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Pradeep

17w

I want to upgrade my FZ-S to a 350cc+ neo-retro (not a sports bike). I’ve test-ridden most options except the Scram 440. My shortlist is the Guerrilla 450, Jawa 42 FJ and Triumph Speed 400. I liked the Jawa 42 FJ best, but online feedback about engine and service issues concerns me. The Guerrilla felt too aggressive, and the Speed 400 did not impress me visually and may be tall for my height. I need a premium-feeling bike for office use and occasional 100 km trips. I do not want a Classic 350. Please advise.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
11w

The latest Classic Legends bikes have come quite a way from their predecessors in terms of build quality and finish levels. The Jawa 42 FJ, in particular, is a machine we quite liked when we rode it. 

As a machine, it is a capable option, but we haven't had the chance to test its long-term reliability yet. You should also know that the company has a less-than-stellar reputation for after-sales and servicing, so do find out what the exact situation of Yezdi/Jawa service in your area is before you go ahead with the purchase. 

While you don't want the Classic, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a good option if you want something similar in feel but different (read: modern) in its design. It is also one of the more manageable Royal Enfield bikes, which should be approachable for you. We would also recommend you test ride a Royal Enfield Scram 440 because it blends old-school charm and quite a lot of modern capability. 

You can also take a look at the Honda CB350 models because they look and feel more modern than their Royal Enfield counterparts and should be easy to manage in the city. 

 Jawa 42 FJ

Jawa 42 FJ

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Tamil R

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Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
4d

Since you've said that most of your riding is relegated to city riding with a pillion, where comfort and fuel efficiency are top priorities, we'd recommend you stick to a premium 125cc commuter. The TVS Raider is a good option as it offers a comfortable ride and a spacious seat for the rider and pillion. In that category, our top picks are the TVS Raider and Hero Xtreme 125R. Both are available with variants that have a long, single-piece seat, so pillion comfort as well as fuel efficiency will be taken care of. In case you do want to scratch the itch of getting a larger machine, you will be well served by the TVS Ronin as well as the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Both have smooth, torquey engines, plush suspension and are large enough to carry a pillion. Take a test ride of these bikes and see which one you prefer the most before purchasing.

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I’m a long-time Autocar fan and a 5’10” rider planning to replace my 2015 Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 with a more practical maxi-scooter for daily commuting and errands. My main priorities are comfort and fuel efficiency. I am currently considering the Yamaha Aerox 155 and the Hero Xoom 160. Which one would you recommend? Also, would it be worth waiting for the Yamaha Nmax 155, or is there a better alternative I should consider?

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Verified
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Posted on: 21 Dec 2025