I have owned a RE Electra 350 for the past 20 years and now want to upgrade. Should I choose the Meteor 350 or the Honda H'ness CB350? Or would it be better to switch to an electric scooter, considering I am 46 years old and weigh around 100 kg?

•6w

If you have had a good experience with your Electra (and considering you've kept it for 2 decades, it seems you have), then going for a new-age Royal Enfield bike like the Bullet / Classic 350 would be the ideal step up. These bikes will retain the core character and thump of your Electra but bring in many engine and chassis improvements, offering you a thoroughly modern biking experience. Reliability, too, has seen a significant jump over older REs, and this will positively impact the overall ownership experience.

In many ways, the Honda CB350 models are uncannily similar to the RE 350s (sometimes to their own detriment) but bring in some signature Honda bike strengths like a lightweight, easy-to-manage demeanour and super reliability as well as low ownership costs.

As for an electric scooter, it is a completely different proposition. It makes sense only if your usage is limited to short city commutes and you are looking for a low-maintenance, cost-effective solution. At your age and weight, a modern 350cc motorcycle will be far more comfortable than a scooter.

Explore bikes mentioned

Royal Enfield

Bullet 350

from ₹1.99 Lakh

Royal Enfield

Classic 350

from ₹2.25 Lakh

Honda Bikes

CB350

from ₹2.36 Lakh

More posts on similar bikes

•3d

I’m confused between the Honda CB350 H’ness and the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. I liked the refined engine and comfortable riding position of the CB350, while I liked the Hunter’s looks, lightweight nature, and ease of manoeuvring. My daily travel is around 40 km, mostly in traffic, with speeds rarely crossing 80 kmph. I plan to use the bike primarily for daily commuting. Which one should I go for? Also, would using an inclined handlebar riser on the Hunter 350 improve its riding comfort?

•2d

The Honda CB350 would make more sense for your needs because you spend most of your time in city traffic where comfort and refinement are paramount. While this Honda bike is a slightly larger machine than the Royal Enfield Hunter (both weigh the same 181kg), after a brief acclimatization period, you will get used to it. While a set of handlebar risers can improve your seating posture on the Hunter, you will lose some feedback and control from the front end and you will also need to arrange for longer cables and hoses to accommodate this change.

Honda Bikes CB350

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

•1w

I’m confused between the Honda H’ness CB350 and the Triumph Scrambler 400X. The Honda feels smoother, but it lacks the thrill I’m looking for. On the other hand, the Scrambler 400X is almost Rs 80,000 more expensive on-road after the recent price hike. Considering that it is now a 350cc bike rather than 400cc, even though it is priced almost the same as the earlier 400cc version, I’m finding it difficult to justify the higher price.

•2d

Between the two bikes you've shortlisted, the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 X is surely more fun and a better all-rounder but it does come at a steeper price than the simpler Honda CB350. If you can stretch for it, the Triumph is a fantastic rugged road bike and should serve you well. If not, this Honda bike is still an accomplished - if laidback - retro roadster which will offer you good comfort and fuel economy in the long run. Take your pick of the two after an exhaustive test ride - money will come back but the time you spend on the bike won't!

Triumph Scrambler 400 X

Honda Bikes CB350

•1w

I’m 38 years old and 5'6" tall. I’ve been riding a Honda Shine 125 for about a decade and now want to upgrade to a bigger bike. I really like the Triumph Speed 400, but I’ve heard that its maintenance costs can be high. I’m also considering the Bajaj Dominar 400, Pulsar NS200, and Royal Enfield Classic 350. Please help me choose the right bike based on my requirements. I’m also open to other suggestions. I plan to keep the bike for at least 8 years, so long-term reliability and maintenance costs are important to me.

•2d

Since you are going to keep your next purchase for a long time and are coming from a Shine, we'd advise you to consider with the Royal Enfield Classic 350. The Classic is a simple, fuss-free motorcycle which should be easy and inexpensive to maintain. This Royal Enfield bike will also offer you a step up in terms of comfort, features and road presence from your Shine although, expectedly, its fuel efficiency will be lower owing to its larger engine. If you want something sportier, then consider the KTM 250 Duke. The quarter-litre Duke has approachable yet exciting performance and will allow you to grow into it as time passes. This KTM bike has great handling, cool tech like a colour TFT display and bidirectional quickshifter and its zingy engine can also be rather fuel efficient with sensible riding. These are two starkly different machines and depending on your preferences, pick between them. A test ride of both should help you decide which one is right for you.

Royal Enfield Classic 350

KTM 250 Duke

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