Re: Which type of motorcycle for maximum comfort during long rides, ADV or Cruiser?

Thread approved.

Re: Which type of motorcycle for maximum comfort during long rides, ADV or Cruiser?

I would stick to the Himalayan. It is practically new, no need to take a financial bath on resale. The ergo are also more comfortable than the avenger for both long distances and the feeling of control on the bike. Additionally you get dualsport capabilities and you could easily travel the world on that bike in relative comfort. Use it for a few/several years until you can afford to step up to something like the Vstrom650/Versys. Right now you have the most capable machine in your budget.

Re: Which type of motorcycle for maximum comfort during long rides, ADV or Cruiser?

With a damaged back I would retire from the motorcycle scene at once.

Regarding the choice between the Himalayan and Avenger I would stick with the Himalayan as it has a more upright sitting position.


But given the Himalyan's weight and relatively high weight as compared with other commuter class motorcycles I would be suspicious in using that for daily use and would stick to a car.

But lets say a car is not an option at all, I would reserve the Himalayan for the high way runs and the occasional fun trip and I would invest in an older Unicorn for daily commute and keep both bikes.

Re: Which type of motorcycle for maximum comfort during long rides, ADV or Cruiser?

I think the upcoming Meteor might be a good option to consider.

Re: Which type of motorcycle for maximum comfort during long rides, ADV or Cruiser?

You already have the best in class motorcycle for your use case. Himalayan has the best ergonomics so far. The large spoked wheels and long travel suspension make the ride quality much better on our roads. I have driven the Himalayan from Mumbai to Nasik and back and I am thoroughly impressed with the bike. Mind you I am a good eight inches shorter than you. Still I found the ride quality very good. Going for any other motorcycle like Avenger etc may not be a good option for an individual of your height.

I would suggest the following to further improve the ride quality and ease your medical condition...

1. Go for a Gel seat or an air seat like Ride on Air or Fego float. I use a Fego float and I am happy to report that it reduces the strain on lower back and the posterior in a big way. On my stock Interceptor 650 I was unable to spend more than 60 mins in one go because my posterior would go numb. I could also feel a lot of strain on my lower back. With Fego Float I have covered more than 3 hours at a stretch with very minimal discomfort.

2. Try out changing the handlebar set up. You may go for handlebar risers or go for Art of Motorcycling handlebars. Both these options would alter your hand and shoulder ergonomics in terms of reach and rake. They will allow you to fine-tune your ride quality to provide maximum comfort for yourself.

3. Use soft grip covers like grip puppies. Sometimes these changes provide immense comfort.

4. I have come across discussions on Easy Clutch by ProSpec, a Bangalore based firm. This gadget has received a lot of positive response from Interceptor owners. You might want to check this out as it claims to reduce clutch effort by almost 40 percent. During long rides this certainly reduces fatigue. I am not sure how much this will contribute to easing out your back issues but it certainly helps reduce fatigue.

5. Plz experiment with the tyre pressure to find the most suitable values to give you the plushest possible ride quality.

6. If you really do not mind splurging then check out fully adjustable Ohlins suspension set up for the Himalayan. With some professional help you will be able to tune the suspension to give you the best ride quality.

Lastly I would recommend a Youtube Channel called Dave Moss Tuning. There is a treasure trove of information regarding finetuning the ergonomics of your bike to suit your body type to reduce fatigue overall and improve ride quality on this channel. Here is a link

https://youtu.be/47YG4dAwOIM

Re: Which type of motorcycle for maximum comfort during long rides, ADV or Cruiser?

Thanks to all for your precious suggestions. I could stick with the Himalayan because of its unmatched comfort as recommended by you.
But the service cost is too much even during the free service period. Cone bearings always rust every year which cost you around INR.900 with labour charges extra. The last free service at 10,000Kms with oil change costs me INR.1200. But I know during next paid services, it will cost a minimum of INR.3000 per service. So, in a year it will cost you INR.6000, minimum INR.2000 for changing parts like cone bearing, chain sprockets, brake pads etc. Tyres can last for only 15,000-20,000kms which is a separate expense. Insurance costs again digs a hole in your pocket as it is has 411CC mill. Mileage is decent enough, I'm attaining 37-39Kpl always. So, why don't I downgrade to an Avenger Cruise 220 which is easy on my pocket?
But my question is will it come closer to the comfort of Himalayan on long rides?
My dad have an Avenger Street 150 2015 model, and oh boy! it is comfier though I've not ridden it for long but ridden twice for short commutes like 25-30kms and didn't face any pain spots, and this was the story before I'd bulged discs. That's the also the reason for why I'm thinking of Avenger 220 Cruise, and my hope is, as it has a taller handlebar and a retuned rear suspension with increased amount of travel(while comparing to my dad's Avy), it would surely aid the comfort. Any tall Avenger Cruise 220 owners/riders help would be very useful! For your further reference, my torso if 86cms and legs are 99cms in length. Any other choices are also Welcome!!!
Once again thanks a ton all!!!

Re: Which type of motorcycle for maximum comfort during long rides, ADV or Cruiser?

So look man, as far as the bulging discs go, I have had a slip disk. I am now exercising to strengthen my lower back and core. I have dropped 5 kgs in the last 2.5 months. It was 7 Kilos a couple of weeks ago, but I slipped and had a fun week with the beers. I am now getting back on course. I am going to try and lose another 15 kilos over the next year. I have a dislocated shoulder that's been operated upon and a really weak left knee. I am going to get fit and am working towards it. SO YOU can definitely manage it and do it as well. Get gel seat pads, get a set of good tank grips and that alone will improve comfort ten fold.

As far as the cost of maintaining and owning the Himalayan goes, only you can say whether it is affordable to you or not. Having said that however, the differential in pricing indicated and the depreciated insurance combined with the financial loss means you will take the first 3-5 years of ownership just to break even. To me it is not worth it. The Himalayan is a far more capable bike, I'd happily spend the extra in maintaining it.

Re: Which type of motorcycle for maximum comfort during long rides, ADV or Cruiser?

Please rent Avenger cruise 220 for 2 days travel as much as you can will clear all your questions. Also gel seat is a must for any touring bike. I own 150 street for 3 yrs, yes cruise's handlebar is much comfortable than street.

Re: Which type of motorcycle for maximum comfort during long rides, ADV or Cruiser?

I would suggest u to test ride fz 25, xtreame 160 as well .
Also if budget permits look at bmw twins. With upright seating, rideable pegs and soft suspension they are arguably the best someone with backpain get .

Re: Which type of motorcycle for maximum comfort during long rides, ADV or Cruiser?

I had Avenger for 7 years (2012-2019) and it was the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden when it comes to seating.
The low center of gravity helps a lot in easily maneuvering the bike and parts accessibility wasnt an issue either. Its a value for money product for indian markets and people who are looking for cruisers.
However, I noticed one thing that the suspensions arent good enough on Avenger and I was told by many people that they developed back pains using this bike for long time. That happend with me too. I noticed that in regular bikes when your feet are almost under your back while riding the bike, the effect of jerks gets transferred to your legs and then back, which doesnt hurt the back much, but with avenger as your legs are quite away from body, the shocks get completely transferred to your back (specifically tail bone). If avenger had better suspensions, or if you can get aftermarket suspensions for avenger, then i think it would be a great thing for you, else it might end up elevating your already existing back pain issues.
In my opinion, even if you rent an avenger for 2-3 days and ride it for long, you might not see the backpain issues which you will face after a year of ownership or so. I wouldnt have said all this, if you hadnt mentioned the back pain issues.
Btw, maintenance cost of Avenger isnt as low as you think either. Also, Bajaj is not known for its parts quality. In terms of parts quality, the life and price should be almost similar to Himalayan only. I used to pay somewhere in range of 1500-2500 per service (atleast in 2018-19, before that i dont remember much now) and the service interval is 2000 kms only. So think about that too.

I bought Mojo looking at the suspension setup and drive comfort in early Jan and its all in all a good bike. However I still miss the comfort and ease of avenger seating.

Re: Which type of motorcycle for maximum comfort during long rides, ADV or Cruiser?

+1
With bikes like fzv3 etc u can easily lift your back from the seat whenever riding over potholes/bad patches of road etc

Re: Which type of motorcycle for maximum comfort during long rides, ADV or Cruiser?

I suggest Cruiser because it has the handlebar which is long and high, you can sits backwards, the footrest is slightly forward to create a comfortable sitting posture, it is quite suitable for your recent condition

Re: Which type of motorcycle for maximum comfort during long rides, ADV or Cruiser?

Updates:
I've sold my Himalayan.
I've taken a test drive on Avenger Cruise, which ends up sitting on my tail bone and creates a pain overshoot in the area of bulged discs.
I've taken the test drive of FZ25, loved its handling, power and torque but the rear stiffer suspension exaggerates back pain.
Test driven BS6 bullet, feels less vibey and more comfortable. But maintenance part still haunts me.
Test driven Pulsar 220f, it felt comfortable due to plusher suspension and the position is pot on for city manoeuvres. But it creates a small lean on handlebar, which must be overlooked for long ride comfort.
Thanks all for your support.
Still I'm hunting for that perfect motorcycle.
But Bullet bs6, Pulsar 220f are in my list now.
Your view?
Any other suggestions?

Re: Which type of motorcycle for maximum comfort during long rides, ADV or Cruiser?

Install handlebar risers on 220, it'll make the riding position upright.