I finally decided it was time to let my trusty old Pulsar 220F go and bring home a new bike- a beautiful black Speed 400.
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They say good things come to those who wait- that’s true at least for me and my Speed 400. After months of dilly-dallying and having nearly finalized an FZS25 2 years ago, I finally decided it was time to let my trusty old Pulsar 220F go and bring home a new bike- a beautiful black Speed 400. My needs were similar to most other folks buying motorcycles in this category- mostly city riding with occasional highway rides thrown in (thinking of an acronym for this use case because of how common it is- came up with MCOH for mostly city occasional highway). I also needed it to be a substantial step-up from my 220, and in many ways a future proof bike- it needed to have enough power to keep me interested for a few years, while also serving as a stepping stone to the next level, should I ever get there.
Why the 400cc class?
It’s no secret that the last couple of years have been an absolute blockbuster year for the entry-level middleweight segment. It started with the Speed 400 in June 2023, which was then followed by a deluge of other launches, all equally mouthwatering. While a 300-odd cc bike is also perfectly capable, the sheer capability offered by the 390+ segment while only being a small price bump away was too hard to resist. I therefore kept practicality and good sense aside and rejected the CB350s, Pulsar N250, CB300F etc and took the plunge into the ~40bhp brigade.
Options evaluated:
- Guerrilla 450- the most obvious competitor to the Speed 400. Was absolutely smitten by its looks (a mini Ducati Scrambler!). But somehow that small fuel tank and those bespoke tyres led me away from it, even though it produced more power and was a hoot and a half at higher revs. I decided I needed something that was better in the low and mid range than sheer top end. Doubts about low speed suspension comfort also surfaced, and a recent MotorInc video that also highlighted its lack of grip in rainy weather conditions put paid to that decision. Safety always had to come first.
- Honda CB350- Honda’s Bullet had me smitten too, especially in that beautiful Matte Crust colour- that looks simply classy! But thoughts about its lack of power and how it would fare on the highway in the longer term played on my mind, hence decided to stick to a 40bhp bike.
- Interceptor Bear 650- This was a great proposition over the regular Interceptor, but lack of tubeless tyres and a potential waiting period put me off for now. Maybe an upgrade is on the cards in 4-5 years when RE releases more models in their 650 lineup/improve their overall lineup.
- Pulsar NS400Z- my wife categorically said that our marriage would be in jeopardy if I chose another Pulsar- so this was out from the very beginning. But I did think about it seriously for a while- the inferior tyre and brake combo didn’t help matters, and with the Speed 400 getting discounts in August, it was a no-brainer to choose that over the NS for a small premium.
- RTR310- another near-perfect bike, but that stepped seat didn’t lend itself to pillion comfort. Hence discarded. Plus I also preferred a slightly more retro look, and at 35, I don’t think an unhealthy obsession with something that looked like a Transformer toy would do me any favours in keeping accusations of midlife crisis at bay.
- Hero Mavrick 440- thought long and hard about this- the quality of the finish and the slightly lower power delivery in this didn’t appeal to me. I can see why people would choose this, but it just wasn’t for me. Also lack of sales in the first few months would then lead to lukewarm interest in the used market when it was time, so shied away from it.
- CB300F/N250- these were more lateral upgrades to the P220F. Considered them for the sheer practicality and mileage they offer, but dropped it quickly when I considered longevity of use (read future-proof).
- Scrambler 400X- liked it, but the 40k increase in price combined with the inferior road tyres and brake package compared to the Speed tilted the scales in the latter’s favour.
- Duke 390 Gen 3- Lovely bike, but those Transformers looks and price didn’t appeal to me. Maybe the 390 ADV as a step up in a few years? Who knows Added note- wasn’t a fan of the Svartpilen 401’s looks either.
Didn’t consider the CB300R, Classic Legends group, RE 350s, Himalayan 450 etc seriously enough. Always thought the above list were better alternatives to what they offered.
Weighted scores to add to the confusion:
Some pictures from the delivery. I went to Khivraj on Hosur Road, and things were done very smoothly there. Nothing to complain at all- got a good deal and closed it for under 2.95L OTR Bangalore.
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