Retro motorcycles are a niche segment which everyone wants a piece of. That includes even the world’s largest two-wheeler maker. The Hero Mavrick 440 is the bikemaker’s new flagship motorcycle besides being its most expensive one to date. While we briefly rode the Mavrick in Jaipur, we came back impressed. This time though, we spent quality time with the retro motorcycle to gauge its capabilities in the real world. Let’s start with a quick rundown of the design first.
A quick glance will make you think that the Mavrick 440 looks familiar in the sea of similar-looking retro motorcycles. That said, it is a good-looking and well-proportioned motorcycle with a mass-forward design. While the motorcycle does feature good paint finish and tight panel gaps, there is room for improvement. For example, the empty space on the left switchgear feels odd, especially with the contrasting plastic finish. Also, the cables running from the handlebar look messy and take away from the otherwise clean looks of the motorcycle.
When it comes to ergonomics, comfort is the keyword here. Being a roadster, the Mavrick 440 offers a straightforward, no-nonsense ergonomic package. With an upright handlebar and mid-mounted footpegs, the bike provides a naturally upright and familiar riding position. The well-cushioned seat ensures you can cover long distances without frequent stops, while the knees tuck perfectly below the tank recesses. There is enough space for larger riders, while the low 803mm seat ensures the Mavrick is manageable for shorter riders as well. Overall, it’s a job well done!
In terms of features, the Mavrick gets all-LED lighting (The H-shaped headlamp DRLs and LED tail lamp are a nice touch). It gets a disappointingly small digital display within what’s a large instrument console. It features smartphone connectivity that allows for turn-by-turn navigation and call and SMS alerts. While turn-by-turn navigation and other connectivity features are appreciated, the e-sim-connected features are only available in the top variant.
The 440cc engine is one of the most refined big-capacity singles I’ve ever experienced. Riding the Mavrick with its sweet-sounding engine is a delight. The long-stroke air-cooled motor delivers 27PS and 36Nm, which is quite impressive for the segment it caters to. It’s clear that this engine isn’t designed for high-revving performance; it’s best suited for relaxed riding. Maintaining a steady 110kmph at 4,000rpm is an effortless affair as the motor feels stress-free at these speeds. Beyond that, vibrations start to creep in at the handlebars, footpegs, and even the fuel tank. The six-speed gearbox is well-spaced out with the top gear feeling more of an overdrive gear and is best reserved for the open highway. The light clutch and smooth gearshifts elevate the ride experience further.
Despite the absence of USD forks and gas-charged shocks at the rear, the Mavrick offers excellent ride quality. After riding it for almost 100km, I conclude that it can be quite a comfortable tourer. We rode through terrain with significant undulations and slippery patches due to the rains, and the Maverick handled it beautifully. While the high-speed damping could be better, overall, the Maverick acquits itself well with a comfortable ride.
The tight wheelbase and light weight offer agile handling characteristics while the extra wide handlebar accentuates it further by offering more leverage while taking turns. The tyres too offer ample grip and there were no stability issues even in less-than-ideal riding conditions. The Mavrick 440 has enjoyable dynamics and will surprise you with its fun, nimble character, especially around corners.
I am quite impressed with the Mavrick 440, and there’s little to complain about, which speaks volumes about its quality. Prices start at ₹1.99 lakh ex-showroom, going up to ₹2.24 lakh. This positions the Hero Mavrick 440 at the affordable end of its segment. The Mavrick 440 scores highly in terms of performance, refinement, and comfort, while it could do slightly better in terms of fit-finish levels and maybe a little more ‘soul’ in the engine. After all, aren’t retro bikes all about that? That said, given the competitive pricing, the Hero Mavrick 440 could be your ticket to retro nirvana.
