I have lower back pain and currently ride a Bullet 350 ES with gas-filled rear suspension and a well-padded touring seat. It is comfortable on long rides, but fuel efficiency with E20 fuel is a major issue. I also have to use additives or fill premium petrol; otherwise, power delivery becomes jerky. Putting XP100 improves efficiency substantially, but the price difference is significant, and availability is limited. I want to buy an additional scooter or a 100-150cc motorcycle that is very kind on my back. I recently read about the Destini 110 having superb plush suspension. What else would you suggest within a budget of under Rs. 1 lakh for around 150km of daily riding? The bike must have excellent suspension and ride quality.

autocar.india

•5h

Considering your build and your specific needs as well as usage, we'd recommend choosing between the Triumph Scrambler 400 X and Suzuki V-Strom SX. Given that you travel with a pillion occasionally and want an upgrade from your current 150cc bike, both will offer a step up, although to varying degrees.The V-Strom SX offers trademark Suzuki strengths like being easy to ride, inexpensive to own, good fuel efficiency if ridden sensibly and being a reliable machine that will last you for many years. Its compromises are that its smaller engine will obviously lack the poke of the bigger Triumph, and it is a simple machine with no real frills (which could even be considered a plus point if you like simple machines). The V-Strom is also far more affordable to purchase, which is a definite plus point for someone stepping up from a 150cc bike.The 350cc Scrambler 400 X will - unsurprisingly - offer more spirited performance and better high-speed manners given its more sophisticated chassis and will also feel like the better finished product of the two. Its handling is pleasantly engaging for the sort of bike it is, and since you mentioned you value those attributes in your current bike, this will appeal to you. Downsides to the Scrambler include higher ownership costs, lower fuel economy and its pillion perch is slightly smaller than the Suzuki's, although not bad in isolation.To make a definitive decision between the two, a test ride will be helpful.

autocar.india

•3h

Suzuki is working on a next-generation Gixxer platform, which will spawn four models and this is likely to debut around the end of this year or in the first quarter of next year. Since the V-Strom SX is based on the same basic architecture as that of Gixxer 250, expect that bike to follow suit in due course as well. Given that the current V-Strom SX is a durable, reliable but simple and rather dated machine, it would make sense to wait for the new-gen model. The RE Classic 350 that your father has suggested is an excellent motorcycle although markedly different from the V-Strom in terms of the riding experience it delivers. This is a charming, laidback and reliable machine although it is on the heavier side. If you want something similiar to the Classic but lighter, look at the Honda CB350 models instead.If you need a motorcycle immediately, take a test ride of both the aforementioned 350s and pick based on your preference. If you can wait for some time, then waiting for the next-gen V-Strom SX would be advisable.

autocar.india

•3d

Currently, the only electric scooters from a reputed manufacturer to have removable batteries are Hero MotoCorp's Vida V2 and VX2 models. These scooters come in a variety of variants to choose from depending on your styling, range, and price requirements. Take test rides of both before you make a decision.