I currently use a TVS Ntorq for my daily 40 km commute in Bangalore City, and it is hurting my back. I’m looking for a comfortable bike that can also be used for occasional long drives. I recently rode the RTX, which is good, but I feel the engine is too grumpy and not as smooth as the CB350 I have ridden earlier.

Autocar India

•5d

Since you already own a Classic, upgrading to the latest one will be the safer bet for you. All the strong points are carried forward in the latest-gen Royal Enfield Classic 350, without many of the shortcomings it had previously.The Honda CB350 H'ness is similiar in many ways when it comes to engine character and power delivery, but it is a lighter, nimbler machine, and its clutch action is also much more effortless. The H'ness' tall gearing doesn't really suit the relaxed nature of the engine, but it does help in extracting better fuel economy and feeling less stressed on the highway.To decide between the two, we'd recommend a thorough test ride of both. No matter which one you choose ultimately, you're unlikely to go wrong because both are accomplished, proven machines in their own right.

Autocar India

•6d

Since you have a comfortable budget, our recommendation would be the TVS iQube S 4.7 / ST 5.3 variants, because they have big batteries which should comfortably help you cover multiple days' worth of riding on a single charge. The iQube is a proven, no-nonsense product from a big, reputed brand and TVS also has a widespread service network among EV scooters, which will matter more than spec-sheet numbers and feel-good farkles when you’ll use it every day. While the iQube's performance won't blow you away, its comfort, practicality and stress-free nature are sure to compensate for that.If performance is your number one priority and you can live with less comfort, the Ather 450S/450X are exciting options. However, given your long daily commutes, do bear in mind, it will demand serious commitment day after day, especially over bad roads. If you must have an electric motorcycle form at this budget, the Revolt RV400 is the most settled option, but neither its performance nor its range are attributes to write home about. The e-bike space is still very nascent and our recommendation today is to buy an electric scooter over them.

Autocar India

•6d

Both the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure and Ducati Multistrada V4 might be peers on paper, but the real-world story couldn't be more different. BMW's R 1300 GSA will give you better comfort, a more surefooted feel at faster speeds on longer tours and with its huge 30 litre tank, you'll have to stop less frequently for fuel. The downside with the big GSA is going to be its sheer size and heft, although judging from your test ride experience, you weren't really fazed by it. On the other hand, the Ducati Multistrada V4 will feel much closer to your Street Triple R in terms of its sheer performance and taut handling. The Multistrada V4 feels much closer to a supernaked in terms of its speed and performance, but that has its own drawbacks, primarily drastically lower fuel economy and a propensity to wear out the rear tyre quicker than usual, if you ride hamfistedly quite often. When it comes to maintenance costs, both these premium European ADVs are pretty much as expensive to maintain as any motorcycle can get, and you should be prepared for it. Coming to reliability, the Ducati Multistrada V4 has been out for longer and has really proven its mettle, even in punishing Indian conditions. The BMW R 1300 GS platform is still in its infancy, and super long-term reliability still remains unknown. However, since you plan to retain your Street Triple R for the foreseeable future, we'd recommend you choose the BMW because it provides a different experience, and its boxer engine is lovely to use and enjoy in Indian conditions. As good as the Multistrada V4 is, it will likely feel a little too similar to your sporty naked, and in the long term, you'd rather have two very different bikes than two rather similar ones. Happy hunting!