After five years of remote work, I now commute 40 km daily. I previously owned a Yamaha FZ-S (2012), which I’ve given to my uncle, and I currently use a Honda Dio (2012) for short trips, but the Dio gives me back pain on longer rides. My priorities are reliability, comfort, lightness, and efficiency. I’m interested in electric scooters like the TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak, but I’m worried about back pain. Please suggest electric motorcycles (if any) or ICE bikes within a ₹2 lakh budget, with a little flexibility.

autocar.india

•1d

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.

autocar.india

•5d

Since your daily running is quite low, we'd recommend the TVS iQube 2.2 for your usage. The base iQube is anything but base in the way it rides, and it has zippy performance, reliable range, a spacious underseat boot and even a pretty quick 650W charger. All of this means that while you are essentially buying the entry-level model in the iQube range, you aren't getting an entry-level end-user experience. In our tests, we found that the iQube returned pretty much the exact range that was shown on the display in both its modes (Power and Eco). And unlike other EVs, which feel painfully hamstrung in big-city traffic in Eco mode, the iQube can comfortably do 40-45kph in its lower mode, meaning you don't have to really compromise on the performance front for more range. This variant of the iQube will also fit in under the Rs 1.20 lakh mark on-road in your city. Take a test ride of the iQube 2.2 to be sure that you and your spouse are comfortable with it, and then make your decision.

autocar.india

•19h

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.