Delhi

•2d

Hi Autocar India, I have a budget of 1 lakh 50 thousand for a new bike, and a 125cc motorcycle suits my requirements. I’ve shortlisted the Bajaj Pulsar 125 and the Honda SP 125, but I’m confused between the two. Which one would you recommend?

•3m

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.

Explore bikes mentioned

Bajaj

Pulsar 125

from ₹99,964

Honda Bikes

Shine 125

from ₹89,641

Honda Bikes

SP 125

from ₹97,194

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•3d

Kawasaki Z900 or Triumph Street Triple? Which is a better choice considering that I will do 3-4 really long rides every year?

•4d

I want to buy a 2-wheeler under Rs. 1.5 lakh but I am confused between Yamaha FZ-Fi and TVS Apache RTR 160 2V. Please advise.

•3d

The Yamaha FZ-Fi is one of the most dependable, practical and fuel efficient commuters in its class but its not what you'd call cutting edge or exciting from a performance standpoint. Over the years, the FZ has transformed from one of the most powerful machines in its category to now making power akin to most sporty, new-age 125cc commuters like the Raider and Xtreme. Where that pays dividends is in terms of fuel economy and the FZ scores really high in this regard. In some ways the TVS Apache RTR 160 2V is similiar to the FZ in that it is a decades-old product that has been soldiering on with small updates sprinkled in over the course of its lifecycle. Where it differs from the FZ is that this is still a quick and peppy commuter and will 'feel' fun to ride. Its engine isn't the most refined and its design is now the better part of two decades old but the Apache 160 2V is nonetheless a sorted machine in its own right. These bikes have very different riding experiences so we'd recommend a test ride of both to figure out which one makes more sense for you.

I am thinking of buying the Honda NX500 E-Clutch, but the Rebel 500 E-Clutch is also expected to launch this year, with localisation. Should I wait until the NX500 E-Clutch is localised, possibly by the first quarter of 2027? Will it be manufactured locally?

•5d

So far, Honda hasn't announced any plans to localise the NX500 E-Clutch, and in fact, even the Rebel 500 E-Clutch isn't fully localised yet. Its engine is still entirely imported. Considering that the Rebel 500 has yet to receive a price tag and its deliveries are certainly some time away, you can put to bed any notions of the NX500 being localised anytime soon.

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Popular discussions right now

•6d

Hi, I am planning to purchase the new Dominar 400 (350) but since Bajaj is rolling out a new 5-inch TFT, Golden USDs and new colors in the bike, I am waiting for its update. Do you think that it is worth waiting for? What could be the expected launch time for the updated Bajaj Dominar 400 with the new 5-inch TFT?

•5d

It is reasonable to expect that the latest slew of updates to Bajaj's motorcycles will eventually make their way to the 350cc Dominar 400, although the brand has made no indication towards this actually being the case. Its platform sibling, the Pulsar NS400Z, recently received this same update as well. If you are planning to purchase the Dominar, we'd recommend you go ahead with your decision because there's no confirmed information regarding when the bike will receive these features and you could potentially be looking at rather a long wait.

Bajaj Dominar 400

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•5d

Hi Autocar team, I'm really stuck between two bikes for my first motorcycle purchase and could use your advice: the Honda Rebel 300 and Triumph Bonneville T40. I'm 5'10" tall, weigh 75 kg and currently ride an Activa 125. I also have some experience riding 150cc bikes in both city and highway conditions. Budget isn't a major constraint, as I'm comfortable spending around Rs 3.5-4 lakh on-road. Since the price difference between these two bikes isn't a deciding factor for me, choosing between them has become even harder. My usage will mainly involve a short daily commute of 7-8 km, with occasional weekend highway rides of 100-150 km. I love the Rebel's distinctive looks, but its 125mm ground clearance makes me nervous about uneven speed breakers and rough patches. The Bonneville T40 looks gorgeous, has plenty of ground clearance and seems more practical for occasionally carrying a pillion. However, its tubed-spoke wheels make me anxious about punctures on Indian roads. The delivery timelines also matter slightly, as I want to move away from my daily commuter. Another point to consider is that both dealerships are in another city, around 100km away on a round trip, so I'd have to travel that distance for servicing and any issues that might arise. Between the two, which would you pick as a sensible yet characterful step up from a commuter? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

•3d

Given that we are yet to ride both the Triumph Bonneville T40 and Honda Rebel 300, we can't yet comment on which one is better, although judging purely from a practicality standpoint, the Bonnie ought to tackle Indian roads better with its longer suspension travel, larger wheels and taller ground clearance. If you must have either of these bikes, we'd recommend waiting a few months until ownership and media reviews are out and you can test ride both before making a decision. This is especially pertinent since you mentioned that neither brand has a presence in your city and it's a 100km round trip for you.In the meantime, why don't you check out the slower and heavier but charming and proven Royal Enfield Classic 350? The Classic may lose a comparison against these two judged purely based on its specification sheet, but if you like an effortless, torque-rich riding experience with great comfort, then the Classic will be up your alley. We've seen spy shots of the bike (finally!) coming with centre-laced spoked wheels, which will permit tubeless tyres, and we recommend you go for that when it is launched.

Triumph Bonneville T40

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•2w

Hi, I am a 3rd-year student and am confused between two bikes, the Meteor 350 and the Hunter 350. I am 5'6 and 64 kg. I am a beginner, just learning to ride a bike from my father on his Splendor. I would like to use it in cities and on highways.

•5d

Given the fact that you are a beginner, the more affordable, lighter and smaller RE Hunter 350 will be a better fit than the heavier Meteor. Another factor working in the Hunter's favour is that its riding position is very neutral and its suspension is supple, which will make it adept at tackling bad roads without passing on the jolt to the rider's back. The Meteor, with its feet-forward riding position, will transmit more of the road imperfections to your back.

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