I am seeking a versatile bike suitable for city commuting, highway travel, and challenging roads, including off-road conditions. My primary concern is the comfort of both me and my mother, who will be the primary passenger. I am 6 ft tall, my budget is 2 lacs, and I expect a minimum of 30 kmpl. I have considered the Triumph Scrambler 400X, but the pillion seat height is a concern. I am now considering the Speed 400 and CB350. I do not favour RE or KTM bikes. Please provide your suggestions. Regards.

•4w

A word of caution first: none of the bikes you have shortlisted will fit within your budget; you will have to extend it significantly to accommodate them.

Also, for your needs, the Hero Xpulse 210 seems the better fit overall. It can easily tackle broken roads and off-road conditions while maintaining good composure when riding on tarmac. Yes, this Hero Motocorp bike will have a taller pillion seat, but with a bit of practice and after a brief acclimatization period, it should likely be a non-issue for your pillion.

Take a test ride of the Xpulse and then go ahead with your purchase.

Hero MotoCorp Xpulse 210

•4w•

Thank you, but the pillow seat height is not comfortable. If I increase my budget to 3 lakhs will your suggestion change?

More posts on similar bikes

•1w

I’m looking for an adventure-segment bike and have been eyeing the Hero Xpulse 210. I recently heard that Honda is planning to launch the CB300 Rally, so should I wait for it? I’ll primarily use the bike for a daily commute of around 10-20 km and occasional weekend long rides, mostly around the city and nearby areas. Given my relatively low daily running, should I increase my budget and consider the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 or KTM 390 Adventure for the occasional longer rides? Which bike would be the best choice for my requirements?

•2d

The Hero Xpulse 210 makes more sense since your daily run is quite limited and long rides are few and far between. This Hero bikes has more than enough performance for both city riding and gentle highway cruising, and will keep you comfortable over the worst of our roads. However, we would advise you to wait for the Honda XR300 Rally because it promises similiar performance and capability with the backing of a Japanese giant. Once the XR is out, take a test ride and see if you gel with it or if the Xpulse makes more sense for you, before you go ahead with your purchase.

Hero MotoCorp Xpulse 210

Honda Bikes XR300 Rally

•4d

I’m confused between the Honda CB350 H’ness and the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. I liked the refined engine and comfortable riding position of the CB350, while I liked the Hunter’s looks, lightweight nature, and ease of manoeuvring. My daily travel is around 40 km, mostly in traffic, with speeds rarely crossing 80 kmph. I plan to use the bike primarily for daily commuting. Which one should I go for? Also, would using an inclined handlebar riser on the Hunter 350 improve its riding comfort?

•2d

The Honda CB350 would make more sense for your needs because you spend most of your time in city traffic where comfort and refinement are paramount. While this Honda bike is a slightly larger machine than the Royal Enfield Hunter (both weigh the same 181kg), after a brief acclimatization period, you will get used to it. While a set of handlebar risers can improve your seating posture on the Hunter, you will lose some feedback and control from the front end and you will also need to arrange for longer cables and hoses to accommodate this change.

Honda Bikes CB350

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

•1w

I’m confused between the Honda H’ness CB350 and the Triumph Scrambler 400X. The Honda feels smoother, but it lacks the thrill I’m looking for. On the other hand, the Scrambler 400X is almost Rs 80,000 more expensive on-road after the recent price hike. Considering that it is now a 350cc bike rather than 400cc, even though it is priced almost the same as the earlier 400cc version, I’m finding it difficult to justify the higher price.

•2d

Between the two bikes you've shortlisted, the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 X is surely more fun and a better all-rounder but it does come at a steeper price than the simpler Honda CB350. If you can stretch for it, the Triumph is a fantastic rugged road bike and should serve you well. If not, this Honda bike is still an accomplished - if laidback - retro roadster which will offer you good comfort and fuel economy in the long run. Take your pick of the two after an exhaustive test ride - money will come back but the time you spend on the bike won't!

Triumph Scrambler 400 X

Honda Bikes CB350

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