I’m 22 and planning to buy my first bike, mainly for city commuting, with strong pillion comfort as a top priority. We already have a 15-year-old Honda Shine that is still reliable. My parents encouraged me to buy something better than basic commuter bikes like the TVS Sport or Bajaj Platina, and even offered financial help, which I would prefer to avoid since I’ve just started working. Initially, I shortlisted the TVS Raider, Hero Glamour (with cruise control, which I don’t really need), and Honda SP125 because they are affordable. However, I’m concerned about long-term service with TVS and Hero, and the lack of ABS on the Honda SP125. Then I looked at higher-segment options but ruled out sporty bikes with stepped seats (like the Hero Xtreme 125R and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V) due to pillion comfort concerns. That left me considering the TVS Ronin, Royal Enfield Hunter 350, and Yamaha XSR155 (which I ruled out due to pillion comfort). Now I’m confused between the comfort and efficiency of the TVS Ronin and the road presence and perceived reliability of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. At the same time, I’m wondering if it would be smarter to save money and stick with a premium 125cc bike, since 90% of my usage will be relaxed city riding and I value cruiser-like comfort over speed.

Autocar India

•3d

Within your budget, you have three very different options you can look at - Yamaha XSR155, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, TVS Ronin and Hero Xpulse 200 4V. The XSR is the least powerful but is also the lightest motorcycle here. It will also feel the sportiest to ride because its engine and underpinnings are derived from the popular Yamaha R15 and MT-15. The downsides of the XSR are that it is a rather petite motorcycle. For someone of large stature such as yourself, this will be a potential challenge, and its rear suspension is quite stiff. It can get uncomfortable over repeated bad patches. The Apache RTR 200 4V is another sporty roadster, and with its larger engine than the XSR, it will feel more at home at sustained higher speeds. Its suspension comfort and more spacious seats will also be helpful for your usage. The TVS Ronin is a relaxed roadster with its smooth and torquey engine and relaxed and neutral ergonomics. Also, plush suspension setup and relatively larger size - compared to the other two bikes here - the Ronin has the potential to be the most suited to your use case.Moving on to the Hero Xpulse 200 4V, this is the bike you should buy if you want to venture off-road on your long tours. It will have by far the most plush suspension of all the bikes here, although its on-road handling will leave you wanting once you pick up the pace. We'd recommend a test ride of all three before you make a decision. Also, do note that all four bikes are all slightly above Rs 1.50 lakh (your stipulated budget), within that amount, there's no credible option for your requirements.

Autocar India

•3d

In our experience, neither the Yamaha Aerox 155 nor the Hero Xoom 160 have proven to be comfortable, especially over broken roads. Instead of these two, we'd recommend you give a long, hard look at the TVS Ntorq 150. On paper, it might seem like a step down compared to the Yamaha and Hero with its 12-inch wheels and air-cooled engine, but in reality, it is the better product. With plush suspension, a spacious underseat storage and peppy performance, the bigger Ntorq makes for a compelling sporty scooter that doesn't sacrifice practicality. In our routine tests, we also found that - when ridden gently - it can be surprisingly fuel efficient. Do take a test ride of the Ntorq 150 to see if it resonates with you.

Autocar India

•3d

Between the three bikes you've shortlisted, all three are comfortable for city use, but they all sit at very different price points, and it wouldn't be right to compare the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V with the Honda CB350RS and Triumph Speed 400. If you want a straightforward commuter, then sticking to a machine in the 150-160cc space like the aforementioned Apache, Bajaj Pulsar N160, and Honda Unicorn would make sense. These bikes will be lighter and easier to manage within the city (which is where you'll spend most of your life), as well as be fuel-efficient and comfortable. If instead you do want to look at something more premium, the Honda and Triumph you have shortlisted are also good options. You should also look at the Royal Enfield Classic / Bullet 350 in this segment. These bikes will be larger and more spacious than the 150/160cc options mentioned above, with better build quality, road presence and pillion comfort. However, they will demand a little more effort at slow speeds and will also not be as fuel-efficient as the commuters.