I am 49 years old and have sciatica-related back pain. I want to choose between the Honda Unicorn and the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. I plan to use the bike for the next 7 years. Please help me choose the right one.

autocar.india

•1d

Since this is your first motorcycle, sticking to a commuter machine will help you ease into the transition of riding a geared bike coming from a CVT scooter. We'd recommend options like the Honda Unicorn / SP160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N160 to you, which will offer a big step up in comfort and performance from your Access, with little to no trade-off in efficiency. These are all lightweight, simple, easy to get along with sort of bikes and should suit your needs well. Take test rides of all before you make your decision.

autocar.india

•7h

Given the budget, usage and long-term ownership focus, we would recommend the Renault Kiger CVT over the Hyundai Venue or Kia Sonet DCT. A daily 15 km office commute with frequent bumper-to-bumper traffic, along with occasional highway trips, is better suited to a CVT than a DCT. CVTs are smoother at low speeds and work well in stop-start traffic. They can also be less demanding in such conditions over the long term.DCTs can be reliable when maintained properly, but they are not the ideal choice for regular stop-start traffic. Repeated low-speed crawling can generate heat and accelerate clutch-pack wear, potentially leading to expensive repairs over time.The Kiger also offers a modern design, a spacious cabin and a good feature set for its price. Renault's after-sales service has improved in recent years, while the Kiger offers strong value for money in this segment. The budget also stretches further with the Kiger CVT, allowing a higher-spec variant with some money left over. In comparison, the Sonet and Venue are positioned slightly higher, so the same budget would typically mean settling for a mid-spec variant.

Renault Kiger

Hyundai Venue

Kia Sonet

autocar.india

•6h

For anyone transitioning from a CVT scooter to a geared motorcycle, the initial period can be a little challenging. However, once you adapt to the system, it will almost become second nature, and there won’t be much to worry about.Going from a Honda Activa to a Royal Enfield Meteor 350 will certainly require some adjustment, given the significant difference in weight between the two machines. However, once on the move, the Meteor’s weight tends to fade into the background, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to manage. The Meteor also gets a slip-and-assist clutch, which makes the clutch action pleasingly light and should make the transition easier.