I need a bike mainly for office commuting in city areas. My budget is ₹2.5 lakh. I want a bike with great suspension for bad city roads, easy and nimble handling for bumper-to-bumper traffic, good ergonomics, a cushioned seat, and strong reliability so it can be used for the next 12 years with no major part failures. Thanks.

•32w

Considering your requirements, the options we would recommend you take a look at are the Bajaj Pulsar N250, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, TVS Ronin, Honda CB350 and Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Of these, the lighter 200s and 250s will feel more agile and have better fuel economy, while the heavier 350s won't feel as agile but will be a little more comfortable.

Another option worth taking a look at is the Hero Xpulse 210, which will be the most comfortable of all the bikes listed here. However, it won't be as agile owing to its large 21-inch front wheel, soft long-travel suspension and long wheelbase.

There are also some instances of engine issues being reported online, so it would be advisable to wait for some time before purchasing the Xpulse.

A test ride of these bikes should help you figure out which is the best option for you.

Explore bikes mentioned

Bajaj

Pulsar N250

from ₹1.51 Lakh

TVS

Apache RTR 200 4V

from ₹1.55 Lakh

TVS

Ronin

from ₹1.43 Lakh

Honda Bikes

CB350

from ₹2.23 Lakh

Royal Enfield

Hunter 350

from ₹1.56 Lakh

Hero MotoCorp

Xpulse 210

from ₹1.86 Lakh

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•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

•1w

I’m planning to upgrade from an Apache 200 after 9 years. My usage is primarily within Bangalore city, with occasional highway trips. I’m confused between the KTM Duke 250, which seems like an agile city option with good tech, the Scrambler 350X, and the KTM Adventure 350. The Scrambler 350X is my first choice, followed by the KTM Adventure 350. However, I feel I might be wasting the larger engines if I’m mostly riding in heavy city traffic. For my usage, should I stick with the Duke 250, or would it make sense to move to one of the bigger options?

•2d

We'd recommend you go with the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 X over the other bikes you've shortlisted for two reasons. First, it will offer you a big step up in comfort and performance from your Apache 200. Second, despite using a larger engine, this Triumph bike is a very friendly city bike and won't catch you out with abrupt, overeager power delivery or a heavy clutch. The 350cc KTM 390 Adventure has a very buzzy engine which will make its presence felt at all times and the KTM 250 Duke will feel like a small step up from your Apache 200.

Triumph Scrambler 400 X

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

KTM 390 Adventure

KTM 250 Duke

•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

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