Muzaffarnagar

•10w

Hi, I live in Bangalore and am looking to buy a new motorcycle under 3 lakh (on-road) and would really appreciate your suggestions. I am planning to primarily use this bike for daily commuting, weekend rides, and occasional long-distance touring or adventure trips. My wife and I are both around 5'10" tall, and pillion comfort is a high priority. Since I occasionally experience back pain, a comfortable riding posture and good suspension are very important. Also, good mileage is another major deciding factor. I'm looking for a bike that offers a good balance of comfort (for both rider and pillion), reliability, fuel economy, touring capability and ability to handle occasional bad roads or light adventure riding. I'm open to any brand and would love to hear your recommendations based on personal experience. If you've owned or ridden any bike that fits these requirements, please share your thoughts, along with any pros and cons. Thanks in advance!

•8w

From what you've described, it seems like the TVS Apache RTX 300 would be a good fit for your needs. The RTX is spacious, comfortable, loaded with features and has decent performance and fuel economy too. The downside here is that RTX waiting periods are on the higher side and since this is still a fairly new product, you may experience teething issues. Fully loaded with luggage and a pillion, its performance will also be quite modest.

If you are open to extending your budget to account for the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, we would strongly suggest you go down that route. The Himalayan has excellent suspension, gutsy performance and is a proven commodity today. The only real downside is it's heft and size but since you and your partner both are on the taller side, chances are, you should be able to make your peace with it or even welcome the added space on offer.

Take rest rides of both machines and see which one you guys lean towards more.

Explore bikes mentioned

TVS

Apache RTX

from ₹2.19 Lakh

Royal Enfield

Himalayan

from ₹3.42 Lakh

•4m•

Based on your (@autocar.india) recent recommendation, I booked the TVS Apache RTX 300 and have been waiting due to the long waiting period. However, I’m now a little confused as Royal Enfield has launched the new Himalayan 440. I’ve test-ridden both bikes and genuinely liked both of them. I’d like to understand which one would be more future-proof, particularly in terms of long-term reliability, running and maintenance costs, and overall riding comfort. Would appreciate your detailed comparison and recommendation.

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•1d

Hi Autocar India, I’m planning to buy my first proper motorcycle and I’d really like your recommendation based on my overall riding style rather than just a comparison between two bikes. I’m based in Hyderabad and my maximum budget is around Rs. 3-3.5 lakh on-road. My regular usage would be around 20-30 km a day in the city for roughly 20 days a month, but I also want to go for regular highway rides and occasional 300-600 km trips. I’m interested in doing longer rides such as Ladakh, although I’m not looking for hardcore off-roading. My priorities are strong acceleration and good pickup and therefore, I don’t want a bike that feels underpowered while overtaking or riding with a pillion/luggage. I want a bike that is comfortable for highway cruising at around 90-120 km/h with good stability and comfort for long-distance. The bike should offer reasonable mileage and manageable running costs. I am looking for bike that can handle both city riding and touring without being too tiring. Reliability and good service support are also important because I plan to keep the bike for several years. I’m okay with a heavier motorcycle if the weight is manageable while moving. I’m open to singles or twins and even 300-600cc if the bike genuinely suits my requirements. Styling is also important to me. I don’t particularly want the most common KTM/Duke-type motorcycle on the road. I like motorcycles with a distinctive, mature or premium character. I’m increasingly interested in cruisers and bobbers as well such as the Honda Rebel 300, Harley-Davidson X440, Dominar 400, etc. but I’m not fixed on a cruiser. I also like bikes such as the V-Strom and sport-tourers, so I’m genuinely open to different categories. I’ve considered bikes such as the Dominar 400, V-Strom 250, Himalayan 450, X440, Apache RR 310, Ninja 300, Rebel 300 and some KTM Adventure models. I’m finding it difficult because every bike has a different compromise. I’d therefore like your honest expert recommendation: if you were choosing one motorcycle for my exact usage, budget, riding style and long-term plans, which bikes would you shortlist and why? Please consider performance, highway cruising, comfort, touring ability, city usability, reliability, mileage, service/ownership costs and whether the bike will still feel satisfying after a few years. Also, if you think I’m approaching the purchase from the wrong category entirely, please tell me that and suggest what type of motorcycle I should actually be looking at. I’m not simply looking for the bike with the biggest engine or the highest specifications but I want the motorcycle that makes the most sense for the way I will actually ride.

•23h

You seem like someone who is going to use the bike for a variety of purposes, so getting a capable adventure bike like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 would be our first recommendation. The Himalayan is an effortless machine both on the highway and inside the city, so long as you are cognizant of and comfortable with its size and heft. If you want a similar alternative in the neo-retro world, the Harley-Davidson X440 is a good option to consider. Similarly, it would also be prudent to wait for the imminent arrival of the Honda CB500, as that has the makings of being a do-it-all and capable neo-retro machine. A test ride of these bikes will help you decide which one makes the most sense for you.

Royal Enfield Himalayan

Honda Bikes CB500

Harley Davidson X440

•3d

Which bike should I choose to replace my CB350 for weekend rides, with 80-120 kph cruising ability, peppy performance and good refinement for fatigue-free riding? I have taken the test drive of V-Storm SX but didn't like it. I’m considering the KTM Adv 390 (350cc), KTM Adv 398cc, Himalayan 450, Tuono 457 and Versys X300. Off-road usage will be minimal and refinement will be an added advantage for fatigue free riding under Rs. 3-5 lakh budget. Among these bikes, which one will you suggest?

•22h

From the adventure bikes you've shortlisted, the KTM 390 Adventure X (398cc) and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 are our top picks. The KTM has a sportier character while the RE is more well-rounded. The Aprilia Tuono 457 is a sublime motorcycle but service is on the pricier side and dealer network too is far smaller than established Indian and Japanese brands. Depending on the sort of rider you are, after taking a test ride of all three, you should make your decision.

KTM 390 Adventure X

Royal Enfield Himalayan

Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition

•2h

I am going to buy my first car. I am a new learner and my daily commute is around 40km in village area road with occasional long trip that are around100-150 km during weekend. So, suggest me a 4m car with decent mileage and safety rating. My monthly running is between 1000 and 1300 km. I prefer automatic. Also what will be the budget range. I am currently earning 10 lpa in a government job and I stay at home.

•21m

For a first car and a Rs. 10 lakh annual salary, a sensible target would be around Rs. 9-11 lakh on road. Since you stay at home and have relatively low fixed expenses, you can stretch a little if required, but there is no need to spend Rs. 13-14 lakh simply because the budget allows it.The Exter suits your usage well. It is compact and easy for a new driver to place on the road, has good visibility and ground clearance for village roads, and the AMT makes a 40km daily commute much easier. Your 1,000-1,300km monthly running also makes a petrol automatic perfectly reasonable.The Maruti Suzuki Fronx AMT is worth considering if highway performance and mileage are more important, while the Tata Punch AMT is another option if safety and rough-road ability are higher priorities. The Exter, however, offers a good balance of ease of driving, comfort and ownership costs.

Hyundai Exter

Maruti Suzuki Fronx

Tata Punch

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•1d

I am almost a beginner driver and planning to buy a used automatic car under a budget of around Rs. 8.5 lakh. My usage will be roughly 70% city and 30% highway driving. My main priorities are a decent automatic and good safety. I have ended up considering a 2023 Tata Punch AMT, but I’ve heard that it can feel underpowered and may not inspire much confidence while overtaking on highways. I have also heard about the AMT being jerky. Would love to hear from anyone who has owned or regularly driven a Punch AMT. How has your experience been, especially with highway driving?

•20h

The Tata Punch AMT is a city car, thanks to its high seating and light controls, but your concerns are valid. The AMT gearbox is not very smooth, and the 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine feels underpowered on the highway, especially during overtaking.Given your budget of Rs 8.5 lakh and your 70% city, 30% highway usage, we would recommend looking at a used Maruti Suzuki Brezza AT or a used Toyota Urban Cruiser AT instead. Both are essentially the same car underneath, powered by a 1.5 petrol engine and offer a proper 4-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, which is much smoother and easier to live with than an AMT.You could also consider a used example of the Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT - it is newer, easy to drive, has a smooth automatic and the turbo-petrol makes performance feel effortless.

Hi, I am 35 years old. I have a sitting job in IT. Could you please suggest most comfortable bike in suspension considering I suffer from back and neck pain at work that increases while riding in city as well as my height (169 cm) and weight (68 kg) on city roads in India. Please consider city potholes. I will have to travel 20km daily in weekdays till Friday and on weekends, it will be 200 km. Earlier, I had Yamaha FZ S FI but I no longer own it. Now I own my father's Hero Super Splendor XTEC only. I was checking out Royal Enfield Classic 350, Meteor 350, Honda CB350 H'ness, Triumph Speed 400, etc. I had taken the test drive of Royal Enfield Classic 350 BS6 (2024 Model), but for my weight, during road bumping, it directly transfers shock and and vibration to my back. Please suggest your valuable feedback.

•22h

In our experience, all of the bikes you have shortlisted (aside from the Meteor to some extent) have proven to be adept at shielding the rider from road imperfections. Since you have mentioned that the Classic isn't doing the trick for you, perhaps it could mean that for your physique a bike with a different riding position may be the solution. Take a test ride of the Hunter 350, which now has very absorptive suspension and a similar feel from the engine. You should also consider the Harley-Davidson X440 (splurge for the nicer looking T if you can) as that bike also has a comfortable suspension setup and seating posture.

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

Harley Davidson X440

•6d

I’ve already fitted this setup on my FZ25: a Michelin Pilot Street 2 at the front and an Apollo Tramplr XR at the rear. I initially considered using the Tramplr XR at both ends, but after hearing from several FZ25 owners about wobbling and high-speed instability with the XR on the front, I decided against it. Since these are two different types of tread patterns, is this combination okay, or could it affect the bike’s handling, stability or cornering?

•1d

Yes, this is a perfectly sensible combination for the FZ25. The Michelin Pilot Street 2 is a well-proven front tyre with a neutral profile and good wet grip, which helps with stability and predictable steering. The Apollo Tramplr XR is a more aggressive, blockier pattern that works well on the rear, offering good traction and durability without compromising stability. The concerns about the XR front are valid as some owners have reported a slightly vague feel at higher speeds, which is why your current setup actually makes sense. The FZ25 is not a high-strung performance bike, so this mixed setup will not cause any handling issues. The only thing to keep in mind is that the XR rear may wear a bit faster if you do a lot of highway riding, but overall this is a well-balanced and safe combination.

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