Autocar India
33w

I have owned a scooter for about three years and now want to upgrade to a motorcycle of my own. I haven’t ridden a bike before, but I am familiar with how bikes work. I am 183 cm (about 6 ft) tall and want a bike with decent mileage in the range of 40-50 kmpl. I’ve been considering the Yamaha MT-15, but I feel there could be a newer version with better pillion space (still waiting on that). Since the price of the MT-15 approaches the 250-350 cc range, I’ve also liked bikes such as the Honda CB350 and the H’ness. I’d appreciate help choosing a bike that fits my needs, along with a list of suitable options. Thank you.

Verified
32w

Since you are a taller person, we would recommend you look at the Yamaha XSR155 instead of the MT-15 as the XSR is a more spacious machine which will be useful to you. For a similar price, you will also get larger machines like the Bajaj Pulsar N250, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Honda CB300F. It will offer you better performance at the expense of a small hit as far as fuel efficiency is concerned. 

Since you have mentioned that you are considering the Honda CB350 models. Do bear in mind that these are relaxed neo-retro roadsters which will offer you a more laidback riding experience and good comfort levels. Although fuel economy will be quite a bit lower than that of the smaller bikes we have mentioned above. It is also worth taking a look at the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 because it offers a similar experience to the CB350 but at a lower price and has comparable fuel economy and performance, too. 

A test ride of every bike you shortlist will help you make a decision. 

Yamaha XSR155

Yamaha XSR155

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?

Verified
3d

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
1d

I’m 32, married, and based in Bengaluru. I currently own a 5-year-old Yamaha FZ25 that has completed only around 14,000 km. The bike has been extremely reliable overall, but it now needs some work which includes mainly new tyres, ABS repair and proper service. I am estimating around Rs. 20 -30,000 to bring it back to a really good condition. I am in a dilemma as I’ve wanted a Royal Enfield Himalayan for almost 10 years. I actually rode a Himalayan 411 for over 1,000 km on a trip and absolutely loved its riding position, suspension, engine character and the way it handled bad roads. It was one of those bikes I didn't want to return. The new Himalayan 440 has now been launched, and I’m getting a Bangalore on-road quote of around Rs. 2.98 lakh. I could put around Rs. 1 lakh down and finance roughly Rs. 2 lakh. The practical side says: keep the FZ25 by spending Rs. 20,000 to 30,000 on it and continue using it. I don't ride very much at the moment, and my wife isn't particularly interested in motorcycle trips. My options are either repair and keep the FZ25. Second option is to buy the Himalayan 440 and keep it for long term and last, wait another 1-2 years and decide later. I would love some brutally practical advice, especially considering the Rs. 3 lakh price and relatively low riding usage.

Verified
10h

The very fact that you still want a RE Himalayan, despite not having ridden one in many years would suggest you have a deep yearning for the bike. More so, since your very words are,"It was one of those bikes I didn't want to return." Even though you don't ride a lot currently, the Himalayan 440 may well change that. From our experience with the Scram 440, we believe the Himalayan 440 will offer a step up in terms of refinement, reliability and features compared to the erstwhile 411. Take a test ride and if you like how the bike rides, go ahead and make your purchase.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 440

Posted on: 22 Jan 2026