I am considering upgrading from my 2015 KTM Duke 200 to the KTM 390 Enduro R. What attracts me most is its design, performance, and strong off-road capability, which feels like a significant step up from my current bike. However, I am not very experienced in off-road riding yet, although I am keen to learn and improve over time. In this context, I would appreciate your expert advice on the following: What are the key pros and cons of upgrading to the 390 Enduro R from a Duke 200? Is it a sensible choice for someone new to off-road riding, or could it feel too demanding initially? How manageable is the bike for everyday city use in terms of comfort, heat, and practicality? Would I be underutilising the bike if I only ride off-road occasionally on weekends? Additionally, how does it compare with alternatives like the Himalayan 450, KTM 390 Adventure X, and Triumph Scrambler 400 X for my usage? Lastly, what specific aspects should I focus on during a test ride before making a final decision?

autocar.india

•1d

For your location and usage, we'd recommend choosing between the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Honda CB350 models. The Hunter is more affordable, more compact and quite comfortable. It is also a very popular bike which sells by the bucketload every month and given how many are on the road today, you're likely to have a pleasant ownership experience without teething troubles.Meanwhile, the Honda CB350 models are larger machines in terms of their bodywork and spacious ergonomics but are almost on par with the Hunter when it comes to weight. The H'ness and RS, in particular, also have a more standout design and if you want a bike that's not very common, one of these is a good buy. Finally, the 350cc Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is a completely different ballgame to these air-cooled 350s and will offer much superior performance and handling but will be a little compromised on the comfort front in comparison. To make an informed decision, take a test ride of all three before you go ahead with your purchase.

autocar.india

•2d

If your running is low and your Bajaj Pulsar RS200 is otherwise in good condition, there is no compelling reason to replace it. As for fuel, switching to the much more expensive XP100 is not worth it. The RS200 is not a high-compression performance engine that would benefit from 100-octane fuel, and you will not see any meaningful improvement in performance or efficiency. The lower mileage you are seeing on E20 fuel is expected, as ethanol blends generally reduce fuel economy. The best approach is to continue using the RS200, maintain it well, and accept the slightly lower mileage as a normal consequence of E20 fuel. There is no need to spend extra on premium fuel or a new bike unless you have a specific reason to upgrade.

autocar.india

•2d

The Harley-Davidson X440T makes for a good commuting companion with its torquey yet smooth long-stroke single-cylinder engine, neutral ergonomics and plush suspension setup. Depending on the traffic on your route as well as the way you ride, fuel economy will vary, but you should expect a big drop from your Shine 125 in this regard.If you want a similiar riding experience but a machine that is more affordable and with better fuel economy, consider the Royal Enfield Bullet / Classic 350 and Honda CB350 models. These machines have similar attributes to the bigger X440 T, but with their smaller engines, they will be more fuel-efficient, although of course, you will have to sacrifice some peak output.Take test rides of these machines before you make your decision, depending on which one you prefer the most.