Autocar India
2d

I own a 2023 Interceptor 650, but I don't use it much because most of my rides are within the city. I go on long rides only once or twice a year. So, I am thinking of selling it and getting a 250-300cc motorcycle for my daily rides and occasional long trips. I am looking for something that is reliable and requires low maintenance. The Suzuki 250s - the naked and the V-Strom are on my mind. Please share your inputs. Thanks in advance!

Verified
4m

While the 250cc Suzuki bikes are undoubtedly good machines, we'd recommend you hold off on that because Suzuki is readying an all-new Gixxer lineup which will debut at the end of this year and these will be next-gen models which will bring in a host of functional improvements. If you can't wait that long, we'd recommend looking at the Bajaj Pulsar N250, which is a sorted machine and will serve you well. 

Do bear in mind that coming from your twin-cylinder Interceptor 650, these smaller, single-cylinder 250s will feel like a big step down and you may perhaps wish for something slightly more substantial and premium feeling after a while. Instead of downsizing so severely, you should look at the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 which will be pleasant and comfortable to use inside the city but will still give you a premium, feel-good experience which the smaller bikes won't be able to match. Since you're intimately acquainted with RE ownership, the Hunter will slot in nicely into your life as well. 

Take a test ride of these bikes to see which one fits your usage better ultimately and then make your decision. 

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

More questions on similar bikes

4d

I’m planning to buy a motorcycle. I’m 5 feet 11 inches tall and weigh 95 kg. My daily commute is around 40-45 km. Initially, I was considering the Honda H'ness CB350, but it’s quite expensive. Then I thought about the Honda Unicorn, but it feels too basic and lacks excitement. The Yamaha FZ series seems a bit over-styled to me. I also rode the TVS Apache RTR 180 2V, but considering my height, it felt too small. Now I’m confused between the Bajaj Pulsar 180 (OG) and the Bajaj Pulsar N160. The Pulsar 180 offers excellent value for money, while the N160 comes with many modern features. However, since I’ll also be riding with my family, I’m leaning towards the Pulsar 180 because of its long, single-piece seat, which is more comfortable for both the rider and the pillion. I’d really appreciate your suggestions and guidance on which one would be the better choice. @autocar.india

Verified
6h

Between the two Pulsar models you have shortlisted, the N160 would be our pick. Not only does it have the more modern mechanical fundamentals, the better feature-set and will be more fuel efficient, but also it comes in multiple variants, which have a single-piece seat, which should address your concerns about travelling with a pillion. Since you mentioned you like the Honda CB350 but it wasn't fitting in your budget, take a look at the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. The Hunter is much more affordable than the CB350 but will give you similar comfort, performance and form factor. It is also a proven commodity, which means realistically, in the long-term, your ownership should be free of any unwelcome surprises. Take test rides of both the N160 and Hunter, and depending on your budget and preference, make your decision.

Bajaj Pulsar N160
Honda Bikes CB350
Royal Enfield Hunter 350
4d

I am 40 years old, 5'2 " in height, and I weigh 70 kg. I own a Fascino, riding for the last 8 years. I am now looking for a lifestyle motorcycle within a 3L INR budget. I have not ride a geared motorcycle ever. However, I do understand how it works since I have been driving manual cars for the last 15+ years. The usual commute is 100% within the city and within a 10 km radius with my daughter. I did try Hunter 350 for a 100-meter ride and liked it. Moderate fuel economy and ease of maintenance are my priorities, along with riding comfort.

Verified
1d

Since you've mentioned your usage is quite low, and you liked the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 on your test ride, you should strongly consider it. The Hunter's low seat height and manageable weight will make it easy to use in city conditions, and it is a comfortable, reliable and fuss-free machine. If you ride sensibly, you will also see decent fuel economy, and the latest-gen Hunter has very pliant suspension, ensuring a comfortable ride over bad roads. Another option we'd recommend - and this is purely because you've mentioned this will be a "lifestyle purchase" - is the Goan Classic 350. The Goan attracts glances like nothing else at this price point, owing to its unique design and striking colours, and since it is based on a tried and tested platform, realistically, there should be no surprises in your prospective ownership. The one downside here is that the Goan is not as comfortable as the Hunter, mainly owing to its seating position.Take a test ride of the Goan to see if you resonate with the experience it has to offer before you make your decision.

Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350

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Posted on: 8 Jul 2026