I am 56 years old and planning to buy a cruiser bike for short weekend rides with my wife, covering around 20-25 km per week. Could you please advise which bike would be suitable for me? A friend has suggested the Bajaj Avenger Cruise. Since my usage is very limited, I am also considering whether it would be wiser to buy a used bike instead of a new one.

autocar.india

•2d

The Harley-Davidson X440T makes for a good commuting companion with its torquey yet smooth long-stroke single-cylinder engine, neutral ergonomics and plush suspension setup. Depending on the traffic on your route as well as the way you ride, fuel economy will vary, but you should expect a big drop from your Shine 125 in this regard.If you want a similiar riding experience but a machine that is more affordable and with better fuel economy, consider the Royal Enfield Bullet / Classic 350 and Honda CB350 models. These machines have similar attributes to the bigger X440 T, but with their smaller engines, they will be more fuel-efficient, although of course, you will have to sacrifice some peak output.Take test rides of these machines before you make your decision, depending on which one you prefer the most.

autocar.india

•2d

Your concerns about the Royal Enfield Bullet 350's weight are justified, to an extent. Yes, at 195kg, you will feel every ounce when moving it around in the parking lot or at slower city speeds, but once you get moving, the weight fades into the background and doesn't pose a hindrance. The Bullet / Classic 350 have a soulful, slow-revving thumper which works well when you ride in a relaxed and unhurried fashion. Royal Enfield bikes also have a good reputation for resale value, especially when it comes to the popular 350s. If instead you want a different experience, look at the 350cc Triumph Speed T4. The T4 is much lighter and has better performance as well as handling. It also comes from a reputable brand and should realistically not throw any unwelcome surprises into your ownership experience.

autocar.india

•1d

For your location and usage, we'd recommend choosing between the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Honda CB350 models. The Hunter is more affordable, more compact and quite comfortable. It is also a very popular bike which sells by the bucketload every month and given how many are on the road today, you're likely to have a pleasant ownership experience without teething troubles.Meanwhile, the Honda CB350 models are larger machines in terms of their bodywork and spacious ergonomics but are almost on par with the Hunter when it comes to weight. The H'ness and RS, in particular, also have a more standout design and if you want a bike that's not very common, one of these is a good buy. Finally, the 350cc Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is a completely different ballgame to these air-cooled 350s and will offer much superior performance and handling but will be a little compromised on the comfort front in comparison. To make an informed decision, take a test ride of all three before you go ahead with your purchase.