Hi, I am from South Mumbai and have owned an Yamaha RX100, which has been my everyday commuter for the past 20 years. I absolutely love it. Around 10 years ago, I also owned a first-generation KTM Duke 200 for a brief period. I now want to get into weekend riding, but I am a bit confused about which motorcycle to buy. I have shortlisted the Ultraviolette X47, Hero XPulse 210, KTM 390 Enduro R, and Triumph Scrambler 400X. I have always been fascinated by dirt-oriented and naked motorcycles. I plan to keep the bike for a long time and have no intention of changing it anytime soon. The Ultraviolette X47 appeals to me because of the technology it offers, while the others attract me for their off-road capability and suitability for our road conditions. Which one would you suggest for my requirements? Thank you.

autocar.india

•3d

Both the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 X and Harley-Davidson X440 are very good candidates for your next purchase, but they are quite different machines underneath. The H-D X440 is a relaxed roadster with a smooth, characterful long-stroke single-cylinder engine which has a good dose of low and mid-range torque. Despite its weight, the X440 is a manageable and comfortable machine inside the city and is planted and stable on the highway. If you can, make the stretch to the X440 T because not only does it look better, its finish levels are also much higher. On the highway, cruising at 100-110kph, the X440 is relaxed and vibe-free, although this is not a sporty machine. In fact, the Scrambler 400 X will be much sportier in its overall handling despite having decent off-road capability. Its liquid-cooled engine is more powerful, but you will need to rev it to make quick progress. The Scrambler also has good seating and ride comfort, although its pillion seat is on the smaller side. Take a test ride of both since they are such different machines before you make your decision.

autocar.india

•2d

For your location and usage, we'd recommend choosing between the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Honda CB350 models. The Hunter is more affordable, more compact and quite comfortable. It is also a very popular bike which sells by the bucketload every month and given how many are on the road today, you're likely to have a pleasant ownership experience without teething troubles.Meanwhile, the Honda CB350 models are larger machines in terms of their bodywork and spacious ergonomics but are almost on par with the Hunter when it comes to weight. The H'ness and RS, in particular, also have a more standout design and if you want a bike that's not very common, one of these is a good buy. Finally, the 350cc Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is a completely different ballgame to these air-cooled 350s and will offer much superior performance and handling but will be a little compromised on the comfort front in comparison. To make an informed decision, take a test ride of all three before you go ahead with your purchase.

autocar.india

•3d

If your running is low and your Bajaj Pulsar RS200 is otherwise in good condition, there is no compelling reason to replace it. As for fuel, switching to the much more expensive XP100 is not worth it. The RS200 is not a high-compression performance engine that would benefit from 100-octane fuel, and you will not see any meaningful improvement in performance or efficiency. The lower mileage you are seeing on E20 fuel is expected, as ethanol blends generally reduce fuel economy. The best approach is to continue using the RS200, maintain it well, and accept the slightly lower mileage as a normal consequence of E20 fuel. There is no need to spend extra on premium fuel or a new bike unless you have a specific reason to upgrade.