Daily commute includes 130 speedbreakers: Which bike to buy?

I also got my hands on the TVS RR310 and felt that it was more comfortable. I have fallen in love with its looks.

BHPian HarshGtr recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I have Pulsar NS160 (2017 model) and I think it is time to get my self a new motorcycle. I live in Pune and my daily commute to office (Home - office - home) is around 40 kms. The road has few potholes but I have to ride over 130(Yes, I actually counted!) speed breakers daily which at one point, makes me tired. Please suggest a bike.

I already took a test ride of Suzuki SF250 and I liked it a lot. However, it does not have any 'wow' factor and I am not sure if the riding position will be suitable for me in the long run.

I also got my hands on the TVS RR310 and felt that it was more comfortable. I have fallen in love with its looks. But given its bulky looks and sporty nature, I am not sure if that will be a good city bike.

I always appreciate the commuter bikes from distance but never really thought of owning one.

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

From my humble experience: If you've to ride over 130 speed barriers in 40 Km {breaker for every 300 meters or every 600 meters if its 40 Km one way}, then its time to change the route than the motorcycle - this is the easiest solution

If the above is not possible, then you'll have to take some moderate training in motocross & buy a motorcycle supporting motocross {currently Kawasaki has offering in their KX & KLX series that way too expensive but will have eyes turned on to you}. Alternatively settling with SF-250 also is ok at the cost of your "wow factor" Or more expensive option to opt for used/new Adv tourer {like Versys or VStorm or Adv 390 etc} - these are a little more difficult than the above option as it comes with long term health issues of speed barriers

If this is also not possible, then you'll have to fight it out with corporation authorities in bringing down the speed barriers to acceptable level (say like one for every 1 Km or so} - this is the most difficult of all options {and worth fighting if you've large heart & love fighting for greater goodness in life}

However, if you're looking an excuse to buy a new motorcycle esp SF-250, then please go-ahead by all means as it befits the purpose of handling bad roads very well.

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

Try the VStrom SX, if seat height is not an issue. The bike has good presence, unlike the SF250 which you found bland.

For the last 3 months, My daily commute is more than 70 kms, a mix of broken residential roads, few city road signals and 20kms (up and down) in bannerghatta-jigani highway. And half of this distance is with my pillion.

VStrom SX is just handling this without breaking a sweat and has the best in class comfort for both rider and pillion. With supple suspension, powerful, tractable, smooth engine and sporty handling, the bike has been a delight to ride every day so far. The high Ground Clearance will be a blessing, trust me, even with a pillion you will never even think twice about crossing any unscientific speedbreaker.

It's been almost a year now and I have done 7500kms. The bike is due for its 3rd service and I will also be writing a ownership review soon. The mileage is around 35-38 kmpl for this mixed riding.

And the sub frame is incredibly engineered, I carry my office bag with the handle looped through my back rest, when riding solo. There was never any movement of the bag, no matter how bad the roads were. Such is the comfort.

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

130 speed breakers a day, wow! Have you ever considered driving a car through that area? If your budget allows, do think about getting a budget car. In the long run, this constant exposure to so many speed breakers could lead to back problems. Even half-road motorcycles might not alleviate the impact significantly. I'd recommend considering a used budget car in the range of 2 - 3 lakhs.

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

Nobody has mentioned the Xpulse 200T, because it hasn't caught much attention. You should give it a try as it is more accessible for us 5'8" folks and still has good ground clearance and suspension travel.

I ride a Triumph Speed 400, and I can vouch for its front suspension, and the rear suspension is good too. When I'm riding solo, I lift my backside off the seat when going over speed breakers, so there is no jarring bump traveling up the spine.

If you decide to go for the Speed 400, you can also consider installing handlebar risers to improve reach and let you straighten your back.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.