Hero Mavrick 440: 3 Reasons To Buy & 3 Reasons To Avoid

We had the Hero Mavrick 440 in our long-term test garage for just under a month, and I managed to clock close to 800 km during this short stint. Most of the usage was in the city, doing everyday office commutes, manoeuvring traffic snarls and seeking some two-wheeled entertainment on the occasional weekend run. While our initial impressions gave us a sense of what the bike offers, here we roll out three compelling reasons to consider the Mavrick 440, and three reasons you might want to look elsewhere. 

Also Read: Hero Mavrick 440 Vs Harley-Davidson X440 Comparison Review: Sibling Rivalry!

3 Reasons to buy the Hero Mavrick 440

1. Engine

Powering the Mavrick 440 is a 440cc air-/oil-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 27 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 36 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. On paper, these might not sound groundbreaking, but on the road, this engine truly shines, especially at low to mid-range RPMs. 
 
The power delivery is smooth, and the torque comes in early, allowing you to ride easily at city speeds. What really impresses is how effortless it is to reach 100 kmph without even breaching the 4,000 rpm mark. Overtakes in city traffic are quick and hassle-free, without needing frequent gear changes. All of this is accompanied by a throaty, bassy exhaust note that feels more premium than you'd expect at this price point. However, there is a negative aspect of this mill which we will talk about later in this report. 

2. Excellent ergonomics 

The riding posture on the Mavrick 440 is one of its most well-balanced features. The riding triangle feels neutral and offers a relaxed riding stance. The seat is well-cushioned, the footpegs are neutrally positioned, and the handlebar is wide enough to offer great leverage in tight traffic. 
 
Some might find the handlebar slightly stretched out, but for me, it actually enhanced control, especially while making quick direction changes on the fly. Whether you're stuck in stop-and-go traffic or darting through congested lanes, the ergonomics help the bike feel like an extension of your body. It’s a well-thought-out setup.  

Also Read: Harley-Davidson X440 Review - RE-Born Hero!

3. Prices  

Priced between Rs 1.99 lakh and Rs 2.24 lakh (ex-showroom), the Mavrick 440 sits in a sweet spot. For comparison, the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 starts at Rs 2.39 lakh, and the Triumph Speed 400 demands Rs 2.46 lakh. Even the most expensive variant of the Mavrick is still more affordable than its closest rivals. 
 
This price positioning makes the Mavrick a fantastic option for riders upgrading from entry-level motorcycles. You get a bigger engine without having to stretch your budget too far.

3 Reasons to avoid the Hero Mavrick 440 

1. Lack of braking performance 

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Mavrick 440 is its braking setup. The front disc lacks initial bite, and the lever doesn’t communicate well with the rider. Slowing the bike down from higher speeds requires pulling the brake lever nearly to its limit, and even then, the braking response feels soft and delayed.  
 
To make things trickier, the foot controls also feel oddly spaced. The distance between the gear shifter and the footpeg, and likewise for the rear brake pedal, forces you to place your foot awkwardly forward for proper engagement. While this can be an easy aftermarket fix, it’s not something you expect to deal with on a motorcycle in this segment. 

Also Read: Hero Mavrick 440 Review - Hero's Top Gun Tested!

2. Out of breath at higher rpms

As capable as the engine feels under 4,000 rpm, the story changes once you cross that threshold. The power delivery flattens significantly, and the engine doesn’t feel eager to rev higher. Whack open the throttle, and the response feels sluggish, especially at highway speeds. 
 
Beyond 100 kmph, the Mavrick feels like it’s running out of breath. Overtakes require downshifts and more planning than you'd like. Adding to that, noticeable vibrations creep in through the handlebars and footpegs once you push the engine beyond its comfort zone.  So, while the Mavrick feels alive and agile in the city, it doesn't quite carry that same spirit onto the open highway. 

Also Read: Hero Mavrick 440, Harley-Davidson X440 Differences Explained

3. Quality

During our brief time with the test unit, the Mavrick 440 encountered a few concerning issues. While these might be isolated to this specific bike, it is worth putting it out. The suspension emitted a harsh thudding noise on uneven surfaces, gear shifts were notchy and physically taxing, and the braking, as mentioned earlier, lacked bite. Moreover, we saw the engine check light come on intermittently even though the bike had barely crossed 1,900 km.
 
Mumbai roads love to keep you on your toes; there’s a plot twist waiting at every corner. The Mavrick 440 found that out the hard way, thanks to a pothole hidden in plain sight. One second smooth sailing, the next – *bam* – a surprise from below! The impact occurred at a speed of approximately 70 kmph, and to give a sense of its depth and severity, the pothole was large enough for about half the tyre to sink into it. 

Following which, the motorcycle was returned for repairs and hasn’t come back since. It's a frustrating situation, but not uncommon, given the nature of alloy wheels, such damage is natural when faced with sharp impacts like this. 

Bonus Point: Should you buy the Hero Mavrick 440?

The Hero Mavrick 440 brings a lot to the table: a refined engine for city use, a comfortable riding posture, and a price tag that undercuts most of its competition. It’s a fantastic option for those moving up from entry-level motorcycles and who plan to stick mostly to city commuting and short weekend rides. 
 
However, it’s not without its compromises. The brakes need serious improvement, the engine lacks that punch at the top end, and the reliability of our test unit left something to be desired. What we haven’t covered here are the features. To know about, check out our first report by tapping here.  

We recently compared the Mavrick 440 with its sibling, the Harley-Davidson X440. Watch the sibling rivalry here: