I’m planning to buy a new bike. I previously rode a Dio (until 2017) and a Maestro Edge (until 2021), and currently own a TVS Jupiter with 1.6 lakh km on the odo. I work as a field service engineer and travel about 150 km per day. I sometimes carry small spares with me. I prefer TVS or Honda because their showroom is under 1 km from my home. I am 5 ft 6 in tall. Please suggest suitable bike options.

Autocar India

•12w

Since you have a long commute, we'll recommend bikes in the 125cc segment as they will be quite fuel efficient, which will be an important factor for you. From Honda's stable, you can take a look at the Shine 125, SP125 and Hornet 125 - all three are based on the same platform, but the Hornet is sportier and has more features than the other two.

From TVS' lineup, you can take a look at the Raider, which will be light, fuel efficient and comfortable and is available across a wide price band too.

Take proper test rides of all options you shortlist before you make a decision.

Explore bikes mentioned

Honda Bikes

Shine 125

from ₹88,198

Honda Bikes

SP 125

from ₹95,751

TVS

Raider

from ₹92,870

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Autocar India

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Since your daily running is quite low, you should look at a petrol scooter - preferably brand new, for the peace of mind and the manufacturer's warranty it will come with. We'd recommend looking at the base variants of the Honda Activa 110, Suzuki Acess and TVS Jupiter 110. All scooters will be friendly for a newer rider because of their low kerb weights and approachable seat heights. If, however, your budget doesn't permit you to go for a new scooter, then a pre-owned Activa or Access would be our recommendation. The Activa and Access are some of the most popular scooters available, and finding a good example will be fairly straightforward. Because of their popularity and widespread service network, sourcing replacement parts should also be quite easy.

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Tamil R

•1w

I’m 22 and planning to buy my first bike, mainly for city commuting, with strong pillion comfort as a top priority. We already have a 15-year-old Honda Shine that is still reliable. My parents encouraged me to buy something better than basic commuter bikes like the TVS Sport or Bajaj Platina, and even offered financial help, which I would prefer to avoid since I’ve just started working. Initially, I shortlisted the TVS Raider, Hero Glamour (with cruise control, which I don’t really need), and Honda SP125 because they are affordable. However, I’m concerned about long-term service with TVS and Hero, and the lack of ABS on the Honda SP125. Then I looked at higher-segment options but ruled out sporty bikes with stepped seats (like the Hero Xtreme 125R and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V) due to pillion comfort concerns. That left me considering the TVS Ronin, Royal Enfield Hunter 350, and Yamaha XSR155 (which I ruled out due to pillion comfort). Now I’m confused between the comfort and efficiency of the TVS Ronin and the road presence and perceived reliability of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. At the same time, I’m wondering if it would be smarter to save money and stick with a premium 125cc bike, since 90% of my usage will be relaxed city riding and I value cruiser-like comfort over speed.

Autocar India

•5d

Since you've said that most of your riding is relegated to city riding with a pillion, where comfort and fuel efficiency are top priorities, we'd recommend you stick to a premium 125cc commuter. The TVS Raider is a good option as it offers a comfortable ride and a spacious seat for the rider and pillion. In that category, our top picks are the TVS Raider and Hero Xtreme 125R. Both are available with variants that have a long, single-piece seat, so pillion comfort as well as fuel efficiency will be taken care of. In case you do want to scratch the itch of getting a larger machine, you will be well served by the TVS Ronin as well as the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Both have smooth, torquey engines, plush suspension and are large enough to carry a pillion. Take a test ride of these bikes and see which one you prefer the most before purchasing.

TVS Raider

Hero MotoCorp Xtreme 125R

TVS Ronin

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