Autocar India
6w

Hello, This is going to be a long one. I am currently in the market for an ADV motorcycle under Rs. 3 lakh OTR. At the moment, my shortlist consists of the RTX 300, KTM Adventure 250, and Suzuki V-Strom SX 250. I am 185 cm tall, and most of that height seems to be concentrated in my legs. Consider me a stork with rather impoverished bodywork; some say that I could realistically reach Sri Lanka in a single stride. Anyway, I have ridden all three motorcycles and, to be honest, the more I ride them, the more perplexed I become. My priorities are reliability, maintenance costs, longevity, and decent fuel economy, with considerably less emphasis on outright off-road capability. I want a motorcycle that is rugged, dependable, and willing to take me wherever I wish to go without complaint. At present, my mind keeps returning to the V-Strom SX. It is road-friendly, reliable, comfortable, and appears to offer a largely hassle-free ownership experience. The problem is the price. In Kerala, the current OTR figure stretches to approximately Rs. 2.6 lakh, which I cannot help feeling is somewhat undeserved for what is, fundamentally, an ageing package. My concern regarding the RTX 300 is that it is an entirely new platform. Its long-term reliability, durability, and ownership experience remain largely unknown. The sensible part of my brain keeps suggesting that I wait for the second iteration, by which point most early issues should have become apparent and, hopefully, resolved. As for the KTM Adventure 250, I find it difficult to ignore the value proposition of its larger 390 siblings. The 250 is undoubtedly a capable machine, but I remain unconvinced that it represents the sweet spot within KTM's ADV range. Fortunately, I am not in a hurry and can afford to wait if necessary. I do not particularly mind the V-Strom's lack of modern features, nor the fact that its engine design has been around for what feels like several geological epochs. If anything, those characteristics are part of its appeal. What frustrates me slightly is Suzuki's apparent lack of commitment towards the platform and its future development. Given my priorities and use case, I would greatly appreciate your thoughts and recommendations.

Verified
5w

For your use case, we'd suggest you go for the TVS Apache RTX 300. It might be based on a brand-new platform and have the niggles that usually accompany it, but other than that, the RTX is a phenomenally capable machine. Since you ride primarily on the road, you will enjoy its lovely handling, great comfort and punchy performance. 

We're recommending it over both the Suzuki V-Strom SX and KTM 250 Adventure because the former just feels too long in the tooth now and is also not comparable to the other two, while the latter lacks the performance, comfort and feature-set that the RTX gives you, despite costing more. Also worth keeping in mind is that the RTX will be a little expensive in terms of after-sales costs - likely to be higher than the KTMs. However, TVS will soon open its premium sales and service outlets under the Paddock umbrella, and that should improve the overall after-sales experience, which is currently a known concern.

TVS Apache RTX

TVS Apache RTX

More questions on similar bikes

3d

I'm planning to buy my first premium motorcycle and have a budget of around Rs. 3.1 lakh on-road. After a lot of research and multiple test rides, I've narrowed my options down to the Triumph Tracker 400 and the Triumph Scrambler 400 X. I'm looking for advice from owners or experienced riders who have spent time with either or both bikes. I've been riding motorcycles for around 7-8 years and this bike will be my primary motorcycle for at least the next 4-5 years. My usage will be approximately 70-80% city commuting to office and 20-30% rides during weekend with occasional long-distance trips of more than 250 km every 2-3 months. I will almost always have a pillion with me, so pillion comfort, suspension, and overall ride quality are very important factors. I enjoy riding but I'm not someone who rides aggressively all the time. I appreciate a refined, confidence-inspiring motorcycle that is also enjoyable on open highways. I'll be paying the full amount in cash so I'm looking for the best overall ownership experience rather than simply the cheapest option. During my test rides, the Tracker 400 felt lighter, more road-focused, and easier to ride in the city. It had a cowl so didn't get to check it with the pillion. The Scrambler 400 X engine felt somewhat the same but just a little toned down and not as aggresive as the Tracker given the higher power produced and better suspension. However, the braking was not as expected. My main concerns are related to finding more suitable bike for someone who rides mostly in the city but enjoys weekend touring. Which bike is more comfortable for both rider and pillion on longer rides? Does the Scrambler's taller suspension and larger front wheel become a disadvantage in daily city riding? Is the Tracker significantly easier to live with in traffic? Considering the fact that I'll own the bike for 4-5 years, which one offers the better overall ownership experience? I'd really appreciate insights from owners, especially those who have ridden both motorcycles or regularly ride with a pillion. Thanks in advance!

Verified
1d

For your usage, where you regularly ride with a pillion both usually inside the city and occassionally on the highway, the Triumph Scrambler 400 X is the better option than its sibling, the Tracker. The Scrambler has a far more upright and commanding rider's triangle, is more spacious for both rider and pillion and its suspension comfort is also much better than the Tracker. Coming to the braking issue on the Scrambler, Triumph (not Bajaj) insists on equipping the bike with organic brake pads which don't have the same life or power as sintered units but its an easy fix. You can fit the sintered pads from any other 350cc Triumph onto the Scrambler and this will be an inexpensive and easy fix to your problem.

Triumph Scrambler 400 X
Triumph Tracker 400

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Posted on: 29 Jun 2026