Sir, I currently own a 9-year-old Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350, which is still in good condition. I am now 64 years old and would like to replace it with a 150cc motorcycle. My priorities are a comfortable ride, good pillion comfort, complete peace of mind, inexpensive spare parts and an upright riding position similar to the Thunderbird.

autocar.india

•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.

autocar.india

•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.

autocar.india

•1d

If your priority is fuel economy, you're better off with either the Bajaj Pulsar 150 or the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. These bikes are proven workhorses which will last you a long time and deliver good fuel economy, which will be an important factor in your purchase decision given your near-100km daily commute. If, instead, you want a more premium and polished machine with better performance, build quality, design and ride quality, then the more expensive Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is surely a good option. It all boils down to whether or not you can manage the stretch and what sort of experience you are after.