I am planning to buy my first bike with a budget of 2-2.5 lakh. I test rode the CB350RS, Meteor and Guerrilla 450. I didn’t find the CB350RS comfortable, the Meteor felt good but lacked highway power, and the Guerrilla 450 is over budget. I want a bike with a non-aggressive riding position and good comfort on highways and potholes. Please suggest suitable options.

•38w

Since this is your first bike, starting small and approachable would be the smart way to go about it. In that same vein, we would recommend the new Yamaha XSR155 because it is a light, comfortable, fuel-efficient machine that's also reasonably exciting to use.

If you want a larger machine, then bikes like the Honda CB300F, Bajaj Pulsar N250 and Suzuki Gixxer 250 would be good options.

Take a test ride of everything you shortlist before you decide.

Explore bikes mentioned

Yamaha

XSR155

from ₹1.65 Lakh

Bajaj

Pulsar N250

from ₹1.48 Lakh

Suzuki

Gixxer 250

from ₹2.00 Lakh

More posts on similar bikes

•1w

I am thinking of getting a new bike after using a TVS Sport 100cc for almost 15 years. I have been interested in sports bikes since childhood, and now that I am settled, I am thinking of getting one. Earlier, I was considering the Kawasaki Ninja 300, but its price has recently increased while offering minimal features and high maintenance costs. For some time, I also considered the Ultraviolette F77, but I am still sceptical about its long-term reliability. The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 has always been on my mind, and I recently visited its showroom. I really like the colours of the SF 150 more than those of the 250, but I also don't want to miss out on the thrill of the 250. I am particularly interested in the SF 250 FFV variant, but it is available in only two colours, neither of which I find very appealing. I really like one of the colours offered on the SF 150, but it isn't available on the 250. I also came across the Suzuki GSX-8R, and it was love at first sight. Now I am wondering if Suzuki could launch a similar bike in the coming months. I am very confused. What should I do?

•2d

The Suzuki Gixxer models (both 150 and 250) are due to get a generation change soon and therefore, buying one of them right now would not be our recommendation. If you want something in a similar displacement and price bracket, then the Bajaj Pulsar N250 would be the closest match.The Hero Xtreme 250R is also a well-priced alternative that rides well and unlocks a whole new spectrum of performance, although Premia dealerships are quite few and far between currently.

Bajaj Pulsar N250

Hero MotoCorp Xtreme 250R

•1w

I’m planning to buy a motorcycle for the first time. Please suggest a suitable option based on my requirements. My main priorities are safety and comfort. I’ll mostly ride in villages and cities, with occasional highway rides. I’m 5'4" tall and weigh 45 kg. My budget is around Rs 1.5 lakh. I would also prefer a bike with a single-seat setup, as I’ll be carrying my parents as pillion riders.

•3d

Given your requirements, commuter bikes like the Honda Unicorn, Bajaj Pulsar 150, and Yamaha FZ would be our recommendation. These have low and flat single-piece seats, good suspension comfort, and will also be quite fuel-efficient. Take a test ride of all three before you make your decision.

Honda Bikes Unicorn

Bajaj Pulsar 150

•6d

I’m 20 years old and looking to buy my first bike for everyday college use. I’m considering the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and feel it could be an ideal choice. However, I’ve heard that riding it regularly in the city can cause wrist and back pain. Is the Continental GT 650 suitable for daily city riding, or should I consider another bike?

•3d

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is a cafe racer with low clip-on handlebars and rearset footpegs, placing you in a committed riding position. Therefore, given that you will only go to college on it (likely an intra-city commute), you will be at slower speeds, wading through staccato traffic. This is a situation where you will put more pressure on your wrists, and if the roads in your area aren't smooth, over bumps, you will also feel a jerk go up to your spine. All this to say, no, this Royal Enfield bike is not a comfortable machine, but it does bring a lot of cool factor to the table.If you want a similar riding experience without the discomfort, then the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 should fit the bill because both it and the 'Conti' are identical save for different ergonomics and slightly different fuel tank capacities.

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

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