I am looking to upgrade to a bike after riding an Activa for almost 10 years, which served my daily commute of about 15 km on most days. I want a motorcycle that offers good comfort, decent mileage, and is suitable for occasional long rides with a partner. I am 5 ft 6 in tall and weigh 75 kg. I am interested in bikes like Royal Enfield and Bajaj Avenger, but I’m unsure if these will be compatible with my physique in the long run. Please advise.

autocar.india

•7h

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.

autocar.india

•3d

At 5'10", you have the advantage of being able to comfortably fit on most cruiser motorcycles available in India. Choosing a bike will boil down to your budget and preferences in terms of the bike you prefer.If you are looking for an attainable yet premium-feeling textbook cruiser with proven reliability and a strong ownership experience, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is a great starting point. It offers a comfortable riding position, a smooth engine and is well suited for both city commutes and relaxed highway rides. Its flashier sibling, the Goan Classic 350, offers a similar riding experience but with more visual pomp and flair. If you want something with a bit more power and presence, the Super Meteor 650 is a significant step up. It has a strong parallel-twin engine, a more premium feel and is very refined at highway speeds. Do bear in mind that the Super Meteor has stiff rear suspension which paired with the laid-back rider's triangle, will result in discomfort over poor patches of road.If you are open to something that has the character of a cruiser but looks more like a roadster, the Harley-Davidson X440 T is worth considering. It offers a definite step up from the RE 350s but isn't as heavy or uncomfortable as the larger 650cc models.

autocar.india

•1h

The Hyundai Creta EX(O) Summer Edition manual is certainly the more sensible choice - it is a larger, more spacious car with a larger 1.5 petrol engine. It even has a bigger boot, making it the better family car. However, if this car is exclusively going to be used by you, we'd recommend the Venue N Line N6 for its sporty and fun-to-drive nature. The 1.0-turbo is strong, and the dual-clutch automatic transmission will be very convenient while driving in city traffic.In summary, the Creta petrol manual is a better family car, but as your first car, the Venue N Line DCT will not only be more convenient to drive but will also feel more special.

Hyundai Creta

Hyundai Venue