Hi Autocar team, I'm really stuck between two bikes for my first motorcycle purchase and could use your advice: the Honda Rebel 300 and Triumph Bonneville T40. I'm 5'10" tall, weigh 75 kg and currently ride an Activa 125. I also have some experience riding 150cc bikes in both city and highway conditions. Budget isn't a major constraint, as I'm comfortable spending around Rs 3.5-4 lakh on-road. Since the price difference between these two bikes isn't a deciding factor for me, choosing between them has become even harder. My usage will mainly involve a short daily commute of 7-8 km, with occasional weekend highway rides of 100-150 km. I love the Rebel's distinctive looks, but its 125mm ground clearance makes me nervous about uneven speed breakers and rough patches. The Bonneville T40 looks gorgeous, has plenty of ground clearance and seems more practical for occasionally carrying a pillion. However, its tubed-spoke wheels make me anxious about punctures on Indian roads. The delivery timelines also matter slightly, as I want to move away from my daily commuter. Another point to consider is that both dealerships are in another city, around 100km away on a round trip, so I'd have to travel that distance for servicing and any issues that might arise. Between the two, which would you pick as a sensible yet characterful step up from a commuter? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

autocar.india

•2d

It is reasonable to expect that the latest slew of updates to Bajaj's motorcycles will eventually make their way to the 350cc Dominar 400, although the brand has made no indication towards this actually being the case. Its platform sibling, the Pulsar NS400Z, recently received this same update as well. If you are planning to purchase the Dominar, we'd recommend you go ahead with your decision because there's no confirmed information regarding when the bike will receive these features and you could potentially be looking at rather a long wait.

autocar.india

•2d

Given the fact that you are a beginner, the more affordable, lighter and smaller RE Hunter 350 will be a better fit than the heavier Meteor. Another factor working in the Hunter's favour is that its riding position is very neutral and its suspension is supple, which will make it adept at tackling bad roads without passing on the jolt to the rider's back. The Meteor, with its feet-forward riding position, will transmit more of the road imperfections to your back.

autocar.india

•2d

Since you have an extremely short daily commute where fuel economy won't play a big role & you have a reasonably comfortable budget too, we'd recommend you look at the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. The Hunter is not a large motorcycle and will be easy to manage for someone of average build like yourself, and it has supple suspension as well as neutral ergonomics, which will make it comfortable over bad roads.Take a test ride of the Hunter, and if you find it comfy, go for it.