I'm planning to buy my first premium motorcycle and have a budget of around Rs. 3.1 lakh on-road. After a lot of research and multiple test rides, I've narrowed my options down to the Triumph Tracker 400 and the Triumph Scrambler 400 X. I'm looking for advice from owners or experienced riders who have spent time with either or both bikes. I've been riding motorcycles for around 7-8 years and this bike will be my primary motorcycle for at least the next 4-5 years. My usage will be approximately 70-80% city commuting to office and 20-30% rides during weekend with occasional long-distance trips of more than 250 km every 2-3 months. I will almost always have a pillion with me, so pillion comfort, suspension, and overall ride quality are very important factors. I enjoy riding but I'm not someone who rides aggressively all the time. I appreciate a refined, confidence-inspiring motorcycle that is also enjoyable on open highways. I'll be paying the full amount in cash so I'm looking for the best overall ownership experience rather than simply the cheapest option. During my test rides, the Tracker 400 felt lighter, more road-focused, and easier to ride in the city. It had a cowl so didn't get to check it with the pillion. The Scrambler 400 X engine felt somewhat the same but just a little toned down and not as aggresive as the Tracker given the higher power produced and better suspension. However, the braking was not as expected. My main concerns are related to finding more suitable bike for someone who rides mostly in the city but enjoys weekend touring. Which bike is more comfortable for both rider and pillion on longer rides? Does the Scrambler's taller suspension and larger front wheel become a disadvantage in daily city riding? Is the Tracker significantly easier to live with in traffic? Considering the fact that I'll own the bike for 4-5 years, which one offers the better overall ownership experience? I'd really appreciate insights from owners, especially those who have ridden both motorcycles or regularly ride with a pillion. Thanks in advance!

autocar.india

•2d

If you are looking for a comfortable ADV motorcycle, the TVS Apache RTX and Hero Xpulse 210 should be on your radar in this price range. The Honda NX200 is a dressed-up Hornet 2.0 and, aside from its look, isn't a 'proper' adventure bike. Both the RTX & the Xpulse are capable, comfortable and quick motorcycles, with the latter being the easier of the two to ride and manage - given that both have a tall 835mm seat height. However, the RTX has the better road manners and the far superior feature set. Take a test ride of both before you make your decision.It would also be prudent to wait for the Honda XR300 Rally, which should be available in a BigWing showroom near you in a few months' time.

autocar.india

•2d

Answering based on the things you have asked for, in ascending order:1) Depending on your stature, you will have different feelings about the rider's triangle on the RE Hunter 350 and CB350RS2) Both bikes have well-sorted suspension setups, so they will fare quite well. 3) Fuel economy depends on your riding style, prevailing traffic & weather conditions as well as a multitude of other factors, so it's hard to give you an accurate number. That being said, the Honda 350cc engine is known to be quite frugal (even in our experience), in comparison to the RE 350cc motor. 4) Local service is again a very subjective issue, even for people who reside in the same city and go to the same workshop, so we can't accurately comment on that. Historically speaking, both RE & Honda are known to have largely trouble-free service experiences. 5), 6) & 7) Both the Hunter and CB350RS are high-quality, reliable machines, and you will likely not go wrong with either of them, barring any isolated unit-specific issues.

autocar.india

•2d

Both the Bajaj Pulsar 125 and Honda SP125 are great commuter bikes, and it's hard to go wrong with either. The latest Pulsar 125 is a refined, feature-loaded (the top variants, especially so) and decently comfortable machine which should be fuel efficient and reliable in the long run as well. The SP125 has largely remained the same since its BS6 update, gaining only a few features and new colours - it is largely a Shine 125 in different clothes, which means it should be a straightforward and dependable workhorse of a commuter. As we said at the outset, it's hard to go wrong with either, so make sure you get a test ride and see which one you like more before you make your decision. It would also be wise to choose an option that has a sales & service touchpoint near your office or residence.