Autocar India
RJ

Rajen Jariwala

21w

I have been riding a KTM Adventure 250 for the past 5 years and now want to experience a sportier motorcycle. My usage is mostly city commuting for work and leisure. I enjoy trying different bike genres over the years and like KTM’s design and performance. I am particularly interested in the Duke series. KTM is known for power, stability, and aerodynamics. For 90-95% city commuting, which displacement between 125 cc and 250 cc would be ideal, while also being quick and easy to maintain?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
18w
Since you have already used a 250 Adventure and are leaning toward getting a KTM naked bike for city use, the 250 Duke makes for a great option. The latest-gen model has a punchy engine that's easy to live with, a great chassis and is loaded with features like a colour TFT display and bidirectional quickshifter. The only reason not to get one would be its compact size, which will be a factor to consider if you are a larger rider, because you will feel quite cramped on the bike.
If you don't fit on the 250 Duke, you can switch over to the Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 because both are essentially the same bike draped in different bodywork. A test ride will help you decide which bike suits you better.
Husqvarna Vitpilen 250

Husqvarna Vitpilen 250

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More questions on similar bikes

SA

Sanket

3d

Which bike do I choose between the new 390 ADV, Duke 390 or Guerrilla 450? I am upgrading from Meteor 350 and want a comfortable ride with a little more performance.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

Since you have said you want comfort, we'd recommend you rule out the KTM 390 Duke. The Duke can be usable on a day-to-day basis, but it is a stiffly sprung and sporty machine that's also rather cramped for taller folks and especially coming from the Meteor, could prove too uncomfortable.The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is a good choice, which will balance performance and comfort, although there will be a short adjustment period for you before you completely gel with it. We'd recommend going for the Apex variant, which comes with grippier Vredestein rubber that is better than the standard variant's CEAT shoes.The KTM 390 Adventure is a great bike for long-distance travelling, and if that is going to be the main reason behind your purchase, then it makes sense. However, inside the city, it can feel a little too buzzy, and its fuel economy isn't great either. Do bear in mind that KTMs comes with stiff seats and you will either have to adapt to it or get it fixed in the aftermarket.Since you are already considering the 390 Adventure, it would make sense to also look at the Himalayan 450. This is the more rounded of the two machines in our experience, and its ride comfort is unparalleled at this price point. Its size and weight will take some getting used to, but if you are okay with it, then this is a machine definitely worth considering.Take test rides of all before you go ahead with your purchase, so you make an informed decision.

Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450
Royal Enfield Himalayan
KTM 390 Adventure
KTM 390 Duke

Popular discussions right now

SS

Saurabh Shrivastava

2d

I am looking for a new motorcycle which have Good comfort & can be used for city as well as occasional Highway drives I am a bit confused between the RE Hunter 350 or TVS Ronin My budget is 1.5- 2 lakhs

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2d

Honestly, both bikes are great at their job and will suit your needs well, but they offer very different experiences. The Hunter 350 is a very different Royal Enfield from what we've seen before, but carries some signature strengths like plush ride quality, a characterful and torquey engine, as well as great curb appeal and good finish levels. Plus, when you buy a RE, you get access to a brand which has built a very good community and ownership experience in terms of events and rides, which is something few brands in India offer you today.Do bear in mind that the Hunter is a heavy machine, and this is just something you will have to work around. It's not as heavy as other Royal Enfields, but it is a good 20 kilos heavier than the TVS Ronin.Coming to the Ronin, this is a lighter, more agile and eager-feeling machine than the Hunter. It isn't overtly sporty and will be comfortable for daily use. The Ronin's lighter weight and smaller engine also translate to better fuel economy in general. The TVS is also the more affordable machine to purchase, and the price difference isn't insignificant. If you are on a tight budget, this is something to consider.Both bikes have a very different feel despite being similar on paper, and to make an informed decision before your next purchase, take a test ride of both.

Royal Enfield Hunter 350
TVS Ronin
CN

Chitra N

1w

I currently ride a 2017 Aprilia SR 150 model and am planning to upgrade to either the Yamaha Aerox 155 or the Hero Xoom 160. Which one would you recommend?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
6d

Since you're used to the stiff suspension and tight seating triangle of your sporty Aprilia SR 150, the Yamaha Aerox 155 will likely feel very similar in those regards. Of course, the Aerox's more modern, liquid-cooled engine will feel superior and its good fun to use on both fast roads and in slower city traffic. Expect very good fuel economy and reliability from the Aerox as well and its quick-thinking start-stop tech is one of the best in the business. On the other hand, the Hero MotoCorp Xoom 160 feels like a much larger and more luxurious scooter in terms of its seating and ride comfort. Compared to the Aerox, the Xoom's ride comfort is much better although its not outright plush. If you live in an area with predominantly bad roads, the Xoom will cope better than the Aerox. Its engine is also fairly punchy, but in terms of handling, the Xoom won't match the sprightly Aerox because it is a heavier and more relaxed machine. It can still take sweeping corners pretty quickly but its not going to be as agile as the Yamaha. Both have similar features and under seat storage areas but the Xoom's start/stop tech can get tiring to use in the city because its much slower than the Aerox's excellent system. Neither of the two scooters will have any storage space on the floorboard because their underbone frames have prominent spine sections, unlike your Aprilia, which will be something you'll have to work around. While both are directly comparable on paper, the real-world picture is actually quite different. Depending on the sort of experience you're after and which one feels better to use, make your decision. To do that, we'd recommend exhaustive test rides of both.

Hero MotoCorp Xoom 160
Yamaha Aerox 155

Posted on: 7 Feb 2026