Is installing a radiator guard on the Triumph Scrambler 400X really necessary or beneficial for daily city riding, highway touring, and occasional off-road use on Indian roads? Does a radiator guard affect engine cooling or airflow compared to the stock setup? Thanks for the advice - I recently bought the 400X.

Autocar India

•3d

Both bikes have individual strengths and weaknesses, so you'll have to choose your bike depending on what you can live with and without. The (now 350cc) Triumph Scrambler 400 X can be an all-rounder if you want, but it excels in city situations. On the highway, once you cross the triple-digit threshold, you can feel the engine starting to cross its comfort zone and start to feel a little strained with vibrations creeping in progressively. The KTM 390 Adventure (398cc version) remains a proven bet to stick with as a do-it-all machine, although inside the city at slower speeds and lower revs, the engine can feel a little gutless below 4,000rpm. However, on the highway it will deliver the same performance we've come to know and expect from KTM 390s and remains a good option for weekend rides and touring.When it comes to seat height and ergonomics, this KTM bike again has the upper hand because it is a little easier to get your feet down than on the Triumph bike. Do keep in mind that physically, the Adventure is a larger machine than the Scrambler and inside the city filtering through tight gaps, you'll feel that size. We haven't yet ridden the 350cc KTM 390 Adventure and we'd advise you to get a test ride of both bikes to get a clearer idea before you make a decision.

Autocar India

•1d

Yes, every once in a while, you can sit on a bike that’s on its side stand, but do it with care. The side stand is made to hold the bike’s weight at a lean and not to take extra load over and above that. If you sit often or put a lot of weight or sit in a way that puts a lot of weight on the stand, the stand itself or its mount can bend and crack over time, and the bike can tip over if enough force is applied to a crumbling side stand.If you must sit, keep it short, do it on flat, hard ground, turn the handlebar fully to the left, and keep the bike in gear so it does not roll. Keep your feet steady on the ground. Avoid rocking the bike or having more than one person sit on it. Don’t do this on a slope, soft mud, wet tiles or hot tar that can let the stand sink into the surface. If the stand’s foot is small, place a flat stone or something large and flat under it to increase its surface area. For longer waits, use the centre stand if your bike has one. Or just find another place to sit, realistically you should be able to find a bench or some waiting area nearby, it’s much safer.

Autocar India

•1d

For the best ride comfort, we'd recommend you choose between the TVS Jupiter 110 /125 and Suzuki Access models. Both have very good seating and suspension comfort but the Jupiter's larger 12-in rear wheel helps it round off bigger bumps a little better than the Access. The Jupiter's rear monoshock also has a handy winged preload adjuster which makes tailoring the suspension easier depending on the load you're carrying. The Access' upside is, that its seating position is more spacious and will serve taller riders better and its suspension composure is on par with the TVS. Take a test ride of both scooters to see which one suits you better and then make your decision.