What should I consider - a Royal Enfield Meteor 350 or a TVS RTX 300 - for my daily commute of around 80 km, which includes both city and highway conditions?

autocar.india

•6d

Suzuki is working on a next-generation Gixxer platform, which will spawn four models and this is likely to debut around the end of this year or in the first quarter of next year. Since the V-Strom SX is based on the same basic architecture as that of Gixxer 250, expect that bike to follow suit in due course as well. Given that the current V-Strom SX is a durable, reliable but simple and rather dated machine, it would make sense to wait for the new-gen model. The RE Classic 350 that your father has suggested is an excellent motorcycle although markedly different from the V-Strom in terms of the riding experience it delivers. This is a charming, laidback and reliable machine although it is on the heavier side. If you want something similiar to the Classic but lighter, look at the Honda CB350 models instead.If you need a motorcycle immediately, take a test ride of both the aforementioned 350s and pick based on your preference. If you can wait for some time, then waiting for the next-gen V-Strom SX would be advisable.

autocar.india

•1d

Since you seem like a mature rider and will be getting a motorcycle after a long wait, we'd recommend splurging a little and getting a more premium machine like the Honda CB350RS or the upcoming Triumph Bonneville 400. These bikes will not only perform better than the TVS Ronin, they will also deliver a sense of occassion and premiumness which the TVS simply won't be able to match. Coming to the bikes themselves, the CB350 is a known quantity and delivers a comfortable and laidback riding experience with trademark Japanese reliability to boot. The Bonneville 400 hasn't been launched yet (although it seems like its not that far away either) but going by our previous experience with other Bajaj-built Triumphs, we expect it to be a competent machine although we'll reserve our full judgement until we ride the baby Bonnie. We'd recommend you wait a couple of months until we can ride the Bonneville and once reviews are out you can choose between it and the CB350. Do bear in mind that with every all-new model, there are almost certain to be some teething niggles at the start so waiting 6-8 months until the manufacturer sorts them out would be prudent. And before you go ahead with your purchase, taking a test ride of whatever is on your shortlist should be done too.

autocar.india

•1d

If you can live with its tall 835mm seat height, the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 X seems like a bike that would suit your needs very well. Even the Speed 400 will handle all of this but the Scrambler brings an effortless ability to tackle rough roads which its road-focused sibling doesn't. You should also check out the Royal Enfield Scram 440 because it will be similarly capable over longer distances and bad roads but it does have a lower performance ceiling owing to its less powerful engine and heavier kerb weight. A test ride of these 2 should help you decide which one suits your needs better.