Mumbai

•12w

Hi! I am confused between the BMW F450 GS, Triumph Scrambler 400 XC, and KTM 390 Adventure. My usage will include city riding, weekend touring, and occasional long trips. Budget is not a constraint.

•12w

Addressing the two single-cylinder machines first, between the 399cc KTM 390 Adventure and 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 XC, the KTM bike is sure to be the more fun and capable machine. Its engine is much more powerful, its suspension much more capable and it fits the brief better for your needs than the Triumph bike. One area where the 390 Adventure will not be as good as the Scrambler 400 XC is city manners, because its engine feels buzzy and frankly unhappy at lower revs and its large windscreen also blocks some cooling wind at predominantly slower city speeds.

Now coming to the BMW F 450 GS, this is a machine that could be your one bike to do it all with its twin-cylinder engine, capable suspension and comfortable ergonomics. However, we still haven't spent enough seat time on the small GS - the first ride event was a rather rushed one - and BMW bikes are notorious for being expensive to own and maintain. Then there's also the fact that the F 450 GS is based on an all-new platform and its long-term reliability still remains a question mark.

Our recommendation would be the 399cc KTM 390 Adventure of the three bikes you've chosen but should you decide to go for the GS instead, we'd advise you to at least defer your purchase by six months so that you have more real-world information on the GS and then make an informed decision.

Explore bikes mentioned

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from ₹3.39 Lakh

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from ₹3.59 Lakh

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from ₹5.64 Lakh

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More questions on similar bikes

•8w

I am interested in buying the Ola S1 X 3 kWh electric scooter. Could you please advise?

•21h

We at Autocar do not recommend purchasing any two-wheeler from Ola Electric. Our past experiences with the company's products have found them wanting in multiple aspects, and it is advisable to go with a proven model of a similar spec and budget from reputed, established brands like TVS, Bajaj, Hero (Vida) and Ather.

•2w

I currently ride a Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 and have been very happy with it. However, I now feel it's time to upgrade to something that offers more performance while also being more comfortable for everyday use. I'm not a fan of highly committed sportbikes like the Yamaha R15, which has an aggressive riding stance. Most of my riding is within the city, including daily office commutes, with the occasional weekend ride. My average monthly running is around 1,000 km. My budget is Rs 5 lakh (on-road). I've shortlisted a few motorcycles. The KTM Adventure S appeals to me even though I don't ride off-road, mainly because an adventure tourer is versatile and comfortable. The Triumph Speed 400 is another option I'm considering. I was also looking forward to buying a Royal Enfield 650, but the absence of tubeless tyres is making me reconsider. Can you suggest which one I should pick, or is there a better option as well?

•1d

Since most of the riding will be in the city with occasional weekend trips, you are already leaning towards the adventure-touring segment; the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is one of the best all-rounders in this price range, if you can manage its size and weight.The KTM 390 Adventure range is quick, engaging to ride and packed with useful features such as cruise control, cornering ABS, traction control and a quickshifter. It also handles exceptionally well on highways and twisty roads. That said, the engine is not as refined as some rivals, and the large windscreen can make slow-moving city traffic feel warmer.If off-road capability is not a priority, the Triumph Scrambler 400 models deserve serious consideration. It combines the commanding riding position of an ADV with the styling of a scrambler. The engine is refined, the handling is neutral and predictable and comfort over bad roads is good too.Among these, the Triumph Bike is the most affordable, while the KTM 390 Adventure S is the most expensive. The Himalayan 450 falls comfortably in between. One advantage of the Royal Enfield bikes is the strong riding community and touring culture that comes with the brand, which may appeal if you enjoy long-distance travel and group rides.Take a test ride and see which one suits you best before making your decision.

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•1w

I used to own a Karizma R, and I currently ride a Honda Shine. I'm confused between the TVS Ronin and the Honda Rebel 300. My priorities are a lightweight motorcycle that's easy to commute on daily, while also being capable of occasional highway rides. If there's another motorcycle that suits my requirements better, kindly suggest. My budget is within Rs 2.5 lakh. Also, if I buy a petrol motorcycle instead of an EV, could that become a problem in the future?

•1d

Since you're considering the TVS Ronin and the upcoming Honda Rebel 300, we advise you to consider the Honda CB350 range and the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. The Ronin and the air-cooled 350cc motorcycles offer a similar character, with laidback performance and relaxed handling. The Rebel 300, on the other hand, is expected to feel more refined and deliver stronger performance.It would be sensible to wait a few months for the Honda Rebel 300 to launch officially. Take a test ride and compare it with the other options before you go ahead with your purchase.

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I want to buy the Honda Unicorn, as I travel 70 km daily. Earlier, I used an Activa, but it caused back pain. Can you guide me whether I should go for Honda Unicorn or something else?

•5d

The Honda Unicorn will make for a good upgrade over your Activa, given your daily 70km stint. Commuter motorcycles are some of the most comfortable and fuss-free machines you can buy today, especially so in the case of the Unicorn. If you want alternatives to the proven Honda, look at the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V for a sportier, more feature-rich experience without sacrificing comfort and usability. A test ride of all three will help determine which is the right one for you.

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•1w

I would like to know if it is normal for a fully charged, unused Ather 450 X to lose 1-3 km of indicated range without being ridden.

•5d

Do not worry, it is completely normal to see a 1-3 km drop in the displayed range on your Ather 450 X after a full charge, even if the scooter has not been ridden. This is not a sign of battery degradation or a fault. What you are seeing is a combination of two things: battery self-discharge and the way the range estimator works. All lithium-ion batteries lose a tiny amount of charge when parked overnight or for a few days, even when the scooter has not been in use. More importantly, the range estimate is not a fixed number - it is a calculation based on the current state of charge and your recent riding patterns. Even a small change in battery percentage can cause the displayed range to drop by a few kilometres.

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•6d

I'm planning to buy a two-wheeler for my father, preferably a scooter. My budget is around Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1 lakh. It will be used mainly for city commuting, with a maximum daily running of 20-25 km. Should I go for an ICE scooter or an EV? Also, which model would you recommend?

•6d

Within your budget, there are only two EVs from reputed brands available, like the Vida (Hero) VX2 Go 2.2 and TVS Orbiter V2 (3.1kWh battery). These have enough range for a 25km daily loop and will surely help reduce your running costs to a great extent. If you have a secure charging location, then opting for an EV definitely makes sense. They have gentle but surefooted performance, and to decide between these two, take a test ride before you make your decision.If, however, you are not keen on making the switch to an EV, then sticking with proven options like Honda Activa 110, TVS Jupiter 110 and Suzuki Access 125 makes sense. The Activa and Jupiter are slightly more frugal than the Access, which consequently has zippier performance. All three are proven products, and you should go for the one you gel with the most on your test ride.

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