I’m planning to upgrade from my current 125cc bike and have test-ridden a few options, including the Honda CB350RS, Honda Hness CB350, Royal Enfield Meteor 350, Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450, and the Harley-Davidson X440 (S and T variants). I found the riding posture of the CB350RS and Guerrilla 450 a bit too aggressive for my comfort. I really liked both the Hness CB350 and Meteor 350, but I am personally more inclined towards the X440 because of its handling and engine feel. However, I am confused between the S and T variants of the X440. The T variant offers ride-by-wire and has a cleaner look, but I am concerned about the bar-end mirrors and some plastic parts at the rear. In Indian parking conditions, bar-end mirrors seem prone to damage and could be expensive to replace, and I have been told there is no option to switch to conventional mirrors. Given that my usage will mostly be city riding (15–20 km daily) with occasional highway trips, does ride-by-wire make a significant difference in real-world usage over time? Is it worth choosing the T variant despite these concerns, or would the S variant be a more practical choice?

autocar.india

•20h

Go for the Honda Elevate V CVT. Your usage is low (3,000–5,000km a year), with a 60% city bias and a 15-year ownership plan, so reliability and ease of ownership matter more than outright performance. The Elevate’s naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with the CVT is a proven, simple and dependable combination that should age well over a long ownership period. It is also smoother in stop-start city traffic, which is where you will spend most of your time.The XUV 3XO AX5L is the better value package on paper, with more features and a stronger turbo-petrol engine paired with a torque converter automatic. However, turbocharged engines are inherently more complex, and the Honda still feels like the safer long-term bet for a 15-year ownership horizon.On the seating position, the Elevate’s cabin is slightly more accommodating for taller drivers, as it is a larger car than the Mahindra XUV 3XO. Even though the seat does not slide back as much as the 3XO’s, you will find more room inside the Elevate. The only way of really knowing if either car will cause fatigue on longer journeys is to take an extended test drive. Perhaps even rent one for the weekend if you must.The Elevate's dealer-installed 360-degree camera will not have the highest resolution, but it will do the job. Overall, the Honda car is the more sensible and confidence-inspiring choice for your use case.

Honda Elevate

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•1d

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXi automatic. The torque converter automatic is far smoother and more predictable in stop-start traffic and on hilly terrain compared to the Tata Nexon AMT, which can feel jerky at low speeds and on the hills. This Maruti Suzuki car is a more reliable and hassle-free car to own, with Maruti's strong service network and lower maintenance costs. If you can stretch your budget, the ZXi variant is worth considering for the added features, but the VXi itself is a solid, no-nonsense choice. You can also consider the Mahindra XUV 3XO, which gets a turbo-petrol engine and a torque converter. It will deliver punchier performance and is better value than the Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Tata Nexon

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•4d

The Harley-Davidson X440 (we'd highly recommend stretching for the better looking & finished T, if you can) is a very likable machine and will offer you a big step up from your current 125cc machine. It is a relaxed roadster with a torquey single-cylinder engine and good comfort so if you want this sort of experience, it is one of the most capable options. Should you wish to opt for a sportier option, then you should look at the 350cc KTM 390 Duke and RE Guerrilla 450. The KTM is sharper and more frantic compared to the relatively tamer Guerrilla, but you could even prefer the RE for that very reason. Triumph's 350cc single-cylinder offerings are a good middle ground between the relaxed air-cooled roadsters and the sporty liquid-cooled nakeds. Of all the Triumphs, the Scrambler is the most versatile and comfortable and we'd recommend it also because if you want to start off-road riding, its a friendly machine. These are all starkly different bikes and a test ride of each will help you understand which one suits you best.