Thinking about downsizing. Crazy?

[gzrfox]

I wondered if I had done the right thing trading in my Classic 350 for the Guerilla. It was fast enough, had all day comfort and the long stroke engine was superb, no noises and virtually no vibration. If I could have sold my Zero it would have been a keeper. My reason for the swap was the G felt so planted from the off even in cold damp weather and the extra power was very useful. If my circumstances change and I had room another 350 would definitely be on my list, it had real soul and character. If you decided to go back to a 350, I'd understand fully. Just a thought, what about the new 350 BSA Bantam with 30 hp? I'll probably get shot for that suggestion!

Yes, even barring my "anatomical predicament", the 350 did have more "soul", however one might translate that. Both visually and in its inner workings, I much prefer it to my -objectively better- Himalayan and I'd happily trade the extra perks of the 450 for that. I'm not too old but I don't care much for speed or carving corners so it'd be just fine. Only thing that worries me about its lack of performance are the other road users that are driving like baboons on meth and some extra power can be useful...

As for the bantam, we don't get any BSA motorcycles here but even if we did, I don't really like it. The honda 350 was also a consideration but its more aggressive riding position, lack of useful mudguards and questionable pillion comfort give me pause.

Oh well, I'll give the Himmy some more time and myself some more 350 test rides and take it from there.

 

[gzrfox]

Well, the himalayan's gone and the die is cast; I'm going for a 350. Again...

The bullet's a nice candidate but honestly, the meteor seems to do wonders for my peculiar, herniated lumbar spine and I must admit that aurora blue one really calls to me, despite the mrs' wishes for the matte green one!

Surprisingly, I'm not really sad the himalayan's gone. I was pining over my "lost"(sold) meteor forever!

Oh well, onwards and... well, not quite upwards but still...!

 

[Origineelreclamebord]

Congrats on making your decision - that you don’t miss the Himi says it all doesn’t it?

For the model of choice, I’d trust your gut and (prior) experience riding them. As long as fhe basics are good it is worthwhile to upgrade it where you feel the need

If I understand correctly the liveries you refer to, it’s not just paint colour but also blank engine and chrome spoked rims (Aurora Blue) vs. black engine and cast black rims (Fireball Matte Green). For colour choice I’d not just look at what’s pretty in the showroom but how much work it’ll be to keep it looking nice. For me that’s been a pleasant surprise of the Kaza Brown Himi - it can collect an impressive amount of dirt before it looks grubby

 

[gzrfox]

Congrats on making your decision - that you don’t miss the Himi says it all doesn’t it?

For the model of choice, I’d trust your gut and (prior) experience riding them. In the end

If I understand correctly the liveries you refer to, it’s not just paint colour but also blank engine and chrome spoked rims (Aurora Blue) vs. black engine and cast black rims (Fireball Matte Green). For colour choice I’d not just look at what’s pretty in the showroom but how much work it’ll be to keep it looking nice. For me that’s been a pleasant surprise of the Kaza Brown Himi - it can collect an impressive amount of dirt before it looks grubby

Thank you!

You're quite right about the upkeep! The fireball matte green one is certainly much easier to keep looking kinda clean with its blacked out parts (and tubeless tyres are another plus) and I'm not too keen on keeping my bikes clean, too.

Still, the aurora variant is just 200 euros more and it comes with the windshield, touring seats and backrest and I kinda regretted not getting that the previous time since I ended up wanting those extras that come quite a bit more dear when bought separately.

Plus, that baby blue colour with the cream accents makes for quite a stunning bike!

I'm still on the fence though and the bullet may yet win out in the end so a couple more visits to the dealership are in my very near future!

 

[wspollack]

Thank you!

You're quite right about the upkeep! The fireball matte green one is certainly much easier to keep looking kinda clean with its blacked out parts (and tubeless tyres are another plus) and I'm not too keen on keeping my bikes clean, too.

Still, the aurora variant is just 200 euros more and it comes with the windshield, touring seats and backrest and I kinda regretted not getting that the previous time since I ended up wanting those extras that come quite a bit more dear when bought separately.

Plus, that baby blue colour with the cream accents makes for quite a stunning bike!

I'm still on the fence though and the bullet may yet win out in the end so a couple more visits to the dealership are in my very near future!

Nothing like a blacked-out Fireball Yellow for keeping it clean. Really only have to shine the tank:

 

[Origineelreclamebord]

Awesome livery I love the rim striping - its contrast too will draw attention away from muck or scruffy details (it rejuvenated the look of my previous bike).

@gzrfox I compared the 2024 Meteor vs. Bullet based on part numbers (Hitchcocks' motorcycles) and images to find out whether there might be some differences that set them apart in terms of suspension. Frame and swingarm are the identical which means the rear shock position is identical. The part number is not but the only visible difference it a chrome cap - the springs' windings appear identical. The forks plus triple clamps are a different design but front springs are identical.

With the price bracket in mind I have my doubts RE played around with the damping and preload between the bikes. The OEM tire I think is different and that + tire pressure could make some difference in comfort. Most importantly though, the seat, handlebar and footpeg (position) are different so I imagine it'd be good to properly test the seating positions back to back (pun intended). Accessories are probably easier and cheaper to add than converting seat, handlebar, footpeg and shift lever/brake pedal positions. Lastly, if you can, try two examples of the same model - I would not be surprised if you found tangiable differences between bikes, either from mileage or even batch-to-batch.

 

[Fastspek]

Thank you!

You're quite right about the upkeep! The fireball matte green one is certainly much easier to keep looking kinda clean with its blacked out parts (and tubeless tyres are another plus) and I'm not too keen on keeping my bikes clean, too.

Still, the aurora variant is just 200 euros more and it comes with the windshield, touring seats and backrest and I kinda regretted not getting that the previous time since I ended up wanting those extras that come quite a bit more dear when bought separately.

Plus, that baby blue colour with the cream accents makes for quite a stunning bike!

I'm still on the fence though and the bullet may yet win out in the end so a couple more visits to the dealership are in my very near future!

I ordered my SM 650 in 2024 in the Indian green colour with yellow accents but changed it two weeks later in Astral green which looks somewhat like British racing green and I am very happy with my final choice.