I have a Honda Aviator since 2013. I want to upgrade to a maxi scooter, currently eyeing Yamaha Aerox S. However, I dont want that I buy the Aerox and Honda launches the Forza 350 or Adv 350. I can wait for a year. Is Honda 2 wheelers planning to launch a Maxi Scooter in 2026?

Autocar India

•1d

Since you've mentioned that a lot of your usage is inside the city with only occasional highway work, we'd recommend sticking with the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 X. The reason being, Scrambler is a lighter machine with better handling and suspension comfort, which will make it easier to ride on a daily basis inside the city. Then there is also the fact that the Dominar - as objectively sorted a bike as it is - cannot match the kerb appeal of the Scrambler, and the Triumph is sure to be a special machine to walk toward in the morning. In case you want to move away from a single-cylinder machine, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 remains a tried and tested option, and will be lovely on the highway. Do bear in mind that while it can surely wade through the drudgery of city traffic, it will be the machine that demands more effort from the rider to do so. After GST 2.0, the Interceptor has also become a fair deal pricier, so it might not fit in your budget. A test ride of both, as well as determining your budget, should be your next move.

Autocar India

•1d

Since your priority is road riding and you like to cover more than 1,000 km in a day on your travels, we'd recommend you look at machines like the Honda NX500 and Kawasaki Versys 650. Both offer very good seating comfort, wind protection and smooth twin-cylinder engines that can comfortably sustain triple-digit cruising speeds without intrusive vibrations. While they may look like adventure bikes, both are much more road-focused in the way they ride and behave. They can handle bad roads if needed, but they are not hardcore off-road machines.If you want something that's a little more road-focused and sporty, then the Kawasaki Ninja 650 is also a good option. It has a smooth engine and is very capable at highway cruising speeds, though it will not be as comfortable over very long distances as the NX500 or Versys 650. You will also need to be mindful of the low ground clearance and the expensive alloy wheels over bad roads.Depending on the sort of bike you prefer, make your decision, and before doing so, take a test ride of all three to figure out which one is right for you.

Autocar India

•1w

Wooden brakes are commonplace on most Japanese machines despite the bike having good braking hardware. In the CB300R's case, a radial Nissin caliper and a petal disc paired with an axially-mounted Nissin master cylinder are on stopping duty - in theory, this should be more than enough to bring the petite 146kg CB to a halt quickly and reassuringly. Since you mentioned that your brake feel is quite dead and wooden, the first area you should look at are brake pads. If your current pads are worn out, we'd advise switching to some sintered ones from reputed manufacturers like SBS, EBC, Vesrah or Galfer. While you're at it, a flush and refill of the brake fluid should also be carried out and these two alone should solve your problem. Upgrading your rubber brake hose to a steel braided one will be a worthwhile and inexpensive upgrade especially if you plan to keep your bike long-term. In case your bike has clocked over 25,000-30,000km, then inspecting the brake disc thickness and replacing it with an OEM one should also be on your to-do list.

Autocar India

•4d

Bajaj has no intentions of selling the single-cylinder Triumph bikes with 398cc engines in India, and all of the six models come with downsized 349cc motors. However, in two of them (Tracker and Thruxton), the engine makes more peak output, and if you want the maximum performance from an affordable Bajaj-made Triumph. So, we'd recommend choosing between these two. Since you've mentioned you like the Scrambler 400 XC, the Tracker will be a similar machine in terms of ergonomics and comfort. Although, you will lose some off-road capability as a trade-off for better street manners. Your only option if you want to buy a 398cc Triumph Scrambler 400 XC today is to ask your nearby dealers if they have some leftover stock or scour the used market for one.

Autocar India

•6d

Between 160 and 200 Duke models, we'd steer you toward the 200 Duke because it seems like you're looking for a fun machine and since you already have a bigger machine at home, the 160 could feel a little bland as time wears on. The 200 Duke has a rev-happy nature like the 160 Duke and with its added firepower, it makes for a good second machine, especially considering that the price difference between the two isn't all that large. If we're being honest, you should actually also take a look at the 250 Duke because it is a genuine step up over the 200 and if you're going to keep the bike for a while, go the whole hog and get something that will keep you entertained for a longer period. In our experience, we've found the latest-gen 250 Duke to be a sweet middle child of sorts in the KTM lineup, which offers everyday versatility with engaging performance when you want it. Over the 200 Duke, the 250 also doesn't cost a lot more and we'd recommend you stretch your budget if you can and get the quarter-litre Duke if you can.Take a test ride of the 250 Duke to see if you resonate with this KTM bike and then make your decision.