I am a first-time bike buyer looking for a retro-style motorcycle for my daily commute of around 30–35 km in Mumbai. I have considered the Yamaha XSR155 and Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid — are there any other options you would recommend? I am looking for a bike that is easy to maintain and service. I am 5'8" tall, so please suggest accordingly. I also have a small child, so comfort and practicality are important factors for me.

•18w

While both the Yamaha options you have shortlisted have their own strong points, neither would be the best fit for your usage, in our opinion. Considering you have a pretty lengthy daily commute in Mumbai (where the road surface by and large ranges from subpar to non-existent), we would recommend you pick a comfortable machine like the TVS Ronin or Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Both have neutral ergonomics, neo-retro styling and plush suspension, which should make them well-suited for your use case.

One area where both the smaller Yamaha machines will edge out the Ronin and Hunter is fuel efficiency, but aside from that, the TVS & Royal Enfield make for a better purchase. The Yamaha XSR155 is a lovely sporty neo-retro machine, but its suspension is too stiff over bad roads. The Yamaha FZ-X is a 149cc commuter, and its performance, handling, and overall feel won't be as premium as the other bikes mentioned here.

Take a test ride of both the Ronin and Hunter to see which one suits you best. We also have multiple comparison reviews of the Hunter, XSR and Ronin on our channel as well as website, and we'd encourage you to take a look at them before you make your purchase.

Explore bikes mentioned

TVS

Ronin

from ₹1.43 Lakh

Royal Enfield

Hunter 350

from ₹1.56 Lakh

Yamaha

XSR155

from ₹1.69 Lakh

Yamaha

FZ-X

from ₹1.40 Lakh

•18w•

I am using yamaha Fzx hybrid, it's highly responsive

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•3d

I’m confused between the Honda CB350 H’ness and the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. I liked the refined engine and comfortable riding position of the CB350, while I liked the Hunter’s looks, lightweight nature, and ease of manoeuvring. My daily travel is around 40 km, mostly in traffic, with speeds rarely crossing 80 kmph. I plan to use the bike primarily for daily commuting. Which one should I go for? Also, would using an inclined handlebar riser on the Hunter 350 improve its riding comfort?

•2d

The Honda CB350 would make more sense for your needs because you spend most of your time in city traffic where comfort and refinement are paramount. While this Honda bike is a slightly larger machine than the Royal Enfield Hunter (both weigh the same 181kg), after a brief acclimatization period, you will get used to it. While a set of handlebar risers can improve your seating posture on the Hunter, you will lose some feedback and control from the front end and you will also need to arrange for longer cables and hoses to accommodate this change.

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•6d

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?

•1d

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

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•6d

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.

•2d

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.

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