Test rode 12 bikes in a year, still can't find the right one: Now what?

The suspension needs to be able to handle the potholes in Chennai.

BHPian al90 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I have been on a hunt for a motorcycle for almost a year now and have been putting off the decision because I cant seem to find a right fit. So here I am looking for your experiences and any bits of advice that you can spare. I already gone though the numerous threads on the forum and have test ridden a few bikes but still no luck.

Needs :

• Needs to have an upright seating posture.
• Should not strain my hands (see pics attached of what my current bike does to my hands)
• Should accommodate a mini me at the front at times and a pillion in the back on rare occasions (he will move to the pillion seat once he is a bit older currently 3yrs old), we usually take the car out unless we have to go somewhere less than 3-4 kms.
• Will be driven in the city 98% of the time with the rare occurrence of taking it for more than 30 kms.
• The suspension needs to be able to handle the potholes in Chennai.

Wants

• At least 30+ Bhp power, I am upgrading from a 150CC Honda Dazzler which I have had for the last 14 years.
• Fuss free service experience (one can dream).
• Reliable- should last at least the next 10 years.

The list:

Am 5'11, definitely on the heavier side about 95kgs, and these are the bikes that I have already test ridden and either turned them down or they are stuck at the back of my head.

• Hunter 350 - to small for me plus was less than the 30bhp want.

• Meteor 350 - Was a perfect fit but did not like it , heart was just not into it.

• Interceptor 650 (alloy) - Loved it, the weight wasn't an issue but it did strain my hands , but am thinking a handle bar riser might fix this issue.

• Speed 400 - Test rode it, loved it, booked it and cancelled as well , felt small like the hunter.

• Scrambler 400x - Test drove it but wasn't very sure, might go back for a longer TD. Not sure if my boy would be able to sit in front.

• Speed 900 - Loved this one, test drove it in Mumbai traffic and eerily balanced bike, dropped it considering my use case and where i would be riding it.

• V-Strom 250 - Glided over potholes, but strained my hands.

• Dominar 400- The TD vehicle was a nightmare , wasn't maintained very well chain was loose, absolutely no bite for the brakes, and noise from the engine, didn't go more than 50 meters from the showroom I returned the bike and I walked away and it also strained my hand.

• Apache RTR 200 : Seating was committed but surprisingly didn't stain my hand, but the suspension was still and bounced over potholes.

• CB 350 RS : again loved it had minimal strain on my hands, booked it, saw the speed 400 cancelled the booking, considering value proposition.

• CB 300 R: Great bike, but its meant for a single rider, pillion's beware as the seat can be a sore point.

• Duke 390 : High revving machine, its truly a a great machine, but just not for me.

I feel that the CB 500X would have been a great companion for me but I have never seen one in person either on the road or in the showroom and I have been enquiring with Honda for almost a year and they are absolutely clueless.

I do know that many will point out that my use case fits a scooter perfectly but i just don't want a scooter. Any other suggestion than can help me reduce the strain on my hands is also welcome, am also trying to get back in shape assuming that it might help me as well.

P.S Check out the Honda badging from the grips etched on my hands.

Here's what BHPian Rajeevraj had to say on the matter:

Did you check out the new Himalayan 450 or the KTM Adventure 250/390? Maybe an over kill for the city riding only use case, but should meet most of your other parameters - especially the space requirement.

Here's what BHPian aargee had to say on the matter:

You only need to fit handle grips or wear gloves to get over this issue, otherwise one of them will be in your garage. Alternatively, switching to Meteor 650's handle grip to Interceptor will eliminate the need altogether. Since you didn't like Meteor 350, not sure if you want to try Meteor 650.

Note:

• Interceptor 650 - Your mini-me & other half will find it extremely uncomfortable
• Speed 900 - It's a motorcycle to be ridden hard & long, but for your use of 98% in city & rarity of more than 30 kms...not sure what to say
• VStorm 250 - Little practical

Like Rajeev says, Himalayan 450 or D390 may be a good fit

Last but not the least: In the present ages, any motorcycle is old in 3 years & outdated in 6 years & will be considered extinct in 9 years

Here's what BHPian Axe77 had to say on the matter:

I think a new or sparingly used CB 500 X or the NX 500 if and when it’s launched is a wonderful option. Lower down the price range, I feel for predominant city use, the Scrambler 400X will also be a nice option.

Bear in mind that some of these bikes coming closer to the 400 cc mark do tend to heat up a bit in the city and are you really ok with having a small child on the front on such bikes. I’d say that for any two wheeler though - such a small child in front is really avoidable - specially since you have access to a car. Given the above I’m not really keen on suggesting a Himalayan which can tend to heat up a LOT in city traffic, certainly more than the Triumph 400s.

I note your last statement on scooters but I’d still suggest you give the Aerox a look as an outside contender if no bike fits your requirements. It really is a stunning scooter with really nice performance.

Here's what BHPian shancz had to say on the matter:

The old saying goes grip the bike from the tank not your hands but I've found this difficult to do on many motorcyles especially commuters.
Outside of that a well designed riding triangle will take the strain off your hands even if a bit sporty like the RTR you experienced but almost always the suspension will be a bit stiff, in line with the sporty intent of the motorcycle.

Suggestions for a test ride, in order :

1. RE Classic 350 : an ideal fit for your needs. Low end response, comfy suspension, tank is not intrusive. Although short of the 30bhp mark but I do suggest a test ride as your needs warrant a good low and mid range response over top end performance.

2. Triumph Scrambler 400X : If the 30bhp is a threshold then you're left with this as the best option.

3. HD X440 : Just take a test ride to get a feel of things. Also check how is the servicing going to happen at your location.

Here's what BHPian aviator1101 had to say on the matter:

I can think of only two machines which can go close to meeting your requirements : with upright seating posture, 98% city use, good suspension, adequate power, built to last and fuss-free ownership.

• Triumph Scrambler 400X
• RE Himalayan 450

I would suggest above bikes in the same order that they are listed.

If carrying a child in front is unavoidable, it would definitely be easier on the Triumph given the flatter shape of the tank.

The weight on hands leaving impressions is more of a habit than a postural issue. Try to be light and less tense on the grip, should work out.

Build quality and fuss free ownership is something yet to be ascertained for both the bikes because they are newly launched. Wait for a year if you can. Thought built to a cost, going by brand value, the Triumph's quality would obviously be a notch above the RE.

Heat management would be an issue on both the bikes, because they are not specifically meant for city commute.

Overall, the Triumph is lighter, more nimble, comes with alloys and is still VFM. So I would recommend it.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.