Affordable American muscle on two wheels toned for Indian roads

A friend who saw my test mule remarked that it looked like something of a cross between a Bajaj Avenger and a ‘Indian’. Irrespective of whether they really look like such a mix, UM’s Renegade cruisers are positioned in that price segment — somewhere between an entry-level offering like an Avenger and the big boys like the Harleys.

This space is pretty much dominated by Royal Enfield currently. American motorcycle-maker UM and its Indian joint venture partner Lohia seem to be eyeing a chunk of this pie. The company currently has four bikes on offer, the latest two of which are the Renegade Commando Classic and the Renegade Commando Mojave. We test rode the flagship Commando Classic.

The looks and the design of this motorcycle scream ‘American cruiser’. There’s even a US flag badge glued above the tail-lamp that says ‘USA originated’, driving home the rather obvious message. The round headlamp topped off by a windshield and surrounded by a gleaming casing that reads ‘Commando’ gives it a looming presence from the front. The front inverted suspension forks also get a lot of glint, with the wheel protected by a wide, extending-on-the-sides cruiser style mudguard.

The teardrop-shaped fuel tank gets the Commando Classic badge on either side and the wide crash guard below it adds to the chunky, wide-boy stance and look of the motorcycle. The rider’s seat is a wide bucket and the pillion seat gets a back rest. The saddlebag on the right side and the chrome-loaded huge silencer underline the touring cruiser heritage. The tail-lamp is wide, flanked by clear-lens indicators, sits atop an imposing rear mudguard that covers most of the thick wheel.

The handlebar is typical laidback cruiser style. The key fob is the only occupant of the space around the handlebar, with the instrument panel sitting atop the fuel tank — which makes it difficult to read, especially if you’re negotiating city traffic. Nonetheless, it is a functional unit with speed indicated on an analogue dial, and fuel, ODO meter and gear indicator put up on a LCD display. There is also a USB charging port on its side.

There is a small handy pouch below the instrument panel. The footrests on either side for the rider are slightly towards the front, but very comfortable and we found them apt, without the need to stretch one’s legs too much. This also made gearshifts easier and riders of varying heights will find it comfortable.

The motorcycle is powered by the same 280cc, single cylinder, four-valve, liquid-cooled mill that is seen on all UM motorcycles. It is a fuel injected engine that produces 25.15PS of power at 8,500rpm and a maximum torque of 23Nm at 7,000rpm.

The engine size puts it somewhat in the quarter-litre segment, and on a cruiser, it offers the right mix of city utility and highway cruising capability — especially for Indian conditions. As the torque rating suggests, high torque makes itself available at relatively low revs and though we couldn’t figure out our rev range because of the absence of a counter on the instrument panel, pulling away from other vehicles from standstill and overtaking on lower gears was impressive.

The six-speed transmission engine is mated to is smooth, and while the first and second gears are slightly short, third and fourth offer an accommodating range for city riding. We found coasting on six gear comfortable at three-digit speeds and a quick downshift enough for easy overtakes. However, we did encounter some false neutrals when shifting between second and first gears.

The 280mm disc brake on the front wheel and the 130mm drum on the rear offer decent braking with reasonably good bite. However, a rear disc brake would have been preferred, especially given how most manufacturers in the entry-level premium segment are offering it now. Because of the light weight (179kgs with 90 per cent fuel oil), balance is easily maintained even during sudden braking and the rider feels confidently in control. Vibrations are fairly well insulated and don’t spoil the ride at regular city riding speeds. Suspension is on the firm side and this may not be the best option for a cruiser given the upright riding position.

Apart from Royal Enfield’s Classic range, mid-priced cruisers were missing in the mix. Harley’s start at 750cc displacements and are priced well above reach for buyers in the ₹2-3 lakhs range.

UM motorcycles offer options for those looking at getting a good-looking, imposing cruiser, but one that’s affordable (Commando Classic costs ₹1.89 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi) and easy to ride.

The Commando Classic’s build quality is pegged to the price. But, with its stance and looking like it packs a larger powerhouse, UM might have just got the combination right with this cruiser.