I'm a 42-year-old guy with a height of 5.5 feet. My first bike was a Pulsar 220. At present, my daily commute is around 80 km. I have an issue with my tailbone, so a comfortable seat and ride quality are my top priority. Please suggest whether I should get a bike or a maxi scooter, and which one under a budget of 3-5 lacs.

autocar.india

•5h

You are absolutely right to insist on a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) and to be cautious about the process. A PDI is a standard part of the vehicle delivery process and is meant to ensure that the vehicle you are receiving is in perfect condition before registration and final delivery. There is no company policy from Harley-Davidson that prohibits a customer from inspecting their vehicle before registration. This is more likely a dealership-level practice, possibly to streamline their own processes.Our advice would be to push back firmly. Ask the dealership to show you the specific written policy from Harley-Davidson India that prohibits customer PDI before registration. If they cannot produce one, escalate the matter to Harley-Davidson India customer care and explain the situation clearly. You can also request that the dealership allow you to inspect the vehicle in their yard or PDI area before registration, even if it is not a full formal PDI. If the dealership remains uncooperative, it is worth considering another dealership in Pune, as this is not standard industry practice.Ultimately, you are the customer, and you have every right to be completely satisfied with the product you are buying. Do not let the dealership pressure you into skipping a basic ownership safeguard.

autocar.india

•7h

Congratulations on your new KTM 390 Duke R - we're sure you're in for a hair-raising journey. Let’s break down the charges:Municipality Charges: This is not a standard charge everywhere, but some cities levy a small fee at the time of registration, usually for road maintenance or local transport infrastructure. It’s typically a few hundred rupees and is collected by the RTO. If it’s a significant amount, ask the dealer for a breakup or check with your local RTO agent.5-year extended warranty: This is a genuine KTM-backed product, but it’s important to understand what it covers. It’s essentially an extension of the standard warranty, but after the initial period, it usually covers only major engine and gearbox components, not wear-and-tear items like clutch plates, brake pads or consumables. Whether it’s worth it or not depends on your ownership plans. If you plan to keep the bike long-term and keep it stock, then it's definitely worth shelling out the small amount, as it will give you peace of mind in the long run.HYPO: This is a hypothecation charge, which is only applicable if you’re taking a loan. If you’re buying the bike outright, you don’t need to pay this.A couple of additional tips: check if the insurance premium quoted is competitive – you can often get a better deal by buying it yourself online. Also, ask for a detailed breakup of the “handling” or “logistics” charges - if you don't seem convinced by these, tell the dealer to remove them.Overall, most of these charges are legitimate, and some we would even recommend you spend on (like the extended warranty), but it’s always worth asking for a detailed breakup and questioning anything that doesn’t make sense. Happy riding!

autocar.india

•1d

For your father, a teacher with a budget of Rs 14-15 lakh, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is the most sensible recommendation. It is a straightforward, reliable and easy-to-drive SUV that prioritises comfort and practicality over flashy features. The naturally aspirated petrol engine is smooth and refined, making it well-suited to both city commutes and occasional highway runs, while Maruti's extensive service network ensures a hassle-free ownership experience. The Brezza also offers a comfortable ride and a spacious cabin, which will be appreciated on longer journeys. If your father prefers a sedan, the Honda City is a strong alternative, offering a more premium feel and excellent long-term reliability. However, the Brezza's higher seating position and easier ingress and egress make it the more practical choice for daily use.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Honda City