Hi, I’m looking for a motorcycle in the 650cc class for commuting to work in Chennai and occasional touring. I tested the Shotgun and immediately liked it. However, I am concerned about highway comfort compared to the Super Meteor, since I felt I had to lean a bit to reach the handlebars (I’m 5'11"). What would you recommend?

autocar.india

•2d

An updated Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 has been on the cards for quite some time, and yes, twin front disc brakes are quite likely to be part of the package. This setup has been spotted on quite a few test mules in the past and should likely improve the Inty's stopping performance - something that has been a point of contention for owners for many years now. RE is likely to focus its energies on the upcoming Himalayan 750, which is due to be launched at its MotoVerse festival, after which we could perhaps see this updated Interceptor launched.

autocar.india

•7h

Given your stature and the fact that you're coming from a Ronin, we'd recommend you choose between the 350cc KTM 390 Duke and the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 you've shortlisted. While both bikes have similar peak power outputs and pricing, they're poles apart to ride, so make sure you get a test ride before you go ahead with your purchase. The 390 Duke has sublime handling, great features and its 349cc engine loves chasing the redline but in day-to-day usage it feels like the machine that needs to be worked harder. Its suspension is also quite stiff (not harsh but definitely not plush) and there are quite a few vibes from the engine at almost all touch points no matter the revs you're at. If you don't care about refinement or comfort too much, and want all-out sporting thrills at a reasonable budget, then the 350cc Duke is something you should consider. If instead, you want your next purchase to be a bit more rounded to balance both usability and performance, then the RE Guerrilla 450 should be on your radar. The Guerrilla's 452cc engine's torquey nature makes it far more effortless to ride both in the city and on the highway, and its chassis is set up well for brisk road riding. It also has a lower 780mm perch (compared to the KTM's 800mm one) and its suspension is also set up to deal with road imperfections better. Ofcourse, it lacks the outright speed, handling, as well as the finessed electronics of the KTM, but for some people, this will actually be a plus point. Like we said at the outset, these are two very different bikes, so before making your decision, ensure you take a thorough test ride.

autocar.india

•8h

Given your previous experience with an Electra, we'd recommend you take a look at the latest Royal Enfield Classic 350 / Bullet 350 models. The Meteor 350 is a good option too, but in a pure comfort-related comparison, it won't feel as plush as the aforementioned two over bad roads. These new models have the same feel as older REs but bring in modern reliability and a high level of both fit and finish as well as comfort - all things you are looking for. IIf you find the REs a bit too heavy to manage, you should alternatively look at the Honda CB350 model, which has a similar riding experience but is far lighter. We'd advise sticking to these bikes as the others don't seem to be in line with your needs.