I am trying to choose between the Kawasaki Versys 1100 and Ninja 1100. My usage will include daily office commutes, weekend solo rides, and occasional 500-600 km touring trips with my wife and some luggage. I had brief test rides of both, and these were my impressions: Versys 1100: Extremely comfortable for both my wife and me. However, at 175 cm tall, I could not flat-foot it completely and found it intimidating in city traffic because of its size and weight. Ninja 1100SX: Not quite as comfortable as the Versys, but still comfortable. My wife found the pillion seat comfortable and did not slide into me under braking. I liked the handling very much and found it far easier to manage in city traffic. However, I suffer from occasional lower back pain, so I am concerned whether the slightly leaned-forward riding position might become an issue on longer rides. I want something powerful, smooth, easy to handle in city traffic and also good for a long tour on the highway. I do not plan to do off-road stuff. Also, the lower the weight to handle, the better it would be for me. I would often like to use this bike daily in the city, also being usable in Indian bumper-to-bumper traffic. Also, do note that in the past, I have tried one of my friend's 2025 Z900 and rode it for a full day and had back pain by the end of the day. So I don't want that thing to happen to me with the bike that I shall buy. Please suggest one which shall suit me best?

autocar.india

•6d

While both the Harley-Davidson X440T and Honda CB350 H'ness have similiar engine architectures and cylinder counts, their riding experience is quite different. The CB350 is a textbook neo-retro roadster and its smaller engine will offer you better fuel economy but at the expense of outright performance. Its gearing is also quite tall which means you will have to make more frequent gear changes to keep the motor in its sweet spot. On the other hand, the H-D X440 T is quite a step up in terms of outright performance owing to its larger 440cc motor and it will definitely have better performance. It will return lower fuel economy but that's to be expected. Choose between the two based on your budget, brand preference and after taking a test ride of both to make an informed decision.

autocar.india

•4d

Since you already have a RE Classic 350 at home, we'd recommend you remove the Meteor 350 and Harley-Davidson X440 from your shortlist because these bikes will feel quite similar to your Classic. The 350cc Triumph Speed 400 and Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 will offer a more engaging riding experience with more performance and features on tap, and are the ones we'd advise you to choose between. Of the two, the Triumph bike has the more mellow nature, but it will still feel like a good step up from your Classic in terms of performance and handling. The Guerrilla, on the other hand, is quite excitable and of the two, this is definitely the more fun machine. Its suspension is a little taut, which enables it to have very engaging handling, but over bad roads, you will feel a little more of the road surface coming through to your back. The RE also has a crisper, more tech-laden TFT display, whereas the Triumph uses a simple digi-analogue unit.Take a test ride of both before you make your decision, since they are quite different to ride.

autocar.india

•5d

You have a lot of varying options within your budget, so pick based on your preferences after a comprehensive test ride of each option. The Honda CB350 models and Royal Enfield Classic / Bullet / Hunter 350 are good options to consider in the neo-retro space with their comfortable seats, plush suspension and neutral ergonomics. Their engines aren't the most powerful, but they have good torque and make for an effortless riding experience.If you want a more off-road capable machine, then the Hero Xpulse 210 is a great option to consider. The Xpulse is a tall machine, but it is quite light and will have the best comfort over bad roads of all the bikes mentioned. If you decide you want a straightforward commuter with a little more pep than your Pulsar 180, then the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N250 are good picks. They will feel similar to your 180 in their seating but will be a step up in terms of comfort, performance, refinement and features. As we said above, these bikes are very different from each other, and the best way to decide between them is through a comprehensive test ride.