Autocar India
•6w

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?

Verified
•6w
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.
•6w•

@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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•1d

I’m stuck between the CB350RS and Scram 440 and would love to hear from people who have ridden either or both. I’m primarily looking for a daily city bike, with occasional long rides and weekend tours. I commute around 26km every day through peak Bangalore traffic, and the roads aren’t exactly great either, with plenty of potholes, broken stretches and stop-and-go traffic. I had initially shortlisted the CB350RS because I really liked its character, relaxed nature, thump, refinement and mileage. It feels like a bike I’d genuinely enjoy riding every day. However, I felt it was slightly lacking when I needed to make quick overtakes or manoeuvre through gaps in traffic. It isn’t necessarily slow, but it doesn’t feel particularly eager when you need that extra shove. Then I rode the Scram 440, and that’s where the dilemma started. I absolutely loved its character and the way it delivers power. It felt much easier to make quick overtakes and manoeuvre through traffic. The seating position and suspension also felt significantly better suited to Bangalore’s terrible roads. On the other hand, I’m still drawn to the CB350RS because I really like its overall feel and calmer, more relaxed character. So, which one would you pick for this kind of usage? I’d especially appreciate feedback from anyone who has owned or ridden both.

Verified
•11h

From what you've told us, it seems like you're leaning more towards the Royal Enfield Scram 440, so we'd suggest you go with that bike. The Scram can be a relaxed and mellow machine when you want to just cruise, but if you need the added power to make an overtake, it fares better than the Honda CB350RS. An added bonus is that the Scram is more comfortable over bad roads because of its ADV lineage.

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•4d

Hi, I am 35 years old. I have a sitting job in IT. Could you please suggest most comfortable bike in suspension considering I suffer from back and neck pain at work that increases while riding in city as well as my height (169 cm) and weight (68 kg) on city roads in India. Please consider city potholes. I will have to travel 20km daily in weekdays till Friday and on weekends, it will be 200 km. Earlier, I had Yamaha FZ S FI but I no longer own it. Now I own my father's Hero Super Splendor XTEC only. I was checking out Royal Enfield Classic 350, Meteor 350, Honda CB350 H'ness, Triumph Speed 400, etc. I had taken the test drive of Royal Enfield Classic 350 BS6 (2024 Model), but for my weight, during road bumping, it directly transfers shock and and vibration to my back. Please suggest your valuable feedback.

Verified
•2d

In our experience, all of the bikes you have shortlisted (aside from the Meteor to some extent) have proven to be adept at shielding the rider from road imperfections. Since you have mentioned that the Classic isn't doing the trick for you, perhaps it could mean that for your physique a bike with a different riding position may be the solution. Take a test ride of the Hunter 350, which now has very absorptive suspension and a similar feel from the engine. You should also consider the Harley-Davidson X440 (splurge for the nicer looking T if you can) as that bike also has a comfortable suspension setup and seating posture.

Posted on: 10 Aug 2026