I am a beginner who has recently learned to ride a bike and am considering buying a new one, but I am confused between the Yamaha XSR 155, MT 15, Hunter 350, and Honda CB 350 Highness.

Autocar India

•2d

Both the TVS iQube and Ather Rizta are accomplished electric scooters with very few factors to pick between them in terms of the product proposition they present. The iQube is as straightforward and fuss-free as an electric scooter can get in comparison to a petrol option, and if this is your first EV, it would make for a smooth transition. There are five variants available within the iQube lineup, and we'd recommend choosing between the 3.1 / 3.5 models for your daily 45km commute.Where the iQube is the straightforward choice in the EV arena, the Rizta doesn't lag too far behind. Ather's first family e-scooter is comfortable, practical and has more tech than machines three times the price (if you're into that sort of thing). The small 2.9 battery variants can return close to or just above 100km real-world range, which should be more than enough for your use case. Do bear in mind that the S 2.9 variant has a simpler LCD display and doesn't have Ather's Magic Twist regenerative braking system and traction control. This model also comes with a very slow charger, meaning you'll need to plug it in overnight for a full charge.A test ride of both will help you decide which is the better option for you. Whichever option you decide to go for, make sure you have a service centre nearby, that's a key factor in EV ownership because a roadside mechanic can't really fix much when it breaks down, as most functions are electronically controlled.

Autocar India

•5d

For your particular use case, the Hero Splendor XTEC 2.0 would perhaps be the most fuss-free and easy to own machine. Considering the rigors of your profession, you need something that's hardy, frugal and easy to fix when things go sideways - attributes that define the Splendor to the T. At the same time, its hard to ignore the practicality of the TVS Jupiter 110, especially the 33 litre boot, which can accommodate a lot. However, comfort and fuel economy will not be as high as the Splendor. And since fuel economy is an important consideration for you, we'd recommend you also consider the Bajaj Freedom CNG motorcycle. Sure, it has its quirks, but if you want low running costs, then the Freedom is hard to top. In the EV segment, you will get options that can give you 80-90km real world range at real world speeds (read: above 50kph) on a single charge like the TVS iQube 3.1, Bajaj Chetak 3001 and Ather Rizta S 2.9. In their eco modes, you may be able to cross 100km, but your maximum speed will be capped at 35-40kph and it won't be feasible for the time-sensitive nature of your job.Pick between these options depending on what strong points matter the most to you.

Autocar India

•6d

Short answer: not yet. India does not have a trade deal with the EU in force today, so prices of EU‑built bikes like BMW and Ducati stay under the current import taxes.If and when an EU deal gets signed and starts, prices could come down, but it will depend on the fine print. Most trade deals cut taxes slowly over a few years, sometimes only for a limited number of units each year. Bikes shipped fully built from Europe would likely see the smallest and slowest cuts. Bikes that come in as parts and are put together in India usually get bigger benefits, so those could drop more, if included.There are a few more wrinkles. Many big bikes already come from Thailand to use existing duty benefits, so an EU deal may not affect a vast majority of these manufacturer's portfolios. Exchange rates, shipping costs, GST and dealer costs also affect the final price, and brands may not pass the full tax cut on day one.So, expect any drop to be model‑specific and phased, not an overnight big cut.