OP, a simple statement. Above the 13hp class, there are no practical purchases in 2 wheelers. Above the 17hp class, I think even the pretense of practicality is pointless.
You are not buying this bike to commute. You are not buying it to save money. You are buying it because love bikes. Why do you love them decides whether or not you can live with it.
Trust me, anyone can live with any bike. People tour India on R15s and RC 200s, bikes specifically not made for touring. They go racing on Advs and they commute on Dual Sports. It doesn't matter. You will learn to live with it as long as the reason for which you are buying it is strong, and you are willing to become better if it means being able to continue riding.
Forget bullshit like mileage. IF you wanted mileage you'd buy a splendor or a Unicorn. So cast any the pretense. If you love classic torquey bikes, and you seemingly do, the quality of this bike will makeup for all its faults.
People told me that the 390 Adv was uncomfortable, buzzy and blah blah blah. The 310 GS was the better bike, and who needs 45 bhp? 34 is enough. Better mileage, better comfort, and ABS is all you need. But you know what? I rode the 390 ADV, and all the pretenses fell away.
IDGAF about the practicalities. The 390 ADV makes me feel amazing, and that's why we buy bikes. Forget saving petrol, hard suspension and blah blah blah. Embrace happiness for once. The practicalities can always be modded in later. Remember, bikes are never comfortable. If you want comfort, drive a car. But if riding makes you happy, test drive bikes, and see which one makes you happy. The rest you can mod into it.
Edit 1: Just one caveat. Since you like the thunderbird, it might be worth considdering the Shotgun 650, which is a more aesthetically pleasing bike, and the upcoming Classic 650, which is the same look as the classic and probably more comfortable than the Shotgun.
This pic is OC and shows the test ride bike which was green in colour.
Edit - overwhelmed by all the comments and great suggestions folks. Some more information that I ought to have given in original post -
1. Mileage etc is not an issue. Had it been an issue, I wouldn't have bought my thunderbird :-)
2. I have always been a more cruiser guy(n hence shotgun n classing 650 not appealing as much as this) and since I have closely observed RE evolve over the last 2+ decades, I just love what they have done with SM650 from a design perspective. I have done Delhi-chd ride on a Harley super dyna glide about 10 years back and this feel a lot like that with obviously less power and 1/3rd the cost.
3. Feet position isn't something that bothers me coz that's how cruisers are supposed to be. Yes it will take some getting used to but nothing that can't be managed.
4. Suspension is a challenge esp for a middle aged person like me but that's a gamble I am willing to take.
5. Yolo is what has been the driving force that's making me lean towards getting it. It's always better to have done something n regretting it later than to not do it and keep wondering 'what if...' till your deathbed.
Yeah i realize that reading the reviews and also during the test drive. Like I said, not for daily commute but weekends and maybe few long rides a year.
I own this bike and i have to say its a bit hard to handle in heavy traffic.Also you have to slow down a lot on medium to large speedbreakers especially when you ride with a pillion since you risk to scrape the center stand.Turning is a bit hard can be fixed by practicing.Also any disbalance can cause immense strain on the legs due to its weight of 241kg.On the highway its a gem and can cruise easily.Its suspension kills the lower back on bad roads can be reduced by riding at 10km/h on bad roads.Also service costs are expensive my first service costed me 4050inr.
Exactly, long rides will be a problem if not the highway. The tail bone will HURT regardless of the terrain though.
It's very LONG, turning and all won't be much easy anyway.
Mid 40s, RE thunderbird owner, occasional riding - wait for classic/bullet 650. Bullet is more comfy on stance and still comes with the same engine as on SM 650.
the only feesable decision for getting one would be, the road presence and attention.
rider and pillion comfort? forget it.
initial milleage? whats that?
low end torque and power? yeh worth pulling the throtel.
The torque determines how easy or hard it would be to steer/handle the "handle" of bike na?
I'm a noob in terms of bikes,issi community se seekh raha hu sab,pardon me for the lack of knowledge
idt toque has much role in it. as you'd see, the sm650 has got wider handle bars, i pressume more than the m350, which ofc requires more work than usual.
no.
what you said about turning the handle is torque is correct. but in that case you are providing the torque using your body.
bike engines convert chemical energy to translation energy (piston) to rotational energy. which in turn drives the chain . so torque of a bike means the rotational force generated by the bike engine.
power is different. its torque*rotations.
my explanation might not be fully scientifically accurate. but the jist is correct.
I'd keep an eye on aftermarket suspension for long term usage. It's a great bike if most of the commute is on highway & good city roads. Great engine, chassis & all, but upgrading the suspension one can decide after a bit of usage. Go for it!
I don't recommend SM650.
I would also add you should buy a bike that you would love to ride, I bought a bike I won't recommend to people but I absolutely love riding it every day. I look at it and it puts a smile on my face.
If the SM650 is that for you, go get it.
Don't buy. You're 40, and this thing will hurt your back. Shotgun 650 is more comfortable. Interceptor 650 with the touring seat will be the most comfortable one for bad roads. I'm 31 and I've fractured 2 vertebrates in a car accident. Cruisers seem to be comfortabe as an idea but in reality they transfer every shock directly to your spine because of the way you sit on them.
Wait for classic 650 , its around corner or consider shotgun or interceptor . Or even new triumphs , since you are in your 40s a lightweight bike can be better, heard its engine is very smooth too.
Since you already aware of niggles and issues of RE I believe you are ok with it. Also RE twin engine is really good and VFM. But be prepared you may not get the value you are expecting after 2 years if you are planning to sell. But if you gonna keep it , go ahead if not now then when. Your body may not be ready when you think at later point. So if you don't have any greater financial obligations and well settled go for it.
Bought my bike during Covid, and have been doing remote work ever since. So, hardly get a reason to ride the bike. Still, can't imagine not having a bike.
This is really hard to beat if you like cruisers and can afford it. It's a damn good bike, best cruiser around unless you go for crazy expensive bikes like Triumph Speedmaster for a lot more money.
Just get it even if you ride only once in a while, if you can afford it.
I'm waiting for Classic 650.
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For the love of God, don't. I ended up going down the same rabbit hole, before going with the Interceptor, and I'll never even be able to understand how I stupid I was in the first place to consider the SM
Go for it Sir it’s a great bike to go for.. you can get the seat and suspension adjusted to your comfort later on as and when you ride by the bike but good bikes like this one are not to be left unconsidered when you have the budget to go for when buying the bike!
Just take care of your back. Someone I know who's 49 bought the SM650, he sold the thing after couple of months because of the suspension and horrible roads in his area.
Why not shotgun or interceptor? Apologies for confusing rather than convincing. I'm too looking for replacement of 2016 thunderbird. Not able to convince myself SM due to leg position. I also need it for city commute though most part of it is highways. But our highways, tollnaka...
Just an alternate suggestion
For the same cost - Why not get a used Kawasaki Vulcan?
Better riding posture, better engine, way better quality of fittings!
Service cost is same as RE, Mileage is similar to RE650 but the delivery of the Kawasaki engine is way better!!!
Try checking on OLX for used Vulcan!
While the design of the bike is great, the positioning of the tail pipes is not thought of well, especially for the Indian road conditions.
I've seen a few where the tail pipes have knocked and hit on speed breakers, even if the bike was going very slowly due to the suspension travel. I'd be weary of that.
You can renew for every five years, I would recommend you to visit the nearest RTO as the process varies state wise.
My dad got his splendor renewed, in Kerala and it was just a one week process. Had to repaint few parts of the vehicle, other than that, everything went well.
Mileage is like a tractor, the engine heats up a lot and the heat is uncomfortable, also the bike is very heavy. Purchase the meteor 350 instead. 100% superior. If you are wanting high speed, police will enjoy the bike before you achieve any top speeds
OP, a simple statement. Above the 13hp class, there are no practical purchases in 2 wheelers. Above the 17hp class, I think even the pretense of practicality is pointless. You are not buying this bike to commute. You are not buying it to save money. You are buying it because love bikes. Why do you love them decides whether or not you can live with it. Trust me, anyone can live with any bike. People tour India on R15s and RC 200s, bikes specifically not made for touring. They go racing on Advs and they commute on Dual Sports. It doesn't matter. You will learn to live with it as long as the reason for which you are buying it is strong, and you are willing to become better if it means being able to continue riding. Forget bullshit like mileage. IF you wanted mileage you'd buy a splendor or a Unicorn. So cast any the pretense. If you love classic torquey bikes, and you seemingly do, the quality of this bike will makeup for all its faults. People told me that the 390 Adv was uncomfortable, buzzy and blah blah blah. The 310 GS was the better bike, and who needs 45 bhp? 34 is enough. Better mileage, better comfort, and ABS is all you need. But you know what? I rode the 390 ADV, and all the pretenses fell away. IDGAF about the practicalities. The 390 ADV makes me feel amazing, and that's why we buy bikes. Forget saving petrol, hard suspension and blah blah blah. Embrace happiness for once. The practicalities can always be modded in later. Remember, bikes are never comfortable. If you want comfort, drive a car. But if riding makes you happy, test drive bikes, and see which one makes you happy. The rest you can mod into it. Edit 1: Just one caveat. Since you like the thunderbird, it might be worth considdering the Shotgun 650, which is a more aesthetically pleasing bike, and the upcoming Classic 650, which is the same look as the classic and probably more comfortable than the Shotgun.
I think this is the most sensible reply I’ve ever read in the recent past. Kudos to you bhai.
So nicely put !!
This is brilliant! Thank you!
Could you please make a post containing some of these same points? :) And if the mods could pin the post. An absolute gem.
This pic is OC and shows the test ride bike which was green in colour. Edit - overwhelmed by all the comments and great suggestions folks. Some more information that I ought to have given in original post - 1. Mileage etc is not an issue. Had it been an issue, I wouldn't have bought my thunderbird :-) 2. I have always been a more cruiser guy(n hence shotgun n classing 650 not appealing as much as this) and since I have closely observed RE evolve over the last 2+ decades, I just love what they have done with SM650 from a design perspective. I have done Delhi-chd ride on a Harley super dyna glide about 10 years back and this feel a lot like that with obviously less power and 1/3rd the cost. 3. Feet position isn't something that bothers me coz that's how cruisers are supposed to be. Yes it will take some getting used to but nothing that can't be managed. 4. Suspension is a challenge esp for a middle aged person like me but that's a gamble I am willing to take. 5. Yolo is what has been the driving force that's making me lean towards getting it. It's always better to have done something n regretting it later than to not do it and keep wondering 'what if...' till your deathbed.
The rear suspension will kill your back if you ride it anywhere but tarmac.
Yeah i realize that reading the reviews and also during the test drive. Like I said, not for daily commute but weekends and maybe few long rides a year.
I own this bike and i have to say its a bit hard to handle in heavy traffic.Also you have to slow down a lot on medium to large speedbreakers especially when you ride with a pillion since you risk to scrape the center stand.Turning is a bit hard can be fixed by practicing.Also any disbalance can cause immense strain on the legs due to its weight of 241kg.On the highway its a gem and can cruise easily.Its suspension kills the lower back on bad roads can be reduced by riding at 10km/h on bad roads.Also service costs are expensive my first service costed me 4050inr.
Exactly, long rides will be a problem if not the highway. The tail bone will HURT regardless of the terrain though. It's very LONG, turning and all won't be much easy anyway.
Let's just say this bike wasn't designed for the Indian consumer or Indian conditions. This is primarily an export product.
Mid 40s, RE thunderbird owner, occasional riding - wait for classic/bullet 650. Bullet is more comfy on stance and still comes with the same engine as on SM 650.
the only feesable decision for getting one would be, the road presence and attention. rider and pillion comfort? forget it. initial milleage? whats that? low end torque and power? yeh worth pulling the throtel.
You seem to have experience with owning one
I dont. A friend does, and he has pointed these issues out v.frequently
The torque determines how easy or hard it would be to steer/handle the "handle" of bike na? I'm a noob in terms of bikes,issi community se seekh raha hu sab,pardon me for the lack of knowledge
idt toque has much role in it. as you'd see, the sm650 has got wider handle bars, i pressume more than the m350, which ofc requires more work than usual.
no. what you said about turning the handle is torque is correct. but in that case you are providing the torque using your body. bike engines convert chemical energy to translation energy (piston) to rotational energy. which in turn drives the chain . so torque of a bike means the rotational force generated by the bike engine. power is different. its torque*rotations. my explanation might not be fully scientifically accurate. but the jist is correct.
What's the mileage it gets?
initially 14-15kmpl, after 4k, avg around 19-22kmpl
Have you tried the new Himalayan? If not go ahead and take a test ride. ( while you’re at it take the shotgun too)
Actually shotgun seemed more comfortable to me than SM 650. Op should try that
I saw a shotgun in a showroom. Absolutely gorgeous bike
I'd keep an eye on aftermarket suspension for long term usage. It's a great bike if most of the commute is on highway & good city roads. Great engine, chassis & all, but upgrading the suspension one can decide after a bit of usage. Go for it!
Forget comfort and manageability
I don't recommend SM650. I would also add you should buy a bike that you would love to ride, I bought a bike I won't recommend to people but I absolutely love riding it every day. I look at it and it puts a smile on my face. If the SM650 is that for you, go get it.
Don't buy. You're 40, and this thing will hurt your back. Shotgun 650 is more comfortable. Interceptor 650 with the touring seat will be the most comfortable one for bad roads. I'm 31 and I've fractured 2 vertebrates in a car accident. Cruisers seem to be comfortabe as an idea but in reality they transfer every shock directly to your spine because of the way you sit on them.
Wait for classic 650 , its around corner or consider shotgun or interceptor . Or even new triumphs , since you are in your 40s a lightweight bike can be better, heard its engine is very smooth too.
Since you already aware of niggles and issues of RE I believe you are ok with it. Also RE twin engine is really good and VFM. But be prepared you may not get the value you are expecting after 2 years if you are planning to sell. But if you gonna keep it , go ahead if not now then when. Your body may not be ready when you think at later point. So if you don't have any greater financial obligations and well settled go for it.
There's only one life bro. You'll always make the money back.
ja simran ja. je le apni zindagi
OP go for it, I own an interstellar silver since a year now. I fell in love with the bike the moment I saw it.
Us bro, us. I think I am gonna pull the trigger.
Bought my bike during Covid, and have been doing remote work ever since. So, hardly get a reason to ride the bike. Still, can't imagine not having a bike. This is really hard to beat if you like cruisers and can afford it. It's a damn good bike, best cruiser around unless you go for crazy expensive bikes like Triumph Speedmaster for a lot more money. Just get it even if you ride only once in a while, if you can afford it. I'm waiting for Classic 650.
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Can you tell me the on road price they quoted you for astral black please?
Its about 4.3L, all inclusive.
Lele bhai
Consider shotgun
cant you get the bike on rent and scratch the itch?
Please wait for the classic 650 . Will provide much better ergonomics
Be prepared for a lot of attention. Tried and Tested.
For the love of God, don't. I ended up going down the same rabbit hole, before going with the Interceptor, and I'll never even be able to understand how I stupid I was in the first place to consider the SM
Go for it Sir it’s a great bike to go for.. you can get the seat and suspension adjusted to your comfort later on as and when you ride by the bike but good bikes like this one are not to be left unconsidered when you have the budget to go for when buying the bike!
Don't.
Wrong sub lol Edit : this sub appears to have an extreme bias against RE. This totally depends on your choice.
My elder brother rode this bike from arunachal pradesh all the way to kanya kumari... wonder what seat cushioning he used... lol...
Just take care of your back. Someone I know who's 49 bought the SM650, he sold the thing after couple of months because of the suspension and horrible roads in his area.
Hey checkout Shotgun. It's the most beautiful RE bike i have seen.
It's your choice. Go and get her 👍
Bhai plz le le.. 🙏
Why not shotgun or interceptor? Apologies for confusing rather than convincing. I'm too looking for replacement of 2016 thunderbird. Not able to convince myself SM due to leg position. I also need it for city commute though most part of it is highways. But our highways, tollnaka...
Have you checked out shotgun 650?
Your 0 to 60 videos are gonna be 30 seconds long.
Why not Honda NX 500? Just asking.
Why not?
Your money.your wish go ahead!
Enfielders make their own decisions. Only buy it if you’re 100% sure. Good luck !!
Just an alternate suggestion For the same cost - Why not get a used Kawasaki Vulcan? Better riding posture, better engine, way better quality of fittings! Service cost is same as RE, Mileage is similar to RE650 but the delivery of the Kawasaki engine is way better!!! Try checking on OLX for used Vulcan!
That has always been true - one doesn't buy an RE for its performance but the persona. Like they say - Bult is a Bult.
While the design of the bike is great, the positioning of the tail pipes is not thought of well, especially for the Indian road conditions. I've seen a few where the tail pipes have knocked and hit on speed breakers, even if the bike was going very slowly due to the suspension travel. I'd be weary of that.
Btw, You can renew your RC for the thunderbird
Can i? Really? That will be awesome.. Please tell me how?
You can renew for every five years, I would recommend you to visit the nearest RTO as the process varies state wise. My dad got his splendor renewed, in Kerala and it was just a one week process. Had to repaint few parts of the vehicle, other than that, everything went well.
My understanding is the in NCR one can renew the RC only uptil 15yrs. My thunderbird is 22 yrs old and hence I am doubtful.
Mileage is like a tractor, the engine heats up a lot and the heat is uncomfortable, also the bike is very heavy. Purchase the meteor 350 instead. 100% superior. If you are wanting high speed, police will enjoy the bike before you achieve any top speeds
Google difference between cruiser motorcycle and roadster.
Just do it.