Hi Team, I’m looking to buy a new two-wheeler. Given my daily usage of 7-10 km with occasional city rides. Practicality points me towards a scooter (Jupiter/Activa), but my heart goes out for a bike. I have been owning an FZ16 (since 2009) and have also owned a Classic 500 F. Will it make sense to buy a Triumph 400 series or any similar machine? As I am not sure how a scooter feels, as I have always been riding a bike. Thanks.

Autocar India

•3h

An ADV is the logical recommendation usually for your query, and we'd normally recommend options like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, KTM 390 Adventure and TVS Apache RTX 300. These bikes will fit your criteria quite nicely and offer you similar performance to your R3.However, since you have said you are on the shorter side and you want something more manageable for your stature, the only option you have realistically is the 350cc Bajaj Dominar 400. The Dominar has a low 800mm seat height, and while it weighs as much or more than the aforementioned options, since it is a lower bike, you'll be able to manage it better. Do bear in mind that the Dominar is a much simpler, older and more affordable machine than the three ADVs mentioned above, and you will feel that. To assess whether or not the Dominar should be your next bike, take your preferred pillion along with you on a test ride of all the options listed above. Then, depending on what you feel, go ahead with the bike that suits you guys best.

Autocar India

•4h

The code BLVWB0310000 reads like a Yamaha India workshop “V-belt kit” billing code. The actual belt itself usually carries a different Yamaha part number on the pouch and is even printed on the belt, commonly starting with BLV or B65 for the 155cc scooters. Belts on other scooters like the Fascino and RayZR are narrower and shorter. They either won’t fit or you’d immediately get slip, high revs and poor speed.If after your service, acceleration is smooth, cruising rpm feels normal, and top speed is unchanged, the belt is right. If you feel flary revs, sluggish pull, or a drop in max speed, raise it with the workshop. If you want to be 100% sure, ask them for the belt wrapper or a photo of the printing on the belt.

Autocar India

•2d

Since you're innately familiar with Royal Enfield ownership, upgrading to the Himalayan 450 seems like a safe bet. The Himalayan's suspension can iron out pretty much any road imperfection you encounter and its performance will be a big step up over the Hunter you own too. The only caveat with going for the Himalayan is that it is a tall and heavy bike, and these attributes will make their presence felt at slower speeds inside the city. If you want slightly higher performance levels on a lighter machine, then the KTM 390 Adventure models (whether you opt for 350cc or 399cc iterations is up to the budget you have) are worth considering. The KTM bikes have great handling, punchy top-end performance and come with features like adjustable suspension, traction control and a bidirectional quick shifter - depending on the variant. In your Rs. 7 lakh budget, you can also get the BMW F 450 GS, although depending on your city's taxation structure, you may need to stretch your budget a little if you are eyeing the top Trophy variant. The new entry-level GS is a competent machine and will be a step up in refinement from the single-cylinder machines mentioned above and it is also lighter than them. You will, however, need to be prepared for higher running and maintenance costs expected of a machine wearing the BMW badge. Take test rides of these machines to decide which one works best for you before you make your next purchase. If none of these options seem enticing, you could also retrofit the latest-gen Hunter's suspension to your older model which will bring some much needed relief in terms of ride quality. Do bear in mind that this swap will likely void your warranty and we'd recommend reaching out to your nearest dealership for more clarity on the same.