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Respected Autocar India team, I have been riding a scooter for around six years now and wish to upgrade to a bike. I am 182 cm tall. I am looking for a beginner-to-intermediate bike with dual-channel ABS and good braking, reasonable suspension, smooth clutch (preferably assist and slipper), good mileage (around 35-50 kmpl), low maintenance, a decent headlamp, and confidence in corners with reasonable spare part costs. I am fond of the MT-15 - do you think an updated version could be launched? Other bikes I’ve considered are the Bajaj NS200, TVS NS400Z, and Harley-Davidson N160. I’ve also considered the Honda CB350 series and the RTR 310, but the cost margins are high. I feel the NS400Z is a good trade-off. What would your experts suggest?

Asked by: Sam

Considering your stature, in the Yamaha stable, instead of the MT-15, we'd recommend looking at the new XSR155. While both are mechanically near-identical, the XSR is a more spacious machine than the MT. Since this will be your first bike, the XSR will prove to be the most manageable and approachable. Thanks to its lighter weight and unintimidating power output. 

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 you're considering is a good option, but it will be the slowest of all the bikes you've shortlisted. However, if all you're going to do is potter around town, then getting the Pulsar makes sense as it is the most city-friendly bike here. 

Coming to the two Pulsar NS models, the NS200 will feel quite sporty and engaging while still being friendly enough for city use. However, the bigger NS400Z isn't the most city-friendly machine. Also, it will return lower fuel economy owing to its larger engine. 

The Honda CB350 models are very different to ride, thanks to their neo-retro leanings. It will be the most comfortable and relaxed machine of all the bikes you're considering. Lastly, the TVS Apache RTR 310 is actually quite a capable do-it-all machine, and will give you room to grow as a rider, too. 

Since you are considering multiple bikes with different riding styles and at very different price points, we'd recommend you first decide on your budget.  After that, choose within that range accordingly. Also, take a thorough test ride of everything you shortlist. 

Yamaha XSR155

Yamaha XSR155

Answered by
AI
Autocar India team30 Jan' 26
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Latest questions

Asked by: Sam

Respected Autocar India team, I have been riding a scooter for around six years now and wish to upgrade to a bike. I am 182 cm tall. I am looking for a beginner-to-intermediate bike with dual-channel ABS and good braking, reasonable suspension, smooth clutch (preferably assist and slipper), good mileage (around 35-50 kmpl), low maintenance, a decent headlamp, and confidence in corners with reasonable spare part costs. I am fond of the MT-15 - do you think an updated version could be launched? Other bikes I’ve considered are the Bajaj NS200, TVS NS400Z, and Harley-Davidson N160. I’ve also considered the Honda CB350 series and the RTR 310, but the cost margins are high. I feel the NS400Z is a good trade-off. What would your experts suggest?

Considering your stature, in the Yamaha stable, instead of the MT-15, we'd recommend looking at the new XSR155. While both are mechanically near-identical, the XSR is a more spacious machine than the MT. Since this will be your first bike, the XSR will prove to be the most manageable and approachable. Thanks to its lighter weight and unintimidating power output. The Bajaj Pulsar N160 you're considering is a good option, but it will be the slowest of all the bikes you've shortlisted. However, if all you're going to do is potter around town, then getting the Pulsar makes sense as it is the most city-friendly bike here. Coming to the two Pulsar NS models, the NS200 will feel quite sporty and engaging while still being friendly enough for city use. However, the bigger NS400Z isn't the most city-friendly machine. Also, it will return lower fuel economy owing to its larger engine. The Honda CB350 models are very different to ride, thanks to their neo-retro leanings. It will be the most comfortable and relaxed machine of all the bikes you're considering. Lastly, the TVS Apache RTR 310 is actually quite a capable do-it-all machine, and will give you room to grow as a rider, too. Since you are considering multiple bikes with different riding styles and at very different price points, we'd recommend you first decide on your budget. After that, choose within that range accordingly. Also, take a thorough test ride of everything you shortlist.
AI
Autocar India team
30 Jan' 26
Asked by: Kaushik

I have shortlisted four bikes - Honda H’ness 350, Royal Enfield Hunter 350, Royal Enfield Meteor 350, and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. My riding will be on both city roads and highways, and I also plan to go on long highway rides. I need your help to decide which bike I should prefer for comfort and long-distance travel.

Of the four bikes in your shortlist, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will offer you the most performance as well as the highest levels of long-distance capability and comfort. However, inside the city, it will feel large and a little top-heavy at crawling speeds, and its fuel economy, too, will be lower than the rest owing to its larger motor. The Himalayan 450 is also quite a bit more expensive than the other bikes you are looking at.The Honda CB350 H'ness and Royal Enfield Hunter 350 are comparable neo-retro roadsters. It will be great inside the city, and as long as you are a sedate rider, it should be reasonably comfortable and capable on the highway too. You will have to take a call based on how much time you're going to spend in the city vs out on the highway, and whether your budget permits you to stretch for the Himalayan. If you're okay with handling a big bike in the city, then the Himalayan 450 does make for a fantastic all-rounder. We'd recommend a test ride of these three, nonetheless, so you can decide which one suits you best.
AI
Autocar India team
30 Jan' 26
Asked by: Lakshya Bhardwaj

I’m 25 years old and looking to buy a new bike because my Bullet 350 is giving too much trouble. My budget is ₹1.5-2 lakh. I want a bike mainly for city use (Gurgaon). My primary criteria are comfort, mileage, and safety/stability. Please suggest suitable options.

If you want to stay within the Royal Enfield fold, you can look at the Hunter 350, which will feel much more manageable and comfortable than your older Bullet. But if you want to get a new version of your bike, the base Battalion Black and Military variants of the Bullet 350 will fit in your budget.The latest Bullet is a refined, comfortable and reliable machine which should return decent fuel economy, when ridden sensibly. Do bear in mind that with the Hunter, you will get dual-channel ABS. But the Bullet's base models only come with single-channel ABS and a rear drum brake. Alternatively, other options from reputed brands worth considering are the TVS Ronin, Apache RTR 200 4V, Honda CB300F, and Bajaj Pulsar N250. These smaller bikes will offer similar performance to the RE 350s - if not more - while being more fuel efficient too. Take a test ride of these machines before you make a decision.
AI
Autocar India team
30 Jan' 26
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