I am 47 years old. My first motorcycle was a Suzuki Samurai, and I currently ride a Honda Shine (2013 model). I am now looking to replace my bike, but I am not sure whether I should go for the latest version of the Honda Shine or consider a different motorcycle altogether. I commute around 40 km to the office, three days a week, and typically ride another 20-30 km on weekends. I also have two daughters, and they are taller than their age would suggest. Would an EV be a better option for my usage? I live in a rented house, so I am not sure how convenient charging would be. I am also considering options such as the Honda Unicorn and a Royal Enfield Bullet. I have a lean build and weigh around 64 kg. Considering my requirements, which motorcycle would you recommend?

autocar.india

•5d

Honestly, both bikes are great at their job and will suit your needs well, but they offer very different experiences. The Hunter 350 is a very different Royal Enfield from what we've seen before, but carries some signature strengths like plush ride quality, a characterful and torquey engine, as well as great curb appeal and good finish levels. Plus, when you buy a RE, you get access to a brand which has built a very good community and ownership experience in terms of events and rides, which is something few brands in India offer you today.Do bear in mind that the Hunter is a heavy machine, and this is just something you will have to work around. It's not as heavy as other Royal Enfields, but it is a good 20 kilos heavier than the TVS Ronin.Coming to the Ronin, this is a lighter, more agile and eager-feeling machine than the Hunter. It isn't overtly sporty and will be comfortable for daily use. The Ronin's lighter weight and smaller engine also translate to better fuel economy in general. The TVS is also the more affordable machine to purchase, and the price difference isn't insignificant. If you are on a tight budget, this is something to consider.Both bikes have a very different feel despite being similar on paper, and to make an informed decision before your next purchase, take a test ride of both.

autocar.india

•22h

The Orbiter is a sensible electric scooter that focuses on maximising range and practicality, and of the two options, the Orbiter will be the safer bet in the long run. Do bear in mind that the Orbiter's performance is quite mellow, especially in Eco mode, and if your daily commute involves a lot of flyovers or riding in hilly regions, then you will have to use the scooter in City mode as well as keep the throttle pinned. The Ampere Magnus will likely be a bit more affordable, but in the real world, small quality-related niggles are more common than they should be, and after-sales can be patchy depending on your city.One thing to watch with the Orbiter is that the top 3.1kWh variant's price will be over Rs. 1 lakh on-road in your city, so you may have to stretch your budget by a small amount.If stretching your budget is simply not an option and you must have an EV from a reputed brand, choose the Hero Vida VX2 Go 3.4, which should give you enough range and performance.Try to take test rides of the Orbiter and VX2 before you make your decision.