Tenkasi

•13w

Hi Autocar team, I’m 32 years old and currently ride a 2021 Triumph Street Triple R with around 23,000 km on the odometer. I’m now planning to move into the adventure touring category and add a BMW R1300 GS Adventure to the garage. I’ve already test ridden the bike and was really impressed with the boxer engine performance, comfort, and overall character. A few friends have also recommended that I try the Ducati Multistrada V4 because of the performance and handling it offers, and I’m planning to test ride it soon as well. My riding style is more spirited - I enjoy riding fast on highways and twisties - but I also want a bike that I can keep long-term for the next 15 years alongside my Street Triple R. Usage pattern: - Weekend rides mostly - Around 200-300 km rides regularly - One major touring ride every year (example: Mumbai to Spiti) My priorities are: - Long-term reliability - Manageable maintenance costs - Good parts availability in India - A bike that feels special even after many years of ownership Between the BMW R1300 GS Adventure and Ducati Multistrada V4, which would you recommend as the better forever bike for my use case? Would love your opinion. Thanks!

•12w

Both the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure and Ducati Multistrada V4 might be peers on paper, but the real-world story couldn't be more different. BMW's R 1300 GSA will give you better comfort, a more surefooted feel at faster speeds on longer tours and with its huge 30 litre tank, you'll have to stop less frequently for fuel. The downside with the big GSA is going to be its sheer size and heft, although judging from your test ride experience, you weren't really fazed by it.

On the other hand, the Ducati Multistrada V4 will feel much closer to your Street Triple R in terms of its sheer performance and taut handling. The Multistrada V4 feels much closer to a supernaked in terms of its speed and performance, but that has its own drawbacks, primarily drastically lower fuel economy and a propensity to wear out the rear tyre quicker than usual, if you ride hamfistedly quite often.

When it comes to maintenance costs, both these premium European ADVs are pretty much as expensive to maintain as any motorcycle can get, and you should be prepared for it. Coming to reliability, the Ducati Multistrada V4 has been out for longer and has really proven its mettle, even in punishing Indian conditions. The BMW R 1300 GS platform is still in its infancy, and super long-term reliability still remains unknown.

However, since you plan to retain your Street Triple R for the foreseeable future, we'd recommend you choose the BMW because it provides a different experience, and its boxer engine is lovely to use and enjoy in Indian conditions. As good as the Multistrada V4 is, it will likely feel a little too similar to your sporty naked, and in the long term, you'd rather have two very different bikes than two rather similar ones. Happy hunting!

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BMW Bikes

R 1300 GS Adventure

from ₹30.26 Lakh

Ducati

Multistrada V4

from ₹29.45 Lakh

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Shubham Sharma

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Bike to Upgrade From 125 cc for City Traffic and Weekend Trips Under 5 Lakh

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•2d

I am planning to buy my first car, mainly for a 6-7 km one-way office commute in Mumbai, with occasional city and highway trips. I prefer an automatic and have a budget of around Rs 18-19 lakh with BH registration. I am avoiding diesel because of DPF concerns and EVs because my housing society does not have charging facilities. What are some good options?

•19h

Go for a petrol automatic car. Your usage is predominantly city with a short daily commute, and diesel DPF issues are most likely to occur in exactly this kind of stop-start urban driving. Electric cars are ruled out for now due to the lack of home charging, so a petrol automatic is the most sensible and hassle-free choice.Within your budget, the Kia Seltos CVT is a strong recommendation. It offers a more premium cabin, is feature-rich, and is a spacious and comfortable car. On E20, do not let it influence your decision. Modern petrol engines are engineered to handle E20, and the impact is largely limited to a small drop in fuel efficiency. There is no official roadmap beyond E20 at this stage, so it should not be a deciding factor.

Kia Seltos

•3d

Hello, I have been riding a 125cc bike for quite a long time now, and I’m looking to upgrade to a better-looking bike with good performance. I’m emotionally attached to my vehicle and take very good care of them, so I’m looking for something that I can enjoy and keep for a long time. Most of my riding is within Pune city traffic, but I would also like to start exploring longer rides and weekend trips, which I haven’t really done so far. I’m not very familiar with all the good options currently available in the market. I have looked at the Harley-Davidson X440 and a couple of options from Triumph, but I’m still not sure what one would suit me the best. I would really appreciate your guidance in selecting the right bike based on my riding requirements, preferences and long-term ownership perspective.

•1d

The Harley-Davidson X440 (we'd highly recommend stretching for the better looking & finished T, if you can) is a very likable machine and will offer you a big step up from your current 125cc machine. It is a relaxed roadster with a torquey single-cylinder engine and good comfort so if you want this sort of experience, it is one of the most capable options. Should you wish to opt for a sportier option, then you should look at the 350cc KTM 390 Duke and RE Guerrilla 450. The KTM is sharper and more frantic compared to the relatively tamer Guerrilla, but you could even prefer the RE for that very reason. Triumph's 350cc single-cylinder offerings are a good middle ground between the relaxed air-cooled roadsters and the sporty liquid-cooled nakeds. Of all the Triumphs, the Scrambler is the most versatile and comfortable and we'd recommend it also because if you want to start off-road riding, its a friendly machine. These are all starkly different bikes and a test ride of each will help you understand which one suits you best.

Harley Davidson X440

Triumph Scrambler 400 X

Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450

KTM 390 Duke

•1w

I used to own a Honda Unicorn 150, eight years ago. Since then, I have only ridden scooters in the city and haven't ridden a motorcycle in 8 years. I am looking for a bike for 50 km of daily commute with a mix of city traffic and highway. I am looking for a smooth and reasonably powerful bike that is capable of comfortably cruising at 80-90 kph on highways. I needs a bike that offers a relaxed, comfortable riding posture and easy handling for city traffic. I have a maximum budget of Rs. 2 lakh. Which motorcycle would be the best fit for my transition back to riding? Should I shortlist SP160, Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid, and NX200?

•1d

Since you've had a Unicorn in the past, the Honda SP160 will offer a smooth transition back to motorcycling after a long break. Do bear in mind that all the bikes you've shortlisted will feel a little strained at 80-90kph owing to their small displacement and relatively modest outputs. You should also look at the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N160 models because they marry everyday usability with that added step of performance that your humdrum commuters don't offer. Take test rides of these bikes to see which one works best for you.

Honda Bikes Unicorn

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

Bajaj Pulsar N160

Honda Bikes SP160

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Popular discussions right now

•1w

I’m planning to buy an electric scooter, but unfortunately, there aren’t many options that come with both ABS and traction control. Recently, I was riding my dad’s scooter when the front wheel locked up. Although I like the Ather Apex, I’m not comfortable with the fact that it doesn’t come with ABS. I have a couple of questions. Will all electric scooters eventually be mandated by law to have ABS? I also like the TVS X electric scooter, as it’s fun to ride. Is it a safe choice in terms of maintenance, considering it’s a relatively new model? I don’t use the scooter much and ride only around 1,000km a year. This is mainly a purchase for my happiness. My budget is up to Rs 5 lakh. I’m not considering a petrol scooter because of my low usage and the additional maintenance it would require. Any advice would be appreciated.

•5d

We know you are inclined towards an electric scooter but today the tiny pool of e-scooters that have ABS aren't very convincing options, despite their hefty price tags. Your options are Keeway Hypevolt-R, Yamaha Aerox E and TVS X, all of which (while they do fit in your budget) are quite expensive for what they offer you. Instead, since you have super low running, we'd strongly urge you to consider a hassle-free option like the Suzuki Access 125. Not only will you save a big chunk of money, ICE scooter maintainance is fairly straightforward with your low usage and given that the Access is a very popular option, sourcing parts and spares should be a quick and inexpensive affair. If you must have an EV with ABS, you should decide between the three options suggested above based on which one has a dealership & service centre near your residence.

I am buying my first car and want a petrol manual hatchback. I have no daily running, my budget is around Rs 7 lakh, and I have to park the car on a crowded road where space is limited. Which car should I consider?

•2d

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R. With no daily running and a tight budget, you want a car that is easy to park, reliable and cheap to maintain. The Wagon R is compact, which makes it much easier to squeeze into tight parking spots in crowded areas. It is also very easy to drive, has a light clutch and is extremely affordable to run and maintain. Maruti’s service network is the best in the country, so you will not have to worry about finding a service centre nearby. The engine is peppy enough for city driving, and the car is simple and fuss-free, which is exactly what you want for your first car. At around Rs 7 lakh, it fits your budget comfortably and leaves room for a higher variant.If you want something slightly bigger, the Hyundai Exter is a solid choice, but you will be looking at the base variant within your budget. The Maruti Suzuki car mentioned above is the more rounded package for your needs.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Hyundai Exter

•1w

I will be booking the Atlantic Blue 390R next month. I am from Ahmedabad and recently visited the dealership for a test ride and quotation. The quotation they provided is attached in the photo. Before I book the motorcycle, I want to understand what the following charges are for: 1. Municipality Charges: I have never heard of this charge. Is it compulsory? 2. 5-Year Extended Warranty: The dealer said it covers only engine wear and tear. Is this really worth getting? Has anyone actually used this coverage, or is it just an additional way of charging consumers? 3. HYPO: I assume I won’t have to pay this since I am buying the motorcycle outright with cash. Is that correct?

•6d

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!

KTM 390 Duke R

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