I own a Royal Enfield Classic 350 (BS4) and am planning to upgrade to the Interceptor 650. My usage is mostly in the city with occasional highway rides, and my monthly running is up to 1,000 km. Should I go for the new Classic 350 (BS6) or upgrade to the Interceptor 650?

autocar.india

•2d

The Harley-Davidson X440T makes for a good commuting companion with its torquey yet smooth long-stroke single-cylinder engine, neutral ergonomics and plush suspension setup. Depending on the traffic on your route as well as the way you ride, fuel economy will vary, but you should expect a big drop from your Shine 125 in this regard.If you want a similiar riding experience but a machine that is more affordable and with better fuel economy, consider the Royal Enfield Bullet / Classic 350 and Honda CB350 models. These machines have similar attributes to the bigger X440 T, but with their smaller engines, they will be more fuel-efficient, although of course, you will have to sacrifice some peak output.Take test rides of these machines before you make your decision, depending on which one you prefer the most.

autocar.india

•2d

Your concerns about the Royal Enfield Bullet 350's weight are justified, to an extent. Yes, at 195kg, you will feel every ounce when moving it around in the parking lot or at slower city speeds, but once you get moving, the weight fades into the background and doesn't pose a hindrance. The Bullet / Classic 350 have a soulful, slow-revving thumper which works well when you ride in a relaxed and unhurried fashion. Royal Enfield bikes also have a good reputation for resale value, especially when it comes to the popular 350s. If instead you want a different experience, look at the 350cc Triumph Speed T4. The T4 is much lighter and has better performance as well as handling. It also comes from a reputable brand and should realistically not throw any unwelcome surprises into your ownership experience.

autocar.india

•2d

You have already done the right thing by test riding the bikes on your shortlist. That is the best way to make a decision, because all of these are very different motorcycles in terms of character and ownership experience.Given that you are an aggressive rider who likes a bit of punch, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 makes more sense because it has plenty of performance as well as character, and you can always upgrade the suspension and tyres to improve its handling. The Continental GT 650 is an eye-catching and unique motorcycle, but its committed riding position is not practical for long-term ownership.Do bear in mind that updates to both of these Royal Enfield bikes are expected soon, so we'd advise you to wait.