I’m planning to buy a new bike - Hero Xpulse 210 or TVS Apache RTX 300. My old Xpulse 200T has a stiffer suspension, and my monthly commute is around 2,000 km, mostly on unpaved roads. Which one would be better?

autocar.india

•5d

Based on your requirements, the Triumph Speed T4 would be our recommendation. It strikes the best balance between daily comfort and weekend touring capability. The riding position is upright and relaxed, making it easy to live with in the city, while the engine is punchy enough for highway cruising and overtakes while simultaneously having a lovely low- and mid-range pull which helps in city traffic. It also feels more modern and engaging than the Honda CB350, which is a relaxed neo-retro but not as versatile or exciting to ride.If you can make the stretch for the Speed 400, certainly do, as it brings in better componentry, higher levels of fit & finish and more performance to the table while retaining all the strong points of the T4. The TVS Apache RTX 300 offers near-unbeatable value for money and, on paper, is very hard to fault. However, for all its strengths, it is plagued by some reliability concerns and after-sales issues, which make it hard to put our faith in it.

autocar.india

•6d

Given your build and your requirements, your options boil down to choosing between the Hero Xpulse 210 and the newly launched Honda XR300L. The Xpulse has been around for a while and we know what works and doesn't on that bike - its a known commodity. The XR300L, on the other hand, is not only an unfamiliar product, its also Honda's first entry into this segment of the market. Our previous experience with the CB300F (with which the XR300L shares its engine, although there are numerous differences between both) tells us that this Honda engine is peppy, reasonably fuel efficient and can hold a quick - but not breakneck - pace on the highway. If we were in your shoes, we'd wait a few months for the XR300s' deliveries to begin, take a test ride and then choose between it and the Xpulse.

autocar.india

•3d

Given your stature and the fact that you're coming from a Ronin, we'd recommend you choose between the 350cc KTM 390 Duke and the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 you've shortlisted. While both bikes have similar peak power outputs and pricing, they're poles apart to ride, so make sure you get a test ride before you go ahead with your purchase. The 390 Duke has sublime handling, great features and its 349cc engine loves chasing the redline but in day-to-day usage it feels like the machine that needs to be worked harder. Its suspension is also quite stiff (not harsh but definitely not plush) and there are quite a few vibes from the engine at almost all touch points no matter the revs you're at. If you don't care about refinement or comfort too much, and want all-out sporting thrills at a reasonable budget, then the 350cc Duke is something you should consider. If instead, you want your next purchase to be a bit more rounded to balance both usability and performance, then the RE Guerrilla 450 should be on your radar. The Guerrilla's 452cc engine's torquey nature makes it far more effortless to ride both in the city and on the highway, and its chassis is set up well for brisk road riding. It also has a lower 780mm perch (compared to the KTM's 800mm one) and its suspension is also set up to deal with road imperfections better. Ofcourse, it lacks the outright speed, handling, as well as the finessed electronics of the KTM, but for some people, this will actually be a plus point. Like we said at the outset, these are two very different bikes, so before making your decision, ensure you take a thorough test ride.