I currently own a Dominar 250 and was looking for an upgrade. Want a comfortable bike for city 70% and highways 30%. On long rides the Dominar seats feel very hard and I need frequent breaks. I checked out the Honda CB350C and Hness but didn't find the ride quality so impressive. I'm 5ft 6in and have tested the Triumph speed 400 and Scrambler 400x and have made up my mind to go for the Scrambler 400X. But since theres a lot of buzz around that the same will be discontinued to make way for 350cc models, would it be wise to wait for it? Another option im looking for is the TVS Apache RTX 300. What would you suggest?

Autocar India

•6d

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.

Autocar India

•6d

The 350cc Triumph Speed 400 may not have the outright performance it once used to have, and is certainly slower than the Guerrilla 450 now, but even so, it remains a comfortable machine with sprightly performance and its refinement should also see a small improvement. However, if you don't have a Triumph dealer near you, opting for one wouldn't be the wisest thing to do.Yes, the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is more expensive than the Speed 400 and doesn't have traction control, but unless you are a very inexperienced rider or ride through bad patches of road extensively, you are realistically unlikely to miss this feature. The Guerrilla is definitely the more engaging and sportier machine of the two, and for the small price increment it commands over the Speed, the added oomph is well worth it.Take test rides of both to see which one suits you better and then make your decision. If you don't have a Triumph service centre near you, ask the dealership if someone will visit your residence/office to service the bike and make sure to opt for the roadside assistance.

Autocar India

•6d

Since you have a comfortable budget, our recommendation would be the TVS iQube S 4.7 / ST 5.3 variants, because they have big batteries which should comfortably help you cover multiple days' worth of riding on a single charge. The iQube is a proven, no-nonsense product from a big, reputed brand and TVS also has a widespread service network among EV scooters, which will matter more than spec-sheet numbers and feel-good farkles when you’ll use it every day. While the iQube's performance won't blow you away, its comfort, practicality and stress-free nature are sure to compensate for that.If performance is your number one priority and you can live with less comfort, the Ather 450S/450X are exciting options. However, given your long daily commutes, do bear in mind, it will demand serious commitment day after day, especially over bad roads. If you must have an electric motorcycle form at this budget, the Revolt RV400 is the most settled option, but neither its performance nor its range are attributes to write home about. The e-bike space is still very nascent and our recommendation today is to buy an electric scooter over them.