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Originally Posted by sandeepmohan The Himalayan is my pick. I have not owned one though. Just a brief test ride which was enough to understand the capabilities of the motorcycle. The engine is lazy but can tour all day around 90-95Kmph. Anything more than this isn't its comfort zone. When it comes to seat comfort, riding posture and luggage carrying capabilities, the Himalayan has no competition. The only reason you'd not want a Himalayan is if you are challenged by the seat height and you end up tip toeing. |
No issues with the seat height etc. since I am tall. I actually test rode the Himalayan years ago, but wasn't too impressed. Nothing to do with the bike or its specs, which seemed good. But it was just the feel--the wheelbase was too long and it felt not easily manoeuvrable. Then the engine didn't seem to have any character and felt like any other 4-stroke. It did pull well, but the engine was noisy and the exhaust note uninteresting.
Then of course there were all those reliability issues, and I kind of stopped noticing the Himalayan after that. Another reason was that I have little plans of doing proper off-roading, and certainly not at high speed. The main aim is to go through the usual routes (and mild off-roading) into the high mountains.
Which is why a standard bullet always seemed like the more comfortable and reliable option.
That said, I am open to looking at the Himalayan if it offers what I need for my purposes. It might just be that that long wheelbase will serve well when the bike is loaded up and I have a pillion behind me. I'll go test ride the new Himalayan as soon as it is launched
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I did own a 390 Duke. You can tour on it, with a lot of compromises. Its a cramped ride and seat comfort can be punishing over longer distances. While I have seen many stash a whole lot of luggage on a 390 and modifying every nut and bolt to make it compatible, this bike isn't designed for going off road or on mountain trails. This is a bike with a potent engine and best suited for on road use. The 390 Adventure might be better but its still a compact motorcycle.
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Well said. I was seeing some diehard Duke fans make fun of RE and how they are too heavy. It set me thinking so It's useful to hear of your experience. In any case, I can't see how a bike that demands to be revved with a not too good bottom end of torque will be comfortable in the high mountains. I am obviously looking for something that will not let me down, and will reduce my fatigue.
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Weight is subjective. Some like the feel of a heavy motorcycle and some prefer light. That said, I have seen motorcycles like the Honda CRF300 make a laughing stock out of some of the bigger 1000cc Adventure machines. It is so nimble and agile.
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True that. I think for normal touring a weighty bike is likely a better idea. If loaded up with luggage and two riders, a lighter bike (Duke?) might not feel too stable. On the other hand, a 195 kg RE might create serious issues in the mountains. e.g. there are so many times when you want to use your feet and the bike might slip a bit on gravel or other rough surfaces, where you want to stabilise it with your feet. I feel a heavier bike's weight will really work against the rider in such cases.
Thanks!
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Originally Posted by amitayu Like any vehicle, the torque/weight ratio is critical.
What an RE offers in terms of sheering 'lugging power' makes it a more reliable vehicle for touring, even though it is deadweight when you are trying to park it, or simply making an u turn!
I prefer heavier bikes as they usually give a more pliant ride. But then I have not done off-roading in 2 wheelers and hence would desist from commenting on that. |
That's true. In fact that is why a 195 kg Classic 350 J series seems not a bad option. Its reasonably compact and turning should be much of an issue, at least on engine power. Comparatively speaking the Himalayan or the CB 350 with their longer wheelbases are likely more cumbersome.
I am sure a heavier weight is better for long-distance touring between 80-90 kmph. But it might be a big detracting factor on semi-off-road conditions where your feet might slip on gravel or where you need to keep stabilising the bike. I don't know for sure, but it does seem this could be the case.
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Originally Posted by kaushalswarup In the even you’re able to get a 390adventure, I’d suggest you go for that, as you’ve got the best of both worlds; good longer-travel suspension, alloys, good power, safety net of electronics, decent/good seating positions, and an overall better package. |
Thanks for sharing your view. It's interesting that you cut out the classic. Would you recommend it more if it was only the rider and no pillion? I always felt it had a sufficiently long wheelbase to make for a comfy ride.
Comfort and fatigue-free riding is definitely top of my list!
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Originally Posted by gauravanekar Once you slow down it requires a lot of torque to reach medium speeds, which is available in REs, but in the same RE if you try to run roughly on a deep pothole, it will shake your bones. |
Great points. But how much of a difference should one expect between the classic 350 with pillion and luggage, and the Himalyan?
I will fall in the latter category, i.e. I'd like to slow down a bit and enjoy the scene, whether on good roads or bad ones.
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Originally Posted by VijayAnand1 Ride the bikes you've wanted to feel, and then make an informed decision. |
Great points, VijayAnand1. The thing is I find it difficult to see myself going with a pillion and luggage panniers on the KTM. The seat and the riding posture (especially for the pillion) seem all wrong.
On the other hand, I really feel overtly heavy bikes are in general a burden, and quite like the weight categories you talk about.
My sense is I'd like something between 165 to 180 kgs, with lots of bottom end-torque, and a relaxed seating posture. Not sure there's anything that fits the bill at the moment though HaHa!
In fact, the old CI Bullet 350s were around 167 kg, quite a nice weight if you ask me.
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Originally Posted by Sabrish All bikes are good - Just check if its got what you are looking for ![Thumbs Up](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/thumbs up.png) |
Well, for me it'll be occasional city use. It'll be mostly for touring on highways and side-roads at speeds less than 90 kmph. I'd like to use it to take long rides and mostly for longer trips into the mountains etc. And I plan to mostly stick to roads with a bit of off-road use as necessary.
Initial high costs are okay, but the maintenance costs shouldn't be too high. I think the KTMs don't do too well there.
Which is why I am leaning to the classic 350, even though there are many issues there too.
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Originally Posted by VellVector More important than the bike, in these situations is the skill of the rider. I would suggest that you practice / get training at an off-road track before going to the mountains. It makes a world of a difference. |
Oh yeah, I am sure specialist training makes a big difference. Can you recommend any places in Delhi and Bombay?