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?

•44w

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 ₹1.40 Lakh

TVS

Apache RTR 160 4V

from ₹1.44 Lakh

Hero MotoCorp

Xtreme 160R 4V

from ₹1.58 Lakh

KTM

160 Duke

from ₹2.20 Lakh

Royal Enfield

Hunter 350

from ₹1.65 Lakh

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•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

•52m

Switched my daily commute from the car to a scooter six months ago just to beat traffic, and honestly haven't looked back even once during peak hours.

•1w

I am thinking of getting a new bike after using a TVS Sport 100cc for almost 15 years. I have been interested in sports bikes since childhood, and now that I am settled, I am thinking of getting one. Earlier, I was considering the Kawasaki Ninja 300, but its price has recently increased while offering minimal features and high maintenance costs. For some time, I also considered the Ultraviolette F77, but I am still sceptical about its long-term reliability. The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 has always been on my mind, and I recently visited its showroom. I really like the colours of the SF 150 more than those of the 250, but I also don't want to miss out on the thrill of the 250. I am particularly interested in the SF 250 FFV variant, but it is available in only two colours, neither of which I find very appealing. I really like one of the colours offered on the SF 150, but it isn't available on the 250. I also came across the Suzuki GSX-8R, and it was love at first sight. Now I am wondering if Suzuki could launch a similar bike in the coming months. I am very confused. What should I do?

•1d

The Suzuki Gixxer models (both 150 and 250) are due to get a generation change soon and therefore, buying one of them right now would not be our recommendation. If you want something in a similar displacement and price bracket, then the Bajaj Pulsar N250 would be the closest match.The Hero Xtreme 250R is also a well-priced alternative that rides well and unlocks a whole new spectrum of performance, although Premia dealerships are quite few and far between currently.

Bajaj Pulsar N250

Hero MotoCorp Xtreme 250R

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