Hi, I am 5'3" and looking to buy a new motorcycle that offers more power, better suspension, and decent mileage. I plan to use it for office commuting within the city, occasional road trips, and family rides on weekends. I currently own a Honda Shine SP 125 cc, which I have been using since 2016. My budget is approximately ₹2 lakh. What options are available?

•30w

Since you are stepping up from a 125cc machine, a logical move would be to upgrade to something in the 160cc space. Here out top picks are the Bajaj Pulsar N160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and the Honda Unicorn. The Honda 160s will be a little less sporty than the Bajaj and TVS and will have more upright and neutral riding positions.

If you decide you want something even bigger, then you can consider options like the Bajaj Pulsar N250, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, Honda CB300F, and Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Of all these machines, the CB300F will feel the quickest, and it is also a rather lightweight machine, which aids its fuel economy and overall manageability.

A test ride will help you figure out which is the right bike for you.

Explore bikes mentioned

Bajaj

Pulsar N160

from ₹1.36 Lakh

Bajaj

Pulsar N250

from ₹1.56 Lakh

TVS

Apache RTR 160 4V

from ₹1.40 Lakh

TVS

Apache RTR 200 4V

from ₹1.60 Lakh

Royal Enfield

Hunter 350

from ₹1.61 Lakh

Honda Bikes

CB300F

Honda Bikes

Unicorn

from ₹1.33 Lakh

More posts on similar bikes

•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?

•2d

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 buy a motorcycle for the first time. Please suggest a suitable option based on my requirements. My main priorities are safety and comfort. I’ll mostly ride in villages and cities, with occasional highway rides. I’m 5'4" tall and weigh 45 kg. My budget is around Rs 1.5 lakh. I would also prefer a bike with a single-seat setup, as I’ll be carrying my parents as pillion riders.

•3d

Given your requirements, commuter bikes like the Honda Unicorn, Bajaj Pulsar 150, and Yamaha FZ would be our recommendation. These have low and flat single-piece seats, good suspension comfort, and will also be quite fuel-efficient. Take a test ride of all three before you make your decision.

Honda Bikes Unicorn

Bajaj Pulsar 150

•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?

•3d

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

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