On 2/9/2021 at 4:43 PM, pookett said:

 

For me, we have a Wave, a N-max and planning to get a lower capacity "proper" bike when the new models come through e.g. if we get the CB350H, or RE 350 Interceptor or maybe the existing RE Meteor...

 

forgot to mention the Yamaha XSR300, can't find any availability details for Thailand yet but it's supposed to be imminent as well. The current 155 is a nice little machine if that's enough cc for you.

I've been riding 2018 Grand Filano Hybrid for over two years here. I'm wondering if I could put a bigger engine in it with cooling or if I could bore it out enough for more power without weakening the top half. Here's why I would consider doing this regardless of the money involved.

 

1. I LOVE this bike.

2. Handling is really excellent. I've ridden other small bikes and the balance the Filano has is far superior. The Plastic body parts fit well and don't rattle after 14k km. And that makes the bike lighter and easier to handle. And MUCH cheaper to replace than metal.

3. I have osteoarthritis in both shoulders. So I have to have a bike that I don't lean down on. Again, ergonomically, the Filano is PERFECT for me for this reason. So comfortable sitting straight up. No back aches or anything like that. Now I'm working on a mountain bike with a position just like that. Silly, I know.

4. The ABS on the Filano has saved my life a couple of times. With the lightness, the balance, etc., this has had a beneficial effect on emergency maneuvers. I should have gone down more than twice, but was able to keep the bike and me upright! I like to ride fast.

5. I AM well over 60, so easier is better for me. Although, aside from the shoulders I'm in pretty good shape. But easier goes into a number of other benefits.

6. StartStop system. Love it Love it Love it. Shuts down at lights to save gas, heat, vibration (not that there's much - pretty darn smooth), and wear and tear on the engine. Has override switch to keep the motor running at u-turns and the like.

7. Easy one touch electric start. Starts like a charm with the slightest of touches on the button.

8. LED Gauges. Pretty much anything I want and need to know. Except oil levels. That would be nice, wouldn't it?

9. Super comfy wide saddle. Great for me, but even better for her. Yep, my wife rides on the back and has no problem with me weaving in and out with the best of you. Her saddle is not elevated, so she doesn't get the brunt of my wind shear like so many other bikes. Plus! Wide saddle means I can strap some pretty big items behind me. Like a Thai Pro!

10. Super wide passenger foot rests. Not pegs. She likes that a lot!

11. Storage. Tons of under seat storage and enough for a passenger helmet plus all my other junk I throw in there.

12. 12V Accessory plug for phone charger, etc. On when not locked, so it's still charging the phone when I'm futzing around under the seat or whatnot.

13. Built in bottle holder. Who here in this weather doesn't need that?

14. popup front gas fill cap. Must have key to open. I don't have to lift my seat to fill.

15. Step-through floorboard. This is a deal breaker for me over the Max's, etc. How many times have I stowed full-size carryon luggage right in front of me on the floor? Enough to know I'd much rather have it than not.

16. Hybrid acceleration assist. You can feel it, and they can see it. Still a little bike, but it surprises a lot.

Which brings me to my gripes.

1. Too small an engine for me. Here's why: My wife and I take trips from BKK to Kao Yai, to Hua Hin, and pretty much anywhere else we want to go. It's a great bike for trips. A comfortable ride at 80-90kmph. I'm a little worried about wearing the thing out too fast, but it seems to like it around there if there's not a huge headwind. I am seriously looking to put a bigger engine in it or bore out the existing one. It would be worth it to cruise a little faster. Maybe fate is keeping from doing that because...

2. The tires are too darn small. Yes, like @Transam mentioned, they are nice and wide. But the random mounds of asphalt that the highway department likes to leave lying around the big moon craters are much tougher with the little doughnuts.

3. No Windshield. Easy enough to remedy which is the next purchase. Our long rides would be much more pleasant with a medium to tall windshield. Maybe I'd get the extra horsepower out of I need just by that???

4. Trying to think of anything else I don't like... Nope! That's about it.

5. Oh, yeah! It sucks that I can't get one of these for when we're back in the states. With the retro craze and all you'd think that would be a no-brainer. No such luck.

 

All in all, you might see why this almost-retiree might like the Filano over a bigger bike. As my wife says, I am "ONE with that bike!"

 

 

For long trips you need more bike - not more engine in that one