The RE advisor sent me away by saying that I had to get used to the bike.

BHPian abk98 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello All,

I bought a Hunter 350, Dapper Grey on the 2nd of February replacing my trusty Glamour for my daily commute to work.

Booked the vehicle at the end of January and was told about a waiting period of 20 days for the colour, however, received a call 3 days later that the vehicle was ready to be delivered!

Went to the showroom, completed all the formalities and ended up taking the delivery. Everything went fine, finished my first service at 500 Km and rode it until 1300 Km when suddenly the Clutch got so hard that during peak Bangalore traffic, my hands would hurt so bad that they would turn red and it took a lot of effort to engage the clutch.

On my way back home from work is where the RE Service centre is located. I directly went there and showed them the clutch and to my surprise, the Service Executive told me that this is how a RE bike works and that I'll need to get used to the Hard clutch, even after I showed him a smoother clutch in one of the Hunter parked at the Service Center.

Got mad, left the place and went to my trusty local garage where I would get my Glamour serviced, the mechanic held the clutch once and told me that it was abnormally hard for such a new bike and advised me to get the clutch cable replaced, to which I instantly agreed as my hands were shivering with pain from all the riding.

This was a 2-minute job as he had the clutch cable in stock and cost me Rs. 250/-. The best 250 rupees I have ever spent!

Why weren't the RE Service Center able to help me out with the repair, also shooing the customers away telling them that is how it is supposed to be?

If this continues, I don't think RE is putting itself in a good spot in such a competitive market!

So, I am still unable to diagnose why my old clutch cable got so hard at just 1300 Km. Currently, I have ridden about 150 Km on the replaced cable and have no issues.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The DIY process is pretty simple and the method is almost universal and can be applied to most two-wheelers

BHPian maheshm619 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I purchased a RE Hunter 350 in September last year. Bit by bit, the bike was accessorized according to my liking. The bike is used primarily for office commutes and short rides and the ownership experience so far has been relaxed compared to my earlier vehicle, a decade-old CBR250. While CBR is a good vehicle, maintaining such a vehicle in a rural area has its challenges. The CBR ownership and challenges it threw, will need another thread and shall not drag it here.

In this post, I’ll focus on how the AHO (automatic headlight ON) was disabled on my bike using a simple mod. This mod is universal and can be applied to most vehicles. With the advent of BS4 vehicles, govt. had mandated DRL (daytime running lamp) for two-wheelers. Companies like TVS provided a dedicated LED DRL in most of their vehicles, whereas most manufacturers chose to keep the low beam always on and remove the headlight on/off button altogether. The contribution of such measures to improving road safety is debatable.

There are different methods available to disable the always-on headlight such as adding an extra switch to the low beam wire / changing the handlebar OEM switch assembly to one of an older model / get a plug-in module to the wiring harness. I didn’t want an extra switch poking out of the handlebar and the second option (OEM switch assembly) was also not possible as Hunter never had an older headlight on/off button. The aftermarket plug-in module also seemed expensive for the function it offered.

Being a DIY enthusiast, it was time to apply some of it to this problem (self-thought one). One solution was to form a two-relay-based setup which shall switch off the low as the vehicle is started. I had bought these relays and made a wiring diagram, but to mount the relays space was a constraint. It had to be placed under the seat and the wiring had to be routed under the fuel tank to the headlight area. I kept the plan on hold and was on the lookout for further options.

A wildcard entry to my plan was a photo-relay (Photosensitive relay). It was already used in our household to automate external lighting after dark. These relays however were rated for 230-volt AC and 12-volt DC options were exorbitantly priced.

After a few hours of Google search, I ordered a 12-volt DC photo relay from a Pune-based components supplier online. It reached me in a week and work started.

Let the pictures do the talking.

It had enough space to route wires and had to hold a headlight coupler (male to female). The H4 coupler makes the whole process free of any wire cutting / disturbing the factory wiring.

The whole setup is removable in 15 mins to stock form.

Outcome:

The relay gets power as the bike turns ON (engine starts) and the light (low beam) stays OFF during the day. As daylight intensity falls, the relay output switches and gives power to the Low beam wire and the headlight becomes ON. The daylight intensity switches the relay typically around evening around 6 pm in our area and is ideal. The placement of the relay behind the number plate ensures that the headlight doesn’t turn off at nighttime while a light beam of an opposite vehicle might fall on it.

Even during the day, one can turn on the headlamp by placing the switch on the HIGH beam as only low beam wiring was modified.

Pros:

• Low beam off during the day / reduced electrical load / DIY = satisfaction!

Cons:

• At a dimly lit area, when the low beam is kept ON by photo-relay, if the high beam is turned ON, it will cut supply to the relay (but the high beam will be working normally). When the beam is changed back from high to low, the relay needs 2-3 seconds to power ON and switch ON the low beam. This will cause a condition of no light for 2 seconds while changing from high to low. This condition is OK for me according to my bike usage pattern (minimal night usage / well-illuminated roads) but may not suit everyone else. One can however use the PASS switch normally without any such effect.

Verdict:

A simple but effective DIY for me. Personalizing one’s bike is a joy indeed. All the components required can be sourced online and can be completed in less than an hour. The bike has an additional pilot lamp ( T 10 , 5 Watt bulb) inside the headlamp housing which is always ON for people who are worried about no headlight during the day.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

She will use the Aerox 155 for the city and the Hunter 350 for highways.

BHPian CrAzY dRiVeR recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

A new addition to the garage: Royal Enfield Hunter 350

If there is one brand that must be getting the folks at Triumph tensed about the future roadmap - it could be Royal Enfield. Both of them claim authentic British heritage, and both are rediscovering how the classic motorcycle should appeal to the modern audience. Well, I'm going to have a taste of both worlds because my wife decided to pick up a Royal Enfield Hunter 350 as the second motorcycle (and the third two-wheeler) for our garage.

Those in our Bangalore biking circles would already know this bike - belonging to BHPian deepfreak15 and just having completed 1 year and 1500kms. Interestingly, even the Tiger Sport was bought 6 months ago, 2288 kms used - so I have been lucky with getting bikes which are just about run-in! Thanks a ton to Deepak for passing this bike on.

This will be the first motorcycle experience for the wife and it's her own choice as well. After Deepak mentioned about the sale, she went to the showroom and checked how comfortable she was - and absolutely loved what Royal Enfield had done with the Hunter. From a vocal Royal Enfield hater to a convert - it's turned out to be quite a revelation for her.

A size too small for me, but then - I will continue to use the Tiger Sport 660 as my city and highway machine. Whereas she will use the Aerox 155 for the city and the Hunter 350 for highways.

Deepak was kind enough to do a service before the handover. The below accessories were already added to the bike - sump guard, custom seat, LED indicators, and touring mirrors. I went ahead and added two more today - the engine guard and the visor.

All three two-wheelers in the garage for now

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The Triumph Speed 400 is perfect for riders who want a sorted ride with a bit of everything thrown in.

Triumph Speed 400

Triumph Speed 400 Pros

• Qintessential Triumph design that can stand proud next to the rest of its modern classic range
• Build quality, fit and finish are of a high order - arguably the best in the broad segment it straddles
• Stunning price proposition! Bajaj and Triumph have launched it at a price that leaves no doubt that they're gunning for a thumping success
• 39.5 BHP engine is reasonably tractable with a strong pull. Smooth & refined power delivery at a kerb weight of ~176 kg, results in a fairly peppy performance aided further by a slick 6-speed gearbox
• Great ground clearance in real-world riding, combined with a reasonably plush ride
• Exciting but not intimidating - the bike is very beginner-friendly and will be easy to recommend to newer riders as well as older ones getting back to some easy riding after a gap
• A very generous 16,000 km / 1-year service interval. Parts and service costs are also expected to be kept competitive

Triumph Speed 400 Cons

• Absence of some features like connected tech, riding modes etc.
• Very tall folk may find themselves gravitating towards the Scrambler 400. The Speed 400 looks just a tad small for very heavyset / very tall riders
• Non-adjustable brake and clutch levers, although they are light and easy to operate. Adjustable levers would have been a nice touch.
• Analogue + Digital speedometer doesn't suit the bike's character. They should've gone in one of these directions, either the simple round style similar to the Trident or the gorgeous twin dials of the 1200 classic
• Only single-sided saddle bag luggage is being offered by Triumph as of now. You will have to look at aftermarket solutions for double-sided saddle bags
• The entire service experience remains uncharted territory with Triumph leaving a negative perception on this front in some parts of the country. Whether one can have a positive dealership experience under Bajaj’s watch is something that remains to be seen

Link to Review

Harley-Davidson X440

Harley-Davidson X440 Pros

• Single-cylinder, 440cc engine has good low-end torque to make city riding as well as highway cruising comfortable
• NVH and refinement are really good. Combined with good ergonomics, you can cruise at 80-100 km/h all day long
• Well priced. It is on par with its peers, albeit with an extra ~40-90 cc
• Built by Hero, who know the Indian two-wheeler consumer extremely well
• Decent level of kit - standard dual-channel ABS, Bluetooth connectivity, connected features, etc.

Harley-Davidson X440 Cons

• Design and styling can be polarising. Not your typical Harley
• In a segment that has heated up with lots of new offerings, the X440 doesn't ace any specific aspect
• No riding modes or traction control. Essentially not a lot of ways to customize your ride
• This is the first product of the Harley Davidson - Hero partnership. Sales, after-sales and service support and experience are unknown

Link to Review

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

Link to launch thread

Team-BHP 2-Wheeler of the Year, 2022!

Link to ownership review

Honda CB350 RS

Link to launch thread

Link to ownership review

BMW G 310 R

Link to launch thread

Link to ownership review

KTM 390 Duke

Link to launch thread

Link to ownership review

Bajaj Dominar 400

Link to launch thread

Link to ownership review

Royal Enfield Classic 350

Link to launch thread

Link to ownership review

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Link to launch thread

Link to ownership review

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

We (my wife and me) went through a recent evaluation exercise with the same options in front of us for her new bike. She loved the CB 350 RS and hated the Hunter. We have a 390 Duke at home, so the KTM was also out.

She found the Interceptor/Continental GT/Super Meteor too heavy, even though the power delivery was good. The others didn't even make the cut for a test drive in her mind, especially the BMW due to its subpar ownership/service experience stories.

We were in two minds about the Harley, but finally decided against it--it looked like it had been put together by a local garage in Kurla.

She loved the Triumph the moment she started the test ride with just a couple of words. "This is such a friendly bike". Now, I wasn't expecting this since I was expecting it to be more of a tamed-down KTM 390 or Dominar type of experience. I realized what she meant the moment I took a test ride.

The Triumph Speed 400 is perfect for riders who want a sorted ride with a bit of everything thrown in. Especially the suspension comfort and the great mid-end power.

We booked ours online the moment we reached home!

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

If I was in this segment and wasn't price-conscious, my money would go to the 390 Duke for sure. It's a clear notch above the other comparable offerings (not counting the higher CC 650 offerings, but those are distinctly heavier too) and just far more exciting as an overall package. The Speed makes a good value package as a general beginner-friendly all-rounder.

The new 390 seems very promising and I'm really eager to see what sort of 390A offering this new platform throws up. Pity it's a year or more away for now.

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

Voted RE 650 over Triumph 400 for the musical exhaust note of the twins as I'm exhausted hearing the monotonous sound of a single 4S deadbeat; besides, RE650 offers the best VFM, relaxed speed & the convenience of widespread ASC which further influenced my choice.

PS - In my personal opinion: except for the price factor & HP, there's no other way the 650 twins is qualified in this segment.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Fuel efficiency in city limits has been usually around 37-38 km/l.

BHPian sumanthkr recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

My Hunter 350 is just over two months old now, of which there was 1 month of no riding due to a leg injury I had (not related to the bike).

The bike saw a slightly noticeable smoothness after the scheduled 45 days 1st service when I had done barely 450kms, until which I consciously did not ride fast.

After the service, I took it for a few short spins around the city - I have not done any long rides yet.

Observations

The bike is fast (feels so) of the blocks, the same as I had observed earlier in first impression.

I have only done 90kmph, because

• I have not really hit a proper highway that supports good speeds
• Also, the bike does not urge you to accelerate past 85-90, beyond 75-80 I felt the acceleration is not so engaging
• More importantly, I am also not keen on pushing as I want to ride more before I start doing 100-110 on a motorcycle

Mileage

One interesting thing happened during a recent spin, where I did 220 km, It was kind of unplanned, that about 70% distance was not in city traffic, I filled up the tank and started, and in 2 days' time I again did 127 km spin again about 2/3rds distance was not in city traffic (outskirts), after 347 km when It was yet to show the Reserve indication, I filled it up again - it filled up at 7.8 litres!!

I had already tracked the odometer to be quite accurate and I can vouch that the 347 km almost exactly matched the Google Map distance.

That means I got an FE of 44 km/l during this spin spread across 2 rides where roughly 2/3rd the distance was outside city limits - but not exactly highway conditions. I usually rode in the 60-80 km/h range as the roads permitted, occasionally held up to 90kmph.

I usually am not particular or picky about FE but this was just to see what the new bike offers. In city limits, it has been usually around ~ 37-38.

All said I have merely clocked 1550kms so far.

Brakes

The front brake has been more reliable in my experience, the rear brake when I occasionally only used the leg break - was not so very confidence-inspiring, am not sure why.

Learning

I am trying to deal with crosswinds, I bought a safety jacket with Level 2 protection (my jacket model does find a mention in Team bhp (Royal Enfield launches riding jacket made from recycled plastic)) but still learning to deal with crosswinds, and I weigh just 60 kg at 181 cm height, a skinny person, I feel the crosswinds do affect me right now and I am requiring to slow down and slide to the left a bit whenever crosswind gets heavy on me. I do not know yet if Crosswinds plays differently based on the rider build being skinny or otherwise etc.

I did try leaning forward - a little more aggressively, it helped a bit, but am not used to that riding position so could not hold that for long.

Any tips from experienced riders are welcome wrt to crosswinds and headwinds.

I do have the company's standard windshield.

Another learning was, that I picked up L size helmet because I felt the M size was too tight, but then realized that it is better to have a tighter helmet and deal with that inconvenience. When the crosswinds got heavy I could feel the helmet wobble ever so slightly, it was not as if It was shaking, but just that at 80-90 speed when in breezy conditions I realized the value of a snug fit helmet and realized it was the hard way, the discomfort of the slight wobble scared the shit out of me initially - but then later got the assurance that it was a mere sensation as it was not a snug fit.

Am looking to get a snug-fit helmet, especially with the Motoverse Goa ride (from Bengaluru where I reside) coming up in November. I am eagerly looking forward to, thanks to Arun sir GM of Accelerate Motors and lead of the very active Accelerate Motors club for infusing confidence in new riders like me, that I signed up for such a long ride.

I might retain the current helmet for city commutes where a snug fit feels very annoying.

Engine heating

I found that the bike is happy for an hour or an hour plus. Only once after about 90kms of continuous riding, I felt a little bit of engine heat, it was not uncomfortable at all. So far, so good!

Suspension and tires

My observation on suspension remains more or less the same as the initial impression. I did feel the advantage of the firm suspension on the occasional spins outside the city, although it can still do with a better rear suspension.

The same goes with the tires, am not experienced with motorcycling, but I can tell that the bike can do with better tires. My own confidence with cornering abilities is slowly growing, it is holding up alright but felt it could have been better.

All in all am happy I picked up the Hunter instead of waiting for the Himalayan 450, as I can learn with this smaller and easier-to-handle bike. As I learn with experience, I can better assess after a couple of years maybe as to what kind of bike suits me best.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The fuel efficiency of the Royal Enfield is 30-31 km/l (tank-to-tank method).

BHPian Nadapriya.auto recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I had a budget of 2 lakhs and was looking for an upgrade from my Pulsar 135 LS around December 2022.

My daily commute to the office is 20 km one way, on a good road and lots of crosswinds.

Options considered:

• Bajaj Pulsar 250 twins.
• FZ25
• CB300F (Had a huge discount at that time)
• TVS Ronin
• Hunter 350

The ergonomics of the Pulsar twins felt a little awkward, surprisingly. Was slightly uncomfortable at the end of the Test Ride.

The FZ25 had loads of low-end torque, but the bulbous tank and the general design philosophy didn't appeal a lot. Same with the Ronin.

The Honda, which was the most powerful on paper, failed to give a vibe-free experience, post 6k RPM. I do not know if the issue was limited to the test bike or not. Also, the handlebar felt sort of twisted outward.

The Hunter 350 instantly put a smile on my face, with its superb low-end torque. The seat comfort was adequate, the riding triangle felt spot-on, and the chassis is brilliant. The slightly rear-set footpegs and adequate tank grip enabled me to stand on the footpegs while going over the large humps and potholes. Immediately booked one, in dapper white.

I have completed 2600 kms to date and haven't faced a single problem. IMO, the fit and finish is more than acceptable for this price point.

Good things:

• The weight is properly masked while riding. It feels nimble yet planted.
• The low seat height coupled with the low ground clearance and a good chassis makes for an engaging daily commute.
• The tractability is very good. The second gear is usable right from 5 km/h to 40 km/h. Put it in the third gear, and it pulls cleanly from 20 km/h to 70 km/h. I have personally started in the 2nd gear after stopping at signals a few times.
• 5th gear - 100 km/h, does not feel stressed, can hold it all day. It takes time post-110 though.

Not-so-good things:

• The tyres are not very grippy, it tends to squeal a bit during hard braking.
• The suspension is okay for me, as I stand up on the pegs while going over speed beakers, but it feels a bit too stiff while riding with a pillion.

The ground clearance is just about adequate. I am yet to scrape the bottom to date, even on pretty large humps. The bike feels absolutely vibe-free till 110, a welcome change from my heavily vibrating Pulsar 135. The FE is 30-31 km/l (tank-to-tank method). I am used to the heavy clutch now and can operate with two fingers easily.

I agree with CK on most fronts.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Low fuel efficiency isn't due to my riding style as I used to get 40+ with my previous motorcycle, a Honda Hornet 160R.

BHPian Carpainter recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

So it has been more than two months now since I got this bike and after riding it for around 1200kms here are my short observations:

Pros

1. The engine is ideal for cruising at legal speeds. It feels punchy at 70-80 speed levels and has ample torque to ride on. Being lighter than the Classic 350 this should be an easy motorcycle to ride on hilly terrains.
2. The seating position is neutral with little rear set footpegs but set almost in the ideal position making a comfortable riding triangle. In the initial days of ownership, I felt wrist pain but once my body got accustomed after a week, there is no pain in the wrist or shoulder or anywhere else. In fact, this riding position is actually more comfortable for me than my previous bike Hornet 160R.
3. Stability on the straight line is good and crosswind doesn't unsettle it. I haven't taken it on highways yet.
4. Apart from the mirrors, there is no noticeable vibration anywhere unlike previous gen RE bikes.
5. Engine heat is manageable as it doesn't get too hot in city traffic.

Cons

1. Low mileage is the biggest negative I'm facing with this bike. I don't know what the issue is but I'm consistently getting a mileage of 25kmpl. I've heard people getting over 30 and some even say 36-37 which should be really good for this motorcycle but this is the biggest problem I've got. It's not because of my riding style as I used to get around 40+ with my previous 160cc commuter which is par for that bike. I've experimented with low gear high rpm and high gear low rpm but nothing worked. I'm using normal petrol though and I'm thinking of trying the premium petrol for a month.
2. The bike is very difficult to put on center stand. I think RE didn't design the center stand for this bike separately and since this has lower ground clearance than Classic 350 it becomes difficult.
3. Even the side stand is too straight and you can't park on the side stand even if there is the slightest inclination on the road.
4. Rear suspension is very stiff and you'll feel every undulation on the road. RE service center has advised me to change it to nitrox one but I want to ride it out a few thousand kms before investing in a new suspension. Also since the ground clearance is low, a softer suspension might cause it to touch the ground too often.
5. Fuel gauge is not very accurate and some models including mine don't have the mph marking in the speedometer.
6. Ground clearance of 150mm is on the lower side for our roads and although you won't scrape it every now and then if you're riding with a pillion, there is a chance you might kiss those unscientific speed breakers (more like footpath in the middle of the road).

Neutrals

1. This has the least weight among all the RE bikes. When you ride it, it feels more nimble and agile than even a 150cc commuter but you'll feel the 180kg weight when you move the bike manually like in and out of parking slots.
2. The seats are comfortable and even though it looks small, it can comfortably accommodate a pillion. But if you want to carry two people illegally then it's not possible.
3. The exhaust note is nice at low rpm and has some nice growl to it but at higher rpm the silencer becomes silent.
4. Headlight is halogen and not LED but the throw is nice and I'd take it over a poor LED any day.
5. Mirrors vibrate at various degrees at different speed levels and the size should have been bigger to reduce blind spots but it gets the job done for now.
6. Fit and finish is not at Honda or Yamaha level with some squeaking noise here and there but the paint quality is top-class. There is even a lacquer coating on the stickers.
7. The clutch is on the heavier side but with ample torque, you don't have to change gear too often.
8. Fuel tank capacity is 13 litres but low fuel warning comes on at 4 litres. So you'll see low fuel warning quicker than usual.
9. RE offer many accessories to customize your bike as per your liking. I just wish the tripper navigation was standard.

Hope prospective buyers will find this useful.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

I prefer retro looks, I want a bike "that will not age, that will not look odd with me aging, that I can keep for long"

BHPian ajcpub recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

With the bike bug buzzing in the head, the itch to put bum on something powerful growing and age catching up, it's time to satisfy the desire. Yes, desire, it's not a need.

Notes

• My biking (& driving) days started way back in the late 90s on the then silent Bangalore road. A very long friendship with the workhorse Honda SS 100 ended with RX135. Loved every bit of 135 but had to sell it after several years due to unforeseen reasons. Currently Suzuki access is doing the groceries & vegetables duties as well as office commute.

• My road trips were mostly in Car, first in Matiz and then in ANHC. It was only in late 90s when I did a few trips on my SS 100.

• My office commute is about 12 kms one way, some on congested, bad roads.

• I am bored of riding scooter though it offers tons of conveniences.

Parameters

• The basics: I prefer retro looks, I want a bike "that will not age, that will not look odd with me aging, that I can keep for long"

• Support office commute in heavy City traffic: Less gear shifts and/or slipper clutch, good turning radius, no engine stall, no heating issue.

• Occasional long rides: Reliability, less vibrations, good riding posture.

• Has latest technological advances: Disk brakes with dual abs, tubeless, etc. Don't care much about bluetooth connectivity.

• I am 5.6", on the thinner side so saddle height and weight is a big consideration. I would prefer seat height of up to 790mm.

• DON'T WANT THE BIKE TO GIVE UP ON ME: I am happy to do a bit of maintenance myself, visit occasional visits to garages in addition to the regular servicing but I would really really and really hate if the bike fails to start, either the first thing in the morning or during the day. I have spent good amount of my mornings kicking Vijay Super and don't want to have that frustration again.

• Budget: Around 2.5L. I know riding gear is going to cost me extra.

Eliminated

• I did consider but rejected RE Classic 350 as I wasn't sure if I can handle it well in the City. Most of the other RE fleet was rejected for the same reason.

• I did consider but rejected Yezdi Roadster because of the recent legal tussle about the brand ownership.

• I didn't evaluate any of Yamaha/Suzuki/Hero/... fleet as not many retro offerings and/or the bikes felt too bulky and with all kind of modern(?) facades on the tank.

• I didn't evaluate Triumph as it's out of my budget.

• I didn't evaluate KTM as it's something that is not of my taste.

• I did consider but rejected Bajaj Avenger as I did not like the riding posture of cruiser bikes.

• I did consider TVS RTRs and found 180 to be comfortable but it's not Retro and I wasn't sure if it will meet any of my basic parameters -- "that will not age, that will not look odd with me aging, that I can keep for long."

Shortlisted

It boils down to Honda Highness 350, RE Hunter, Jawa 42 2.1

Highness 350:

I am more or less sold on this one except for the seat height. It's 800mm and though I can touch ground comfortably, a bit more footing will give that much more confidence. I will hate if I have to do modifications to the stock seat.

I liked the ride, liked the seating posture, liked the handling and power, liked the dealership experience.

I didn't like the turning radius or may be I will get used to it.

RE Hunter:

I am almost sold on this one too except I am not sure whether it meets two of my basic parameters -- "that will not age, that I can keep for long" I liked the ride, liked the seating posture, liked the handling and power, liked the dealership experience.

The bike has more torque, it's very very easy to manoeuvre it, the seat height is perfect for me.

There is no slipper clutch, the gear shift felt a bit hard but may be it was a test ride vehicle.

Jawa 42 2.1:

Why am I considering this even after reading so many negative experiences? I don't know but it feels like a bike that I can keep, feels like a bike that I can handle comfortably, feels like a bike to own. So it's perhaps more of what heart wants than what head tells.

I am yet to take a test ride.

What am looking for?

Inputs from fellow Jawa 42 2.1 owners or other experts.. I have gone through below two threads but they are about 42 and not the 2.1 model:

link 1

link 2

Please comment on following:

• Is there starting issues with the bike?
• Is the paint peeling off?
• How's the servicing experience (in Bangalore)?
• Is the riding posture comfortable for those occasional long rides?

Thanks so much for your inputs.

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

Since you are looking to keep the bike for a long time, I would suggest the Honda CB350 to the Jawa. Honda offers a better product and ease of use in the long run judging by the reviews and experiences of our forum members and otherwise too.

Cheers

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

Test ride TVS Ronin 225. Almost completely metal made, with good riding posture and low end torque. It satisfies most of your specifications. You may like it.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

At the first glance, you will feel that Royal Enfield has improved the quality of its bikes but as they say, the devil is in the details.

BHPian cormodore recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I will keep it very short with respect to my initial review of my newly acquired Hunter.

I am in my mid-40s and wanted to get back to riding motorcycles, as riding Jupiters and Accesses left me wanting for more. With Jupiter, Santro and Vento already in my garage there was no need for a bike, however, my heart wanted me to pick a bike for my rides which I currently do in Vento.

Started test rides of various motorcycles and my heart and head could not come to a common ground on a particular motorcycle. It was a three-year hunt and a lot of persuasions at home, that I could pick up the Hunter.

Test drive 1 (June 2019) - Triumph Bonneville

This was more of a window shopping, as I was near the showroom for some other work, went inside and asked for a test ride, and they provided the same. Loved the bike, the torque, and the looks. Fell in love with the bike at the first glance. Heart wanted to swipe the card and get the bike, but the calculations in my head paused me and let it go. Initial purchasing was okay but with huge service bills, and with all the complex gadgetry, and given the state of our vehicle services, it will be tough to maintain (I am coming from maintaining my Vento experience).

Test drive 2 (June 2020) - FZ25

Felt ok after riding the bike but could not connect to the bike due to its bulbous fuel tank shape and the weird headlight design. Did not pick up the bike, even after the dealer threw in discounts.

Test drive 3 (around the time when 4V was launched) - Xpulse

Bike was a bit tall and did not feel any step up from a commuter bike, with respect to initial power delivery. At 1.65 lacs on road, I felt the bike was pricy for what it offers. The plastic parts and the sound of the bike did not make me look at the bike again.

Test drive 4 (Mar 2022) - Himalayan

The bike was tall, and I liked the suspension and the power delivery. Rejected as I had to spend around 2.6 lacs and the headlight was not moving along with the handlebar.

Test drive 5 (Oct 2022) - Hunter

RE has copied the design of Bonneville and gave us a baby Bonneville, which I liked, and the initial power delivery is particularly good along with a beautiful exhaust note. Its refined (J series engine) and the gears slotted beautifully which sealed the deal and made me overlook all the other stuff which I going to write in cons.

Also, I checked out the Dominar and N250, but neither my wife nor myself liked them. Apaches were rejected due to poor pillion rider seats.

Following are my observations after riding the bike for about 1500Km. Wish companies/showrooms give us exhaustive test rides based on which we can make better vehicle purchases.

The GOOD

• Baby Bonneville
• Initial power delivery till 60KMPH
• Nice exhaust note
• Striking colors
• Although the headlight is halogen, the throw and spread are very good
• Excellent paint quality of the petrol tank
• Excellent riding triangle with slightly rear-set foot pegs
• Gears slot exactly without any jumps or missing gears
• Amaron battery is provided as OEM fit
• Extra fuses provided by RE in the fuse box, in case anything goes wrong with the fuses in use

The BAD

• Lots of plastic parts which are inferior in quality (especially the headlight, and side covers)
• No place to keep the documentation or any stuff
• Inconsistent build. Especially the welding portions leave a lot to be desired
• No discounts and high waiting periods for a newly launched bike
• Stock mirrors vibrate a lot during lugging and once the speed crosses 80KMPH

Could be better

• Switch gear is okay but can be improved
• Feature set when compared to its peers (Ronin)
• Although the stock MRF looks good, it does not do justice to the bike. Need to replace with a grippy rear tyre
• RE should have concealed the wiring much more effectively (RE please copy the wiring stuff from Bonneville)
• In the days of LED lights, RE is still struck with Halogens
• Clutch is on the heavier side and could have been lighter
• Suspension should be a bit softer. I feel it is on the stiffer side
• Brakes are just ok
• Costly accessories - RE accessories are priced very high

Things that will not improve

• High taxes on vehicles – Governments (central and state) have collected 60K taxes in the total of 2Lacs that I paid (on-road price).
• Service – Unless the technicians are paid well and we improve their dignity of work, the service will be bad. We as a society look down on the people working in services, and we get what we deserve. In addition to the technicians, the dealers also try to fleece the customers with unnecessary add-ons and extras. I do all minor repairs and fix punctures myself without depending on the service people.
• Quality – Companies take customers for granted, as we have useless laws protecting the customer. The quality of Hunter is just about okay. Within a week of purchase, and after riding about 150 Km, fork oil seals broke, and fork oil was leaking. Bike was with the service center for two days (none of my vehicles went to the service center so early) and with all the front dismantled and attached once again.

More details about the bike

• Battery – 8 Ah (Amaron maintenance free)
• Headlamp – 55 W
• Fuel tank – 13 liters (low fuel warning at 4 Liters including dead stock of 2 liters)
• Sprocket ratio – 2.8:1
• Drive chain links – 104 links

At the first glance of it, we will feel RE has improved the quality of their bikes, but as we say, the devil is in the details, and there is still a lot of room for improvement. Let the pictures do the talking from now on.

Front View - Looks good with the minimalistic design and a slight offset console

Side view

Rear view

Side view - Notice the cover on the smoke pipe. Not sure of the long-term impact of doing the same. Its to protect my kids, if they accidentally touch the smoke pipe

View from top

Mirrors - Once your cross 60KMPH, they are of no use and vibrate a lot

Cockpit - Provides very basic but all-important information. It's very bright at night

Front Wheel

Wiring under the cockpit. RE should have concealed in a much better fashion. The tape applied by RE is very flimsy and is ready to peel off.

Bybre brakes - Stopping is adequate but would have preferred some more bite.

Wiring under the right side cowl. RE should have done a much better job with respect to wiring here. It's a mess under the cowl. Removing the battery is pretty tough. If I had seen this before purchasing the bike, I would have definitely dropped the idea of purchasing the bike.

Engine - Many have talked about the engine, but I will not dwell much deeper with respect to the engine. It serves me adequately, as I do not go beyond 90 KMPH.

Under the seat - there is no storage at all. I just kept the bike papers covered in a polyethene cover. Need to find a permanent fix

Right side switch gear - the quality is just about okay

Left side switch gear

Fuse box under the seat - good thing RE gave extra fuses

Rear brake

Left side suspension setup - It is a free-standing spring between the bottom and top base, and rotates 360 degrees. I have not seen this kind of setup in any other suspension. The suspension is a bit firm and we cannot perform any adjustments.

Rear tyre pattern

Right side cowl

Fuel tank - Took the bike to Kingkoti market in Hyderabad and applied PPF in one of the roadside shops. They did a pretty bad job. Would never recommend the Kingkoti shops in Hyderabad for after-market accessories.

Left side tank and seat view

Engine guard - although cheap, it's flimsy - again never go to Kingkoti shops in Hyderabad for RE accessories.

Seat - Provides good cushioning. I did a 300 KM ride, without any issues.

Left side gear shifter position

Key

Sprocket

Welding - RE needs to improve a lot in this aspect

Ride quality

I am using the bike as of now in the city and did a 300KM round trip to a temple near Siddipet near Hyderabad. Based on my 1500 KM ownership below are a few pointers.

• Although the bike looks a bit small, at 180KG, the bike is heavy when parked and takes a little effort to move from parking spots.
• The handlebar is wide and the turning radius is a bit more than my expectation. Requires me to lean forward a bit when taking full u-turns.
• The bike does 0-70KMPH pretty quickly and starts taking time for the additional speed.
• After a quick overtake or a quick manoeuvre, the bike takes time to come back to the straight line (maybe because of the crappy MRF tyres).

Overall, I would say, we get what we pay for, and for 2 Lacs on road, this is an okay deal, considering how costly the vehicles have become.

Let me know, if you would like to know more about the bike, or if you want any other information.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Not sure if it's my posture or if I am yet to get used to it, but I felt my entire upper body weight on my palms while navigating in traffic.

BHPian kishore1984 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

After changing my mind multiple times between red and white, I followed my trusted method of blind choice where I write the colors on two papers to shuffle and pick one. First 2 picks out of 3 were Dapper White, so I went ahead and bought REBEL RED. Yes, you read it right.

Meet Rafa.

Dealership was kind enough to arrange a day-time delivery after 6 calls to different people on their sales brochure. My sales rep decided to ignore us, I guess the sale is done and delivery is none of his business. BTW, no accessories yet, today marks the 10th day since I took delivery and there is still no sign of it. Got a decent helmet - Visor extra from them as well.

Special mention to Pavan (delivery manager, Avahan - Kalyan Nagar) for ensuring a smooth delivery. We enjoyed every moment of it, my little "Kumudha happy annachi" moment.

Once the Puja is done, I inquired at a couple of places around Rammurthy Nagar to get the PPF done.

• Bubble Time Auto - 8.5 K, 2 years warranty
• Detailing Mafia - 11K, TPU film - 5 years warranty
• Autotrix - 8,800 - Stekware - 5 years warranty

Autotrix guys took some time explaining the process, this is the first time they are wrapping this model so they told me upfront that it will be done in 3 pieces and there will be a crease on both sides of the petrol tank, also they don't use heat to apply the film. Decided to go ahead with them. There will be one inspection in 5 days to confirm whether the process is successful or not.

Final result

Riding Experience

• Not sure if it's my posture or if I am yet to get used to it, but I felt my entire upper body weight on my palms while navigating in traffic. It worried me a little.
• Then I went for a drive till Mulbagal in OMR road to break in everything eased out a little after the first 50 Kms.
• Since it's a new model, a lot of eyes on the bike during my ride. Everyone was surprised by the light weight of the vehicle. The eye catchy color added some flavor as well.
• There is a certain amount of engine heat I am noticing, not sure if it's normal.

Next on my list is to buy some riding gear and a helmet, do you recommend going with RE itself? I have heard some good feedback that they are easy on the pocket and are VFM.

PS: I did the PDI in the yard and noticed a nut kept on the engine, hope they noticed it too and installed it where it belongs. I don't see any missing nuts but it's nagging me a little.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.