I currently own a Honda Activa 125 and previously had a Pulsar 150. My daily commute is around 30 km, and due to poor road conditions and long hours of sitting at the office, I’ve started experiencing lower back pain despite regular workouts at home. My budget is between ₹2.5 and ₹2.75 lakhs. I’m looking for a bike that offers excellent suspension, low maintenance, and good resale value.

autocar.india

•4d

Since you already have a RE Classic 350 at home, we'd recommend you remove the Meteor 350 and Harley-Davidson X440 from your shortlist because these bikes will feel quite similar to your Classic. The 350cc Triumph Speed 400 and Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 will offer a more engaging riding experience with more performance and features on tap, and are the ones we'd advise you to choose between. Of the two, the Triumph bike has the more mellow nature, but it will still feel like a good step up from your Classic in terms of performance and handling. The Guerrilla, on the other hand, is quite excitable and of the two, this is definitely the more fun machine. Its suspension is a little taut, which enables it to have very engaging handling, but over bad roads, you will feel a little more of the road surface coming through to your back. The RE also has a crisper, more tech-laden TFT display, whereas the Triumph uses a simple digi-analogue unit.Take a test ride of both before you make your decision, since they are quite different to ride.

autocar.india

•5d

You have a lot of varying options within your budget, so pick based on your preferences after a comprehensive test ride of each option. The Honda CB350 models and Royal Enfield Classic / Bullet / Hunter 350 are good options to consider in the neo-retro space with their comfortable seats, plush suspension and neutral ergonomics. Their engines aren't the most powerful, but they have good torque and make for an effortless riding experience.If you want a more off-road capable machine, then the Hero Xpulse 210 is a great option to consider. The Xpulse is a tall machine, but it is quite light and will have the best comfort over bad roads of all the bikes mentioned. If you decide you want a straightforward commuter with a little more pep than your Pulsar 180, then the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N250 are good picks. They will feel similar to your 180 in their seating but will be a step up in terms of comfort, performance, refinement and features. As we said above, these bikes are very different from each other, and the best way to decide between them is through a comprehensive test ride.

autocar.india

•6d

Strictly from performance and striking visuals standpoints, the Ather 450 Apex would be our recommendation. The 450 Apex is extremely zippy, handles well and has many feel good features which will make you appreciate it in the long run. However, it is quite a cramped machine for taller riders and its suspension is also quite stiff. If you want something more palatable for daily use and don't mind sacrificing some outright performance, take a look at the Ather Rizta Z 3.7 and TVS iQube S 4.7 / ST 5.3 variants. The Rizta will have more tech while the iQube will be the more traditonal scooter, so picking between the two will come down to which experience you resonate with more. Take test rides of these models before you make your decision to make an informed one.