I am considering the Royal Enfield Meteor 350, Honda CB350C, and TVS Apache RTX for my next motorcycle purchase. I really like the styling of the Meteor 350, but the features offered by the TVS Apache RTX are very appealing. Considering all aspects, which of these motorcycles would you recommend as the better overall choice?

autocar.india

•5d

An ADV is the logical recommendation usually for your query, and we'd normally recommend options like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, KTM 390 Adventure and TVS Apache RTX 300. These bikes will fit your criteria quite nicely and offer you similar performance to your R3.However, since you have said you are on the shorter side and you want something more manageable for your stature, the only option you have realistically is the 350cc Bajaj Dominar 400. The Dominar has a low 800mm seat height, and while it weighs as much or more than the aforementioned options, since it is a lower bike, you'll be able to manage it better. Do bear in mind that the Dominar is a much simpler, older and more affordable machine than the three ADVs mentioned above, and you will feel that. To assess whether or not the Dominar should be your next bike, take your preferred pillion along with you on a test ride of all the options listed above. Then, depending on what you feel, go ahead with the bike that suits you guys best.

autocar.india

•1d

There's no clear answer here because no product today in the scooter segment has everything you need. On the product front, it's the Hero Xoom 160 that comes closest to meeting all your requirements. It has a smooth engine capable of holding highway speeds, good seating comfort and decent ride quality. The trouble is, Hero's Premia dealer network is still not widespread across the nation, and spares availability, as well as a quick service turnaround time for Premia products (like the Xoom 160 and Xtreme 250R), will not be on par with rivals with better dealer networks. While the Ntorq's smaller 12-inch wheels won't give you as surefooted handling as other scooters with their 14-inch wheels, it is perhaps the safest bet today. Backed by TVS' widespread sales and service reach in India, the bigger Ntorq is more than what its spec sheet suggests, and we'd recommend you at least take a test ride before writing it off. Coming to the Yamaha Aerox 155, it is simply too uncomfortable to be used on bad patches of road. Meanwhile, the SR 175 is expensive to own and maintain. Add to that the fact that Aprilia's dealer network is also very small and doesn't have a reputation for frictionless service.

autocar.india

•1d

Between the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 and Honda CB350RS models, the Scrambler is the more accomplished machine and therefore, the more logical purchase. However, we don't always buy motorcycles because they make more sense, and it would be prudent to take test rides of both and then decide which is the better one for you. If you can make your peace with the slower speeds that the Honda is capable of sustaining, there is an enjoyable and reliable machine underneath the good-looking bodywork of the CB350RS. Pillion comfort isn't great on the Honda, but it's not unusable; you'll just have to make some aftermarket provisions or live with it. The Triumph is the faster and more comfortable machine, but it feels a little anonymous to ride - like an appliance on two wheels. If you don't think this will be a problem for you (like the lakhs of other 350/400cc Triumph owners), then the Scrambler is a great option to check out. As we said at the start, take test rides of both machines to see which one tugs at both your sensible side as well as your heartstrings before you go ahead with your purchase.