Hey experts, I’m planning to buy a bike between August and October with a budget of ₹3 lakh. I’m looking for a torquey motorcycle with strong top-end performance that I can own for many years, as this will be the first bike registered in my name. I have a strong emotional connect with TVS, as I’ve ridden my elder brother’s 2015 Apache RTR 180, and I’m naturally drawn to the Apache RTR 310. It ticks many boxes for me in terms of styling, torque, mid-range and top-end performance, along with manageable fuel efficiency. However, my main concern is TVS after-sales service, as I don’t have first-hand experience and have heard mixed feedback from other owners. I’m also considering exchanging my old RTR 180 for the RTR 310. While I’m aware that I’m quite biased towards the RTR 310 emotionally, the reported service experience makes me question the practicality of the purchase. I’d really appreciate your advice on whether the RTR 310 is a sensible long-term choice and also request suggestions for strong alternatives in the same segment, so I can make a well-informed decision. Thank you!

autocar.india

•10h

Since you found the KTM 39O Duke too aggressive and the 350cc Triumph Speed / Tracker models a little bland, a good alternative to these is the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450. The engine of this Royal Enfield bike has a potent mid-range, its handling is quite engaging, and the ownership experience is likely to be pleasant as well.Take a test ride and see if you gel with the Guerrilla.

autocar.india

•5d

Since you have said you want to start riding long distances in addition to your daily commutes, buying a machine with good performance for highway rides would be a smart move. Therefore, we'd recommend choosing between the 350cc Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450, TVS Apache RTX 300 and 350cc KTM 390 Adventure. The Guerrilla 450 and Speed 400 will offer you a traditional roadster experience wherein they are easy to manage 'standard' bikes with good performance and comfort to handle your needs. If you plan to do a lot of solo riding, these bikes make good sense. If, instead, you want space for a pillion and luggage, and the ability to simply shrug off bad roads without giving it a second thought, then the RTX and 390 Adventure are the way to go. The KTM will offer more performance and is the machine that has been around much longer but the RTX is the better rounded product of the two. In the city, these ADVs can feel a little big and cumbersome, especially at slower speeds although in time you would get used to it. They also have big windscreens which will block cooling air coming to the rider, another hindrance in our climate. Lastly, the Scrambler 400 X is a jack of all trades sort of machine wherein it is good fun to ride it both in a spirited and laidback fashion, as your mood changes and it will give you a similiar amount of comfort and space to the ADVs but will lack the weather protection. Coming to why your palms were hurting, all of these bikes have very upright riding postures so it's unlikely to have anything to do with the rider's triangle. If you are to grip the handlebar tightly and stay like that for an extended duration, you will experience this. On your next ride, pay special attention to this. Based on your needs, it would be wise to pick between the Scrambler, Speed and Guerrilla, depending on which one fits your budget and personal case the best.

autocar.india

•1d

Since you've said range is not a super important consideration for you, we'd recommend going with the TVS iQube 2.2. The base iQube offers you a very polished riding experience with zippy performance, good comfort, quick charging times and even has a front disc brake for reliable stopping power. Its 30L underseat storage area is also quite spacious, and overall, the iQube 2.2 will make for a good companion during your short stints aboard it.