I am 5'5" tall, slim built, and weigh around 60 kg. My inseam length is about 32 inches. I have been riding a TVS Ntorq 125 scooter for the past seven years and have never ridden a bike before. Please suggest a suitable first bike for city riding, preferably above 125cc but below 350cc. I tried the Hunter 350 but found it heavy, and I had to stretch my arms and lean forward to feel confident, so I dropped the idea. Please help. Thanks.

•44w

Given that you want something manageable and this will be your first bike, here are a few options we recommend.

The Honda CB300F and CB300R are both lightweight, well-built, and have low seat heights. You could also check out the KTM 250 Duke or the Husqvarna Vitpilen 250. Both are mechanically identical, but they differ in styling and riding posture, the Vitpilen has a slightly taller seat than the Duke.

All these are fun and entertaining first bike with a reasonable performance ceiling to keep you interested for a long time.

Explore bikes mentioned

Husqvarna

Vitpilen 250

from ₹2.43 Lakh

KTM

250 Duke

from ₹2.59 Lakh

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•1w

I’m planning to upgrade from an Apache 200 after 9 years. My usage is primarily within Bangalore city, with occasional highway trips. I’m confused between the KTM Duke 250, which seems like an agile city option with good tech, the Scrambler 350X, and the KTM Adventure 350. The Scrambler 350X is my first choice, followed by the KTM Adventure 350. However, I feel I might be wasting the larger engines if I’m mostly riding in heavy city traffic. For my usage, should I stick with the Duke 250, or would it make sense to move to one of the bigger options?

•2d

We'd recommend you go with the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 X over the other bikes you've shortlisted for two reasons. First, it will offer you a big step up in comfort and performance from your Apache 200. Second, despite using a larger engine, this Triumph bike is a very friendly city bike and won't catch you out with abrupt, overeager power delivery or a heavy clutch. The 350cc KTM 390 Adventure has a very buzzy engine which will make its presence felt at all times and the KTM 250 Duke will feel like a small step up from your Apache 200.

Triumph Scrambler 400 X

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

KTM 390 Adventure

KTM 250 Duke

•59m

Switched my daily commute from the car to a scooter six months ago just to beat traffic, and honestly haven't looked back even once during peak hours.

•1w

I’m 38 years old and 5'6" tall. I’ve been riding a Honda Shine 125 for about a decade and now want to upgrade to a bigger bike. I really like the Triumph Speed 400, but I’ve heard that its maintenance costs can be high. I’m also considering the Bajaj Dominar 400, Pulsar NS200, and Royal Enfield Classic 350. Please help me choose the right bike based on my requirements. I’m also open to other suggestions. I plan to keep the bike for at least 8 years, so long-term reliability and maintenance costs are important to me.

•3d

Since you are going to keep your next purchase for a long time and are coming from a Shine, we'd advise you to consider with the Royal Enfield Classic 350. The Classic is a simple, fuss-free motorcycle which should be easy and inexpensive to maintain. This Royal Enfield bike will also offer you a step up in terms of comfort, features and road presence from your Shine although, expectedly, its fuel efficiency will be lower owing to its larger engine. If you want something sportier, then consider the KTM 250 Duke. The quarter-litre Duke has approachable yet exciting performance and will allow you to grow into it as time passes. This KTM bike has great handling, cool tech like a colour TFT display and bidirectional quickshifter and its zingy engine can also be rather fuel efficient with sensible riding. These are two starkly different machines and depending on your preferences, pick between them. A test ride of both should help you decide which one is right for you.

Royal Enfield Classic 350

KTM 250 Duke

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