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•43w

Hello Autocar, I am looking to buy a bike for my daily commute of around 80 km, consisting of 60 km of highway and 20 km of city riding. I am confused between the TVS RTX, Hero Xpulse, and Suzuki V-Strom SX. Should I wait for the BMW 450 GS? I am looking for a comfortable and plush ride. P.S. I sold my FZ a year ago and am now looking to buy a new bike.

•43w

The TVS Apache RTX 300 is a great option because it is comfortable, quick, reasonably fuel-efficient when ridden sensibly, and comes at a great price for everything you get with it. The Hero Xpulse 210 is another great option because it gives you lovely comfort and genuine off-road capability with peppy performance.

The Suzuki V-Strom SX is a simple but sorted bike; however, in comparison to these two, it feels a little too simple and also not as comfortable, which is why we would recommend you choose between the TVS and the Hero. Take a test ride of these two before you decide.

Explore bikes mentioned

TVS

Apache RTX

from ₹2.16 Lakh

Hero MotoCorp

Xpulse 210

from ₹1.79 Lakh

Suzuki

V-Strom SX

from ₹2.15 Lakh

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•1w

Hello, I need guidance on buying a new bike for myself. I’m 5.7ft tall, and my main use will be city riding and highways, with occasional weekend bike trips. After doing quite a bit of research, I’ve shortlisted: • Honda CB350 H’ness • TVS RTX 300 (Base Model) • Triumph Speed 400 • Triumph Speed T4 I’m looking for something that’s comfortable for daily use but can also handle long rides and rough roads when needed. Right now I’m seriously confused Which one would you recommend and why?

•1w

Based on your requirements, the Triumph Speed T4 would be our recommendation. It strikes the best balance between daily comfort and weekend touring capability. The riding position is upright and relaxed, making it easy to live with in the city, while the engine is punchy enough for highway cruising and overtakes while simultaneously having a lovely low- and mid-range pull which helps in city traffic. It also feels more modern and engaging than the Honda CB350, which is a relaxed neo-retro but not as versatile or exciting to ride.If you can make the stretch for the Speed 400, certainly do, as it brings in better componentry, higher levels of fit & finish and more performance to the table while retaining all the strong points of the T4. The TVS Apache RTX 300 offers near-unbeatable value for money and, on paper, is very hard to fault. However, for all its strengths, it is plagued by some reliability concerns and after-sales issues, which make it hard to put our faith in it.

I'm planning to purchase my first motorcycle and have narrowed down my options to the Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS and Dominar 250. My primary usage will be short daily commutes of approximately 5-6 km one way in Hyderabad's traffic (around 12km two way), with occasional longer rides. I'm a relatively new rider, so low-speed usability, manoeuvrability and ease of handling matter to me. The N160 SS appeals to me because of its lighter weight, Crawl Tech, TFT and city-friendly characteristics. However, the Dominar 400 has been my dream motorcycle for the past ten years, ever since it was launched in India while I was still in school. While the Dominar 400 remains my dream bike, the Dominar 250 seems like a reasonable compromise for my primarily urban use, offering some of that Dominar experience without going straight for the 400. I've ridden the Dominar 400 and found it surprisingly manageable and planted, but I haven't been able to test-ride the Dominar 250 because dealerships don't have test-ride units. I've also heard that the Dominar 250 lacks low-end urgency, requires frequent gear changes in slow traffic and is relatively heavy for city use. On the other hand, my uncle, who has owned a Dominar 400 for years and uses it in Hyderabad, has suggested that the Dominar 250 could be a reasonable choice for my requirements. The Dominar 250 is currently quoted at approximately Rs. 2.42 lakh (on-road), compared with around Rs. 1.86-1.94 lakh for the N160 SS. Given my usage, beginner experience and long-standing desire to own a Dominar, would you recommend the N160 SS as the more sensible long-term choice, or is the Dominar 250 a motorcycle that I could realistically grow into and enjoy despite its compromises? I would particularly appreciate your thoughts on low-speed tractability, bumper-to-bumper traffic, manoeuvrability for a beginner, and whether the Dominar's additional weight and cost are justified for someone whose riding will primarily be urban.

•3d

There's no doubt that the Bajaj Dominar 250 will fit the bill well for your needs as a first-time motorcyclist. However, what stops us from recommending it wholeheartedly is that the smaller Dominar sells in extremely microscopic numbers which means sometimes you'll be waiting a long time for a small part, leaving your bike out of action which is never a good thing. Truth be told, the Dominar 400 (especially since it is now powered by a downsized 349cc motor) is a perfectly acceptable first bike and since you have had an inclination towards the Dominar for a long time, why not go ahead and scratch and that itch! The only caveat here would be that the Dominar is a hefty machine, weighing 190kg, which can catch you off-guard at slow-speed scenarios but in time, you'll get used to it. On the other hand, if you don't want to deal with the extra weight and purchasing cost of the Dominar 400, then the Pulsar N160 SS is a very different but nonetheless, a great option for a beginner. It has a peppy engine, predictable handling, good comfort and comes with all the latest gizmos and gadgets that people these days want their two-wheelers to be festooned with. Not to mention, it will also be far more fuel efficient than the Dominar. These are 2 very different bikes which will give you starly different experiences so its best you take a test ride and see which one you're leaning towards more before you make your decision.

Should I go for Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO or Brezza 1.5 for 700km monthly running. I prefer automatic transmission.

•3d

With a monthly running of around 700km and a preference for an automatic, a petrol makes more sense. At this usage, the cost advantage of an EV is limited, and the Nexon EV only makes sense if you have home charging and significantly higher running. The Brezza 1.5 petrol automatic is a solid, reliable choice, but the 3XO offers a turbo petrol and better highway performance. Both cars use a 6-speed torque converter automatics which are smooth and well-suited to city driving. If your usage is primarily on the highway, the XUV 3XO is a better fit, but in mostly city use the Brezza will be more efficient.

Tata Nexon EV

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Mahindra XUV 3XO

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Popular discussions right now

•2w

I am a first-time motorcycle buyer looking for a bike in the Rs 2.0-2.5 lakh range. I am 5ft 3in, so I need something with a lower seat height and manageable weight for comfortable use. My usage will be around 80% in the city, with occasional 300-400 km highway trips. I have shortlisted the TVS Ronin, Yamaha XSR 155 and Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Which would be the most suitable option for me, and are there any other bikes I should consider at my height?

•1w

Your research is absolutely spot on, and the three options you have shortlisted will surely serve your intended purpose quite well. However, which one is right for you is a decision only you can make because all three are quite different to ride.The Yamaha XSR155 is the lightest and sportiest of this trio and will be faster than the other two. What it will not be is as comfortable as the relaxed Hunter and Ronin, which score quite highly in terms of overall comfort. These two have mellow, torque-rich engines which will make for an altogether different, more laid-back riding experience.Given the magnitude of difference between all three, deciding between them warrants a test ride.

Yamaha XSR155

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

TVS Ronin

•1w

Which bike should I choose between the new KTM 390 Adventure, KTM 390 Duke and Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450? I am upgrading from a TVS Ronin 225, and I feel it lacks power on highways, especially while overtaking. I am also looking for a new riding experience. I am 5'3" tall and weigh 75kg. Please guide me on which bike would suit me best, considering my height, riding comfort and performance. Or would it be better to stick with the TVS Ronin?

•6d

Given your stature and the fact that you're coming from a Ronin, we'd recommend you choose between the 350cc KTM 390 Duke and the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 you've shortlisted. While both bikes have similar peak power outputs and pricing, they're poles apart to ride, so make sure you get a test ride before you go ahead with your purchase. The 390 Duke has sublime handling, great features and its 349cc engine loves chasing the redline but in day-to-day usage it feels like the machine that needs to be worked harder. Its suspension is also quite stiff (not harsh but definitely not plush) and there are quite a few vibes from the engine at almost all touch points no matter the revs you're at. If you don't care about refinement or comfort too much, and want all-out sporting thrills at a reasonable budget, then the 350cc Duke is something you should consider. If instead, you want your next purchase to be a bit more rounded to balance both usability and performance, then the RE Guerrilla 450 should be on your radar. The Guerrilla's 452cc engine's torquey nature makes it far more effortless to ride both in the city and on the highway, and its chassis is set up well for brisk road riding. It also has a lower 780mm perch (compared to the KTM's 800mm one) and its suspension is also set up to deal with road imperfections better. Ofcourse, it lacks the outright speed, handling, as well as the finessed electronics of the KTM, but for some people, this will actually be a plus point. Like we said at the outset, these are two very different bikes, so before making your decision, ensure you take a thorough test ride.

KTM 390 Duke

Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450

•1w

Hello, I am a resident of New Delhi and own a 2005 Hero Honda Karizma that is no longer permitted to run on Delhi roads. Since I live in an apartment complex, I have been able to keep the motorcycle parked within the premises. However, I would like to know whether there are any rules prohibiting me from keeping it parked there and whether the authorities can tow it away even if it is not being driven on public roads. I would appreciate any information or clarification on the applicable rules and regulations. Thank you in advance.

•6d

As a Delhi resident with a 2005 Hero Honda Karizma, the key issue is that your bike is now considered “unfit” under Delhi’s 15-year rule for petrol vehicles. This means it cannot be legally used on public roads, and the registration is effectively invalid. However, there is no blanket rule that says you cannot keep the bike parked inside your own apartment complex. The authorities are primarily concerned with such vehicles being used on public roads or in public parking areas, and if you do so, you can be fined and the vehicle towed and scrapped.If the bike has sentimental value, you can explore getting it registered as a vintage vehicle, which allows continued ownership and limited use under specific conditions. This process involves an application to the RTO and meeting certain criteria, including the bike being over 15 years old and in original condition. If you do not plan to use the bike and want to avoid any risk, the safest option is to deregister it and keep it purely as a display piece, or consider scrapping it through an authorised facility.

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