I'm 5'7", 60kg, and currently ride a Hunter 350. I find it heavy (181kg) for Bangalore traffic & miss the 'light & fast' agility of the legendary RX135. Your recent review of XSR 155 (137kg) got me excited as a potential replacement. My only concern is the 810mm seat height (vs. Hunter's 790mm). Will this be manageable for my height in stop-and-go traffic? Does the XSR 155 finally offer that 'flickable' RX135 experience, or should I stick to Hunter for its lower centre of gravity?

autocar.india

•15h

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.

autocar.india

•17h

The Harley-Davidson X440T makes for a good commuting companion with its torquey yet smooth long-stroke single-cylinder engine, neutral ergonomics and plush suspension setup. Depending on the traffic on your route as well as the way you ride, fuel economy will vary, but you should expect a big drop from your Shine 125 in this regard.If you want a similiar riding experience but a machine that is more affordable and with better fuel economy, consider the Royal Enfield Bullet / Classic 350 and Honda CB350 models. These machines have similar attributes to the bigger X440 T, but with their smaller engines, they will be more fuel-efficient, although of course, you will have to sacrifice some peak output.Take test rides of these machines before you make your decision, depending on which one you prefer the most.

autocar.india

•18h

If you want a sporty naked with peppy performance without sacrificing fuel economy to a great extent, look at the TVS Apache RTR 310. The Apache has a friendly 800mm seat height, plush suspension that still gives you the composure you need when riding hard and a punchy engine. On the higher variants, you also get some very unique features such as keyless ignition and adjustable suspension, although these might cross the Rs 3 lakh mark. Even so, the RTR 310 comes well-equipped out of the box and will offer a good step up in performance compared to your Jawa 42.If you want a touring bike, then your only option in this price range is the 350cc Bajaj Dominar 400. The Dominar has an approachable 800mm seat height, is comfortable, has enough performance and comes with a lot of essentials that you need to go touring, right out of the showroom. It is a heavy machine, but its weight lends it stability on the highway, although at slower city speeds, you will feel it.Take test rides of both before you make a decision to see which one suits your usage pattern better.