Could you please help me decide between the KTM 390 Adventure and the Triumph Scrambler 400X? I am 5'8" and plan to use the bike for daily city commuting, weekend long rides, and occasional touring, so I need a machine that balances low-end tractability for traffic with high-speed stability for the highway. Given my height, I am particularly concerned about the ergonomics and seat height of both bikes; which one would be more manageable in stop-and-go situations while still providing the comfort and luggage-carrying capacity needed for long-distance trips?

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

•6d

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.

autocar.india

•1w

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.