Hi Autocar India Team, I am planning to buy a Honda motorcycle and would like your opinion on long-term ownership (5+ years). I am confused between: 1. Honda H'ness CB350 (E20 compatible) 2. Honda CB300F Flex-Fuel (E85 compatible) My usage will be daily commuting, college rides, and occasional long trips. I am more concerned about future fuel availability, reliability, resale value, maintenance, and overall ownership experience in India over the next 5 years. Considering India's fuel roadmap and infrastructure, which bike would you recommend and why? Thank you.

Autocar India

•33m

In terms of real-world functionality, the LCD screen on the base variant of the Suzuki Burgman Street can do pretty much everything the higher variant's colour TFT screen can do. In typical Japanese fashion, both displays are well laid out with all the pertinent information, but aren't cluttered. The only situation where the TFT dash will have a leg up over the LCD screen is in the fact that it will be easier to read when the sun is directly overhead. But the screens aren't the only area of difference. The top variant of the Burgman also comes with a nifty keyless ignition system, which comes in handy on a day-to-day basis. For the small difference in asking price, these feel-good features more than make up for it in the long run, and we'd recommend you stretch for them if you can. On the flip side, the lower variant has the same mechanicals, colours and styling, so if you are on a strict budget and have no need for these frills, saving some money and buying the base model is also a good idea. It entirely depends on what sort of experience you're after.

Autocar India

•2h

Since you're used to the stiff suspension and tight seating triangle of your sporty Aprilia SR 150, the Yamaha Aerox 155 will likely feel very similar in those regards. Of course, the Aerox's more modern, liquid-cooled engine will feel superior and its good fun to use on both fast roads and in slower city traffic. Expect very good fuel economy and reliability from the Aerox as well and its quick-thinking start-stop tech is one of the best in the business. On the other hand, the Hero MotoCorp Xoom 160 feels like a much larger and more luxurious scooter in terms of its seating and ride comfort. Compared to the Aerox, the Xoom's ride comfort is much better although its not outright plush. If you live in an area with predominantly bad roads, the Xoom will cope better than the Aerox. Its engine is also fairly punchy, but in terms of handling, the Xoom won't match the sprightly Aerox because it is a heavier and more relaxed machine. It can still take sweeping corners pretty quickly but its not going to be as agile as the Yamaha. Both have similar features and under seat storage areas but the Xoom's start/stop tech can get tiring to use in the city because its much slower than the Aerox's excellent system. Neither of the two scooters will have any storage space on the floorboard because their underbone frames have prominent spine sections, unlike your Aprilia, which will be something you'll have to work around. While both are directly comparable on paper, the real-world picture is actually quite different. Depending on the sort of experience you're after and which one feels better to use, make your decision. To do that, we'd recommend exhaustive test rides of both.

Autocar India

•3h

While the government has started the roll-out of E85/E100, these higher blends won’t replace regular E20 petrol at your local pump. These higher blends need tailored flex‑fuel engines and materials to be compatible. For now, E20 is going to stick around and remain available nationwide.