I am 5'6" and have previously owned or ridden a Hero Glamour (2007–2010), a Bajaj Pulsar 125 (2012–2013), a Royal Enfield Electra (2013–2020, at my hometown) and an Apache RTR 160 (2016–2018, in the city where I worked). Currently, I use my father's Honda Aviator for short trips. Of all these bikes, I enjoyed the Royal Enfield Electra the most, particularly for its ride comfort and low-end torque. However, I did face some issues with the kick-start mechanism and gearbox. Since 2014, I have primarily used a car, and I am now looking for a motorcycle mainly for leisure and occasional rides. I am 40 years old, and my riding will mostly involve city commutes in bumper-to-bumper traffic, with a longer weekend ride once every three months. I prefer retro or classic styling and am not particularly interested in speed. Comfort, easy handling and looks are my priorities. The motorcycles I am considering are the Honda CB350C, Honda Rebel, Yamaha XSR (mainly because of its relatively low weight), Triumph T4 and Royal Enfield Meteor. My previous experience with the older Royal Enfield UCE engine makes me a little hesitant about buying another RE, although I am open to considering the Meteor if the newer J-series engine is a significant improvement. Considering my height, riding requirements and preferences, which one motorcycle would you recommend? I would appreciate advice based on real-world ownership experience, particularly regarding comfort in city traffic, ease of handling and long-term reliability. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

autocar.india

•5d

For a first-time driver who is not very confident, the Nissan Magnite CVT and Renault Kiger CVT are the most natural fits, while the Honda Elevate CVT remains a good choice if the extra size is manageable. The Magnite and Kiger are compact, have light steering, good all-round visibility, around 205mm ground clearance and 360-degree cameras, making them particularly easy to place in tight traffic and parking spaces. The CVTs are also smooth and predictable, which is useful for a new driver. The Kia Seltos 1.5 IVT is another good option, and its IVT is essentially a CVT in operation, but the Seltos is larger and therefore not quite as unintimidating as the Magnite or Kiger. The Honda Elevate CVT has several advantages for a new driver, particularly its good bonnet visibility, upright driving position, 220mm ground clearance, light and predictable CVT and 5.2m turning circle. Its 4.3m length, however, will make tight parking slightly more challenging than in the Magnite or Kiger. The current Elevate's lack of a factory 360-degree camera is also a drawback, although the upcoming Elevate facelift is expected to get a 360-degree camera, which would make it a considerably better match for this requirement. An EV can be even easier in traffic because there is no gear changing and the response is very smooth, so the Punch EV is worth considering if home charging is available.

Nissan Magnite

Renault Kiger

Honda Elevate (2023-2026)

Tata Punch EV

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•2d

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

•2d

An updated Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 has been on the cards for quite some time, and yes, twin front disc brakes are quite likely to be part of the package. This setup has been spotted on quite a few test mules in the past and should likely improve the Inty's stopping performance - something that has been a point of contention for owners for many years now. RE is likely to focus its energies on the upcoming Himalayan 750, which is due to be launched at its MotoVerse festival, after which we could perhaps see this updated Interceptor launched.