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22nd June 2023, 05:47 | #61 | |
BHPian Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Kolkata, Tezpur
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| Re: Light Vs Heavier motorcycles for mountain touring Quote:
Comparing Classic 350 and Honda Highness 350, you won't find much difference in power except that CB350 makes a little more torque (about 3Nm). But it is almost 14-15 kgs lighter than the classic 350 and has a more refined engine than the RE. Despite all these advantages, what makes the Classic 350 more popular are two simple points. One the gearing: you can keep chugging at second and third gear whole day in the hills, an advantage which is lacking in Honda CB350 where you have to frequently change gears. Second advantage of Classic 350 is the widespread service network and availability of spares. CB350 being sold only by the Honda Bigwing is a major handicap as of now. Coming to the KTM 390, it is not everyone's cup of tea, mainly for two things: seat height and inherent nature of the engine. The seat height will keep an average rider tip-toeing and the engine which is a gem when kept revving will always keep you engaged to avoid stalling. In your case, add a third point: pillion discomfort, especially in mounting/ dismounting and uncomfortable pillion seat on long tours. Take a long test ride on a proper hilly terrain with pillion and luggage. You will realise how easily discomfort sets in for both rider and pillion. Having said that, i would recommend take a test drive of all three. It's not only performance, but also after sales service that matters a lot. Consider these factors also and take a call. Whatever you buy, you will adapt to it and start loving it after some time... | |
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22nd June 2023, 12:25 | #62 | ||||||
BHPian Join Date: May 2022 Location: Bombay/Delhi
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| Re: Light Vs Heavier motorcycles for mountain touring Quote:
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I really hope they manage to bring the upcoming Himalayan down to at least 180 kg. Quote:
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A friend told me about someone's experience with a broken battery on the Honda. They could eventually find a replacement which was ordered from Chandigarh, but wasted more than a day or so. The standard RE battery was readily available, and almost everywhere. For me that's a big deal, though others may not find it to be a big issue. Quote:
Clearly, the KTM is a great bike, but I always find myself reaching for the epithet "frenetic" when I hear or read its qualities being described. Of course, many riders want that, but that's not why I would want to ride in the hills on a motorcycle. Quote:
Last edited by 2wheelsvaga : 22nd June 2023 at 12:26. | ||||||
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22nd June 2023, 13:03 | #63 |
BHPian Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Bangalore
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| Re: Light Vs Heavier motorcycles for mountain touring Posting just to clear thoughts on the KTM 390 Adv, I own a Std CI Bullet, and rode the Adv in Spiti in any sort of road you can imagine. Mud, steep inclines, rocks, gravels, tarmac and water crossings. Most of the hairpins were taken in 2nd gear except graveled/muddy roads which I used 1st gear for safety reasons and my skill level alone. So let me iterate my observations: Pros: 1. Bike never stalled throughout 1300 kms - be at the right gear at right time. 2. No feeling of being under torqued - again as number 1 3. Can start the bike in steep incline with a bit of clutch-slipping (just only for 1/2 second to get to right RPM) 4. There were some other KTM users who had pillions and were riding way faster than me. 5. Gear shifting was not at all bad, and no retries needed to shift. 6. Extremely stable vehicle when moving through rough patches/water crossings. Cons: 1. Seat height - it is not at all an issue in tarmac/smooth roads, but In offroad scenarios you may find a bit discomfort (I have taken parking falls in uneven terrain due to this) 2. Heavy crosswinds - if you face this, bike will move transversely, but you can manage that easily. 3. Saddling - I couldn't find the handlebar at right position for saddling, but you can fix it using risers. No one complained of any of the popular views of not having torque, almost all were impressed by the bike. Keep the bike at 3.5-4k rev range (which is not at all difficult to do) and it is one of the best machines for the Himalayan Job. I come from the CI, and even I could adjust to the riding style. It's no brainer, highway or mountain or off road KTM 390 Adv is an excellent bike. |
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The following 2 BHPians Thank masterChief007 for this useful post: | 2wheelsvaga, roy_libran |
23rd June 2023, 09:59 | #64 | |
BHPian Join Date: May 2022 Location: Bombay/Delhi
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| Re: Light Vs Heavier motorcycles for mountain touring Quote:
Can you compare your experience riding the CI with this? Obviously, the old bike will feel underpowered but did you, for instance, find its seating position and rider traingle more comfortable? I always get the sense that the KTMs are all about speed, and don't like to be ridden slower. For instance, you say that one needs to be in the right gear. Why do I get the sense that the RE (even the CI) will get out of your way and make your forget there's a machine in constant need of attention under you? The KTM on the other hand will force you to pay attention and of course reward you with the frenetic pace. Btw, did you ride with a pillion and full luggage, or was it only the rider's weight on the KTM? Thanks! | |
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23rd June 2023, 10:19 | #65 | |
BHPian Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Bangalore
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| Re: Light Vs Heavier motorcycles for mountain touring Quote:
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2nd October 2024, 00:01 | #66 | |
Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: BLR
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| Re: Light Vs Heavier motorcycles for mountain touring Quote:
The Adv is by far the most comfortable motorcycle of the duo. And the one I’d pick for any kind of terrain. | |
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