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•41w

I want to buy my first bike. I currently have an Ather scooter and a Splendor, which I ride very little. I want a retro-looking bike with good or decent mileage that is suitable for city riding, highway use, and occasional touring. I am considering the Triumph Speed T4 or the Yamaha XSR155, and I am open to other recommendations.

Verified
•41w

The Triumph Speed T4 will make for a better all-rounder because of its larger and more flexible 398cc engine. It is perfectly usable inside the city, and on the highway, you can cruise at early triple-digit speeds without breaking a sweat. 

If you want similar looks but more performance and better componentry, the Triumph Speed 400 makes a good case for itself. 

The Yamaha XSR155 is a much smaller - and lighter - bike that will have better handling and fuel economy, but will feel a little out of its element on the highway. 

You should also look at the Royal Enfield Bullet / Classic / Hunter 350 models (depending on your budget and design preferences). They are smooth, charming and comfortable machines that can be used both inside the city and on the highway. For similar reasons, the Honda CB350 trio also warrant serious consideration. 

A test ride of all of these, as well as anything else you're considering, will help you decide which one is the best fit for you.

Triumph Speed T4

Triumph Speed T4

More posts on similar bikes

•4d

I am 5'6" and have previously owned or ridden a Hero Glamour (2007–2010), a Bajaj Pulsar 125 (2012–2013), a Royal Enfield Electra (2013–2020, at my hometown) and an Apache RTR 160 (2016–2018, in the city where I worked). Currently, I use my father's Honda Aviator for short trips. Of all these bikes, I enjoyed the Royal Enfield Electra the most, particularly for its ride comfort and low-end torque. However, I did face some issues with the kick-start mechanism and gearbox. Since 2014, I have primarily used a car, and I am now looking for a motorcycle mainly for leisure and occasional rides. I am 40 years old, and my riding will mostly involve city commutes in bumper-to-bumper traffic, with a longer weekend ride once every three months. I prefer retro or classic styling and am not particularly interested in speed. Comfort, easy handling and looks are my priorities. The motorcycles I am considering are the Honda CB350C, Honda Rebel, Yamaha XSR (mainly because of its relatively low weight), Triumph T4 and Royal Enfield Meteor. My previous experience with the older Royal Enfield UCE engine makes me a little hesitant about buying another RE, although I am open to considering the Meteor if the newer J-series engine is a significant improvement. Considering my height, riding requirements and preferences, which one motorcycle would you recommend? I would appreciate advice based on real-world ownership experience, particularly regarding comfort in city traffic, ease of handling and long-term reliability. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Verified
•4d

Given your previous experience with an Electra, we'd recommend you take a look at the latest Royal Enfield Classic 350 / Bullet 350 models. The Meteor 350 is a good option too, but in a pure comfort-related comparison, it won't feel as plush as the aforementioned two over bad roads. These new models have the same feel as older REs but bring in modern reliability and a high level of both fit and finish as well as comfort - all things you are looking for. IIf you find the REs a bit too heavy to manage, you should alternatively look at the Honda CB350 model, which has a similar riding experience but is far lighter. We'd advise sticking to these bikes as the others don't seem to be in line with your needs.

Royal Enfield Classic 350
Royal Enfield Bullet 350
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
Honda Bikes CB350
•1w

Hello, I need guidance on buying a new bike for myself. I’m 5.7ft tall, and my main use will be city riding and highways, with occasional weekend bike trips. After doing quite a bit of research, I’ve shortlisted: • Honda CB350 H’ness • TVS RTX 300 (Base Model) • Triumph Speed 400 • Triumph Speed T4 I’m looking for something that’s comfortable for daily use but can also handle long rides and rough roads when needed. Right now I’m seriously confused Which one would you recommend and why?

Verified
•6d

Based on your requirements, the Triumph Speed T4 would be our recommendation. It strikes the best balance between daily comfort and weekend touring capability. The riding position is upright and relaxed, making it easy to live with in the city, while the engine is punchy enough for highway cruising and overtakes while simultaneously having a lovely low- and mid-range pull which helps in city traffic. It also feels more modern and engaging than the Honda CB350, which is a relaxed neo-retro but not as versatile or exciting to ride.If you can make the stretch for the Speed 400, certainly do, as it brings in better componentry, higher levels of fit & finish and more performance to the table while retaining all the strong points of the T4. The TVS Apache RTX 300 offers near-unbeatable value for money and, on paper, is very hard to fault. However, for all its strengths, it is plagued by some reliability concerns and after-sales issues, which make it hard to put our faith in it.

Triumph Speed T4
Honda Bikes CB350
Triumph Speed 400
TVS Apache RTX

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Popular discussions right now

•2d

I'm planning to purchase my first motorcycle and have narrowed down my options to the Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS and Dominar 250. My primary usage will be short daily commutes of approximately 5-6 km one way in Hyderabad's traffic (around 12km two way), with occasional longer rides. I'm a relatively new rider, so low-speed usability, manoeuvrability and ease of handling matter to me. The N160 SS appeals to me because of its lighter weight, Crawl Tech, TFT and city-friendly characteristics. However, the Dominar 400 has been my dream motorcycle for the past ten years, ever since it was launched in India while I was still in school. While the Dominar 400 remains my dream bike, the Dominar 250 seems like a reasonable compromise for my primarily urban use, offering some of that Dominar experience without going straight for the 400. I've ridden the Dominar 400 and found it surprisingly manageable and planted, but I haven't been able to test-ride the Dominar 250 because dealerships don't have test-ride units. I've also heard that the Dominar 250 lacks low-end urgency, requires frequent gear changes in slow traffic and is relatively heavy for city use. On the other hand, my uncle, who has owned a Dominar 400 for years and uses it in Hyderabad, has suggested that the Dominar 250 could be a reasonable choice for my requirements. The Dominar 250 is currently quoted at approximately Rs. 2.42 lakh (on-road), compared with around Rs. 1.86-1.94 lakh for the N160 SS. Given my usage, beginner experience and long-standing desire to own a Dominar, would you recommend the N160 SS as the more sensible long-term choice, or is the Dominar 250 a motorcycle that I could realistically grow into and enjoy despite its compromises? I would particularly appreciate your thoughts on low-speed tractability, bumper-to-bumper traffic, manoeuvrability for a beginner, and whether the Dominar's additional weight and cost are justified for someone whose riding will primarily be urban.

Verified
•1d

There's no doubt that the Bajaj Dominar 250 will fit the bill well for your needs as a first-time motorcyclist. However, what stops us from recommending it wholeheartedly is that the smaller Dominar sells in extremely microscopic numbers which means sometimes you'll be waiting a long time for a small part, leaving your bike out of action which is never a good thing. Truth be told, the Dominar 400 (especially since it is now powered by a downsized 349cc motor) is a perfectly acceptable first bike and since you have had an inclination towards the Dominar for a long time, why not go ahead and scratch and that itch! The only caveat here would be that the Dominar is a hefty machine, weighing 190kg, which can catch you off-guard at slow-speed scenarios but in time, you'll get used to it. On the other hand, if you don't want to deal with the extra weight and purchasing cost of the Dominar 400, then the Pulsar N160 SS is a very different but nonetheless, a great option for a beginner. It has a peppy engine, predictable handling, good comfort and comes with all the latest gizmos and gadgets that people these days want their two-wheelers to be festooned with. Not to mention, it will also be far more fuel efficient than the Dominar. These are 2 very different bikes which will give you starly different experiences so its best you take a test ride and see which one you're leaning towards more before you make your decision.

Bajaj Dominar 250
Bajaj Dominar 400
Bajaj Pulsar N160
•5d

Which bike should I choose between the new KTM 390 Adventure, KTM 390 Duke and Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450? I am upgrading from a TVS Ronin 225, and I feel it lacks power on highways, especially while overtaking. I am also looking for a new riding experience. I am 5'3" tall and weigh 75kg. Please guide me on which bike would suit me best, considering my height, riding comfort and performance. Or would it be better to stick with the TVS Ronin?

Verified
•4d

Given your stature and the fact that you're coming from a Ronin, we'd recommend you choose between the 350cc KTM 390 Duke and the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 you've shortlisted. While both bikes have similar peak power outputs and pricing, they're poles apart to ride, so make sure you get a test ride before you go ahead with your purchase. The 390 Duke has sublime handling, great features and its 349cc engine loves chasing the redline but in day-to-day usage it feels like the machine that needs to be worked harder. Its suspension is also quite stiff (not harsh but definitely not plush) and there are quite a few vibes from the engine at almost all touch points no matter the revs you're at. If you don't care about refinement or comfort too much, and want all-out sporting thrills at a reasonable budget, then the 350cc Duke is something you should consider. If instead, you want your next purchase to be a bit more rounded to balance both usability and performance, then the RE Guerrilla 450 should be on your radar. The Guerrilla's 452cc engine's torquey nature makes it far more effortless to ride both in the city and on the highway, and its chassis is set up well for brisk road riding. It also has a lower 780mm perch (compared to the KTM's 800mm one) and its suspension is also set up to deal with road imperfections better. Ofcourse, it lacks the outright speed, handling, as well as the finessed electronics of the KTM, but for some people, this will actually be a plus point. Like we said at the outset, these are two very different bikes, so before making your decision, ensure you take a thorough test ride.

KTM 390 Duke
Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450
•6d

Hello, I am a resident of New Delhi and own a 2005 Hero Honda Karizma that is no longer permitted to run on Delhi roads. Since I live in an apartment complex, I have been able to keep the motorcycle parked within the premises. However, I would like to know whether there are any rules prohibiting me from keeping it parked there and whether the authorities can tow it away even if it is not being driven on public roads. I would appreciate any information or clarification on the applicable rules and regulations. Thank you in advance.

Verified
•4d

As a Delhi resident with a 2005 Hero Honda Karizma, the key issue is that your bike is now considered “unfit” under Delhi’s 15-year rule for petrol vehicles. This means it cannot be legally used on public roads, and the registration is effectively invalid. However, there is no blanket rule that says you cannot keep the bike parked inside your own apartment complex. The authorities are primarily concerned with such vehicles being used on public roads or in public parking areas, and if you do so, you can be fined and the vehicle towed and scrapped.If the bike has sentimental value, you can explore getting it registered as a vintage vehicle, which allows continued ownership and limited use under specific conditions. This process involves an application to the RTO and meeting certain criteria, including the bike being over 15 years old and in original condition. If you do not plan to use the bike and want to avoid any risk, the safest option is to deregister it and keep it purely as a display piece, or consider scrapping it through an authorised facility.

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Posted on: 28 Dec 2025