Hi Autocar Team, I am planning to replace my 2012 Hero Honda CD Deluxe. My usage is strictly within the city, specifically a 28 km daily round trip for office and market chores. Interestingly, we already have two Hero Vida V1s at home (one Pro and one Plus). Since the V1 is quite feature-heavy, I don’t want to spend extra on premium features or performance for this new purchase. That’s why I have ruled out the Ather Rizta and TVS iQube. I am looking for a reliable, no-nonsense entry-level electric scooter. My current shortlists are: Hero Vida VX2 Go (3.4 kWh) TVS Orbiter Bajaj Chetak 2501 Since all of these offer the basic, essential features I need, which one would be the most practical choice for a daily city workhorse? Does sticking with the Vida ecosystem (VX2 Go) offer any real advantage, or should I consider the Orbiter or the all-metal Chetak 2501 instead?

autocar.india

•6d

If you can sort out secure charging at your residence, then going for a proven electric scooter like the TVS iQube, Ather Rizta, Bajaj Chetak, or Vida VX2 would be our recommendation. For daily use, an e-scooter will be more practical and also save you money with its lower running costs. While the Yamaha MT-15 will surely be more fun and engaging to ride, it won't be able to match the practicality or low running costs of an EV. If you can't go for an EV, but want something more affordable than your MT, then look at 160cc commuters like TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Bajaj Pulsar N160 and Honda Unicorn / SP160. Take a test ride of these products before you make your decision, depending on what category you're shopping in.

autocar.india

•19h

Since your commute is quite long and comfort is your top priority, the Hero MotoCorp Xpulse 210 and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 are both worth considering. The choice between the two depends largely on your typical highway cruising speeds.Both bikes offer an upright, neutral riding position that is well-suited to long hours in the saddle. They also have comfortable seats (the Himalayan 450 has the upper hand here).The Himalayan 450 offers stronger highway performance. However, it is noticeably heavier. If you want a lighter motorcycle that is easier to manage in daily use, the Xpulse 210 is the more approachable option.Take a test ride of both motorcycles before making a decision, as that will give the clearest indication of which one feels more comfortable for your riding needs.

autocar.india

•1d

Since you have said you want to start riding long distances in addition to your daily commutes, buying a machine with good performance for highway rides would be a smart move. Therefore, we'd recommend choosing between the 350cc Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450, TVS Apache RTX 300 and 350cc KTM 390 Adventure. The Guerrilla 450 and Speed 400 will offer you a traditional roadster experience wherein they are easy to manage 'standard' bikes with good performance and comfort to handle your needs. If you plan to do a lot of solo riding, these bikes make good sense. If, instead, you want space for a pillion and luggage, and the ability to simply shrug off bad roads without giving it a second thought, then the RTX and 390 Adventure are the way to go. The KTM will offer more performance and is the machine that has been around much longer but the RTX is the better rounded product of the two. In the city, these ADVs can feel a little big and cumbersome, especially at slower speeds although in time you would get used to it. They also have big windscreens which will block cooling air coming to the rider, another hindrance in our climate. Lastly, the Scrambler 400 X is a jack of all trades sort of machine wherein it is good fun to ride it both in a spirited and laidback fashion, as your mood changes and it will give you a similiar amount of comfort and space to the ADVs but will lack the weather protection. Coming to why your palms were hurting, all of these bikes have very upright riding postures so it's unlikely to have anything to do with the rider's triangle. If you are to grip the handlebar tightly and stay like that for an extended duration, you will experience this. On your next ride, pay special attention to this. Based on your needs, it would be wise to pick between the Scrambler, Speed and Guerrilla, depending on which one fits your budget and personal case the best.