[Yamaha XSR 155] Improve pillion seat comfort

I was about to buy my first bike around Diwali, but hearing about the Yamaha event, I waited since the XSR is coveted internationally and it mostly checked all the requirements I had. This time, Yamaha did not disappoint (and sincerely, duck you for making this available in a country like Bangladesh but not India). Before this, i only owned a scooter (Ray ZR 125 Fi hybrid). I wanted a bike but since I live away in Hilly region of Shillong (for job purpose), family didn't want me to get one. So had to settle for a scooter, However, this year I have finally convinced them for a bike (Yay!). So, these were the requirements I had before selection: 1. Smooth, refined and reliable engine. This was the most important since I was not always into bikes, and its very likely it will be the only bike I own (unless my taste evolves and I win a lottery). 2. Not too powerful (since its my first bike) but not a slouch either. 3. Retro looks would be preferable, since straight seats are easier with a pillion, and retro never goes out of style 4. Decent enough mileage, since I am not looking for high running costs (I was looking for at least 35kmpl depending on that the bike offers) 5. I would go on occasional long rides in the weekend, so it should be capable of covering at least 200-300km when the call came. 6. Tubeless types, and not being known for issues or breakdowns. (mostly a hassle free experience) Considering all the points, here was my shortlisted models A. Honda CB350 (still my most desired) B. RE Hunter 350/Meteor 350 C. Bajaj N250 D. XSR 155 (not sure whether it would launch or not but waited anyways.) Considering point no. 1, I stayed away from TVS with their infamous service. IMO Ronin is the most practical bike for Indian society but I don't want to deal with vibrations and TVS service. Reasons I rejected the others: Honda CB350- No showroom/service center in the city. Its a super reliable bike, and excellent weight balance makes it feel lighter than what it actually is on paper. However, Shillong has heavy traffic. As a beginner did not want to put up with tall gearing, far away service center and I was not confident about uphill starts (where a lighter bike would help). Also, the most expensive among the lot Hunter 350- Mileage is around 20-25 in my city. Gearing felt very forgiving and would be easy in the city. Too heavy for what it offers (the H'ness being a bigger bike and metal is 181 kg, hunter has no business weighing 180kg). The engine felt smooth, not sure how much it would perform in the long run. Meteor 350- Same reasons as hunter, and this one is even heavier, least maneuverable among the lot. Looks killer! N250- Smooth and refined engine, but high turning radius (troubling in traffic). I could have lived with the looks, but some small issues made me choose the XSR 155 over this: New gen pulsars are refined, but still reported minor issues. Bajaj service may be hit or miss, but ranks better than TVS by a mile (at least in my area). Split seat, but very comfortable. At last, when it came between XSR and N250, i choose the XSR 155 purely for the retro looks and legacy only!!! being in the international market for 6 years, it was a proven product (still corny about ignoring India) Here is a summary of choosing the XSR: 1. On paper 155cc, but it is capable of comfortably cruising at 90-100 kmph (VVA, liquid cooled). In the city its a delight to ride. Lightest of its class, supreme handling prowess! 2. Proven and reliable engine, cult classic image in many markets 3. Retro looks, 40kmpl mileage in the hills ( in the plains it would offer 45kmpl+ with abuse) 4. Mostly it covered all the shortcomings of the others, except it was low on torque. But I was ready to deal with it since uphill roads are not the majority of my usage Took a test drive from the local Yamaha dealer (4km away from residence). Everything felt perfect, but the seat was a letdown. Going on occasional weekend rides with my better half was an important part of my purchase. But the pillion seat was just about right length, with no space left after we both sat. No grab rails (but available as accessory). Overall, not a comfortable seat for pillion. Since everything else was accounted for, my wife suggested to purchase XSR (she was also wooed by how good it looks in real life), and we were both hopeful of solving the pillion seat issues with aftermarket solutions (grab rails, and a mini rack would provide some auxiliary space when the need came. A backrest would be ideal if available). Using it for a week, here are my impressions: \- Smooth engine, rev happy. Everything is quality here from build to cycle parts, switches, everything \- Very handsome looks. Puts a smile every time I look at it \- Low end torque is low. As a beginner I had trouble getting the uphill start correctly. Stalled many times but got the hang of it now. High torque would be more fun and helpful, but can't get everything!!! Torque is low, but it will be sufficient (people use platina in the hills too lol). With pillion its okay, but with heavy luggage it would be troubling. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with the purchase!!! XSR is a very reasonable product for its price, for those who wants to look beyond the spec sheet.