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

•2h

Since you already own a Classic, upgrading to the latest one will be the safer bet for you. All the strong points are carried forward in the latest-gen Royal Enfield Classic 350, without many of the shortcomings it had previously.The Honda CB350 H'ness is similiar in many ways when it comes to engine character and power delivery, but it is a lighter, nimbler machine, and its clutch action is also much more effortless. The H'ness' tall gearing doesn't really suit the relaxed nature of the engine, but it does help in extracting better fuel economy and feeling less stressed on the highway.To decide between the two, we'd recommend a thorough test ride of both. No matter which one you choose ultimately, you're unlikely to go wrong because both are accomplished, proven machines in their own right.

Autocar India

•13h

Sadly, in India, if you're looking for a decently priced sub-500cc, twin-cylinder adventure bike, then you'll have to extend your wait as there's nothing currently or on the horizon either. The BMW F 450 GS is, all things said and done, the somewhat palatable option because the Honda NX500 - as accomplished a bike as it is - simply cannot justify its steep Rs 7.44 lakh ex-showroom asking price, even with its super convenient and non-intrusive E-Clutch technology. We'd advise you to also take a look at the mid-spec Exclusive variant of the 450 GS because that has pretty much every option that you'd need and want ticked without the centrifugal clutch seen on the top Trophy model. Its also a good chunk more affordable to buy. If you're okay with making your peace with the alloy wheels, then you also save the moolah that BMW wants you to shell out for the pretty - but pricey - cross-spoke wheels. Unless you're a hardcore off-road rider, these spoked wheels bring no functional improvement and sticking with the alloys is the sensible bet. You could also purchase them a little later on, if your heart is really set on them. Coming to the Aprilia Tuareg 457, there’s no clear India launch or even global reveal timeline yet.

Autocar India

•15h

There's no doubt that of the two 350cc Triumph bikes, the Scrambler 400 X will be better at tackling bad roads than its road-biased sibling, the Speed 400. However, the Speed is actually a remarkably comfortable roadster which can easily handle bad roads as long as you don't go charging through them like you would on an ADV. Given your shorter stature and the Scrambler's intimidating 835mm perch, if you're not confident on that bike, then the Speed 400 is definitely a worthwhile option for your needs. Take a test ride and pay attention to the effort needed when moving the Scrambler around at slower speeds and if you're okay with the seat height or not. Another pertinent point is that the Speed 400 comes with sintered brake pads which are definitely better than the Scrambler's quick-wearing organic pads when it comes to braking performance. This will be another factor that tilts the scales in the Speed's favour. Nonetheless, take a test ride of both and then choose whichever one you gel with the most fluidly. Rest assured, the Speed's sintered brake pads can be optioned on the Scrambler.