I’m 30 years old, and a year ago I had a lumbar microdiscectomy at L5-S1. I’m a physiotherapist and ride at least 30 km a day for work. I now want to buy a bike under Rs 1.2 lakh that offers the best fuel efficiency for daily riding. I weigh 58 kg and am 5 ft 3 in tall, and I’d prefer a bike with monoshock hydraulic rear suspension. Which bike would suit me best in West Bengal?

autocar.india

•1h

You haven't specified your budget, so we'll suggest some options across various price brackets - within reason. The prices we have mentioned are all ex-showroom, Delhi prices and on-road prices will be higher.If you are open to spending Rs 1 lakh - Rs 1.50 lakh, you can get proven 125-160cc options from reputed brands such as Honda Unicorn / SP160, various Yamaha FZ models, Bajaj Pulsar 125 / 150 / N160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Hero Xtreme 160R 4V. These are all straightforward commuters, but the newer variants are packing in the latest tech and features, which is something you value. If you're okay to extend to Rs 2 lakh, then options like the Bajaj Pulsar N250SS, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, Hero Xpulse 210, TVS Ronin and Yamaha XSR155 come into the picture. Depending on where you look, you get more performance, more comfort or both compared to the bikes under Rs 1.50 lakh listed above. These bikes will return lower fuel efficiency owing to their larger displacement motors but compensate for that with better performance.Depending on your budget, take a test ride and then make your decision. Should you need more help, please write back to us, and we'll get back to you!

autocar.india

•2h

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.

autocar.india

•34m

The Honda XR300 Rally you're considering seems to have quite a lot going for it, judging from what we know of it so far. Another alternative you could consider is the Hero Xpulse 210, which has been around for far longer and is more of a proven commodity than the XR300 Rally. It's not as if the Xpulse is free from issues, but they are well documented and usually have a quick and inexpensive fix. Given that the XR300 Rally is a brand-new product, there could be small teething issues at the start, although given the badge on the tank, you're likely to be in safe hands in terms of the ownership experience, even if there are.