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Jack

10w

What bike can I prefer at a ₹2 lakh price range? This will be my first bike, with daily usage of around 30-35 km and an occasional ride of about 200 km once a quarter.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
9w

Since this is your first bike, you should ask yourself what sort of rider you are and then pick the machine accordingly. If you feel you enjoy speed and want a sporty, engaging machine, then something like a KTM 160 / 200 Duke, Yamaha YZF R15 V4 / MT-15 and XSR155 will be good options to consider. 

If you want to have a relaxed riding experience and want something stylish, then a Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or TVS Ronin would be a good starting point. Lastly, if you want a single 'standard' bike that can do most daily things, then something like a Honda CB300F would be a good option. 

If you want something that prioritises fuel efficiency, a 160cc commuter from Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Hero or Yamaha would be the way to go. 

Take thorough test rides of each machine you consider before making up your mind up. 

 KTM 160

KTM 160

Latest questions people are discussing

GA

Ganesh

2w

I am buying my first new bike. My height is about 5′3″-5′4″, and my weight is 45 kg. My budget is ₹1.50 lakh. I plan to use the bike for at least 10 years, mostly on Tier-4 city roads. Please suggest a suitable bike that is comfortable for a single rider and a pillion.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
3d

Since you have mentioned you want a comfortable, long-lasting bike in a place where showrooms and service support aren't likely to be as advanced as in major cities, we'd recommend you go with the proven Honda Unicorn. The Unicorn has remained largely unchanged in the more than two decades it has been on sale, and procuring spare parts and common replacement parts should be an easy affair. The Unicorn also has a spacious single-piece seat that's not very tall and can easily accommodate two large people. So comfort should also be a non-issue. We'd recommend a test ride of the bike to see whether it fits you well before making a decision.

Honda Bikes Unicorn
NK

NKC

5d

Should I buy the Royal Enfield Scrambler 400X now, or wait for a 350cc version to launch? If I wait, is there a possibility that cost cutting with a smaller engine might reduce the overall 400X experience? Please advise.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
3d

When Bajaj launches the downsized 350cc Triumph single-cylinder models, there are expected to be minimal or no changes to the chassis. Also, the feature-set and the quality of parts and materials used throughout. It is unlikely that Bajaj will reduce the quality of components used on the 350cc Triumphs, as they are aspirational and premium motorcycles from a fabled British brand. However, if you have your heart set on buying a Triumph Scrambler 400 X, we'd advise you to hurry. Because it has been reported that the 350cc Triumphs aren't a long way away, and this will be your only opportunity to own one.

Triumph Scrambler 400 X
PI

Pinank

2w

I am 35 years old, a swimmer with an athletic build, 6 feet tall, and weigh 70 kg. I live in Ahmedabad, a city with poor road conditions, heavy traffic, and unpredictable road behavior. Hard braking and quick manoeuvring are often necessary due to potholes, slippery roads, and sudden pedestrian or vehicle movements. I tried the Pulsar NS125, but with a heavy pillion rider (90 kg+), I found it difficult to manoeuvre in tight traffic. The bike felt heavy, braking was harder to manage, and I experienced back pain after riding with a heavy pillion. Under the same conditions, I do not face any back pain when riding the Honda Twister with a similar pillion. Please suggest a new or used bike within a budget of ₹1.8 lakh that is suitable for city use, has a sporty look, offers comfortable seating, and is easy to manoeuvre without causing back pain, even with a pillion rider. Should I wait for the Kawasaki Ninja 125 launch? I am also considering a used Kawasaki Ninja 300 for the next two years—will it be comfortable for city riding, and will its seating position help avoid back pain while handling traffic with a heavy pillion rider?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
5d

Within your budget, you will get very old examples of the Kawasaki Ninja 300, which will likely not be in good shape after all these years. We'd recommend you go for a new bike for the peace of mind that comes with it and the warranty coverage that comes with it. Since you have mentioned you want something sporty, we'd recommend the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. Both have energetic engines, good handling and will also be comfortable for day-to-day use with their upright ergonomics. Both are also reasonably comfortable bikes to carry pillion with, although larger people will be pressed for space. A test ride of these two should help you decide which is best for you.

Kawasaki Ninja 300
Bajaj Pulsar NS200
TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

Posted on: 28 Dec 2025