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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.

Asked by: Pradeep

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

Answered by
AI
Autocar India team21 Dec' 25

Latest questions

Asked by: Pradeep

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.

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.
AI
Autocar India team
21 Dec' 25
Asked by: sudip

I am confused between the Tata Sierra Accomplished Petrol AT and the Tata Harrier EV Fearless+ 65; can you analyze which will be more practical to buy in terms of buying cost as well as running cost, given that my use is mostly within Bangalore city and I travel out of town only once or twice a year?

If you’re choosing between the two, the Tata Sierra comes across as the better overall package. It’s built at Tata’s newest facility, and that shows - the quality, fit, and finish are a big step up from anything the brand has done before. The cabin feels nicely put together, and the petrol motor is smooth yet punchy. Moreover, the car strikes an outstanding balance between ride comfort and handling.The Tata Harrier, on the other hand, is larger and offers a bit more space inside. But the Sierra still has more than enough room for daily city runs. Also, it’s a little smaller, and it’s actually easier to manage on Bengaluru’s packed roads and tight parking spots.
AI
Autocar India team
21 Dec' 25
Asked by: Salman

My RE Hunter 350 is 2 years old and has done 23,000 km. It has been an absolute gem - I’ve only replaced brake pads and engine oil, and nothing else. I use it about 95% on highways and long tours over 300 km. It has never failed me, even during extreme off-roading (yes, on a Hunter) and through cyclonic storms with very low visibility. Now I am looking for a replacement purely because I feel the engine power output is insufficient. Please suggest options.

Since you seem to have had a lovely experience with the Hunter, and if you want to stay within the Royal Enfield fold, the Himalayan 450 makes for a great option for your sort of usage. If you find it too big and heavy, the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 can be considered because it weighs as much as the Hunter but has a far higher performance and capability ceiling. If you want to look elsewhere, then the KTM 390 Adventure models (both the X and standard) are good options in the ADV space. The 390 Duke is a great option if you want a sportier machine. Do decide if the aggressive and polarizing new KTM design philosophy is for you after the clean and pleasing lines of your Hunter. If you want something like the KTM 390 Duke without the in-your-face looks and colours, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is mechanically identical to the Duke but has a far more pleasing aesthetic and is also more spacious.
AI
Autocar India team
21 Dec' 25
Asked by: Harshil

I drive 12–15 km Monday to Friday, and a 140 km one-way trip on Saturdays, mostly on the expressway. My budget is up to ₹20 lakh, and I want a car with good mileage but also fun to drive. Which car should I buy?

Stick to a sedan since you are used to one, and also, sedans are more fun to drive than SUVs. You could go for the Skoda Slavia 1.5 or Volkswagen Virtus GT, which comes with a strong 1.5 turbo-petrol mated to a quick-shifting 7-speed twin-clutch. Both these sedans have superb ride and handling, which makes them fun to drive. At the same time, these sedans are easy to drive too.
AI
Autocar India team
21 Dec' 25