I’m planning to buy a new bike for city rides (around 15-20 km daily) and one weekend trip per month. I’ve shortlisted the Honda CB300F and Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX. Which one should I go for?

•49w

Since you haven't specified what your physique is like, it will be tough to choose between the two. Both of them are solid choices, and if you're comfortable with a taller machine, then the Suzuki V-Strom SX is a good choice. Honda's USP is its light kerb weight and low seat, both of which will be helpful inside the city, although it can feel a smidge cramped for taller folks over longer distances.

To figure out which is best for you, we'd recommend a thorough test ride and also take into consideration which one has a service centre closer to you.

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Suzuki

V-Strom SX

from ₹2.15 Lakh

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•3d

Will there be an update for Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 in 2026?

•2h

No, Suzuki is highly unlikely to update the V-Strom SX this year. We are, however, likely to see new-generation models of the 150cc and 250cc Gixxer quartet. Once that is done, the logical next move would be for these updated to be carried forward to the V-Strom SX as well. You could see an updated V-Strom SX in 2027, although the company hasn't officially confirmed this.

Suzuki V-Strom SX

•3d

Is Bajaj Pulsar 220F a good choice for daily commute of 50km?

•3h

In isolation, the Bajaj Pulsar 220F is a proven workhorse with a punchy engine, comfortable rider's traingle position and good highway stability, which makes it well-suited for longer daily runs. It is also relatively affordable to maintain and has a wide service network, which is important for a high-mileage commuter.That said, the 220F is now nearly 2 decades old and has only seen regulatory and minor feature-related updates since. It does not offer the refinement or modern features of newer-generation bikes in the segment. If your commute is mostly highway and you don't mind the old-school feel of the 220F, it can make sense for you. However, if you are looking for a more modern package with better refinement, consider Bajaj's own Pulsar N250, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V or Honda Hornet 2.0 as similiarly-priced and comparable alternatives. Try to take a test ride of all four before you make your decision to see where your preferences lie.

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Bajaj Pulsar 220F

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

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•1d

When will deliveries of the Honda Rebel 300 begin?

•4h

Deliveries of the new Honda Rebel 300 (both the standard & E-Clutch variants) are likely to begin by the end of this year or latest in the first quarter of 2027. For a more specific timeline, if you have pre-booked the motorcycle, we'd recommend reaching out to your nearest BigWing dealer.

Honda Bikes Rebel 300

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•5d

I'm planning to purchase my first motorcycle and have narrowed down my options to the Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS and Dominar 250. My primary usage will be short daily commutes of approximately 5-6 km one way in Hyderabad's traffic (around 12km two way), with occasional longer rides. I'm a relatively new rider, so low-speed usability, manoeuvrability and ease of handling matter to me. The N160 SS appeals to me because of its lighter weight, Crawl Tech, TFT and city-friendly characteristics. However, the Dominar 400 has been my dream motorcycle for the past ten years, ever since it was launched in India while I was still in school. While the Dominar 400 remains my dream bike, the Dominar 250 seems like a reasonable compromise for my primarily urban use, offering some of that Dominar experience without going straight for the 400. I've ridden the Dominar 400 and found it surprisingly manageable and planted, but I haven't been able to test-ride the Dominar 250 because dealerships don't have test-ride units. I've also heard that the Dominar 250 lacks low-end urgency, requires frequent gear changes in slow traffic and is relatively heavy for city use. On the other hand, my uncle, who has owned a Dominar 400 for years and uses it in Hyderabad, has suggested that the Dominar 250 could be a reasonable choice for my requirements. The Dominar 250 is currently quoted at approximately Rs. 2.42 lakh (on-road), compared with around Rs. 1.86-1.94 lakh for the N160 SS. Given my usage, beginner experience and long-standing desire to own a Dominar, would you recommend the N160 SS as the more sensible long-term choice, or is the Dominar 250 a motorcycle that I could realistically grow into and enjoy despite its compromises? I would particularly appreciate your thoughts on low-speed tractability, bumper-to-bumper traffic, manoeuvrability for a beginner, and whether the Dominar's additional weight and cost are justified for someone whose riding will primarily be urban.

•4d

There's no doubt that the Bajaj Dominar 250 will fit the bill well for your needs as a first-time motorcyclist. However, what stops us from recommending it wholeheartedly is that the smaller Dominar sells in extremely microscopic numbers which means sometimes you'll be waiting a long time for a small part, leaving your bike out of action which is never a good thing. Truth be told, the Dominar 400 (especially since it is now powered by a downsized 349cc motor) is a perfectly acceptable first bike and since you have had an inclination towards the Dominar for a long time, why not go ahead and scratch and that itch! The only caveat here would be that the Dominar is a hefty machine, weighing 190kg, which can catch you off-guard at slow-speed scenarios but in time, you'll get used to it. On the other hand, if you don't want to deal with the extra weight and purchasing cost of the Dominar 400, then the Pulsar N160 SS is a very different but nonetheless, a great option for a beginner. It has a peppy engine, predictable handling, good comfort and comes with all the latest gizmos and gadgets that people these days want their two-wheelers to be festooned with. Not to mention, it will also be far more fuel efficient than the Dominar. These are 2 very different bikes which will give you starly different experiences so its best you take a test ride and see which one you're leaning towards more before you make your decision.

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