Hero MotoCorp bikes in India (26)

If you want wider tyres in the 125cc sporty commuter space, you'll have to go for one of the sporty-looking, feature-loaded options like the TVS Raider, Hero Xtreme 125R and Honda CB125 Hornet. All have at least single-channel ABS on the higher variants and tyres that are grippy enough to handle all sorts of road conditions you might encounter, both of which should help you stop in a controlled manner. 

You've mentioned that having a kick starter is a priority for you, and of the bikes listed above, only the Hero has it as standard. However, these bikes are thoroughly modern, and their electric starters will work in just about every situation you find yourself in. So we'd advise you not to restrict yourself and potentially miss out on a high-quality product because of an antiquated notion like that. 

Since you have mentioned you are looking for retro-styled, easygoing motorcycles with occasional two-up riding, here are your options. First and foremost, you should take a look at the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. With its low seat height and fairly manageable size, the Hunter will prove welcoming for a smaller person like yourself and will have decent comfort with two people onboard. 

For similar reasons, you should also consider the TVS Ronin. It is also a much lighter machine than the Hunter, which will give you confidence when riding the bike, especially with a pillion. 

If you want something with an even lower seat height, then bikes like the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and Goan Classic 350 are what you should be looking at. They have good suspension, but owing to their feet-forward riding position, a lot of the jolt gets transferred to your back over bad stretches of road. 

A test ride should help you decide which is the correct bike for you. 

Given your requirements, you should go for the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. The Ertiga has a spacious cabin and comes powered by a 103hp and 1.5-litre petrol engine. It has a claimed mileage of 20.51kpl with a 5-speed manual gearbox and 20.3kpl with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

It can even be had in a CNG version that offers lower running costs than the petrol. Since the Ertiga is a Maruti product, it will also be reliable and stress-free to maintain. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga prices range from Rs 8.80 lakh to Rs 12.94 lakh (ex-showroom, India).

In the ICE family scooter segment, machines like the TVS Jupiter 110 / 125 and Suzuki Access 125 are our current frontrunners in the comfort department, so we'd suggest starting there. The Jupiter, in particular, has some nifty USPs like a spacious underseat storage area and 12-inch wheels at both ends, which will aid convenience and stability, respectively. 

If you are open to getting an electric scooter, we'd advise checking out the TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak and Ather Rizta models as they are reliable products from reputed companies which should last you a long time. Choose a variant with enough battery capacity to handle your daily needs.

Take your father for a test ride of these scooters to see which one he finds the most manageable.