Which is the best commuter bike for long rides, good mileage, and reduced back strain? I currently ride a Yamaha FZ Version 2. My budget is between Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 1.5 lakh. Please suggest suitable options.

•13w

In the 150/160cc commuter bike segment, options like the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N160 are great bets if you want your commuter to pack in a little bit of spice and some feel-good features like a USD fork, TFT display and the like. These bikes are also quite fuel efficient and comfortable, making them good daily-use machines.

If, on the other hand, you want a simple, no-nonsense commuter, then we'd advise you to look at the Honda Unicorn / SP160. Both are mechanically very similiar but the SP has more features and sharper styling than the Unicorn which has the same silhouette since it debuted 20 years ago.

Depending on the sort of bike you prefer, make a choice between these three. To make an informed decision, we'd recommend test rides of all three before you make your purchase.

Explore bikes mentioned

TVS

Apache RTR 160 4V

from ₹1.32 Lakh

Bajaj

Pulsar N160

from ₹1.29 Lakh

Honda Bikes

Unicorn

from ₹1.26 Lakh

Honda Bikes

SP160

from ₹1.29 Lakh

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•13w•

I am currently planning on getting a hunter 350 or a pulsar n160, which would be better, a local mechanic in my area said that the n160 does not have a sturdy build and is easily breakable.

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•6d

I’m planning to buy a motorcycle for the first time. Please suggest a suitable option based on my requirements. My main priorities are safety and comfort. I’ll mostly ride in villages and cities, with occasional highway rides. I’m 5'4" tall and weigh 45 kg. My budget is around Rs 1.5 lakh. I would also prefer a bike with a single-seat setup, as I’ll be carrying my parents as pillion riders.

•2d

Given your requirements, commuter bikes like the Honda Unicorn, Bajaj Pulsar 150, and Yamaha FZ would be our recommendation. These have low and flat single-piece seats, good suspension comfort, and will also be quite fuel-efficient. Take a test ride of all three before you make your decision.

Honda Bikes Unicorn

Bajaj Pulsar 150

•1w

I am thinking of getting a new bike after using a TVS Sport 100cc for almost 15 years. I have been interested in sports bikes since childhood, and now that I am settled, I am thinking of getting one. Earlier, I was considering the Kawasaki Ninja 300, but its price has recently increased while offering minimal features and high maintenance costs. For some time, I also considered the Ultraviolette F77, but I am still sceptical about its long-term reliability. The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 has always been on my mind, and I recently visited its showroom. I really like the colours of the SF 150 more than those of the 250, but I also don't want to miss out on the thrill of the 250. I am particularly interested in the SF 250 FFV variant, but it is available in only two colours, neither of which I find very appealing. I really like one of the colours offered on the SF 150, but it isn't available on the 250. I also came across the Suzuki GSX-8R, and it was love at first sight. Now I am wondering if Suzuki could launch a similar bike in the coming months. I am very confused. What should I do?

•1d

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.

Bajaj Pulsar N250

Hero MotoCorp Xtreme 250R

•5d

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?

•2d

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.

TVS Jupiter

Suzuki Access

Honda Bikes Activa 125

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