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

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Since you value a lower kerb weight and manageability, between the Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX and Versys 1100, we'd advise you to choose the Ninja. Yes, the Ninja has a slightly more committed riding position than the armchair-like ergonomics of the Versys, but it's a small difference and is unlikely to be the cause of back pain in the long run. Comparing the Ninja 1100SX to the new Z900, the latter has a more canted-forward riding position, which is perhaps the reason you experienced back pain after riding it. Also, bear in mind that if you anchor yourself to the bike using your legs to grip the tank, alleviating the pressure on the handlebars, it can make a world of difference over a longer duration.The Ninja 1100SX is a sweet, capable, comfortable and feature-rich machine which can balance city duties with touring capabilities and seems like it would be a good fit for your needs.

Autocar India

•3d

Sadly, in India, if you're looking for a decently priced sub-500cc, twin-cylinder adventure bike, then you'll have to extend your wait as there's nothing currently or on the horizon either. The BMW F 450 GS is, all things said and done, the somewhat palatable option because the Honda NX500 - as accomplished a bike as it is - simply cannot justify its steep Rs 7.44 lakh ex-showroom asking price, even with its super convenient and non-intrusive E-Clutch technology. We'd advise you to also take a look at the mid-spec Exclusive variant of the 450 GS because that has pretty much every option that you'd need and want ticked without the centrifugal clutch seen on the top Trophy model. Its also a good chunk more affordable to buy. If you're okay with making your peace with the alloy wheels, then you also save the moolah that BMW wants you to shell out for the pretty - but pricey - cross-spoke wheels. Unless you're a hardcore off-road rider, these spoked wheels bring no functional improvement and sticking with the alloys is the sensible bet. You could also purchase them a little later on, if your heart is really set on them. Coming to the Aprilia Tuareg 457, there’s no clear India launch or even global reveal timeline yet.

Autocar India

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There's no doubt that of the two 350cc Triumph bikes, the Scrambler 400 X will be better at tackling bad roads than its road-biased sibling, the Speed 400. However, the Speed is actually a remarkably comfortable roadster which can easily handle bad roads as long as you don't go charging through them like you would on an ADV. Given your shorter stature and the Scrambler's intimidating 835mm perch, if you're not confident on that bike, then the Speed 400 is definitely a worthwhile option for your needs. Take a test ride and pay attention to the effort needed when moving the Scrambler around at slower speeds and if you're okay with the seat height or not. Another pertinent point is that the Speed 400 comes with sintered brake pads which are definitely better than the Scrambler's quick-wearing organic pads when it comes to braking performance. This will be another factor that tilts the scales in the Speed's favour. Nonetheless, take a test ride of both and then choose whichever one you gel with the most fluidly. Rest assured, the Speed's sintered brake pads can be optioned on the Scrambler.