I’m planning to buy a bike and I’m torn between the Hero Xpulse 210 and the Triumph T4. I’m 5’5” tall and have a history of lower back issues. What would be ideal for me? Or is there a better alternative under ₹2.5 lakh on-road?

autocar.india

•20h

Your concerns about the Royal Enfield Bullet 350's weight are justified, to an extent. Yes, at 195kg, you will feel every ounce when moving it around in the parking lot or at slower city speeds, but once you get moving, the weight fades into the background and doesn't pose a hindrance. The Bullet / Classic 350 have a soulful, slow-revving thumper which works well when you ride in a relaxed and unhurried fashion. Royal Enfield bikes also have a good reputation for resale value, especially when it comes to the popular 350s. If instead you want a different experience, look at the 350cc Triumph Speed T4. The T4 is much lighter and has better performance as well as handling. It also comes from a reputable brand and should realistically not throw any unwelcome surprises into your ownership experience.

autocar.india

•8h

Both the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 X and Harley-Davidson X440 are very good candidates for your next purchase, but they are quite different machines underneath. The H-D X440 is a relaxed roadster with a smooth, characterful long-stroke single-cylinder engine which has a good dose of low and mid-range torque. Despite its weight, the X440 is a manageable and comfortable machine inside the city and is planted and stable on the highway. If you can, make the stretch to the X440 T because not only does it look better, its finish levels are also much higher. On the highway, cruising at 100-110kph, the X440 is relaxed and vibe-free, although this is not a sporty machine. In fact, the Scrambler 400 X will be much sportier in its overall handling despite having decent off-road capability. Its liquid-cooled engine is more powerful, but you will need to rev it to make quick progress. The Scrambler also has good seating and ride comfort, although its pillion seat is on the smaller side. Take a test ride of both since they are such different machines before you make your decision.

autocar.india

•9h

It seems that you value peace of mind over everything else, so choosing an unimpeachable product like the Honda Unicorn will be a safer bet. The Unicorn can't match the Pulsar in terms of outright performance, handling or features, but it consistently provides reliable transportation to lakhs of Indians, which makes it the better fit for your needs. It would also be advisable to throw the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V into the mix. To be sure, take test rides of all three before you make your decision.