Autocar India
•39w

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.

Verified
•38w

Between the three options you've considered, we'd advise picking between the Kawasaki Versys 1100 and the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure. These are powerful, comfortable, refined long-distance touring machines which will serve you well, although neither is going to be affordable to maintain. 

The BMW S 1000 XR is a sportbike on stilts, and the 1000cc four-cylinder engine from BMW isn't the smoothest motor, so we'd advise you to look elsewhere. 

If you're open to looking outside the ADV bike spectrum, the Ninja 1100SX makes a solid case as a road-going touring bike as long as you're mindful of the ground clearance over bad roads. 

And if you're not hung up on having a '1000cc+' bike only, the Honda XL750 Transalp is a wonderful road-touring machine. It is friendly, approachable, refined and will be by far the most affordable to buy (even if you put the Africa Twin's tubeless rims, extra luggage and protective accessories) and maintain of the lot. 

Try to take test rides of all the bikes listed here before making a decision. 

Kawasaki Versys 1100

Kawasaki Versys 1100

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Kawasaki Versys 1100

Kawasaki

Versys 1100

from ₹16.34 Lakh

Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX

Kawasaki

Ninja 1100SX

from ₹17.09 Lakh

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•2d

The Suzuki Gixxer models (both 150 and 250) are due to get a generation change soon and therefore, buying one of them right now would not be our recommendation. If you want something in a similar displacement and price bracket, then the Bajaj Pulsar N250 would be the closest match.The Hero Xtreme 250R is also a well-priced alternative that rides well and unlocks a whole new spectrum of performance, although Premia dealerships are quite few and far between currently.

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•6d

Hi, I currently own a Hero Duet BS3 model. My current weekly running is around 80 km, most of which is within the city. Due to the current petrol prices, my weekly fuel bill is around Rs 400. Would it be financially viable for me to switch to an electric scooter given my usage?

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•3d

From what you have told us, it seems that your Hero Duet's engine is consuming an unusually large amount of fuel for the distance you are covering. Our first suggestion would be to get it serviced properly and see if this changes anything. If it doesn't, given your low weekly run, getting a new petrol scooter like a Jupiter, Access or Activa would make more sense than switching to a more expensive electric bike. The high initial cost you shell out for the e-scooter will take years to recoup with your limited use. Nevertheless, if your next vehicle must be an EV, then choose from proven brands like TVS, Bajaj, Ather and Hero.

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Posted on: 10 Dec 2025