I have been riding a Royal Enfield Classic 500 for 12 years now and am looking to upgrade. I am confused between the Himalayan 450 and the Bear 650. Which one should I go for?

•40w

Between the two options you've shortlisted, we would steer you toward the Himalayan 450 because it is a more versatile machine and has better suspension comfort of the two bikes, by some margin.

While the Royal Enfiled Bear 650 is a competent bike in many ways, its rear suspension is far too firm for its own good and it cannot be had with cross-spoke rims permitting tubeless tyres - like the Himalayan can - which means fixing a puncture on this 216kg machine will be a task to say the least, even before you take into account the lack of a centre stand.

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Royal Enfield

Himalayan

from ₹3.42 Lakh

Royal Enfield

Bear 650

from ₹4.16 Lakh

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•1h

Switched my daily commute from the car to a scooter six months ago just to beat traffic, and honestly haven't looked back even once during peak hours.

•4d

I’m confused between the Honda CB350 H’ness and the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. I liked the refined engine and comfortable riding position of the CB350, while I liked the Hunter’s looks, lightweight nature, and ease of manoeuvring. My daily travel is around 40 km, mostly in traffic, with speeds rarely crossing 80 kmph. I plan to use the bike primarily for daily commuting. Which one should I go for? Also, would using an inclined handlebar riser on the Hunter 350 improve its riding comfort?

•2d

The Honda CB350 would make more sense for your needs because you spend most of your time in city traffic where comfort and refinement are paramount. While this Honda bike is a slightly larger machine than the Royal Enfield Hunter (both weigh the same 181kg), after a brief acclimatization period, you will get used to it. While a set of handlebar risers can improve your seating posture on the Hunter, you will lose some feedback and control from the front end and you will also need to arrange for longer cables and hoses to accommodate this change.

Honda Bikes CB350

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

•1w

I’m confused between the Honda H’ness CB350 and the Triumph Scrambler 400X. The Honda feels smoother, but it lacks the thrill I’m looking for. On the other hand, the Scrambler 400X is almost Rs 80,000 more expensive on-road after the recent price hike. Considering that it is now a 350cc bike rather than 400cc, even though it is priced almost the same as the earlier 400cc version, I’m finding it difficult to justify the higher price.

•2d

Between the two bikes you've shortlisted, the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 X is surely more fun and a better all-rounder but it does come at a steeper price than the simpler Honda CB350. If you can stretch for it, the Triumph is a fantastic rugged road bike and should serve you well. If not, this Honda bike is still an accomplished - if laidback - retro roadster which will offer you good comfort and fuel economy in the long run. Take your pick of the two after an exhaustive test ride - money will come back but the time you spend on the bike won't!

Triumph Scrambler 400 X

Honda Bikes CB350

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