I am looking for a sports tourer similar to the Honda CB250R or Honda CB300F. However, both bikes have been discontinued, so I am exploring suitable alternatives. I am not a fan of neo-retro styling and would prefer a modern-looking motorcycle. I also need a bike with good riding ergonomics and dynamics suitable for long rides. My daily commute is around 60 km. Could you please suggest the best alternatives available? Also, would it be worth waiting for new launches that might offer a fresh design and better options in this segment?

Autocar India

•1d

Both bikes have individual strengths and weaknesses, so you'll have to choose your bike depending on what you can live with and without. The (now 350cc) Triumph Scrambler 400 X can be an all-rounder if you want, but it excels in city situations. On the highway, once you cross the triple-digit threshold, you can feel the engine starting to cross its comfort zone and start to feel a little strained with vibrations creeping in progressively. The KTM 390 Adventure (398cc version) remains a proven bet to stick with as a do-it-all machine, although inside the city at slower speeds and lower revs, the engine can feel a little gutless below 4,000rpm. However, on the highway it will deliver the same performance we've come to know and expect from KTM 390s and remains a good option for weekend rides and touring.When it comes to seat height and ergonomics, this KTM bike again has the upper hand because it is a little easier to get your feet down than on the Triumph bike. Do keep in mind that physically, the Adventure is a larger machine than the Scrambler and inside the city filtering through tight gaps, you'll feel that size. We haven't yet ridden the 350cc KTM 390 Adventure and we'd advise you to get a test ride of both bikes to get a clearer idea before you make a decision.

Autocar India

•22h

Within your budget, depending on the type of bike you prefer, the Hero Xpulse 210, TVS Ronin, Royal Enfield Hunter 350, Bajaj Pulsar N250 and TVS Apache RTR 200 4V are good options to consider. If you want a good all-rounder street naked, then the Apache and Pulsar are the way to go. Expect good fuel efficiency and and handling but the pillion comfort will only be good for short distances. If you'd like a neo-retro machine, the TVS Ronin, Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and base variants of the Bullet 350 (with a rear drum brake and single-channel ABS) are available within your budget. Pillion comfort will be best on the Ronin and Bullet, and all three will happily go touring as long as you stay below 100kph. These bikes will be fun to ride but in a different way than a sporty machine, if that's your cup of tea, then you should proceed with these. Last but not least, the Xpulse 210 is a wonderful do-it-all motorcycle on a tight budget; although if you are of short stature, its tall seat will be something to consider. Take a test ride of all these machines before you make up your mind. And before you do that, evaluate which sort of bike is best suited for you.

Autocar India

•1d

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.