I want to buy a powerful bike like the Duke 390 or one of the Royal Enfield 650s, but I do not have the budget right now. For the time being, I want to buy a bike or scooter that is smooth and vibration-free, as smoothness is my only major criterion. I feel the Suzuki Access 125 is the right choice. Do you have any better alternatives for me? I plan to use this scooter or bike for 5-8 years and then upgrade to the bike I love after saving up.

autocar.india

•21h

You have a lot of varying options within your budget, so pick based on your preferences after a comprehensive test ride of each option. The Honda CB350 models and Royal Enfield Classic / Bullet / Hunter 350 are good options to consider in the neo-retro space with their comfortable seats, plush suspension and neutral ergonomics. Their engines aren't the most powerful, but they have good torque and make for an effortless riding experience.If you want a more off-road capable machine, then the Hero Xpulse 210 is a great option to consider. The Xpulse is a tall machine, but it is quite light and will have the best comfort over bad roads of all the bikes mentioned. If you decide you want a straightforward commuter with a little more pep than your Pulsar 180, then the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N250 are good picks. They will feel similar to your 180 in their seating but will be a step up in terms of comfort, performance, refinement and features. As we said above, these bikes are very different from each other, and the best way to decide between them is through a comprehensive test ride.

autocar.india

•1d

Strictly from performance and striking visuals standpoints, the Ather 450 Apex would be our recommendation. The 450 Apex is extremely zippy, handles well and has many feel good features which will make you appreciate it in the long run. However, it is quite a cramped machine for taller riders and its suspension is also quite stiff. If you want something more palatable for daily use and don't mind sacrificing some outright performance, take a look at the Ather Rizta Z 3.7 and TVS iQube S 4.7 / ST 5.3 variants. The Rizta will have more tech while the iQube will be the more traditonal scooter, so picking between the two will come down to which experience you resonate with more. Take test rides of these models before you make your decision to make an informed one.

autocar.india

•4d

While the 250cc Suzuki bikes are undoubtedly good machines, we'd recommend you hold off on that because Suzuki is readying an all-new Gixxer lineup which will debut at the end of this year and these will be next-gen models which will bring in a host of functional improvements. If you can't wait that long, we'd recommend looking at the Bajaj Pulsar N250, which is a sorted machine and will serve you well. Do bear in mind that coming from your twin-cylinder Interceptor 650, these smaller, single-cylinder 250s will feel like a big step down and you may perhaps wish for something slightly more substantial and premium feeling after a while. Instead of downsizing so severely, you should look at the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 which will be pleasant and comfortable to use inside the city but will still give you a premium, feel-good experience which the smaller bikes won't be able to match. Since you're intimately acquainted with RE ownership, the Hunter will slot in nicely into your life as well. Take a test ride of these bikes to see which one fits your usage better ultimately and then make your decision.