I’m planning to buy a bike next year (around August). I want a mid-range model (<300 cc) with ground clearance >175 mm, a comfortable pillion seat, and adventure-style capability. I won’t commute daily, but my rides are long when I do them, so good mileage is important. I plan to start longer trips from 2027 and prefer to avoid brands with higher maintenance costs (e.g., Yamaha). Could you suggest suitable models?

autocar.india

•15h

Moving up from a Pulsar 150, you should check out the 350cc Bajaj Dominar 400, which will feel more substantial and comfortable, not to mention head and shoulders above when it comes to performance. Since your ride has a lot of highway stretches, a machine that can cruise comfortably at higher speeds while keeping you comfortable will be a good bet.If you want to look at the adventure bike space, consider the Hero Xpulse 210 and TVS Apache RTX 300. The Xpulse is lighter, which will make it easier to manage at slower speeds, and its smaller engine will also be more fuel efficient. On the other hand, the RTX has a more powerful engine capable of delivering more performance and its seating comfort is better than the Xpulse. Do bear in mind that both of these are tall bikes and will require some skill to manage if you're a shorter person.If, instead, you want a neo-retro machine, then consider proven options like the Honda CB350 models and Royal Enfield Classic / Bullet 350. These are relaxed and comfortable machines with torquey engines, which will be suitable for long commutes. When ridden sensibly, they also return good fuel economy. These bikes are all very different from one another, and to accurately gauge which is the best one for you, take a test ride of all before you make your decision.

autocar.india

•16h

An electric scooter is the more practical and frugal way to approach your 40km daily commute, and in that regard, the River Indie will make for a spacious and practical machine with more than sufficient range for your needs. The new Keeway Hypevolt-R is a far more expensive product from an unknown brand, so we wouldn't really recommend it unless you absolutely must have something distinctive and flashy with seriously zippy performance. On the other hand, the petrol-powered motorcycle is a fun way to tackle your 40km commute. The 350cc Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is a really fun machine with its lovely top-end rush of power and crisp handling characteristics. The TVS Apache RTX 300 will be a little slower, but it will compensate for it with far better comfort and features.Really, the choice will come down to what sort of experience you want consistently on your commute, and we'd advise a test ride of the Indie as well as the bikes you've shortlisted before you make your decision.

autocar.india

•22h

The TVS Apache RTX 300 is a much more well-rounded machine than the Hero Xpulse 210. It is faster, more capable at highway speeds, and its handling is very nice when you encounter twisty roads. However, the Xpulse is lighter and will be friendlier for newer riders, especially when riding off-road. Before picking between the two, we'd recommend a thorough test ride of both, and if you want to cap your budget at Rs 2 lakh, then the Xpulse will be your only option because all variants of the RTX are just under or above that mark.