I own a V-Strom 650 with about 50,000 km since 2022. The bike is great, but it has a buzz and vibrations around 100 km/h that disappear after 120 km/h, yet I typically cruise around 100 km/h. I want to upgrade to a 1000cc+ bike for highway touring with a seat height under 835 mm. I am considering the Kawasaki Versys 1100 (2026), BMW XR, and the BMW R 1300 GSA. My priorities are long-term ownership, riding comfort on Indian roads (including routes like Spiti), ease of maintenance, and strong road presence. Please advise.

Autocar India

•2d

From a logical point of view, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 makes sense for your use case, which is primarily in the city. The Classic is a lighter machine and will be easier to manage in the city. In your case, it will also be a largely familiar machine since you're coming from an older Classic 350, and there won't be too much of a learning curve. Plus, in comparison to the Interceptor 650, you'll also get better fuel economy from the Classic.On the flip side, the Interceptor will be a far better machine for highway riding, and its twin-cylinder engine gives it a different character. If you're looking for a change of pace from your Classic, the Interceptor could be the perfect step up because, despite its added power and weight, it is still an approachable machine. The one thing you need to be mindful of on the Interceptor inside the city is its wide exhaust pipes, which will stick out in traffic.A test ride will reveal whether you should go for the Interceptor or the Classic.

Autocar India

•1h

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

•14h

If you were satisfied with the performance of RE Guerrilla 450 Apex during the test ride, then it is a good buy for you. The Guerrilla is a relatively new bike (as it was launched only 3 years ago) but even then, this Royal Enfield bike has proven to be a largely straightforward and fuss-free machine to own. Choosing between the Apex and the standard Guerrilla will boil down to the riding position you prefer and the tyres on offer. In our experience, the Vredestein Centauro tyres of Guerrilla Apex have proven to have better grip and feedback in almost all conditions than the CEAT dual-purpose tyres of standard Guerrilla. The CEATs are not bad tyres, but overall, the Vredesteins set a much higher baseline. The Apex also has a more committed riding position but if you don't find that to be a dealbreaker, you should go for it rather than the standard variant. To be sure, take a test ride of the standard Guerrilla as well before you make a decision.