I am planning to buy the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 by the end of next year for my daily office commute from Delhi to Gurugram, which is around 20 km one way. Buying it is partly a childhood dream, but I also want to be practical. Is it the right choice? What other options should I consider, and what factors should I keep in mind? I am 38 years old.

autocar.india

•1d

While the Harley-Davidson X440 T and Royal Enfield Guerrilla are comparable in terms of displacement and price, both are actually very different animals. The X440 T has a long-stroke, air/oil-cooled, torque-rich thumper which really encourages brisk cruising more than attacking corners. The H-D is also the more laidback and comfortable machine, which will be a valuable USP over rough, patchy roads. If ridden gently on the highway, you could see a fuel economy number in the 27-30kpl ballpark. On the other hand, the Guerrilla is a sporty street naked which will delight you with its punchy performance, agility and surefooted handling. Sure, it may not be as comfortable as the X440 T, but in isolation, it is a comfortable enough machine. If you ride sensibly, the Guerrilla can also give you close to 30kpl on the highway, which is pretty decent considering its displacement and performance on offer. Another option you should consider is the 350cc Triumph Speed 400 / Scrambler 400 duo, depending on what sort of look you want and whether or not you can manage the Scrambler's tall 835mm seat height. The Triumphs will sit between the X440 T and Guerrilla in terms of performance and are comfortable machines for longer journeys. Take test rides of all bikes listed to ensure you make an informed decision.

autocar.india

•1h

Since your daily running is quite low, we'd recommend the TVS iQube 2.2 for your usage. The base iQube is anything but base in the way it rides, and it has zippy performance, reliable range, a spacious underseat boot and even a pretty quick 650W charger. All of this means that while you are essentially buying the entry-level model in the iQube range, you aren't getting an entry-level end-user experience. In our tests, we found that the iQube returned pretty much the exact range that was shown on the display in both its modes (Power and Eco). And unlike other EVs, which feel painfully hamstrung in big-city traffic in Eco mode, the iQube can comfortably do 40-45kph in its lower mode, meaning you don't have to really compromise on the performance front for more range. This variant of the iQube will also fit in under the Rs 1.20 lakh mark on-road in your city. Take a test ride of the iQube 2.2 to be sure that you and your spouse are comfortable with it, and then make your decision.

autocar.india

•12h

Since you've mentioned your usage is quite low, and you liked the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 on your test ride, you should strongly consider it. The Hunter's low seat height and manageable weight will make it easy to use in city conditions, and it is a comfortable, reliable and fuss-free machine. If you ride sensibly, you will also see decent fuel economy, and the latest-gen Hunter has very pliant suspension, ensuring a comfortable ride over bad roads. Another option we'd recommend - and this is purely because you've mentioned this will be a "lifestyle purchase" - is the Goan Classic 350. The Goan attracts glances like nothing else at this price point, owing to its unique design and striking colours, and since it is based on a tried and tested platform, realistically, there should be no surprises in your prospective ownership. The one downside here is that the Goan is not as comfortable as the Hunter, mainly owing to its seating position.Take a test ride of the Goan to see if you resonate with the experience it has to offer before you make your decision.