Should I buy the Royal Enfield Scrambler 400X now, or wait for a 350cc version to launch? If I wait, is there a possibility that cost cutting with a smaller engine might reduce the overall 400X experience? Please advise.

autocar.india

•1d

If you can live with its tall 835mm seat height, the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 X seems like a bike that would suit your needs very well. Even the Speed 400 will handle all of this but the Scrambler brings an effortless ability to tackle rough roads which its road-focused sibling doesn't. You should also check out the Royal Enfield Scram 440 because it will be similarly capable over longer distances and bad roads but it does have a lower performance ceiling owing to its less powerful engine and heavier kerb weight. A test ride of these 2 should help you decide which one suits your needs better.

autocar.india

•6h

The answer we give you will vary based on whether or not you will retain the Hunter alongside a new RE 650 upon its purchase. If you were to keep the Hunter for daily use, the Continental GT 650 makes for a good step up, given your sporty leanings. We'd recommend opting for the colour with allloy wheels for added peace of mind that tubeless tyres bring when fixing a puncture. You could even wait for the upcoming Continental GT-R 750 which will offer an even bigger step up in terms of performance and features, although it will be priced higher than the 650. If, however, you plan to only keep one bike to do it all, the Continental will feel cramped, uncomfortable and committed for repeated daily city use. We'd recommend the Interceptor instead because its upright ergonomics will allow you to be comfy in the city and it still handles reasonably well when you venture out on the weekend. Do bear in mind that if you expect razor sharp handling akin to a smaller, lighter machine (like a KTM RC 390 or Aprilia RS 457) from these heavier, simpler and larger bikes, you will not find that here and while the RE 650s handle well, that's in the context of heavy, relaxed neo-retros.

autocar.india

•6d

Considering your build and your specific needs as well as usage, we'd recommend choosing between the Triumph Scrambler 400 X and Suzuki V-Strom SX. Given that you travel with a pillion occasionally and want an upgrade from your current 150cc bike, both will offer a step up, although to varying degrees.The V-Strom SX offers trademark Suzuki strengths like being easy to ride, inexpensive to own, good fuel efficiency if ridden sensibly and being a reliable machine that will last you for many years. Its compromises are that its smaller engine will obviously lack the poke of the bigger Triumph, and it is a simple machine with no real frills (which could even be considered a plus point if you like simple machines). The V-Strom is also far more affordable to purchase, which is a definite plus point for someone stepping up from a 150cc bike.The 350cc Scrambler 400 X will - unsurprisingly - offer more spirited performance and better high-speed manners given its more sophisticated chassis and will also feel like the better finished product of the two. Its handling is pleasantly engaging for the sort of bike it is, and since you mentioned you value those attributes in your current bike, this will appeal to you. Downsides to the Scrambler include higher ownership costs, lower fuel economy and its pillion perch is slightly smaller than the Suzuki's, although not bad in isolation.To make a definitive decision between the two, a test ride will be helpful.