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Latest questions answered by experts

Jay

I am upgrading from a Royal Enfield Scram 411. My top priority is reliability and near-zero day-to-day niggles. My budget is around ₹4.7 lakh (on-road). What I disliked about the Scram was the recurring cone-set or steering-head bearing issues and the related front-end feel and maintenance. My use case includes: Daily city commuting Weekend highway runs Occasional bad roads and touring I prefer something that can do it all without requiring constant attention. I am considering KTM, but I am wary of being too electronics-dependent, such as sensor or ECU-related failures and issues with ride-by-wire, traction control, or quickshifters, since reliability is my number one filter. Which bikes in this budget have the strongest real-world reliability record over the years and kilometres, with minimal repeat issues? If you have owned or maintained these bikes, what typically fails and at what mileage? What would you shortlist if the goal is to buy once, ride daily, tour hard, and not have to constantly babysit the bike? Bikes I am already considering include the Kawasaki Versys 300, Suzuki V-Strom SX 250, Honda NX200 and CB350, KTM Adventure 390 X, TVS RTX 300, and Royal Enfield Bear 650.

Autocar India

•14m

The KTM 390 Adventure X will make for a good upgrade over your current Royal Enfield Scram 411. What you've mentioned about the KTM's electronic niggles can occur. However, these issues are sometimes sporadic and can also boil down to how you clean/maintain your bike. By and large, you should be okay with the KTM in the long run. You should also seriously consider the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 because it has a proven track record, by and large. Also, it has far fewer electronic aids than the KTM, which will also mean fewer things to go wrong. The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is a stone-simple machine with only dual-channel ABS in the name of electronics, and it will be by far the most reliable machine in the long run. However, this bike thoroughly feels its age when ridden against the competition, and it only comes with wire-spoke wheels and tubed tyres, which will make fixing a puncture quite difficult. The TVS Apache RTX 300 is a phenomenal package, but it is still too new a platform, and you'll have to wait and watch what owners say about its reliability.

KTM 390 Adventure X

Royal Enfield Himalayan

Kawasaki Versys-X 300

TVS Apache RTX

Alok

•5w

I want to upgrade. Between the Harley X440T and the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450. Which one is better in terms of front and rear suspension, power, and overall riding experience in the city and on highways?

Autocar India

•59m

The Harley-Davidson X440 T and Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 - while similiar in displacement - have very different riding experiences. The X440 T is a relaxed roadster with comfortable suspension, neutral rider's triangle and a smooth, torquey air/oil-cooled engine. Its riding experience will be more laidback in comparison to the Guerrilla, although depending on your riding style, that can actually be a good thing. Coming to the Guerrilla 450, this is a properly sporty and fast machine, which will have better performance and handling on a twisty road. However, its suspension can feel a little stiff over bad roads - although it isn't harsh. If you want a more engaging riding experience, the Guerrilla is a better bet. Depending on what sort of rider you are, either of these bikes will serve you well. A test ride of both should help you decide.

Harley Davidson X440T

Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450

Deeraj Kumar S

•6w

My height is 5'8". I will commute daily for 80-100 km, and I prefer a balanced mix of performance and mileage, so I am looking for an engine in the 125-155 cc range. Since I will be travelling long distances and I am 33 years old, I want a bike that will not cause any back issues. Keeping this in mind, please suggest a suitable bike.

Autocar India

•1h

Since you have a rather long daily commute, we would recommend you stick with 160cc options like the Honda Unicorn / SP160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N160. All options are comfortable, fuel-efficient and reasonably peppy, although the TVS and Bajaj will have an edge over the Honda. If you still wish to go with something smaller for the benefit of fuel efficiency, our top picks are the TVS Raider, Hero Xtreme 125R, Honda Shine / SP125, Honda CB125 Hornet and the Hero Glamour / Super Splendor models. The traditional commuter options will have fewer features and more straightforward riding positions. While the sporty, premium 125s will have a little more pep in their step, a sportier rider's triangle and more features.Take a test ride of everything you shortlist before making a decision.

Honda Bikes Unicorn

Honda Bikes SP160

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

Bajaj Pulsar N160

TVS Raider

Hero MotoCorp Xtreme 125R

Honda Bikes Shine 125

Honda Bikes SP 125

Honda Bikes CB125 Hornet

Hero MotoCorp Glamour

Suhas Phapale

•6w

Hi! I am looking for a new bike. I want it to be city-friendly but also occasionally capable of touring and adventure rides. My weight is about 72 kg, and my height is 5'8". My budget is between ₹2-4 lakhs. Please suggest suitable options.

Autocar India

•2h

Keeping your needs and budget in mind, you have a gaggle of options to choose from. If you want a neo-retro roadster, bikes like the Royal Enfield Bullet / Classic / Hunter 350, TVS Ronin, and Honda CB350 trio will be our top picks. If you want something sporty, then bikes like the Triumph Speed 400, Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 and KTM 390 Duke will be options to consider. If you want to get an adventure bike, you have a great variety of options like the Hero Xpulse 210, TVS Apache RTX 300, Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the KTM 390 Adventure models.Depending on the sort of bike you prefer and the riding experience you want, you can pick between these options. A test ride will help you decide.

Royal Enfield Bullet 350

Royal Enfield Classic 350

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

Suryakant Jagtap

I want to buy my first geared bike. My daily commute is up to 30 km, and occasionally I travel out of the station once a month for not more than 40 km. I would prefer a bike with higher mileage rather than more features. I have checked the TVS Sport and Hero Splendor, but there is no proper review page or video available to compare both. Please help me choose the right bike. Thank you.

Autocar India

•2h

Since you are a novice rider and want a machine that prioritises fuel economy over everything else, we'll recommend some models that fit the bill. The Hero Splendor is a proven machine that is very hard to go wrong with and will last you years on end while returning stellar fuel economy, and is a great place to start. You should also consider the Honda Shine 100 because it is a comfortable, extremely fuel-efficient, simple and lightweight machine that comes from a reputed company. The TVS Sport is quite a dated machine, but still continues to sell because of its low price, good fuel economy and reputation for dependability.The TVS is a 110cc bike which will offer you slightly better performance, with not a big drop in fuel economy in comparison to the Hero and Honda. Take a test ride before you decide to see which one suits you best.

Honda Bikes Shine 100

TVS Sport

Sanjay Vamburkar

•4h

I want to buy a mid-size SUV for city and highway driving to replace my 2105 Corolla Altis. I do not want a very bulky vehicle. I am considering between the new Kushaq and the Seltos. What is your advice?

Autocar India

•3h

Between the two we would suggest going for the Kia Seltos as per your requiremnt, For city driving it is easy to recommend the 1.5 litre CVT as the naturally aspirated engine is refined has smooth power delivery and the CVT gearbox's smooth nature is perfect for you daily commutes and despite being one of the largest cars in the segment, it reamisn a car that is easy to drive and park.The new Seltos is spacious, comfortable and has a big boot too. It is also loaded with features and boast of one of the most premium interiors in the segment.We still haven't driven the Skoda Kushaq facelift, but it remains mechanically almost identical, except the 1.0 litre turbo petrol engine will get a new 8-speed automatic gearbox, and that is something that we are keen to try and to see if that makes a whole lot of difference. So stay tuned for the Autocar India review.