Hi everyone, I’m planning to buy a new motorcycle this year. I am 39 years old, 5'10", and currently dealing with some upper back pain issues. My daily ride is the office commute to Hinjewadi (Pune), which involves heavy stop-and-go traffic. I’m looking for a bike that is comfortable enough for my back but won't feel boring after 5 years, something that suits a 45-year-old’s personality as well. I am currently confused between the Triumph Speed T4 (the new entry in the 350cc segment), the Honda H'ness CB350, and the Speed 400. I’m also considering waiting for the rumored Bonneville 350. Given the traffic and my back issues, which of these offers the best balance of ergonomics and long-term character? Open to suggestions.

Autocar India

•19h

If you don't mind the look of the Harley-Davidson X440 S, then you should go ahead and buy that bike. Conventional mirrors are easier to use and during lane filtering, they don't protrude as much as bar-end ones. The ride-by-wire throttle on the X440 T does not offer any significant real-world advantage over the S variant's cable throttle, nor does it bring in significant improvements in performance in this application. The only reason to consider the T variant would be its improved fit and finish, a more cohesive tail section design and slightly better controlled suspension damping.

Autocar India

•1d

Since your usage includes both city riding and highway runs, we would strongly recommend you go with the TVS Ntorq 150. The bigger Ntorq's engine can sustain 70-90kph easily on the highway, it is a stable and comfortable machine even at higher speeds, and most importantly, comes with the safety net of single-channel ABS, which will protect you in case you encounter a situation where you need to jam on the brakes.Be aware that since the Ntorq 150 has a large engine, its fuel economy is likely to be much lower than the 110-125cc options in the mainstream market. Although in isolation, when ridden sensibly, it does return good fuel efficiency.If budget is a constraint and you still want a scooter with ABS and one that returns good fuel economy, look no further than the top 2 variants of the latest-gen Suzuki Access 125. The Access remains the only 125cc scooter to offer you single-channel ABS from a reputed and established brand in India. It is also a well-sorted, comfortable and fuel-efficient scooter which has carved out its reputation for being reliable, so realistically over a longer ownership period, you shouldn't face many surprises.Decide how much you need to spend on your next purchase and take a test ride of the Access and Ntorq before you make a decision.

Autocar India

•1d

Buying a new or used vehicle depends mainly on two factors: your mindset regarding used vehicles, as well as the price and condition of the vehicle in question.If you plan to use the scooter every day for many years, a new one from the showroom is usually the safer bet. If your budget is tight or you only need it for a short period, a good pre-owned scooter can save money.A new scooter works well when you want zero hassle. You get full warranty, a few free services, and roadside help, so surprises are rare. The trade-off is the high on-road price, higher first-year insurance, and the biggest drop in value happens in the first couple of years.On the flip side, a used scooter makes sense when you find a clean one at a lower price. The catch is risk. You must deal with unknown wear and tear, and there’s also the chance that the vehicle might be out of warranty coverage.Simple rule: pick new if you ride daily, plan to keep it long, or are someone who wants worry-free ownership. Pick used only if you can verify service records, the scooter is fairly recent and in good shape, and the price difference is substantial.