I’m 5'9" tall and weigh over 95 kg. I usually travel on weekends within the city and often encounter bad roads. Scooters like the Activa feel uncomfortable. I’m considering the Hero Xpulse, but reviews mention the pillion seat isn’t comfortable. I didn't like the other options in retro style. Should I go for the Xpulse or consider alternatives?

autocar.india

•1d

The TVS Apache RTX 300 is surely the more capable, feature-rich and well-rounded motorcycle of the two bikes you have shortlisted. However, TVS' after-sales network is infamous for having a hit-or-miss experience and add to that, the RTX itself has been experiencing concerning issues almost a year after its launch. The KTM 250 Adventure might not be as enticing a proposition as the RTX on paper, but it remains the safer buy because it comes from a brand with a proven track record, and the bike itself has also not been reported as having widespread reliability concerns.

autocar.india

•12h

Have you been driving regularly or are you simply fascinated by the concept of owning a manual sedan? If it is the latter, we'll recommend you to rent any self-driven manual car for a week, and replicate your daily usage with. If you're comfortable driving the manual car in traffic, then go ahead and get the car you've been longing for. A self-drive rental might seem a bit expensive but it'll help you get clarity of which transmission you should pick for the long term.The Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI MT is a good choice, but since you have a Rs 20-30 lakh budget for a sedan, we'd suggest you consider the Hyundai Verna 1.5 Turbo 6MT instead. The Verna's 1.5 Turbo engine is much more powerful, gearbox is smoother, and clutch is lighter than the Skoda's.

Skoda Slavia

Hyundai Verna

autocar.india

•1d

At 5'10", you have the advantage of being able to comfortably fit on most cruiser motorcycles available in India. Choosing a bike will boil down to your budget and preferences in terms of the bike you prefer.If you are looking for an attainable yet premium-feeling textbook cruiser with proven reliability and a strong ownership experience, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is a great starting point. It offers a comfortable riding position, a smooth engine and is well suited for both city commutes and relaxed highway rides. Its flashier sibling, the Goan Classic 350, offers a similar riding experience but with more visual pomp and flair. If you want something with a bit more power and presence, the Super Meteor 650 is a significant step up. It has a strong parallel-twin engine, a more premium feel and is very refined at highway speeds. Do bear in mind that the Super Meteor has stiff rear suspension which paired with the laid-back rider's triangle, will result in discomfort over poor patches of road.If you are open to something that has the character of a cruiser but looks more like a roadster, the Harley-Davidson X440 T is worth considering. It offers a definite step up from the RE 350s but isn't as heavy or uncomfortable as the larger 650cc models.