I’m looking for a new bike for my 35 km daily commute in heavy Bengaluru traffic with rough, pothole-filled roads. I need a comfortable ride with good suspension.

Autocar India

•1d

Since you already own a Classic, upgrading to the latest one will be the safer bet for you. All the strong points are carried forward in the latest-gen Royal Enfield Classic 350, without many of the shortcomings it had previously.The Honda CB350 H'ness is similiar in many ways when it comes to engine character and power delivery, but it is a lighter, nimbler machine, and its clutch action is also much more effortless. The H'ness' tall gearing doesn't really suit the relaxed nature of the engine, but it does help in extracting better fuel economy and feeling less stressed on the highway.To decide between the two, we'd recommend a thorough test ride of both. No matter which one you choose ultimately, you're unlikely to go wrong because both are accomplished, proven machines in their own right.

Autocar India

•2d

We'd advise taking a look at the TVS Apache RTX 300 for your needs. The RTX's liquid-cooled engine has lovely heat management, and it's unlikely that you'll face any engine heat-related issues on this machine. The RTX's seats are also wide, spacious and well-padded, which should be conducive to two-up comfort. We'd recommend you go for the middle RTX variant as that has everything you'll need and more. If you want a bike that keeps it simple, then the Suzuki V-Strom SX is a severely underrated machine. It has spacious seats, and while its suspension came off the Gixxer 250, it is a well-judged unit which will keep you comfortable over most road surfaces you'll encounter. Additionally, the V-Strom SX is a good deal lighter than the RTX, which should make it easy to manage at slower speeds. If your bank’s pre-closure cost is high, keep the Triumph till this summer ends and swap before October. Otherwise, switch now.Take a test ride of both machines before you make your decision to see which one suits you better.

Autocar India

•2d

Since you've said you prefer cruisers and commute in heavy traffic, of the three bikes you've shortlisted, the Honda CB350 will fit your usage the best. With its low seat, light clutch action and surefooted yet easy handling demeanour, the CB350 makes for a wonderful city companion. Its engine is smooth and torquey, and when ridden sensibly, it returns very impressive fuel economy for a 350cc machine. Plus, seating comfort for both rider and pillion is also quite nice, although if you carry a pillion frequently, it would be prudent to invest in a backrest - it should be a relatively inexpensive option to purchase.The Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350 is a beautiful motorcycle, but to achieve its gorgeous form, there are some functional compromises. It is by no means a horribly uncomfortable machine, but in comparison to its more conventional siblings - Classic and Bullet 350 - it is surely a step down. Pillion accommodations, too, are mediocre at best, and the main draw here is its unique design. The TVS Apache RTX 300 is the odd one out here and will feel very different to the other bikes you've shortlisted. It has a modern, liquid-cooled engine making substantially more peak output and a 6-speed gearbox. Outright comfort will be another strong point on the RTX, and this is likely to be the most comfortable machine of the lot, owing to its form factor. We'd recommend a test ride of all these bikes before you make a decision, and you should also decide what sort of bike you want before you do so.