Delhi

•51w

I currently own a Honda Activa and want a reliable motorcycle. I’m 5'9" tall and my budget is up to ₹2 lakh. Daily commuting is up to 20 km. I’ve been diagnosed with a slipped disc, so I need a bike with good suspension and a comfortable riding posture for two. I prefer a sporty look, low maintenance, strong fuel efficiency, and good after-sales service. Which bike should I buy?

•51w

Since you have mentioned you want a bike that looks sporty but is comfortable to ride, something in the 150-160cc sporty commuter space like the Bajaj Pulsar N160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Honda SP160, or Hero Xtreme 160R 4V will serve you well. If you want something that is packed with more performance but is still usable and comfortable inside the city, the KTM 160 Duke and Yamaha MT-15 are options you should consider.

We would also recommend the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 because it is a comfortable, approachable and reliable machine, although it doesn't have the sporty look you want.

Explore bikes mentioned

Bajaj

Pulsar N160

from ₹1.33 Lakh

TVS

Apache RTR 160 4V

from ₹1.31 Lakh

Hero MotoCorp

Xtreme 160R 4V

from ₹1.38 Lakh

KTM

160 Duke

from ₹2.00 Lakh

Royal Enfield

Hunter 350

from ₹1.50 Lakh

More posts on similar bikes

•2d

Hi Autocar Team, I currently own a 2021 Hero Super Splendor. The most annoying aspect of my bike is its gearbox, which frequently experiences missed shifts and false neutrals. A few months ago, I decided to upgrade to a 160cc motorcycle. However, my neighbour recently bought a Hero Xtreme 125R, and it seems to have similar gearbox issues. Why has Hero been unable to provide a consistently smooth gearbox experience? If I upgrade to the Hero Xtreme 160R, am I likely to face the same issues? Please advise.

•1d

On most Hero motorcycles, as you've pointed out, the gearbox is quite notchy & lacks a snick, precise feel. While we can't comment on why the company has been unable to solve this issue, we can say that the latest Xtreme 160R 4V doesn't seem to suffer from this issue - at least our experience from the first ride event tells us that it doesn't. We'd recommend you get an extended test ride of the bike to properly try it out before going ahead with your purchase, or look at alternatives like the Bajaj Pulsar N160 or TVS Apache RTR 160 4V.

Hero MotoCorp Xtreme 160R 4V

Bajaj Pulsar N160

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

•1w

Hi Autocar, I want to buy a bike. I'm 6ft tall and want something that won't cause leg or back pain. Which should I choose: the Honda Unicorn, Yamaha FZ V4, Yamaha XSR 155, or any other bike? Please advise.

•1d

The Honda Unicorn is a no-nonsense, reliable commuter which will serve you well and keep you comfortable. It is not the flashiest option in today's marketplace but will do the job, and do it well. If you want something just slightly flashier but similarly capable, the SP160 (the Unicorn's platform sibling) is a good alternative.If you want something a bit sportier, then the Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS is a good option to look at. It is still comfortable and fuel-efficient like a commuter should be, but packs in more features and a dash of sportiness. Take test rides of these options before making your decision.

I have been riding a RE Hunter 350 for the past 4 years and love its low-end torque and relaxed city character. However, I hope that it brings back the lightweight, punchy, "zingy" thrill of the old Yamaha RX 100/135. I have shortlisted KLX230 and have taken it test ride in Bengaluru on broken, waterlogged, pothole-filled roads and have thoroughly enjoyed it. The S variant wasn’t available for me to try. I enjoyed the deltabox/VVA engine of XSR155. Is it worth modding W175 to US LTD look? Dealer says it is off sale. SR250 fits my aesthetics, but I have doubts about its reliability and long-term ownership. Also, does a dual-sport or a light street bike like the XSR 155 make the ultimate garage companion to a Hunter 350? Is it worth holding out for/modding the W175 or trusting Keeway. Also, do the Yamaha/Kawasaki dual-sports beat them out-of-the-box for raw, lightweight fun?

•1d

Since you already have a Hunter, getting another road-oriented bike will give you largely the same experience and we'd recommend choosing a different form factor to broaden your horizons. From your shortlist, the Kawasaki KLX230 (and the lower seat height & suspension travel 'S' version) will be the best fit for your two-bike garage. In that same vein, we'd also recommend Honda's new XR300L & XR300 Rally because they will have similiar capability as the KLX but are far more affordable and will likely have a small performance edge owing to their larger-capacity motors. Once you're able to test ride the XR300s, pick between these & the KLX for your next purchase.

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

Honda Bikes XR300 Rally

Honda Bikes XR300L

Kawasaki KLX230

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Popular discussions right now

•2d

Hi, I am planning to purchase the new Dominar 400 (350) but since Bajaj is rolling out a new 5-inch TFT, Golden USDs and new colors in the bike, I am waiting for its update. Do you think that it is worth waiting for? What could be the expected launch time for the updated Bajaj Dominar 400 with the new 5-inch TFT?

•1d

It is reasonable to expect that the latest slew of updates to Bajaj's motorcycles will eventually make their way to the 350cc Dominar 400, although the brand has made no indication towards this actually being the case. Its platform sibling, the Pulsar NS400Z, recently received this same update as well. If you are planning to purchase the Dominar, we'd recommend you go ahead with your decision because there's no confirmed information regarding when the bike will receive these features and you could potentially be looking at rather a long wait.

Bajaj Dominar 400

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