

Ultimately I prefer a neo-classic roadster/scrambler design. I am not interested in the Himalayan as it's very purpose build and I don't want to drive ADV in the city. I was also a bit overwhelmed by Bangalore traffic when I test drove the Guerilla. Taking the handlebar after so many years I experienced the insane chaos of the Bangalore traffic, particularly the two-wheelers, autos, and mini trucks. I know I will get used to it shortly but it would immensely benefit if my future bike is relatively easy to maneuver in the city. That said for me beauty and proportion and very very important and it doesn't matter how good the bike is to ride if I don't stare at it to derive pleasure .

I request experienced T-BHP bikers to offer their pearls of wisdom to help me find the right one for my needs and tastes.

[Ratan Prabhu]

More often than not, I find myself recommending the Triumph Scrambler 400x for some or the other reason.

At 6'1, the tall stance of the scrambler 400x would suit you perfectly. It has good low end torque so city riding won't be difficult, capable on the highways, linear power delivery which won't feel scary (since you will be starting to ride after many years of gap)
Very comfortable ergonomics.
The front brakes are spongy. But from what I've read, switching to sintered brake pads improves the experience.

Other than this, In case you want a more chill ride with lower power, you can try the Suzuki Vstrom250. It isn't really an adventure bike but more of a comfortable adv looking sports tourer which can do a bit of "bad roading". It also has comfortable ergonomics, smooth engine, linear power delivery.

So my vote goes for Triumph Scrambler 400x followed by Suzuki Vstrom250. Both will fulfil your requirements.

[jetsetgo08]

My suggestion would be to checkout the Honda CB350 RS followed by h'ness. It is the ideal bike for someone resuming their motorcycling journey. Easy and forgiving to ride. It might seem too boring at first but will eventually grow into the rider.

[timuseravan]

I would strongly recommend you to check out the BSA Gold Star 650. It is a surprisingly fantastic bike. I am in the same age group and 6' and found the Gold Star had a very comfortable seating posture. The bike has good low end to potter around in the city and yet it can pull fast enough that it is faster to 100 than the Interceptor!

Bellow that I would suggest either the Scrambler 400x or the Scram 411.

[hot_wheels]

Originally Posted by Ratan Prabhu

So my vote goes for Triumph Scrambler 400x followed by Suzuki Vstrom250. Both will fulfil your requirements.

Thanks for the advice . I think the Scrambler is a beautiful-looking bike with the right amount of power and engine characteristics suited for me. The Vstrom looks like a good proposition but since I want a neo-classic style for this purchase, I have to rule it out.

Originally Posted by jetsetgo08

My suggestion would be to checkout the Honda CB350 RS followed by h'ness. It is the ideal bike for someone resuming their motorcycling journey. Easy and forgiving to ride. It might seem too boring at first but will eventually grow into the rider.

Great suggestion. I didn't consider the CB350 till now. Now when I saw the images and videos of it, I like the looks of the RS over H'ness. Somehow Japanese classic designs don't inspire me but I do like the RS's looks. One other thing that I noticed with the CB350 RS from the videos is that the footpegs seem to be set higher and I feel that they will give the same cramped feel that I got on the Guerilla.

How is the CB350 RS when compared with the Scram 411 and the Scrambler 400x? Somehow, I find the Scram 411 well-proportioned and beautiful and much better looking than the Himalayan that it is based on. I also think the Scram 411 (being more substantial) suits my larger frame better than the Triumph Scrambler 400x. RE dealer told me that RE will discontinue the Scram soon.

RE Scram 411


Triumph Scrambler 400x


Honda CG 350 RS

Originally Posted by timuseravan

I would strongly recommend you to check out the BSA Gold Star 650. It is a surprisingly fantastic bike. I am in the same age group and 6' and found the Gold Star had a very comfortable seating posture. The bike has good low end to potter around in the city and yet it can pull fast enough that it is faster to 100 than the Interceptor!

Bellow that I would suggest either the Scrambler 400x or the Scram 411.

Thanks, @timuseravan. The BSA looks gorgeous but I am concerned about the quality, fit and finish, and the ASS of Classic Legends. I am yet to check it out in real. I know that it compares with the interceptor but from the 650 family the one that I like the most is the Shotgun. When I checked the Shotgun at the dealer, I found it substantial, well built albeit heavy, and the riding posture is almost perfect. I am yet to take a test ride on it. How does the BSA compare to Shotgun in terms of quality, rideability, ease of maneuverability, riding posture price, ownership experience, etc? Which do you think is a better buy of the two?

BSA Goldstar 650


RE Shotgun 650

[aargee]

To my knowledge this is what you're looking for & befits best to your needs & taste

Originally Posted by hot_wheels

Triumph Scrambler 400x

[timuseravan]

Originally Posted by hot_wheels

Thanks, @timuseravan. The BSA looks gorgeous but I am concerned about the quality, fit and finish, and the ASS of Classic Legends. I am yet to check it out in real. I know that it compares with the interceptor but from the 650 family the one that I like the most is the Shotgun. When I checked the Shotgun at the dealer, I found it substantial, well built albeit heavy, and the riding posture is almost perfect. I am yet to take a test ride on it. How does the BSA compare to Shotgun in terms of quality, rideability, ease of maneuverability, riding posture price, ownership experience, etc? Which do you think is a better buy of the two?

I am also looking for a new bike and have been researching and testing quite a few of them including the Shotgun. I plan to book next month. Do check out the Gold Star in person and take a test ride - you will be surprised at how well the bike is put together and how well it rides! I certainly was

As a bike, I prefer it to all the three 650 from the RE stable - the Interceptor (which I used to own), the Super Meteor and the Shotgun.

The Shotgun has slightly better build quality than the Gold Star but it’s a small difference. I did not find the seating posture comfortable on the Shotgun and the rear suspension is not really made for our roads. So had to drop that bike.

The only open point for the BSA is the unknown long term ASS support. But I liked the bike so much, that it is in serious contention

[hot_wheels]

Originally Posted by aargee

To my knowledge this is what you're looking for & befits best to your needs & taste

Thanks, @aargee. I will check it out and will do a test drive to see if it suits me. The bike looks beautiful and proportionate, but somehow, I don't like the handlebar (with the 'Triumph' wrap, it doesn't look clean IMO) and the mirrors. Are there options to change these, whether through Triumph official accessories or any 3rd party options?

Originally Posted by timuseravan

I am also looking for a new bike and have been researching and testing quite a few of them including the Shotgun. I plan to book next month. Do check out the Gold Star in person and take a test ride - you will be surprised at how well the bike is put together and how well it rides! I certainly was

Thanks! That's a very helpful perspective. The bike (Goldstar) has oodles of charm pouring out. I will certainly check it out and do a test drive. Did you find the bike heavy or nimble to drive? How is the drive in the city vs. the highway? Are there any long-term reviews of the bike in the overseas markets?

[MileCruncher]

Originally Posted by hot_wheels

Okay, so I decided to return to motorcycling after almost 15 years. I am in my early 40s. After getting married, I gave up motorcycling (not consciously) and completely used cars for both commute and long trips. Now, I started to miss the joy of motorcycling and want to slowly get into it.

Good to see that you want to get back to motorcycling. You are part of the rising trend captured on this thread https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motor...orcycling.html (Middle-aged men getting back to motorcycling!)

Originally Posted by hot_wheels

Although I want to eventually get a higher capacity tourer (preferably a sports tourer), I am thinking of starting with a decent low-capacity city bike to say dip my toes and see how it goes. I also have a back issue from a past injury, so want to take it slow to begin with. My current use case will be occasional city commutes and weekend city outskirts rides with friends.

I think you have captured some pertinent points very well. I would like to point them out a bit more for your consideration.

• 15 yr hiatus from biking and mainly using car means you are not used to the agility required for bikes
• In the last 15 years bikes have gotten heavier. Significantly.
• Riding a motorcycle beyond an hour at a stretch requires good core and back. You have a bad back.
• Plus during the test ride you were slightly out of sync in the traffic

All of this tells me that getting back to biking is a desire and you have the moolah to spare. However, it will be one step at a time as you slowly explore.

What if after a couple of rides, you realise that this motorcycling business is too much to handle and is affecting your back. You realise its not worth the trouble to spoil your back and disrupt your regular life.

The 400cc and above used bike market is full of low run specimens. The higher CC you go, more you see it's prevalence. Because people buy the bikes but then realise that either time, health, other commitments or all are not permitting enough riding to justify a vehicle at home.

Hence, my contrarian view will be, Buy an Used Xpulse. Ride it for 6 months so see how is motorcycling fitting back into your life. Once you have a little more clarity, buy a bigger bike.

[aargee]

Originally Posted by hot_wheels

I don't like the handlebar (with the 'Triumph' wrap, it doesn't look clean IMO) and the mirrors. Are there options to change these, whether through Triumph official accessories or any 3rd party options?

I'll give you a different thought

1. Visual customization (like color and aesthetics) can be easily modified to suit your style
2. Comfort, size, and ergonomics can be adjusted to a moderate degree through aftermarket parts, but the base design has limitations
3. Core engineering (engine, frame, suspension) are difficult and expensive to alter, so it’s important to choose a bike that meets your needs in these areas upfront
4. Widespread ASC, parts availability, bike’s popularity are some factors are crucial for long-term ownership as they impact maintenance & repair

Essentially, one should be giving utmost importance to 3 & 4 as they're all extremely difficult to live without while 1 & 2 can be suited to taste

[hot_wheels]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

Good to see that you want to get back to motorcycling. You are part of the rising trend captured on this thread https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motor...orcycling.html (Middle-aged men getting back to motorcycling!)

Thanks for the thread reference, I haven't stumbled upon it yet, but I think that's exactly where I am at and it seems quite a few of us are in the same boat.

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

What if after a couple of rides, you realise that this motorcycling business is too much to handle and is affecting your back. You realise its not worth the trouble to spoil your back and disrupt your regular life.

That's a possibility and it may as well turn out that my back won't allow me to enjoy biking again. But I am willing explore and find out.

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

The 400cc and above used bike market is full of low run specimens. The higher CC you go, more you see it's prevalence. Because people buy the bikes but then realise that either time, health, other commitments or all are not permitting enough riding to justify a vehicle at home.

The used bike market is certainly worth a try and I will explore the possibilities there before deciding on purchasing brand new.

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

Hence, my contrarian view will be, Buy an Used Xpulse. Ride it for 6 months so see how is motorcycling fitting back into your life. Once you have a little more clarity, buy a bigger bike.

That's an interesting suggestion and I've heard a positive review from a friend who tried XPulse. Although it doesn't tick my preference list (classic looks etc.) I will mull over it. Thanks for all the valuable inputs.

Originally Posted by aargee

1. Visual customization (like color and aesthetics) can be easily modified to suit your style
2. Comfort, size, and ergonomics can be adjusted to a moderate degree through aftermarket parts, but the base design has limitations

I am someone who prefer stock design and keep the modifications to a bare minimum if at all required. For me, there is something inherently beautiful about stock design (except for Mahindra cars). But I agree with you that these are low hanging fruit to customize to suit one's taste and comfort.

Originally Posted by aargee

3. Core engineering (engine, frame, suspension) are difficult and expensive to alter, so it’s important to choose a bike that meets your needs in these areas upfront
4. Widespread ASC, parts availability, bike’s popularity are some factors are crucial for long-term ownership as they impact maintenance & repair
Essentially, one should be giving utmost importance to 3 & 4 as they're all extremely difficult to live without while 1 & 2 can be suited to taste

Can't agree more with the points above and one of main reasons to be cautious of the BSA Goldstar.

[justwheels]

Originally Posted by hot_wheels

.......


The used bike market is certainly worth a try and I will explore the possibilities there before deciding on purchasing brand new.


....

Most have already talked of different bikes that can suit your need and you could go either new or used route. But I will will have a different suggestion.

Since you are returning to biking after 15 years and still skeptical of how your back might hold to biking (although all this is just a mind game if you ask me), being in Bangalore, rent out some of these bikes for a 15 day to 1 month period and live with them on a regular basis. Now they might not be the best maintained specimens, but will give you a fair amount of idea of how life would be and most important the ergonomics.

Biking I feel is only enjoyable if you connect to your ride (especially when your mind and your body have been spoilt by the comfort of the car for long). Lets be practical, long commutes on bike in the pollution, increased noise levels and the impracticality of missing phone calls (you have solutions for sure), ensuring you ride with atleast basic protective gear is not a simple decision, and unless you enjoy riding again, the bike will become a garage queen soon.

This comes from a biker who rides a KTM 390 Adv on a daily basis in Bangalore traffic and its only my love for biking that I ditch my car for my bike for every solo commute, inspite of above points.

So my two cents, take baby steps if you still are double questioning your decision. If you are dead sure, though, then just take back to back test rides of the shortlisted bikes, and find one whose ergonomics and feel you love the most. Remember, "My best might not always be your best"

[gck_tourer]

Hi, did you consider Classic Legends line up of new Jawa and Yezdi bikes? The latest Jawa 42 FJ seems to be having all the oomph going for it. Great engine specs, ride, posture, power, looks. You name it, you get it. I can't comment on the reliability of the new engine though. But no harm in checking out.

[TheHelix0202]

Originally Posted by gck_tourer

Hi, did you consider Classic Legends line up of new Jawa and Yezdi bikes? The latest Jawa 42 FJ seems to be having all the oomph going for it. Great engine specs, ride, posture, power, looks. You name it, you get it. I can't comment on the reliability of the new engine though. But no harm in checking out.

Dying, sinking ship. Terrible service if you proceed beyond the warning signs. Not worth the headache.

OP, check out the Interceptor, Shotgun, & Scrambler. These would be my top picks as a fellow 6-footer (6’2”).

If you’re fine with the vibes of a thumper, the Scrambler would be it. Otherwise pamper yourself with the smooth twin cylinder rumble of the 650 twins. I’d personally recommend the Interceptor. It’s the perfect retro-modern canvas bike.

EDIT: OR, alternatively, wait for the RE Bear 650, which is a scrambler based on the Interceptor platform.

[hot_wheels]

Originally Posted by justwheels

Since you are returning to biking after 15 years and still skeptical of how your back might hold to biking (although all this is just a mind game if you ask me), being in Bangalore, rent out some of these bikes for a 15 day to 1 month period and live with them on a regular basis. Now they might not be the best maintained specimens, but will give you a fair amount of idea of how life would be and most important the ergonomics.

Thanks, @justwheels, for the elaborate post. I agree with all your points and your suggestion to rent a bike to see how it goes. I guess once I am done doing test drives and deciding on a bike, I might take your advice to rent that particular model and experience it for an extended period before taking the plunge.

Originally Posted by justwheels

Biking I feel is only enjoyable if you connect to your ride (especially when your mind and your body have been spoilt by the comfort of the car for long). Lets be practical, long commutes on bike in the pollution, increased noise levels and the impracticality of missing phone calls (you have solutions for sure), ensuring you ride with atleast basic protective gear is not a simple decision, and unless you enjoy riding again, the bike will become a garage queen soon.

I second you, and in fact, I feel sorry looking at the bikers who gather and wait under the underpasses during Bangalore monsoons while I cozily pass along in my car. I am not intending to commute on the bike at all. My work allows me to work from home and only occasionally attend the office for important meetings and events. So this would only be for hobby riding.

Originally Posted by gck_tourer

Hi, did you consider Classic Legends line up of new Jawa and Yezdi bikes? The latest Jawa 42 FJ seems to be having all the oomph going for it. Great engine specs, ride, posture, power, looks. You name it, you get it. I can't comment on the reliability of the new engine though. But no harm in checking out.

Thanks, @gck_tourer for the suggestions. I didn't consider the Jawas and the Yezdis till now. I like the looks of the new Jawa 42 FJ. My cousin got a Jawa 42, I happened to sit on it momentarily to get a feel of the bike and felt the posture too low for my liking. I also don't like the fact that it has two silencers for a single cylinder, I don't like fake embellishments, just my personal peeve. Of the Classic Legends bikes, the only one that I am considering is the BSA Goldstar. I am yet to check it out in real though.

Originally Posted by TheHelix0202

Dying, sinking ship. Terrible service if you proceed beyond the warning signs. Not worth the headache.

Interesting! Why do you think CL is a sinking ship? They recently launched the 42 FJ and the BSA Goldstar and looks like they are putting efforts into improving their operations. Do you think buying the Goldstar could be risky?

Originally Posted by TheHelix0202

OP, check out the Interceptor, Shotgun, & Scrambler. These would be my top picks as a fellow 6-footer (6’2”).

If you’re fine with the vibes of a thumper, the Scrambler would be it. Otherwise pamper yourself with the smooth twin cylinder rumble of the 650 twins. I’d personally recommend the Interceptor. It’s the perfect retro-modern canvas bike.

By 'Scrambler', did you mean the Triumph 400x? As I said earlier in the thread, from the current RE 650 family, I like the Shotgun the most, so it will be the one that I would go for if I decide to buy from the 650 family. Regardless, thanks for the suggestion. If I may, as a fellow six-footer, what bike(s) do you currently ride and why?

Originally Posted by TheHelix0202

EDIT: OR, alternatively, wait for the RE Bear 650, which is a scrambler based on the Interceptor platform.

Do you know a tentative time period when this will be released? I think the next in line is the Classic 650, so I guess the Bear will be 1st or 2nd quarter next year most probably.