Khandwa

•3w

Which is the better buy: a second-hand first-generation KTM 390 Duke from 2015 for Rs 1.3 lakh, or a new Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z for Rs 2.4 lakh?

•2w

This is a very valid question, but in our opinion it deserves a closer look at both motorcycles. The used Gen 1 KTM 390 Duke is a raw, unadulterated pocket rocket, but considering it is nearly 12 years old, you will surely have to spend much more on maintenance and perhaps replace worn-out parts, which will not only be expensive but also time-consuming, as some spares for older discontinued KTMs have started to get a little difficult to obtain.

The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z, on the other hand, will be a brand new bike with a warranty, compatible with E20 fuel and a far more relaxed ownership experience. It is also a genuinely quick and capable motorcycle in its own right, and while it may not have the same raw edge as the old 390 Duke, it is a far more sensible long-term purchase.

This is sort of a head vs heart situation, and if you have more than one bike in your garage, then sure, go for the KTM, but if this is to be your sole mode of transport or only two-wheeler, the Bajaj bike is the more logical purchase.

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Bajaj

Pulsar NS400Z

from ₹2.02 Lakh

•2w

@autocar.india thanks for answer i have a R15 V2, Yezdi CL2, Max 100 R, and a daily rider Xpulse pro in my garage i am looking for something which is a upgrade on speed and fun to ride in highways at a faster than traffic speeds the Duke which my brother owns is extremely well maintained and is in crisp condition that's the only this making me look towards it still

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•1w

I'm planning to buy my first bike this year that I intend to use for 10km daily commute within Pune city, but I also want to take it for long trips and sometimes off-roading. Therefore, I want a reliable option that will be easy to manage in traffic and on bad roads but it should also be a solid highway tourer that is truly fun to ride. I have been eyeing the Scrambler 400X and Apache RTX but am unable to decide between these two. The Apache is significantly cheaper but the Triumph is more enjoyable. Also, I haven't heard the best feedback about TVS after-sales service and I don't know how reliable the bike would be. Is it worth waiting over 4 months for it?

•1d

Since this is your first bike and the RTX itself is a relatively unproven (albeit supremely capable) machine, we'd recommend you go for the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 X because it is the safer bet despite costing more. Service and reliability matter more in the real world than a fatter spec sheet or brochure and since the Scrambler is a simple, no-frills machine, there's less to go wrong with it too. Triumph also has a well spread out dealer and service network in Pune so you're covered well on that front.

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•2d

Hello, I work in industrial product sales and am looking to buy a bike that will help reduce back pain. My daily travel is around 80 km. I am comparing the Honda CB350 and Royal Enfield Meteor 350, but I am also open to other suggestions.

•1d

The Honda CB350 will be more comfortable between the two bikes you've shortlisted purely because the Meteor's feet-forward seating posture puts more weight on your tailbone and will send shocks directly to your spine. Instead, we'd recommend you take a look at the Bullet 350 from RE's stable at a similar price. If you are open to looking at other segments, then the Hero Xpulse 210 and TVS Apache RTX 300 will offer you even more comfort and practicality (owing to their well-thought-out luggage racks), especially if you mount your wares on the bike.Take test rides of these bikes and then make your decision.

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•2d

I am planning to buy my first car, mainly for a 6-7 km one-way office commute in Mumbai, with occasional city and highway trips. I prefer an automatic and have a budget of around Rs 18-19 lakh with BH registration. I am avoiding diesel because of DPF concerns and EVs because my housing society does not have charging facilities. What are some good options?

•12h

Go for a petrol automatic car. Your usage is predominantly city with a short daily commute, and diesel DPF issues are most likely to occur in exactly this kind of stop-start urban driving. Electric cars are ruled out for now due to the lack of home charging, so a petrol automatic is the most sensible and hassle-free choice.Within your budget, the Kia Seltos CVT is a strong recommendation. It offers a more premium cabin, is feature-rich, and is a spacious and comfortable car. On E20, do not let it influence your decision. Modern petrol engines are engineered to handle E20, and the impact is largely limited to a small drop in fuel efficiency. There is no official roadmap beyond E20 at this stage, so it should not be a deciding factor.

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Popular discussions right now

•1w

I’m planning to buy an electric scooter, but unfortunately, there aren’t many options that come with both ABS and traction control. Recently, I was riding my dad’s scooter when the front wheel locked up. Although I like the Ather Apex, I’m not comfortable with the fact that it doesn’t come with ABS. I have a couple of questions. Will all electric scooters eventually be mandated by law to have ABS? I also like the TVS X electric scooter, as it’s fun to ride. Is it a safe choice in terms of maintenance, considering it’s a relatively new model? I don’t use the scooter much and ride only around 1,000km a year. This is mainly a purchase for my happiness. My budget is up to Rs 5 lakh. I’m not considering a petrol scooter because of my low usage and the additional maintenance it would require. Any advice would be appreciated.

•5d

We know you are inclined towards an electric scooter but today the tiny pool of e-scooters that have ABS aren't very convincing options, despite their hefty price tags. Your options are Keeway Hypevolt-R, Yamaha Aerox E and TVS X, all of which (while they do fit in your budget) are quite expensive for what they offer you. Instead, since you have super low running, we'd strongly urge you to consider a hassle-free option like the Suzuki Access 125. Not only will you save a big chunk of money, ICE scooter maintainance is fairly straightforward with your low usage and given that the Access is a very popular option, sourcing parts and spares should be a quick and inexpensive affair. If you must have an EV with ABS, you should decide between the three options suggested above based on which one has a dealership & service centre near your residence.

I am buying my first car and want a petrol manual hatchback. I have no daily running, my budget is around Rs 7 lakh, and I have to park the car on a crowded road where space is limited. Which car should I consider?

•2d

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R. With no daily running and a tight budget, you want a car that is easy to park, reliable and cheap to maintain. The Wagon R is compact, which makes it much easier to squeeze into tight parking spots in crowded areas. It is also very easy to drive, has a light clutch and is extremely affordable to run and maintain. Maruti’s service network is the best in the country, so you will not have to worry about finding a service centre nearby. The engine is peppy enough for city driving, and the car is simple and fuss-free, which is exactly what you want for your first car. At around Rs 7 lakh, it fits your budget comfortably and leaves room for a higher variant.If you want something slightly bigger, the Hyundai Exter is a solid choice, but you will be looking at the base variant within your budget. The Maruti Suzuki car mentioned above is the more rounded package for your needs.

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•1w

I will be booking the Atlantic Blue 390R next month. I am from Ahmedabad and recently visited the dealership for a test ride and quotation. The quotation they provided is attached in the photo. Before I book the motorcycle, I want to understand what the following charges are for: 1. Municipality Charges: I have never heard of this charge. Is it compulsory? 2. 5-Year Extended Warranty: The dealer said it covers only engine wear and tear. Is this really worth getting? Has anyone actually used this coverage, or is it just an additional way of charging consumers? 3. HYPO: I assume I won’t have to pay this since I am buying the motorcycle outright with cash. Is that correct?

•6d

Congratulations on your new KTM 390 Duke R - we're sure you're in for a hair-raising journey. Let’s break down the charges:Municipality Charges: This is not a standard charge everywhere, but some cities levy a small fee at the time of registration, usually for road maintenance or local transport infrastructure. It’s typically a few hundred rupees and is collected by the RTO. If it’s a significant amount, ask the dealer for a breakup or check with your local RTO agent.5-year extended warranty: This is a genuine KTM-backed product, but it’s important to understand what it covers. It’s essentially an extension of the standard warranty, but after the initial period, it usually covers only major engine and gearbox components, not wear-and-tear items like clutch plates, brake pads or consumables. Whether it’s worth it or not depends on your ownership plans. If you plan to keep the bike long-term and keep it stock, then it's definitely worth shelling out the small amount, as it will give you peace of mind in the long run.HYPO: This is a hypothecation charge, which is only applicable if you’re taking a loan. If you’re buying the bike outright, you don’t need to pay this.A couple of additional tips: check if the insurance premium quoted is competitive – you can often get a better deal by buying it yourself online. Also, ask for a detailed breakup of the “handling” or “logistics” charges - if you don't seem convinced by these, tell the dealer to remove them.Overall, most of these charges are legitimate, and some we would even recommend you spend on (like the extended warranty), but it’s always worth asking for a detailed breakup and questioning anything that doesn’t make sense. Happy riding!

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