Autocar India
5w

My budget is Rs. 2 lakh, but I am willing to extend it if it is worth it. My daily commute is 80 km, with 40 km in the morning and 40 km in the evening. My major priorities are comfort, good mileage, and reduced rider fatigue.

Verified
5w

Since you have a rather long commute with comfort and fuel economy as your top priorities, we'd recommend looking at these 160cc options - Honda Unicorn / SP160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N160. The Honda bikes are textbook commuters and are simple, no-nonsense machines which should also prove to be reliable and hassle-free to own. On the other hand, the TVS and Bajaj bikes are feature-rich, sporty commuters that will give you better performance while still being reaonably frugal and comfortable. 

In fact, if you want a little more pep, then the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N250 both are worth considering. These bikes offer a tangible step up in performance in comparison to their smaller siblings without sacrificing too much fuel economy and since you have a long commute every day, you will value the added performance on tap. 

Take test rides of these bikes to see which ones float your boat before you make a decision. 

Honda Unicorn

Honda Unicorn

5w

Just check Honda Nx200 As well

5w

Honda hness if you are looking for comfort and stable ride. Mileage will be around 35 to 40 kmpl if the road is mostly highway and free

4w

I use the n250, it easily gives 40+ mileage even 45+ on highways if you don't ride too aggressively. Reliable, powerful and really comfortable with a supple suspension. Just the handlebar position is too agressive leading to pain in wrists and palms. I changed to n150 handlebar which solves the issue partly.

4w

Scooters Are more comfortable than 125 cc bikes mainly because of wide seats and freedom to adjust foot position while driving.Constant seating position and No leg movement can cause even more pain to the back. In scooters one leg front and one back position sometimes gives good relief to the backpain. Iam daily riding 60 km for work Riding classic 350 Honda activa And Ather 450x If roads are Good .scooters are more convenient option even if you suffering back pain

4w

Not fully convinced

4w

Is your commute involve highway or more of a stop and go traffic? Also keep service cost in mind. Any smaller capacity bikes cost less in maintenance but when you go on higher cc bikes you service cost will double. Also look for vehicles that has longer service intervals. Look for vehicles that use fully synthetic engine oil by default by the oem service as it will last more km between services. If your commute is mostly highway then definitely prefer higher capacity bike like 200 to 300cc as this will reduce your commute time a little. CC's cannot be replaced later! My Recommendation are: 1. Suzuki gixxer 250 - This bike is highly underrated. 2. Yamaha MT15 3. Yamaha XSR 155

5w

I’m planning to buy a motorcycle. I’m 5 feet 11 inches tall and weigh 95 kg. My daily commute is around 40–45 km. Initially, I was considering the Honda H'ness CB350, but it’s quite expensive. Then I thought about the Honda Unicorn, but it feels too basic and lacks excitement. The Yamaha FZ series seems a bit over-styled to me. I also rode the TVS Apache RTR 180 2V, but considering my height, it felt too small. Now I’m confused between the Bajaj Pulsar 180 (OG) and the Bajaj Pulsar N160. The Pulsar 180 offers excellent value for money, while the N160 comes with many modern features. However, since I’ll also be riding with my family, I’m leaning towards the Pulsar 180 because of its long, single-piece seat, which is more comfortable for both the rider and the pillion. I’d really appreciate your suggestions and guidance on which one would be the better choice. @autocar.india

4w

@sujoybanerjee going by your height, weight n likings explained,.... Honda Sp160 can be a best fit

5w

What about relaunched Bajaj Pulsar 180 (OG) 2026 model with P220 exhaust and LEDs, as the commuter? @autocar.india

5w

You basically need a 125cc bike. Doesnt matter what is your budget. If you would have given ur height, weight and age it would help better. Honda SP125 is the best i can suggest for you, considering your 3 main priorities.

5w

@sushil.soans 5.6 ,62 kg

5w

@msb.1 then my earlier is much more suitable

5w

@sushil.soans *ealier comment*

5w

Honda hness if you are looking for comfort and stable ride. Mileage will be around 35 to 40 kmpl if the road is mostly highway and free

5w

Go for FZ or MT-15, I happen to have CB unicorn and SP 160. Both of which have the same trait of uneasiness while riding at 60 kmph speeds. Confidence and comfort is what i feel missing in both unicorn and sp160. I had a great time with fazer which happens to share engine with FZ, riding at 60 feels like breeze. No vibrations no other body parts rattling. And MT 15 is also worth considering. If you prioritize comfortable riding position.

5w

Since your commute is longer. I would suggest higher cc if the it is non traffic commute and will prefer 160cc if it involves more stop and go traffic. I would suggest looking at Suzuki gixxer 250 also.

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3d

I'm planning to buy my first premium motorcycle and have a budget of around Rs. 3.1 lakh on-road. After a lot of research and multiple test rides, I've narrowed my options down to the Triumph Tracker 400 and the Triumph Scrambler 400 X. I'm looking for advice from owners or experienced riders who have spent time with either or both bikes. I've been riding motorcycles for around 7-8 years and this bike will be my primary motorcycle for at least the next 4-5 years. My usage will be approximately 70-80% city commuting to office and 20-30% rides during weekend with occasional long-distance trips of more than 250 km every 2-3 months. I will almost always have a pillion with me, so pillion comfort, suspension, and overall ride quality are very important factors. I enjoy riding but I'm not someone who rides aggressively all the time. I appreciate a refined, confidence-inspiring motorcycle that is also enjoyable on open highways. I'll be paying the full amount in cash so I'm looking for the best overall ownership experience rather than simply the cheapest option. During my test rides, the Tracker 400 felt lighter, more road-focused, and easier to ride in the city. It had a cowl so didn't get to check it with the pillion. The Scrambler 400 X engine felt somewhat the same but just a little toned down and not as aggresive as the Tracker given the higher power produced and better suspension. However, the braking was not as expected. My main concerns are related to finding more suitable bike for someone who rides mostly in the city but enjoys weekend touring. Which bike is more comfortable for both rider and pillion on longer rides? Does the Scrambler's taller suspension and larger front wheel become a disadvantage in daily city riding? Is the Tracker significantly easier to live with in traffic? Considering the fact that I'll own the bike for 4-5 years, which one offers the better overall ownership experience? I'd really appreciate insights from owners, especially those who have ridden both motorcycles or regularly ride with a pillion. Thanks in advance!

Verified
1d

For your usage, where you regularly ride with a pillion both usually inside the city and occassionally on the highway, the Triumph Scrambler 400 X is the better option than its sibling, the Tracker. The Scrambler has a far more upright and commanding rider's triangle, is more spacious for both rider and pillion and its suspension comfort is also much better than the Tracker. Coming to the braking issue on the Scrambler, Triumph (not Bajaj) insists on equipping the bike with organic brake pads which don't have the same life or power as sintered units but its an easy fix. You can fit the sintered pads from any other 350cc Triumph onto the Scrambler and this will be an inexpensive and easy fix to your problem.

Triumph Scrambler 400 X
Triumph Tracker 400

Posted on: 1 Jul 2026