I was planning to take up riding relatively long distances. No big plans, but wanting to ride within state or maybe to closer locations.

BHPian Bouncer recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

It was May 2022. After Using RE Classic 350 for four years within city limits, I was planning to take up riding relatively long distances. No big plans, but wanting to ride within state or maybe to closer locations at nearing states like Karnataka, Gujrat & obviously Goa; but not beyond that.

With that in mind and to check how much interest I really have in riding, before deciding on getting a bike for the purpose; I went on couple of short rides like Pawna Dam, Lavasa & Mahabaleshwar on my Classic 350. On the Mahabaleshwar ride, I tried few KMs on BMW GS310 of my friend with whom I was riding; and quickly realised difference between a regular bike like C350 and adventure bike.

The plan was to get adventure bike within budget around 4 lacs including riding gear and travel accessories. I had a look at BMW GS310, KTM Adventure 390, Yezdi Adventure & RE Himalayan.

BMW GS310 was desired one but not within the allocated budget; considering riding gear and bike add-ons need to fit in the same. Plus, recurring costs of servicing the bike were high as compared to other options. Was not interested in KTM for no specific reason. Test drove the last two and went ahead with booking RE Himalayan in June 2022. Got the bike in a week from booking, coinciding the purchase with my parent’s anniversary and hence a good day for us.

Accessories / Add-ons till date:

• Hand guards – RE
• Mirrors – Bajaj Avenger (as OE have less visibility)
• Blind spot mirrors (Convex round) - Amazon
• Tripper Navigation - RE (not of much use as realised later)
• Phone mount with charger – Raptor Forzaa (for reason mentioned above)
• Panniers with mounting rail guards – RE
• Rear rack plate – Viaterra (replaced by top box later)
• Top Box with mounting plate - Bandidos Pitstop
• Tank bag – Viaterra
• Handlebar Risers - Bandidos Pitstop
• LED headlight bulb – Blaupunkt
• Duel horns – Hella with Bosch relay
• Side stand shoe – Viaterra
• Headlight & indicator grills - Bandidos Pitstop
• Master cylinder guard - RE
• Rear brake fluid reservoir guard - Bandidos Pitstop
• Front mudguard risers – Amazon
• Front disc brake calliper guard – Grand Pitstop
• Bottle holder – Pro Spec
• Windshield extender – Pro Spec
• Anti Slip Metal rider footpegs – Motocann
• Brake foot pedal extender – Pro Spec
• Long wire lock (for helmet/ jacket) – Decathlon cycle section
• Reflectors (for panniers & top box) & Stickers – Amazon & Mr DIY store
• Rear red light for top box – Decathlon cycle section

Riding gear:

• Helmet - RE Escapade
• Jacket - RE Explorer (with additional CE2 back armour)
• Trousers - RE Ceara (with additional CE2 hip armour)
• Gloves - Viaterra Grid
• Shoes - Woodland high ankle outdoor shoes

Here comes The Himalayan...

During initial rides around Pune, trying the newly acquired bike on different types of roads:

This was also a trial with the new riding gear since I never used full armored gear in the past:

After few short rides around Pune with my friend, I did a relatively long solo one (4 days & 695 KMs). This was in Jan 2023. The plan was to cover limited coastal Maharashtra and stick to closest possible route of any kind to the Sea.

Day 1: Pune – Pirangut – Mulshi – Tamhini – Bhagad – Mangaon – Mhasala - Diveagar (Lunch) - Aravi - Shrivardhan – Harihareshwar (Overnight Stay).

Day 2: Harihareshwar - Bagmandala Jetty - Banakot - Kelashi - Anjarle – Harne (Lunch) - Murud – Dapoli (Fuel) - Ladghar - Bhagwan Parshuram Bhumi – Dhabhol Jetty - Anjanwel - Guhagar - Palshet – Velneshwar (Overnight Stay).

Day 3: Velneshwar – Jamsut – Chiplun (Rest day & Overnight Stay).

Day 4: Chiplun – Satara – Fort Sajjangad Shri Samartha Ramdas Swami Samadhi Mandir (Prasad Lunch) – Satara MIDC (visit to a Unit) – Shirwal (Fuel) Pune.

My ride in pictures:

View of the peaks and valleys in Mulshi & Tamhini Section

Diveagar beach torwards North:

First time rolling on the beach:

Diveagar beach South end:

The south of middle part of Diveagar beach with almost no visitors (North end was crowded, have not clicked any pics there):

Time to move ahead:

Continue reading on BHPian Bouncer's coastal Maharashtra road trip for BHPian comments, insights and more information.

The riding position is slightly more relaxed than the Pulsar NS. Was very comfortable with it immediately.

BhPian Rajeevraj recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

So after all the reading up and watching videos of the Speed 400. Finally got a chance to check out and test ride the bike at Khivraj Triumph Whitefield. My current ride is a Pulsar 200NS which is 10+ years old. When I bought the NS, it was the flagship model of the Bajaj Range and that reflected in the quality of the NS.

Summary of my observations below. Since I have been riding the 200NS for 10 years now, many of my observations will be in reference to the NS.

The Showroom:

• This showroom of Khivraj is a smaller one on Whitefield Main Road near KR Puram-ORR Jn. Khivraj has another one opening near Electronic City on 19th August. This they say is an Experience Center.
• No proper parking at the this Khivraj Center. As it is right on the main road, it is a no parking area. If you are on Two Wheeler there is a lane up ahead where you can park.
• Showroom staff were welcoming. First question was whether you had already booked the bike(Does not matter with which dealer).
• They are giving preference to folks who have prebooked. Had a look at my booking receipt, had to fill a test ride form also.
• As it was late afternoon on a weekday, not much crowd at the showroom and was able to take the ride almost immediately.
• Booking cannot be transferred. For those who have pre-booked, as per them, deliveries will be done in August or latest first week of September.
• If you book now, expect deliveries around mid October.

The Bike:

• We always anticipate that first in person view of any vehicle we are interested in. Was not disappointed. There were 3 display bikes. The first sight impression was very good.
• Does not look small at first sight. Looks sufficiently sized and well proportioned. Of course next to the other Triumph Machines, it looks small, but not out of place.
• I sat on the display bike and again, as all reviews indicated, felt very comfortable.
• I am 5 feet 10. Did not feel the bike to be small under me. A picture also attached below.
• Again, as all reviews indicated, extremely well put together and finished. Cannot find fault with that.
• Having said that, I had a nagging feeling if it will age well. I don't know what made me think that, just a feeling.

The Ride:

• The test ride route given was on Whitefield Main Road, around 6-7km.
• As I sat on it, everything felt comfortable and familiar. Felt at home with the bike from the get go. This is one aspect that Triumph and Bajaj have nailed. It is a 400cc bike which is definitely not a small one, but somehow the bike is not intimidating at all. I am sure even a new rider will feel right at home on it.
• Switch it on. There is an initial rumble which settles down. The way it sounded was again 'nice', but nothing to be wowed over.
• The riding position is slightly more relaxed than the Pulsar NS. Was very comfortable with it immediately.
• It is a fast bike. You twist the throttle, it takes off pretty smoothly and builds up speed quickly. The 40 Horses and the Torque is evident.
• At the same time, it does not feel scary or out of control. Again feels pretty 'nice'.
• Gear Shifts were precise. Saw some posts indicating the gear shifts were not great. I did not feel so.
• Maneuverability, braking, turning radius were all good. Perfect city commuter. Felt lighter than my 200NS.
• Could not take it over any proper bad roads, went through some rough patches and agree with the comments on the ride. Super smooth. Great work on the suspension.
• Horn is meek and weird.
• Could definitely feel the heat. Nothing concerning, but even in the short ride with not much slow traffic, could feel the heat. The Sales guy attributed it to the back to back rides and it being a new bike. But definitely something to watch out for.
• Once I got back, another person wanted to test out the pillion. Once he sat, I felt the pillion pegs were set too high(at the seat is flat). His knees seemed to be too high up and did not look very comfortable. Those expecting to ride with pillion for longer distances, please do a couple of rides with pillion to check the comfort.

The Conclusion:

Overall, one thing is clear- Triumph and Bajaj have pulled of something game changing for this 400cc segment. Most current bikes in the segment are intimidating in some way- Either their looks(Enfield, Jawa,Yezdi) or the way they need to be ridden (KTM390). Triumph has managed to bring out a 400cc bike that is very powerful, but at the same time very forgiving and 'nice'. You don't feel intimidated while looking at it, sitting on it or riding it. To top it all, the almost unbelievable pricing. It is a mass market 400cc bike that everyone and anyone can own and ride and we will see 1000's on the road soon. The glowing reviews across the board also is a testament to that. You really cannot find fault with it. It is like the Creta of the bike world.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The sales executive was quite helpful. He took me through the specs of the motorcycle and allowed me to start it.

BHPian rahul4321 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I booked it. I booked the X440!! I don't know how. I don't know why. But I booked it.

So this whole saga started because my office laptop started acting up on Friday night. IT said come over on Saturday and we will replace it.

I went over on Saturday and right beneath my office building, the Harley Davidson service station was wheeling in a few bikes to service. No X440s there for obvious reasons. While IT was readying my laptop, I started going through the X440 videos on my phone on Youtube and thought the dealership is 5 km away is worth a visit to try and look at this build quality which people seem to have a love-hate relationship with.

Laptop ready, I drove over to the HD dealership and as I walk in, a 3 year kid is cutting a cake with daddy and mommy clapping their hands. I thought in my head, wow - deliveries seem to have started already for VIP customers but alas! It was a Fat Bob delivery. Not wanting to ruin their moment, I waited in the shadows next to a gigantic Pan America. Finally, the cake cutting was over and a sales executive walked over to me. I asked him for the X440 and he walked me over to it where it stood not occupying prime real estate next to a Street 750. A sign of things to come I thought.

However, the sales executive was quite helpful. He took me through the specs of the motorcycle and allowed me to start it. This is where I lost my heart. Oh God - the video reviews don't do the sound justice. Such a deep bassy bbbrrroooom at idle - it was nothing like I had heard. The closest I can think of is a Triumph 900 Bonnie but this was a bit louder at idle and a little less refined (Harley character). Almost no mechanical clatter but just a smooth deep bassy "bbbrrrroooommmm" More Triumph like than Harley but I loved it. The exhaust sounded like what would happen if the Triumph 900 Bonnie had a kid with an RE Interceptor.

I am someone who loves my motorcycles to have character / flaws / weird idiosyncrasies. The Duke 390 is a mental machine (a compliment) with a very finite way of riding it while my Himalayan is a mental machine (not a compliment) which decides how to behave on a particular day depending on where its stars are aligned. I have a love hate relationship with this character but it keeps me interested. Does not let me be bored with the motorcycle. Compare that to a Honda CB350 or a CBR 250 (I haven't ridden any other Hondas), they felt mechanically perfect with precision parts but it lacked that distinct feeling of a machine which was individual and distinct with its own temperament.

Back to the HD it is - the fit and finish was acceptable on almost all parameters with the exception of the throttle. I found the welds to be alright (my KTM has ugly welds and so does the Himalayan) so I would say my standards are quite low. The engine casing looked good. The fuel tank was amazing - reminded me of the original RE Thunderbird. The throttle however - if I gave the motorcycle throttle, the switch module holding the start switch and the horn would also move downwards. LOL. Funny. Guess - the switch module would have to be tightened. Apart from that - I didn’t dislike anything in the build of the motorcycle.

I also poked around the instrument cluster. Didn't see how to toggle the volume of songs and change music tracks [something which I can do on both the KTM and the Himalayan (aftermarket accessory)]. The attributes of changing music tracks on long rides is a deal breaker for me. The X440 apparently has it although I couldn't find it. With reference to touring, with a sloping rear and an open grab rail - I would need to add an aftermarket closed grab rail or panniers to hook the bungee cords onto something for luggage reinforcement.

A Duke 390 for long tours between major cities and a Himalayan for long tours for everything else - why would I need another motorcycle. However the HD gave me a feeling of easy cruising (sorry Meteor) which the other two didnt give me. The KTM has to be kept on the boil the whole time, the Himalayan is slow. The HD would fill the gap. At this time, my heart was looking for excuses and my brain was saying No.

I had almost walked out of the door when the sales executive said, why don't you book it as I will give you the introductory price. This price will be gone in the next 24 to 48 hours. If you dont like it, we will refund you the 5000 rupees. Didnt seem like a bad deal to me at all so I ended up booking it.

I don't know how

I don't know why.

I haven't told anyone at home. They wanted me to get rid of 1 motorcycle. I ended up adding another one.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Once the enthusiasm of the initial test rides wear off, you will start noticing the smaller aspects of both motorcycles.

BHPian neil.jericho recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I haven't ridden either the Harley Davidson X440 or the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650,  However, from my experience of riding motorcycles for several years, I can say that:

The HD X440 seems to be this decade's equivalent of the Continental GT 535. In terms of power, the X440 makes 27.37 PS @ 6000 rpm, while the Continental GT 535 made 29.1 hp @ 5100 rpm. In terms of torque, the X440 makes 38 Nm @ 4000 rpm , while the Continental GT 535 made 44 Nm @ 4000 rpm. What does this mean? Ill come to that in a bit.

The Super Meteor 650 is a very different motorcycle from the X440. On paper and in your initial back to back rides, the Super Meteor 650 will shine through as the better motorcycle. After all, with a power rating of 47 PS @ 7250 rpm and torque of 52.3 Nm @ 5650 rpm, it has to have the HD X440 beat, right? Right?

Once the enthusiasm of the initial test rides wear off, you will start noticing the smaller aspects of both motorcycles. For example, the weight. The X440 is no light weight, at its claimed weight of 190.5 kgs. That said, the 241 kgs of the Super Meteor 650 is two whole weight classes above the X440. How easy is it going to be to manage the Super Meteor's weight? Only multiple test rides and parking simulations can tell you that. Also, will you be more comfortable doing long rides on the X440 or the Super Meteor 650?

A lot of your decision making should revolve around where and when you will be riding your motorcycle. If you will be doing a fair amount of city riding, the torquey nature of the X440 will prove to be a boon. If you will be doing a lot of open highway riding, the superior performance of the Super Meteor 650 will seal the deal for you. If you will be riding a lot in the mountains, the lighter and more torquey X440 will probably be more fun to hoon around in than the Super Meteor 650. If you are a sedate rider who loves to cruise at just about triple digit speeds, the Super Meteor 650 should be the smart choice.

Simply put, these are 2 totally different motorcycles which appeal to completely different types of buyers. The real question is what sort of rider are you and what sort of riding will you be doing?

In many ways, it's a lot like asking which ice cream to buy - butterscotch or chocolate. Some of us will suggest that you get a scoop of butterscotch, others will wholeheartedly recommend going for chocolate and most of us just wish that we could have both!

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

She was very comfortable with the Speed 400's saddle height, also being light weight helps even further.

BHPian Keta_R15 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I have booked this bike for my wife. She was initially considering Royal Enfield Hunter 350 but we waited for the launch of Speed 400 and turns out it was a good decision. Got a chance to check out the bike today and well most of the reviews we've seen/read so far are on point. Most of the aspects of the motorcycle are top notch - fit and finish, refinement, etc. Most important factor was seat height as my wife's height is 5'4". She was very comfortable with Speed 400's saddle height, also being light weight helps even further. We both liked the way the bike sounds too.

Few other points discussed were delivery timeline and upcoming Thane showroom/SVC. If I were to complete booking formalities today, they could get the bike delivered by next weekend is what I was told. And the Thane showroom/SVC should be operational in another 15-20 days they said.

Crash guard and metal bash plate is an optional extra and not standard fitment

Sharing a few pics we managed to click:

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

Did you receive a call from Shaman Andheri for the TR? Are they offering the TR to drop-ins also? Also any idea of the final OTR here in Mumbai?

Here's what BHPian am1m had to say on the matter:

This is the bike that the 400cc pulsar (the Dominar) should have been. And going by Bajaj's technology/design transfer capabilities, will probably be in the future.

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

Plastic sump guard is standard though. Honestly I doubt you'll need the metal one. I took it over some really big speed breakers around Chakan and also some bad potholes. Unless two up riding changes that assessment, which I didn't get a chance to do.

Also, absolutely love that particular HJC (RPHA) you're wearing. They had a brilliant red Deadpool one too but that's no longer available I think.

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

Any idea regarding the cost for the engine (upper & lower), radiator guard and metal bash plate that THEY may have quoted?

Another question that can be asked to them is their estimate for 1 year service. Will give an idea regarding labour for normal oil change etc. Also for the 1000 km/1-3 month free* service that all cars and bikes do after the run-in period for oil change. They can't say they don't know cost as its standard for all vehicles (and they can't make up the charges as they go).

BHPian Ketan_R15 replied:

Since I have booked the bike, Shaman Triumph people were in touch with me and I was called for test ride today. In fact I was one of those first 6-10 customers who got their bikes during yesterday's launch but I did not want to go ahead with the purchase without seeing the bike in flesh and without a proper test ride. So yeah, coming back to the point, am not really sure test rides are being offered for drop-ins.
The OTR split for Mumbai is something like this:

• Ex. Showroom - ₹2,33,000
• Road tax - ₹28,519
• Registration - ₹600
• Delivery & Documentation charges - ₹1500
• GST @ 31% - ₹465
• Insurance - ₹23,632
• On Road - ₹2,87,716

Only plastic sump guard is standard and that should be enough, atleast in our case - for 2 reasons. 1. Since the bike will be used primarily by my wife, she isn't going to be using it off the road that much and 2. the ground clearance I checked seems good enough to handle most of the bad roads and speed-breakers of Mumbai.

Also here is the cost for the engine (upper & lower), radiator guard and metal bash plate:

• Upper Engine Bars - ₹1037
• Lower Engine Bars - ₹2004
• Radiator Guard - ₹3509
• Sump Guard kit - ₹4508

The crash guard is not standard is what I'm told.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The welding joints in the chassis are pretty well done , except near the swing arm and exhaust.

BHPian Waspune recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Checked out the X440 at Harley, Pune with BHPian surjaonwheelz .

The fit and finish isn’t bad per se, in line with much more expensive 883 sportsters. The welding joints in the chassis are pretty well done , except near the swing arm and exhaust. The bike has good presence and sounds pretty throaty and bassy, especially for a single cylinder. The diamond cut alloy wheels are also similar to the ones found in Iron 883. The exposed frame near the tank is also in line with the latest Harleys like the Nightster.

Bluetooth connectivity with turn by turn navigation, SOS and other connected features are available only in the top variant with Matt black paint scheme. This paint scheme looked much better in person, than in pics. The bronze bits in the engine looked nice.

The colour instrument cluster/speedometer looked really nice and premium, so did the LED headlight.

At present, all these are pre-production models and we were told that the production models will have better fit and finish. Eg- The accelerator cable will be better concealed.

The test rides will start in the 2nd week of August , the production will begin from 1st Sep and deliveries will start from October.

The ONR price of the top variant will be around 3.4-3.5 lacs in Pune.

The only pic I took:

Here's what BHPian VijayAnand1 had to say on the matter:

Appreciate surjaonwheelz for taking these photographs. Being the guy I am, lo and behold was able to already detect why this isn't a proper HD and why this isn't the lucky charm for Hero-Haa-ley.

Grab your quick cuppa.

Hero-Haa-ley Ded Check: 1

As you can observe from the image, I've rounded some portions which I feel is not oozing the oomph of a Haah-ley. Be it a test ride or a show-room piece, this isn't acceptable. Rule it off as a one-off you might argue, that the bolt garnish cap might be broken owing to a hot-headed mechanic doing a shoddy installation job of the crash guard? Not really, and you'll know why in a minute.

Secondly, taped wire loom grazing over a super hot single's head? Hero, if you spent that money you spent on sending aluminum boxes to journalists, things would have looked much tidier. SMH..

Hero-Haa-ley Ded Check: 2

If you'll observe, the welding doesn't make the dough dance for it. Definitely not! Chain links rusting already, extremely average paint job throughout (you'll know why in a minute) Who am I to argue. SMH.

Hero-Haa-ley Ded Check: 3

Rusty and all dusty! But seriously, as I've touched upon the paint quality earlier, the swingarm is already chipping paint. Worse, it's already started to rust. Zoom in and you'll know. Observe the chain links. SMH

Hero-Haa-ley Ded Check: 4

Talking about paint quality gentlemen, looks and feels just like an amateur spray painted crash bar for a motorcycle. This will definitely chip given the wrong circumstances, and the paint sheen doesn't inspire confidence to term this as a Haa-ley. Oh, and did you remember the broken bolt cap. Just look a little further, I've circled the same. SMH

With all due respect, brownie points for Hero and Haa-ley having to have teamed up to dabble on the hot waters of a segment that's been ruled by a Brit for long and still to do. What Hero has done isn't something brave, but something what its competitor forayed all along with zeal and tanked -- literally -- with the Himalayan when it was launched. A product that was half-baked with all the problems in the world a single motorcycle could offer, yet progressively learning, ironing out the wrinkles and taking the title of the most sold ADV motorcycle in India.

With another round of price increase, Hero-Haa-ley will definitely have to up the ante in terms of quality. RE learnt this crucial lesson the hard and long way. Lo, it eventually took light-years for them to catch up, but they're inching there and now its sales chart are a testament as it's lit as a thousand moons combined. What RE had at their disposal? TIME. They had all the time it took to catch up to the game at the right time, with the products. Talk about kaizen philosophy.

Sadly, Hero-Haa-ley has a lot of offer in terms of quality, fit, finish and offering them immediately and in a timely manner. This partnership can end up to be a sad swept under the mat if things aren't course corrected with the intent this partnership has for the long term. This isn't a Harley, sadly, it isn't and it never will be, apart from the slapped sticker. Mark my word on that!

With more and more customers having the choice and the wherewithal, a shoddy product with a reputed name is a sure recipe to tank its future once and for all.

Good luck Hero.

Cheers!

VJ

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Coming from a Honda, the vibrations on this are definitely annoying, but I am getting used to it gradually.

BHPian lobojames9 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Brought home a Charcoal Black Dominar 400 in late May.

Buying experience:

I was looking to upgrade my Honda CBR 250R which has served me well for over 10 years. During my search, a friend recommended I look at the Dominar. Initially, I was only looking at the KTM Adventure 390 and the Interceptor. While the bikes are from different segments, I have always liked them. The Dominar was a late entrant in my search, but it slowly started to appeal to me.

Every showroom I went to whether it was KTM, Bajaj or RE, I was just faced with disappointment. There is something about salespeople not greeting you with a smile, giving you their attention, explaining their products in detail etc., that just irks me and I felt it was the same every where.

At Khivraj KTM, Indiranagar, I was greeted by a bored salesperson who did not try to explain anything about the Adventure nor was interested in making a sale. They did give me a test ride, but the bike was in bad shape.

At RE Avahan, near Kalyanagar, I walked around the showroom for 10 minutes looking at the salespeople have a laugh about something before being attended to and then just given a tablet saying you can look at the prices and customizations here. I was given a test ride of the Interceptor, and found some issues with the posture that made me rethink the bike.

At Khivraj Bajaj Indiranagar, I was told I would be given a test ride - was made to wait 20 mins - then told that there are no test ride vehicles and they would arrange one over the weekend. What annoyed me the most about the experience here was receiving a call in a couple of days and the lady over the phone asking me to share with her the feedback link that Bajaj shares with the customer. I found it unethical and decided to look for another showroom even though this was within 3km of my house.

Finally, went to Popular Bajaj, Koramangala as I had not yet tested a Dominar. It was a decent experience. Rode a new test ride bike and enjoyed it. Then it was a matter of mind over heart - while my heart still said KTM Adventure, my pocket preferred the Dominar. And I booked it within a day.

The overall experience with Popular Bajaj was decent. Got the bike within a week. Although, even after two months I am still waiting to receive my RC card as the HSRP details were uploaded really late, only after I followed up. I may have to go to the RTO myself to hopefully get a copy if it is printed.

First service experience:

I finished my first 500 kms in a week's time and took the bike to Khivraj Bajaj, Indiranagar, Bangalore, as it was close to home. The experience was mixed. While the SA was receptive and amicable, there was a sense that they were just trying to get the bikes out in record time (which was expected). While I usually prefer staying at the service centre and monitoring the service, I was told that they had around 15 Dominars already in line for service and it would take a long time before they got to mine. This was at 9.00 am.

At 12.50 pm, I get a call from the billing department stating that my bike is ready and to come and pick it up immediately. So I head there, only to be told that it is the lunch break and my bike wash / 3M polish that they do is not yet completed. Even at the billing department, I was told that it was the lunch break and when I stated that I had been told to come and pick it up, the person reluctantly finished my billing. After that it was a long wait, till nearly 2.30 pm to finally get my bike. In that time, I also saw the conditions in which a relatively young boy was using some sort of air-powered gun to apply the 3M polish. Found it suffocating to stay there for just 30 mins, I am not sure how they would doing it the whole day. Disappointed after witnessing this as well, I have decided to not go back to this service centre.]

Two-month review:

After completing about two months and 1500km on the bike, it's a love-hate relationship with the bike, but I think it is slowly growing on me. Coming from a Honda, the vibrations on this are definitely annoying, but I am getting used to it gradually. Low-speed tractability in traffic is great, but you do have to get used to the weight of the bike. On the highway, it does feel solid at speed, but again the vibrations at certain RPMs do get in the way of an enjoyable experience. I hope that the bike gets smoother with time, as I am still in the running-in period.

The headlights are really good, and so is the rider's seat. Pillion seat I have been told is not very comfortable over a long period of time and that is fine since I mostly tour alone. I find the secondary display quite useless because of the position and just wish Bajaj updated the software to make ODO and Trips available on the main display. Especially on highways it is quite irritating to look down to get a ODO/Trip reading.

While it feels like I've stated several cons, I do enjoy riding the bike, the power and grunt it has to offer. The bike is growing on me every day.

Check out BHPian. comments for more insights and information.

The riding position was pretty much similar to my Pulsar 220.

BHPian antz.bin recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Finally did the test ride today.

The bike is truly very impressive. It is absolutely stunning and at par in quality to its stablemates that are much much more expensive. Effortless to ride around town and the ride quality is just excellent. Acceleration is strong across the rev range and there is hardly any need to downshift even during quick overtakes within the city.

The Fan was on during my TR, probably due to the constant ripping from back to back test rides. I could feel some heat at standstill but not something that was worrisome. Jeans definitely helped.

The bike is compact in size but I could manage to ride confidently with my wife and toddler on board without much discomfort till about 60 within the short distance that I did the TR with them. This will not be a very frequent occurrence but it is a use case the bike must be able to manage.

The riding position was pretty much similar to my Pulsar 220. I was looking for something more aggressive this time around but the Duke is pretty similar as well and the ADV is even more relaxed.

The space available was less than my Pulsar 220 but still manageable. Maybe the single (non split) seat is helping here. The pillion seat was not scary under acceleration by any stretch of the imagination. The most powerful motorcycle I have personally sat pillion on is the Ninja 250R and that was the most scared I was ever on a motorcycle, this is more powerful but is nowhere close to the Ninja in terms of scariness.

At the cost of repetition, the ride was truly magical. Bumps and potholes just disappear under it without a sound. This part is especially important to me specifically because the township I live in has the worst speed breakers I could find from here to Ladakh and back. And I encounter 35 such speed breakers here in the 3km round trip of me going to my daughter's school and back. I doubt any competitor can do this any better.

There were definitely some vibration in the higher revs but not something you couldn't live with. I will be riding the KTM 390 and the RE 650 trios tomorrow to make my final pick. From what I remember, the KTM 390 bottom end was definitely weaker than this one. One could easily sacrifice some of that bottom end by sprocketing and fix the high speed vibration issue for very cheap on the Speed 400 if that is what you desire.

Regarding deliveries, the Pune dealer mentioned that I am #319 on the list and they have 400 bikes to deliver this month. So I could get delivery before the end of this month. Standard fare of making a payment of ₹23k (+ 2k booking amount already paid) to freeze the booking needs to be paid ASAP. Last date for payment for August delivery is the 15th of August.

Regarding standard accessories, everything on the bike inside the showroom is standard equipment. This includes:

• Side stand
• Upper crash guard
• Bar end mirrors
• Basic radiator guard
• Plastic bash plate

The cost of all of the above is included within the Ex Showroom price in typical Bajaj fashion. No Honda business of charging extra even for accessories that are mandatory by law (like mirrors and side stand).

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

Today I have done 30min test ride of this wonderful machine & covered about 7-8km which includes bumper to bumper traffic & a short open stretch, my observations are below. For everyones reference, currently I own a Yamaha FZ250 2019 model with less 7000KM on the odo, mostly used for very short city runs. I have done only 3 long rides during my entire ownership covering not more than 400KM round trip.

Positives:

• It looked awesome
• Got an excellent power, felt like riding RE interceptor during my entire ride
• Fit & Finish is excellent, all components are made out of good quality materials
• Compact Machine, short riders will really appreciate
• Seat is very comfortable
• Got good amount of space for Pillion rider & it can be a good family bike
• Ergonomics are spot on, it can be your daily ride
• Clutch action is light
• Breaks are excellent & predictable
• Got comfortable with the bike in no time
• Exhaust note was likable

Negatives:

• Heat management could have been definitely much better. I felt the heat during my entire ride, mainly while waiting at the signals, a proper footwear is must
• Looked very compact than what I expected
• Sensitive to throttle inputs, I felt bit aggressive
• Gear shifting was not very smooth although it never missed the gear, the test ride bike had less than 200km on the odo, I believe gear shifting might get better over the time
• Horn is mediocre

Overall had a wonderful experience, definitely it can be a very good option for people who wants to upgrade from 150-200cc segment. I'm in a dilemma now whether to replace my sparingly used FZ250 with this bike or use my current ride for few more years before looking for replacement, I may get this bike in next 2 weeks if I hold my current pre-booking.

Here's what BHPian bharath79 had to say on the matter:

I am just coming back from a test ride of 6 kms or so:

• Solid feeling holding the handlebar.
• Terrific sounding exhaust through out the ride, with the helmet on, gives you the big bike feeling. Really inspires confidence listening to it.
• Slightly weird but loud enough horn.
• Terrifically nimble, I enjoyed my ride on a relatively empty Sunday morning traffic. It will set all the caged middle aged gentlemen a little free
• Reasonablly good low end torque is available. 5th gear at 20kmph is a bit of a struggle, 4th gear at 20kmph is doable, 3rd gear at more or less all speeds is easily doable. It also means clutch less riding needing very little gear change.
• A great city bike at a good price point. Bajaj and/or partners are truly innovators and disruptors, for the indian market, right from KB125 to Pulsars to Dukes to now this.i look forward to a multi cylinder offering.

Regards

Bharath

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Rear disc brake mount is on the the front side, wheel removal and fitting should be easier.

BHPian surjaonwheelz recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Had a chance to check out the Harley X440 at a dealership:

The GD showroom was a busy place.

Revving the engine gives immediate feel of the bike's character! Ergonomics are eased out with both feet down flat. The metal side panels touched the inner thighs with comfortable reach to the handle bars.

Need to feel it out on the open roads but a big downer is that they are planning test rides around the mall.

We suggested the sales team to organize events/camps for test rides out of town at least for 4-5 kms.

Some observations:

The bronze finish on the top S model and machined engine fins.

Diamond cut alloy wheels on the top 5 model.

Gear lever linkage & front sprocket cover, folks with OCD will be busy here!

Long rectangular swingarm.

Under-belly exhaust canister and mounts for center stand?

Rear sprocket with a square washer, doubling up as a guide to the chain tension adjusters. Provision for saree guard mounts is visible. Welding experts can comment here!

Rear disc brake mount is on the the front side, wheel removal and fitting should be easier (coming from an INT650 owner)

Brake lever, master cylinder cover in plastic!

We had to move aside from the bike as others were waiting to get on the bike. One more point is that the matt grey finish of the top S model was matching with the plastic parts on the bike!

Some common inspirations from other HD bikes present in the showroom,

Diamond cut alloys.

The tank design.

But the million CC question is, will H.O.G. accept this new breed of singles (cylinder)?

Happy riding,

surjaonwheelz

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was about to leave work to visit the service center and there it is again, the engine won't ignite.

BHPian Mr.Bentley recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

New issue with my 2021 Gixxer SF 150 - engine refusing to start.

I got it serviced on June 6th, filled the tank at an IndianOil petrol bunk near my home. Rode about 60km since then without any problems.

June 8th:

9PM, after dinner at a restaurant; engine wont start. Self start seems to be working as it should. Starter motor is cranking the engine, but there is no ignition. (I can see its cranking to 500rpm). Jump start didn't work either. RSA quoted Rs.1800 to transport the bike for 6km on a flatbed. Local mechanics said they cant assure anything since they're not skilled enough to troubleshoot BS6 bikes. In the mean time, the valet at the restaurant (claimed that he used to be a bike mechanic himself) fiddled with the spark plug ignitor, and 2 mins later, the bike cranked! He said it was 'loose'.

Thankfully, an uneventful ride to home. I switched off the engine and tried cranking it again, and the engine is ON. Even next day, engine ignited at the first crank!

Continued riding it daily since I'm packed at work till June 16th, and can take it to service center only after that. So, rode only from Home to Work, since I can park the bike at either of them in case I face the issue again.

June 16th:

I was about to leave work to visit the service center and there it is again, the engine won't ignite! Same scene as above. I tried the spark plugs thing. That didn't work this time. Called up service center and asked to send someone to check this out. They said they will send only next day, since its already 5 30pm. Left it at office and went home. Visited the bike again on Saturday with a strong will to solve this. No drama today, the engine started on first crank!

Left it there and worked in office to finish off few things.

June 19th:

Took the bike to service center. After explaining all the above, the mechanic immediately alleged a faulty fuel pump in the bike. He said this issue has been common in Suzuki vehicles these days, and even replicated the problem! (revved the engine till about 8k rpm, and the engine shut down itself immediately and didn't start immediately again. It started 10mins later, on a random crank.

Fuel pump, if identified as the cause of issue, will be replaced under warranty (just 40days of warranty period left).

When talked around the service center, I got 3 types of statements:

• Service center manager also has a 2021 Gixxer 150. After knowing the issue, he guessed the age of the bike almost accurately. He claimed that he faced exact same issue at just 80km ODO. He got the fuel pump replaced, and all is well since then.
• Mechanic says this issue has been popping up in many Suzukis and the manufacturer is covering the 'first' fuel pump replacement under warranty (irrespective of age of vehicle).
• SA said he observed this issue in many vehicles, but never on those vehicles with E20 sticker on them. I asked him if the extra ethanol in fuel could cause this problem, but he seemed unaware of even what E20 means.

(And frankly, I don't know if the fuel I filled is E20 or not. Usually I fill XP95 every time. But this time, that particular dispenser is not working. So I filled normal petrol).

Don't know if this may be because of E20 fuel or not.

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