I have a 2012 Honda Activa that’s nearing re-passing. It still runs well mechanically, though the exterior has issues. I don’t want to sell it, but safety for my wife is a concern. Given its reliability, I’m unsure which scooter can match it. Please suggest the best alternatives.

Autocar India

•5h

We would recommend you go ahead with the KTM 250 Duke purchase as your first bike. It will be an easier and friendlier machine to learn on. The upcoming 350 Duke will likely be similar in terms of its throttle response and power output to the 390 Duke, which will make it a much faster machine and thus less suited to a beginner.

Autocar India

•5d

For a newer rider of shorter stature, we recommend the TVS Zest 110. With a low 760mm seat height and a light 103kg weight, it is one of the most approachable machines available today. More mainstream options, such as the Honda Activa, TVS Jupiter, and Suzuki Access, are also worth considering in the petrol scooter segment, provided your daughter is comfortable with their slightly heavier weight and taller seats.In the electric scooter space, take a look at the TVS Orbiter, which is like the Scooty Zest. It also has a low 760mm seat height, which will be friendly for a shorter and newer rider. The Orbiter comes with two battery capacities - 1.8kWh and 3.1kWh - and since your daily running is rather low, it would be advisable to go with the smaller battery pack. Similarly, the new Bajaj Chetak C2501 also has an approachable 763mm perch, and its lithe build will also give your daughter confidence.A test ride of these is essential to understand which machine your daughter finds easy to get along with. And you'll also need to decide whether you want a petrol-powered scooter or a battery-powered one.

Autocar India

•3w

Since you're looking at just a small upsize in your tyre sizes, you can go ahead and replace the tyres of your Jupiter with 100-section units from the stock 90-section ones. It will help give you more sure-footed handling as well as a slight improvement in ride quality. The flip side to this change will be that wider tyres will increase rolling resistance, which is going to have a small but noticeable negative impact on fuel efficiency. Another point to bear in mind is that the scooter's steering will feel heavier in general, but especially at slower speeds.