The Hero Mavrick 440 rivals the Triumph Speed 400.

According to reports, Hero MotoCorp will be launching its latest flagship motorcycle, the Mavrick 440, in the UK. The world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer will be appointing MotoGB as its distribution partner, both in the UK and other European markets.

The Hero Mavrick 440 carries forward the same underpinnings as the Harley-Davidson X440. The motorcycle will be introduced in the UK as an A2-license-compliant model, with reports suggesting a price tag of around GBP 5,000. Hero could also introduce the motorcycle with a different name.

In India, the Mavrick 440 is powered by a 440cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine producing 27 BHP and 36 Nm. It is paired with a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. Prices for the Mavrick 440 in India range from Rs 1.99 lakh to Rs 2.24 lakh, ex-showroom. The Hero Mavrick 440 rivals the Triumph Speed 400.

Source: MotorcycleNews

Some Indian brands also have decent products, especially when we compare their cost.

BHPian nasirkaka recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I have used some foreign branded accessories/guard from the likes of SW Motech, Hepco & Becker, etc and also some locally made accessories from the likes of ADV tribe, Zana, Carbon Racing, etc. In retrospect, I feel the answer is not as simple that imported accessories are really better especially when we bring the cost into perspective.

For eg, in 2016, when we got the Versys 650 from the first lot, the only crash guard option available was from Hepco & Becker, costing 18,000 Rs. I had upgraded to Versys from Classic 500 where crash guards were available for 800 Rs. So this price difference felt huge and unfathomable but we had to bite the bullet out of lack of options. Later Zana and other local guys started making crash guards for one third the cost and a lot of new Versys riders started buying them. There were many cases of falls / crashes in the group where the local made guard did fairly well in terms of providing protection. And there were some instances where imported guards also ended up damaging the bike, depending on the nature of the fall.

I had SW Motech guard on my Bonnie and had a crash and bike was fairly damaged, including the guard. I have Pune made ADV tribe guards on the 310 GS and have fallen uncountable times and the guards have done fairly well providing protection.

Same holds true for accessories like handguard. I have Barkbusters costing close to 13K on the Interceptor and Aerbis replica costing 1200 Rs on the Xpulse and have crashed multiple times. They both have done fairly well. Where as on a friend's 310GS even with the original Barkbuster, the clutch lever was damaged and handlebar bent in a regulation drop on the trail.

While its good to go for imported brands as their quality, fit and finish would definitely be much superior, some Indian brands also have decent products, especially when we compare their cost. A lot also depends on the design, attachment point to the bike etc.

Look at the price of of crash guards for NX500 at Rs. 35430. Now 35K is a lot of money for a crash guard, where as a Zana may make guard for 6k for the same bike. So OEM is definitely good, but when we bring this huge price difference in consideration, look at the eventual purpose, design, etc the choice become complex.

So I would look at options available, if at all, compare their design, mounting points, etc and take a call. But for certain other critical parts like brake pads, tyres, lights, etc, would try and go for the best available option, even if its expensive.

Here's what BHPian maverick029 had to say on the matter:

I agree local manufactures have come a long way but i still feel they have ways to go. I purchased zana backrest for my adv 390 and last year in dec it gave away mid trip, the back support fell off when i was overtaking a truck and my wife got imbalanced as she was leaned on it. I thank my stars nothing happened but it certainly made me doubt the build quality of local manufactures and reinforced my belief that i should always go for factory made rather than from custom manufactures.

Here's what BHPian gtx2 had to say on the matter:

I buy from reputed Indian brands wherever possible, the cost is high in both cases but Indian manufacturers keep it a bit lower that results in comparatively better value. But it's a hit or miss.

I have Zana guards + Barkbusters on my Versys. I have had 4 minor falls so far , and both products have saved my bike from damage successfully.

Same can not be said for the Zana radiator guard for which Zana gave cheap zipties to seat it. 'Cheapties' broke at some point in my last tour and the guard fell somewhere on highway . Searching for something else other than Zana in this case now, also will use separately purchased Zipties from now with whatever guard I buy.

Here's what BHPian ridealong_vr04 had to say on the matter:

Indian accessory manufacturers have the ability to make these products in good quality with competitive pricing , but they face a challenge in getting access to newly launched vehicles for development. I reached out to companies like Zana, Carbon Racing and a few others, regarding a simple crashbar for my Tigersport 660 and they all mentioned they have difficulty in getting the bikes they need to create prototypes. I ended up spending INR21000 on SWMotech crash bar.

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Someone I know who did not have the stalling problem earlier told me that after the new ECU update, he's started to face stalling.

BHPian davelok recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I went on a 100km ride with the better half riding pillion yesterday, post ECU update. The bike's stalling problem has *almost* disappeared, and it rides more smoothly than earlier.

Firstly, the irritating revving up that was happening earlier with the clutch pulled in, which was introduced with the November ECU update has gone, which probably contributes to the feeling of improved smoothness. Secondly, the Distance To Empty calculation seems to be less volatile and more dependable now, but this space needs to be watched.

Now coming back to stalling: during the ride, the bike still stalled thrice. Once, while I was riding at a slow speed in second gear (no knocking) on very fine slippery sand, and twice in first gear at traffic signals with the clutch pulled in. Still, it's much better than before.

Someone I know who did not have the stalling problem earlier told me that after the new ECU update, he's started to face stalling, especially when going down speed bumps. He's going to ask the ASC to revert the ECU software to the earlier version.

A significant part of our ride yesterday was on a rough stretch of road* - broken pavement that's only been patched in patches, not relaid although it's crying out for resurfacing. It was really difficult to ride on this stretch and back due to the small front wheel and the slightly lean-forward position (despite pullback risers) of the rider.

I had a lot of strain on the wrists and the palms due to frequent deceleration and bumps on this road, contributed partly by having a pillion rider. If I were riding by myself, I would have saddled the bike half of the way. I'm not going back on that road on my bike.

* Matar to Limbasi, for the curious.

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The starter motor works, but the connecting point and nut are rusted.

BHPian shadowrider recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi, I recently purchased a 2013 Duke 390, and it's been a blast so far, except for the starter motor . Mainly there are two issues, the starter motor cable is way past its life, the insulation is torn and every time I press the starter smoke will arise from there. So, bought a new cable.Part number JG402236.

Here's the cable with the insulation torn and from where the smoke arises.

Now the second part is where the real trouble starts. The starter motor works, but the connecting point and nut are rusted. Also, the rubber covering of the current cable somehow got melted to it. Now, is the starter motor repairable? When enquired at the SVC the new one for bs3 is priced at 8000rs. I was also wondering if the Dominars will work. (noob here).

The bruised-up started motor.

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

Try soaking it in WD40?

I have a favourite set of pliers that are jammed up like this with rust. WD40 did not work.

I have the same issue with the bolt of the silver heat shield of my silencer. It jams solid because of corrosion/oxidation and the mech says if you try to get it off, because it has been heat cycled so many times, it will just shear off leaving you to get a specialist to remove the left over threaded piece.

Cheers, Doc

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My daily commute has recently increased to 30km and now involves long straights which has made it even more enjoyable

BHPian ads295 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello all,

Thought I'd post a small update regarding my overall experience with my Yamaha Fazer after owning it for 1+ year and for 7,000+ km.

I'll explain my mindset towards used vehicle purchases as well.

Approach a used vehicle purchase with the same mindset as a new vehicle purchase - buy it to be used frequently, buy it to keep for at least 5 more years if not more.

The vehicle should be fundamentally OK i.e. no major bodywork, no major engine work, no major electrical work should be pending. Generally a first owner vehicle is a safer bet.

Choose a reliable, mature base for a used vehicle purchase. Don't buy platforms that were new at the time. The Fazer/FZ were in the market for a long time and had no known issues. I would run away from a first gen KTM Duke 200, for example, and Indian manufacturers in general. Remember, you're investing in a platform and not just the specific vehicle you're buying.

Don't be afraid to invest in bringing the vehicle up to spec. Have confidence on your choice, don't assume that the vehicle will drop dead and have to be scrapped at any given moment. I've spent a smidgen over ₹20k on this bike, including the engine work (Engine knocking sound from my motorcycle | Open engine or let it be?), and to refresh ALL the items (switchgear, chain-sprocket set, RVMs) which weren't up to snuff.

This is 60% of the bike's purchase price, which may sound like bad maths to some, but is actually an investment considering how long I intend to keep this one.

Keep and USE the vehicle you've bought. Sometimes people buy and sell vehicles in a short time without even enjoying them. Stay with your purchase and fix some issues that crop up that you didn't expect (there will always be such problems). Any finance calculations quickly go down the drain if one keeps swapping vehicles.

All said and done, I'm very happy with the purchase of my Fazer. My daily commute has recently increased to 30km and now involves long straights which has made it even more enjoyable compared to my Access 125. The bike is quite a looker and still gets stares by my colleagues and passersby who must be thinking I've plonked lakhs on buying such a machine.

I'm quite certain I may never buy a brand new vehicle again.

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This engine has completely different characteristics to the other 390 and Himalayan.

BHPian VW2010 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

A short review after riding the Scambler 400. Reference bikes compared include KTM 390, ADV 390, Int 650, Himalayan new.

The good:

• Excellent engine and has very good torque in all gears
• Comfortable seating and riding position
• Wider handlebar makes it easy to ride around
• Excellent power that most won't need or use it
• Throaty exhaust note. Liked this exhaust note over all the above bikes
• Good front brakes.
• Decent or similar to KTM like rear brakes. Himalayan has the best brakes.
• Can keep up with most bikes in this segment when riding as a group
• Far more comfortable than the speed 400.

The so-so:

• Engine vibrations are high at higher RPM making it difficult to cruise above 100 comfortably
• The most comfortable zone is 85-95kmph where the bike excels
• Lacks outright top end of the Ninja or R3 or acceleration of the KTM.
• Seats are a bit narrow for long rides.
• Tall people may need some handlebar risers

Overall:

This was a pleasant surprise and this engine has completely different characteristics to the other 390 and Himalayan. The bike can be run in 4th gear at any speed inside the city making it very comfortable. Even in highways slowing down in highway in 6th and continuing is not a problem. Excellent balance and can hit triple-digit speeds in a short time. Extremely poised at speeds between 85-95 and can keep up with most of this segment bike. Top speed comparable to the ADV but slower than KTM and Himalayan.

Feels like a perfect balance between the Duke and Himalayan.

KTM needs to be revved like you want to remove the engine casing bolts. Himalayan has a laziness as well as a vibration that makes it no different to the KTM. This engine balances both at the right RPM.

Loved the bike overall and would recommend this for first-time buyers if they are considering this segment as a no-brainer.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

I am contemplating gifting it to him as a token of my affection that not only fulfils his youthful desires but also allows me to share my love for all things automotive with him.

BHPian TM_Turbo recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi BHPians,

I am Naveen based out of Bangalore. I am in my mid-30s and work in one of the Big 4s. Despite my career at a Big 4 firm, my heart remains captivated by the allure of automobiles.

My son who is 10 years old shares my enthusiasm for automobiles and has a budding interest in DIY projects. He is also a good Karate player and won multiple trophies and medals in National and International level open championships.

Last time when he won a trophy in an International level open competition I had promised to gift him a small bike (which he had been very keen about for a long time). As my son's birthday approaches, I am contemplating gifting him a 50cc bike, a token of my affection that not only fulfils his youthful desires but also allows me to share my love for all things automotive with him.

Now, here's where I could really use your expertise and guidance. While I've spent countless hours reading about maintaining those 50cc 2-stroke bikes, availability of spare parts, etc, I truly value the insights and experiences of this community.

So, dear forum members, I turn to you for advice.

• What are your thoughts on purchasing a 50cc bike for a young rider?
• Are there specific models or brands you would recommend?
• Any tips or considerations I should keep in mind while making this purchase?
• Any leads/contacts/dealers in Bangalore
• Maintenance and spare parts availability
• Any 1st hand experience owning these small bikes?

Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your insights. I eagerly await your responses and look forward to embarking on this journey together. Please note my budget would be around 20-25K max.

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

It might work by avoiding getting caught or using private land for practice because:

Learning License Age Limit for Two wheelers

The minimum age for a learning license for a two-wheeler whose capacity is below 50cc is 16 years of age. However, in today’s times 50cc scooters are few and far between. Hence, it is better to wait to get the two-wheeler above 50cc license.

Source

Here's what BHPian deep_bang had to say about the matter:

Rather than looking at petrol bikes, would suggest looking at electric ones. This space is already fairly clear wrt rules and regulations and it's very clear that any vehicle that has < 250 watts motor does not need a license to ride the vehicle.

With petrol, these regulations exist but hardly any manufacturers make them (as far as I know).

Here's what BHPian Redex had to say about the matter:

I have 4 boys who all went through this stage (as did I). Get a real "dirt bike" with a petrol engine. Get all the safety gear. Teach your child how to maintain the vehicle.

All 4 of my boys had their fill of 2 wheelers riding off-road. They went straight to cars when old enough to drive, much safer. Only 1 continues to ride a 2-wheeler but mostly drives his car.

Personally, I have ridden 2 wheelers since the age of 11 and still do now at 68.

Here's what BHPian shankar.balan had to say about the matter:

Lovely! This is really nice to read. Nothing like starting them young when it comes to automobile enthusiasm.

My Dad did. And I've ended up being a die-hard automobile enthusiast.

I agree that the sensible choice to make in your case is to go electric. But there is a certain joy in the internal combustion engine, especially for your budding DIY enthusiast. That's why I feel you should go with your instinct and get him a petrol-driven mini dirt bike or similar, along with the other safety kit etc. The greatest thing you can do after this is to take him to professional biking tracks where he can receive training and hone his skills.

I like the picture you posted. If my folks/grandma had allowed it when I was a teenager, I would have loved to have an Enfield Explorer or BSA Bond 50cc bike both of which, when modded a bit, looked a lot like that picture. Of course, those were bikes used by teens, college goers and even adults then.

Now some of us can live vicariously through your little boy and his biking!

Upon doing a casual search of the internet there seem to be literally tens of options of these 49-50cc petrol powered bikes for kids ranging from 10000 to 70000 Rupees.

Thing is, how good, how safe and how reliable are they? That is the primary set of points which require to be answered.

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Engine is the best part. Strong bottom and mid range.

BHPian RD150 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Inspite of staying in Magarpatta, somehow never got a chance of test riding the X440. "2 Rivers" is the only Harley showroom in Pune, situated in Amanora Mall, Magarpatta.

Today decided to check out and ride the bike to see if can be a replacement of my aging R15 ( 11 yrs). So below are some of my observations/opinions after checking out and test riding the bike:

• The bike looks much better in person. Oodles of road presence but certainly not a beautiful bike. Maybe with time the looks may grow on me.
• Upright stance, seat is soft with good cushioning.
• Switchgear felt premium. The horn sound was pathetic. My fascino has better horn.
• Bike feels heavy at low speeds, not sure if this is a good city bike. But at high speeds you don't feel the 190 kgs. I am sure this bike will shine on highways for touring.
• Engine is the best part. Strong bottom and mid range.3 gears were enough for me to enjoy the bike. The thump too is sweet and adds to the character.
• Not the best gearbox, felt notchy, clutch too was a bit heavy.
• No complaints with brakes and the suspension.
• The display is clear but should have been bigger. Not a deal breaker for sure.
• Showroom experience was average. Maybe I expected more considering Harley as a premium brand. No feedback asked after the test ride nor did they handover the quotation, I had to ask for the quotation.

With the recent launch of Maverick, the top variant of the x440 at 3.55 feels a bit overpriced. I have a feeling Maverick will sell in good numbers, as people who are not willing to pay that much will walk into the Hero showroom after test riding the X440.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The seating position is nice and comfortable. The foot pegs are perfectly placed.

BHPian neil.jericho recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

The launch of Royal Enfield's latest product - the Shotgun 650, was clearly missing the anticipation and buzz that Indian and global motorcycle enthusiasts had, for the company's long awaited Himalayan 450. The media reviews of the Shotgun 650 have been largely positive and revealed that with the new bike, Royal Enfield has addressed some of the shortcomings of its cousin, the Super Meteor 650, though the two motorcycles seem to be positioned to attract very different target segments. When I saw the invite for the unveiling of the new Shotgun 650 at the company's store in Bangalore, I didnt want to miss out on the chance to check out the motorcycle.

As was the case with the unveiling of the Himalayan 450, the event was well organized by the showroom team. The crowd was less than half of what it was at the Himalayan launch, which was a good thing for people like me who wanted to get a proper look of the bike. This time, a gentleman from Royal Enfield spoke on the ethos of the Shotgun 650 and a customer was invited to officially unveil the motorcycle. Like the previous launch, all the attendees were provided with a burger and a Paperboat juice packet, along with water bottles.

My initial impressions were that with each new bike launch, Royal Enfield is steadily improving its fit and finish levels. This looks and feels like a proper premium motorcycle, except for one little aspect, which I will come to in a bit. If you tell your envious neighbour that your Shotgun 650 cost Rs 6 L, he isnt going to doubt you for a second, as he checks out the bike with a feigned smile plastered on his face.

The seating position is nice and comfortable. The foot pegs are perfectly placed. This isnt a dyed in the wool cruiser motorcycle, which is what most people would expect, when they see the Shotgun 650. There is enough space in the riders seat to scoot forwards and backwards (which is not possible on say a Duke 399, for example). You can remove the back seat and strap on your luggage for touring. Or you could remove the rear frame and relish the striking bobber look. The price for this top end variant is Rs 4.7 L, while the other schemes are cheaper by Rs 10 - 20K (as far as I can recall).

The only thing which I didnt like about the motorcycle was the awful gap between the front nacelle and the clocks. A ship could sail through that .....

Overall, the Shotgun 650 isnt going to set the sales charts on fire, but I suspect that their owners are going to be a very happy lot. Though this isn't my favourite flavour of dream motorcycles, it certainly gets a thumbs up from me!

If the Super Meteor 650 is Royal Enfield's view of a cruiser motorcycle, the Shotgun 650 feels like their interpretation of a bruiser motorcycle. The Shotgun 650 is a bike that the lead character from a Guy Ritchie movie would ride.

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The Traction control settings have memory function and do not go away after turning the bike off and then on.

BHPian aniruddha_98 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Update for Pune and Bangalore people:

Aprilia has put up stalls of RS457 in both cities. Phoenix mall Viman Nagar, Pune and Nexus mall Koramangala, Bangalore.

As far as I know, the stall at Phoenix will be there for a month starting from 17th February, whereas the Bangalore stall will be there on 20th February, Tuesday.

I visited the Pune stall today and got some details to share:

According to the Aprilia representative:

• Bikes will be available for test rides at showrooms from 15th March, In Pune Motoplex Aprilia and AK Motors Baner will be receiving the bikes. But when I call any dealer in Pune, they all say that they will be getting the bike. I asked a few of them about the stall and they had no idea.
• Deliveries will begin in April
• Slip and assist clutch is an optional accessory which I refuse to believe, seems like a miscommunication from Aprilia.
• Quickshifter will be available as an accessory.
• Service interval will be 6000kms
• The bike comes with RAM air intake. I do not know how it exactly 6orks, but I assumed that Ram air intake means air channels that have an opening on the front of the vehicle and go directly into the airbox, providing more air than traditional setups (or I do not know anything and I'm just making a fool of myself). So I decided to investigate this point further.

I got to see the bike up close and some of the points that I noticed have been explained below:

When the representative mentioned the bike having Ram air intake, I decided to take a close look and sure enough, I found 2 openings of an air channel just below the split headlights and above the winglet. Both air channels combine and go directly under the tank through the centre of the chassis.

Welds on the pillion footpeg seemed a bit better than the track review bike.

There's a gap just above the engine which I did not like, the bike would have looked better with that gap filled.

The Radiator seemed bigger than my first-gen Duke 390 and is curved. A detail that wasn't mentioned anywhere.

The Traction control settings have memory function and do not go away after turning the bike off and then on.

Apart from this, I got to sit on the bike, it is really comfortable in terms of ergonomics. I was expecting it to be more aggressive. The fit and finish seemed really good. The bike looks bigger in person.

We can share our contact details at the stall and show interest for the bike. Aprilia will contact us as soon as the bikes are available for test rides.

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