Hi Autocar team, I regularly follow you and enjoy your reviews. I am looking for a very comfortable two-wheeler with exceptional suspension performance for potholes and bad roads because I suffer from back pain. I currently use a Honda Dio with small tyres (12/10-inch combination), and the ride is not very soft. Even small rumble strips send a jerk through the bike. I am always a solo rider and need your expert advice. I would prefer a scooter for practicality, but a motorcycle is also okay. My budget is around Rs. 1.5 lakh, and I ride about 25km a day in Pune city with occasional highway trips.

autocar.india

•14h

Since you have the budget that permits you to venture into the 300-400cc category if you so wish, you can look at the Royal Enfield Hunter / Classic / Bullet 350, any of the Honda CB350 models and even the 350cc Triumph 400 models like the Speed T4 and Speed 400. These bikes are premium machines with larger engines than normal commuters, which means fuel economy will range between 30-40kpl most likely, although mileage can vary quite widely depending on multiple factors. If you want to prioritise fuel economy and instead settle for something more frugal, like a 160cc commuter will be our recommendation. Options like the Bajaj Pulsar N160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Honda Unicorn / SP160 are our picks in this class. The Apache and Pulsar are more powerful and feature-rich machines, while the Unicorn and SP160 are straightforward, no-nonsense commuters. Make sure to decide which segment you want to shop in and then take a test ride of all the options in that class before you make your decision.

autocar.india

•13h

Since you have mentioned that you will use your next bike for two-up touring with your better half, as you have done with your Xpulse 200, we'd recommend you look at the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. The Himalayan's seating and suspension comfort are the benchmark in its class, and with its powerful 452cc engine will definitely feel like a good step up from your Xpulse 200. Do bear in mind that the Himalayan is a much larger and heavier bike, and in that sense, you will need to make your peace with its sheer physical size if you do purchase it. If you want something similarly capable, yet lighter, then the 398cc KTM 390 Adventure models should be on your radar. The KTMs have even better performance and handling, and if you are a spirited rider, these will suit you better. Do bear in mind that the KTM Adventure models' seating and suspension comfort isn't as good as the Himalayan, although the difference isn't that big, and you can fix the seating issue in the aftermarket for not a lot of money. Engine refinement isn't a strong point of the KTM 390s, and you should expect more rattles and vibrations from them than the Himalayan.Since these are quite different to each other, take test rides of both before you make a decision. It's unclear when the Hero Xpulse 421 will launch, and even when it does, we'd recommend you don't immediately purchase an all-new product on a brand-new platform before the media and owners have had their say about it.

autocar.india

•23h

We'd advise you to go ahead with your new scooter's purchase because for the short to mid-term, E20 will be the current baseline blend of petrol available on a nationwide scale. Speaking strictly about material compatibility, E20 machines should be able to handle up to E30 fuel with the fuel tank, rubber seals, gaskets and hoses all ready to support the higher blend. What will need recalibration is the ECU to handle the higher ethanol content in the fuel, which is something that will have to come from the manufacturer.