I am planning to buy a sub-twin-cylinder motorcycle under 500cc and was really looking forward to the BMW F 450 GS Trophy version. However, it appears to be overpriced, and even the spoke wheels are optional. Should I wait for the Aprilia Tuareg 457, or are there any other alternatives that are expected to be launched this year or in early 2027?

Autocar India

•9h

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is one of the most sorted single-cylinder adventure bikes on sale, and aside from its portly kerb weight and large size, there are few drawbacks with this machine. It has excellent seating and ride comfort, a grunty engine, a plethora of official accessories, and RE's service network is one of the widest in the country. If you can make your peace with its size, the Himalayan is a hard machine to fault realistically, for most use cases.Today, KTM India will sell you a 390 Adventure with both 349cc and 399cc engines, and the price difference between the most affordable and most expensive model is over Rs 1 lakh. The 350cc 390 Adventure is a capable long-distance machine, and you won't miss the drop in outright peak power too much, especially if this is your first 300cc+ machine. The 399cc models are, of course, packing in better performance, and the higher variants even come with more adjustable and longer travel suspension. Owing to its lighter weight, the KTM is more lively than the RE in the twisties and is also easier to manage at slower speeds inside the city. Do bear in mind that no matter which version of the 390 Adventure you choose, you'll have to make your peace with some amount of vibration because these aren't the most refined bikes in today's market. Coming to the Norton Atlas adventure models, with their 585cc, twin-cylinder motors. These bikes are sure to be in a different segment when compared to the single-cylinder 350-400cc machines listed above. No realistic comparison between them would be a fair or straightforward one, and it's better to cross-shop the Atlas with the Honda NX500, Kawasaki Versys 650 and BMW F 450 GS - if at all. We're yet to ride and evaluate the Norton Atlas models, and even if they launch this year, it would be a wise move to wait at least 6 months - if not more - before investing in a brand-new platform from a new brand which has yet to establish a comprehensive presence in the Indian market.

Autocar India

•2h

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

•10h

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.