I am planning to buy a reliable motorcycle that can cruise comfortably for long distances while also offering a great ownership experience in terms of reliability, fuel efficiency, and service costs. I am interested in the Suzuki V-Strom SX, but I feel a bit skeptical since it is now an older model. Is it still worth buying the V-Strom SX in 2026, or are there other motorcycles that can match the expectations I mentioned above?

•26w

The Suzuki V-Strom SX may be a dated machine, but it is a great option for someone who wants a relaxed, reliable and fuel-efficient touring machine.

If you are open to considering other form factors aside from the adventure bike style, there are some other machines that will fit the bill for your usage as well. In the neo-retro space, the TVS Ronin, Honda CB350 models and Royal Enfield Classic / Bullet 350 will be good options to consider with their relaxed riding triangles, smooth and torquey engines, as well as plush suspension setups.

These bikes won't be as fuel-efficient as the V-Strom, but the drop isn't going to be too drastic either.

Take a test ride of these bikes before you make a decision.

Explore bikes mentioned

Suzuki

V-Strom SX

from ₹2.32 Lakh

TVS

Ronin

from ₹1.48 Lakh

Honda Bikes

CB350

from ₹2.30 Lakh

Royal Enfield

Classic 350

from ₹2.19 Lakh

Royal Enfield

Bullet 350

from ₹1.94 Lakh

•26w•

Hi, was in similar conundrum. I bought vstorm and no regrets .For your criteria nothing even comes close other than Suzuki vstorm sx. Just FYI keep in mind about the local service quality and seat height.

More posts on similar bikes

•1w

I’m 38 years old and 5'6" tall. I’ve been riding a Honda Shine 125 for about a decade and now want to upgrade to a bigger bike. I really like the Triumph Speed 400, but I’ve heard that its maintenance costs can be high. I’m also considering the Bajaj Dominar 400, Pulsar NS200, and Royal Enfield Classic 350. Please help me choose the right bike based on my requirements. I’m also open to other suggestions. I plan to keep the bike for at least 8 years, so long-term reliability and maintenance costs are important to me.

•3d

Since you are going to keep your next purchase for a long time and are coming from a Shine, we'd advise you to consider with the Royal Enfield Classic 350. The Classic is a simple, fuss-free motorcycle which should be easy and inexpensive to maintain. This Royal Enfield bike will also offer you a step up in terms of comfort, features and road presence from your Shine although, expectedly, its fuel efficiency will be lower owing to its larger engine. If you want something sportier, then consider the KTM 250 Duke. The quarter-litre Duke has approachable yet exciting performance and will allow you to grow into it as time passes. This KTM bike has great handling, cool tech like a colour TFT display and bidirectional quickshifter and its zingy engine can also be rather fuel efficient with sensible riding. These are two starkly different machines and depending on your preferences, pick between them. A test ride of both should help you decide which one is right for you.

Royal Enfield Classic 350

KTM 250 Duke

•22h

Switched my daily commute from the car to a scooter six months ago just to beat traffic, and honestly haven't looked back even once during peak hours.

•5d

I’m confused between the Honda CB350 H’ness and the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. I liked the refined engine and comfortable riding position of the CB350, while I liked the Hunter’s looks, lightweight nature, and ease of manoeuvring. My daily travel is around 40 km, mostly in traffic, with speeds rarely crossing 80 kmph. I plan to use the bike primarily for daily commuting. Which one should I go for? Also, would using an inclined handlebar riser on the Hunter 350 improve its riding comfort?

•3d

The Honda CB350 would make more sense for your needs because you spend most of your time in city traffic where comfort and refinement are paramount. While this Honda bike is a slightly larger machine than the Royal Enfield Hunter (both weigh the same 181kg), after a brief acclimatization period, you will get used to it. While a set of handlebar risers can improve your seating posture on the Hunter, you will lose some feedback and control from the front end and you will also need to arrange for longer cables and hoses to accommodate this change.

Honda Bikes CB350

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

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