I'm planning to purchase my first motorcycle and have narrowed down my options to the Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS and Dominar 250. My primary usage will be short daily commutes of approximately 5-6 km one way in Hyderabad's traffic (around 12km two way), with occasional longer rides. I'm a relatively new rider, so low-speed usability, manoeuvrability and ease of handling matter to me. The N160 SS appeals to me because of its lighter weight, Crawl Tech, TFT and city-friendly characteristics. However, the Dominar 400 has been my dream motorcycle for the past ten years, ever since it was launched in India while I was still in school. While the Dominar 400 remains my dream bike, the Dominar 250 seems like a reasonable compromise for my primarily urban use, offering some of that Dominar experience without going straight for the 400. I've ridden the Dominar 400 and found it surprisingly manageable and planted, but I haven't been able to test-ride the Dominar 250 because dealerships don't have test-ride units. I've also heard that the Dominar 250 lacks low-end urgency, requires frequent gear changes in slow traffic and is relatively heavy for city use. On the other hand, my uncle, who has owned a Dominar 400 for years and uses it in Hyderabad, has suggested that the Dominar 250 could be a reasonable choice for my requirements. The Dominar 250 is currently quoted at approximately Rs. 2.42 lakh (on-road), compared with around Rs. 1.86-1.94 lakh for the N160 SS. Given my usage, beginner experience and long-standing desire to own a Dominar, would you recommend the N160 SS as the more sensible long-term choice, or is the Dominar 250 a motorcycle that I could realistically grow into and enjoy despite its compromises? I would particularly appreciate your thoughts on low-speed tractability, bumper-to-bumper traffic, manoeuvrability for a beginner, and whether the Dominar's additional weight and cost are justified for someone whose riding will primarily be urban.

autocar.india

•5d

Your research is absolutely spot on, and the three options you have shortlisted will surely serve your intended purpose quite well. However, which one is right for you is a decision only you can make because all three are quite different to ride.The Yamaha XSR155 is the lightest and sportiest of this trio and will be faster than the other two. What it will not be is as comfortable as the relaxed Hunter and Ronin, which score quite highly in terms of overall comfort. These two have mellow, torque-rich engines which will make for an altogether different, more laid-back riding experience.Given the magnitude of difference between all three, deciding between them warrants a test ride.

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.

autocar.india

•3d

As a Delhi resident with a 2005 Hero Honda Karizma, the key issue is that your bike is now considered “unfit” under Delhi’s 15-year rule for petrol vehicles. This means it cannot be legally used on public roads, and the registration is effectively invalid. However, there is no blanket rule that says you cannot keep the bike parked inside your own apartment complex. The authorities are primarily concerned with such vehicles being used on public roads or in public parking areas, and if you do so, you can be fined and the vehicle towed and scrapped.If the bike has sentimental value, you can explore getting it registered as a vintage vehicle, which allows continued ownership and limited use under specific conditions. This process involves an application to the RTO and meeting certain criteria, including the bike being over 15 years old and in original condition. If you do not plan to use the bike and want to avoid any risk, the safest option is to deregister it and keep it purely as a display piece, or consider scrapping it through an authorised facility.