Honda bikes in India (29)

Since you haven't specified what style of bike you want, nor given some details about your physique, recommending something concrete will not be possible. However, we'll give you a variety of options to choose from, spanning multiple classes. 

In the neo-retro space, you can look at bikes like the Royal Enfield Classic / Bullet / Hunter 350, TVS Ronin, Triumph Speed T4 and Honda CB350 models. These will have a relaxed riding experience and a plush, comfortable ride quality. The Speed T4 will be the quickest and most responsive of them all, but still very manageable for daily use.

If you want something sportier, the KTM 250 Duke makes for a compelling option for your one-bike garage. 

If you're leaning towards the more adventurous side of things, then the Hero Xpulse 210 and the TVS Apache RTX 300 are the way to go. 

It would be advisable to take test rides of all of these bikes to see what style you prefer and which bike you are most comfortable with. 

The Battalion Black is the base variant in the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 lineup and has a simpler finish for certain components and only single-channel ABS owing to its rear drum brake. However, its riding experience should largely be the same as the other variants, and in that sense, it would make for a relaxed, characterful and comfortable motorcycle. 

In many ways, the Honda CB350RS will feel similiar to ride because of its air-cooled engine and plush suspension. But it has a sportier, more engaging seating position and feels a lot lighter on its feet. It also comes with modern conveniences such as tubeless tyres, a slip/assist clutch and all-LED lighting. The CB350RS is also over Rs 30,000 more expensive than the Bullet 350 Battalion Black, so price will play a key role in your purchase decision. 

Picking between the two will boil down to which bike you gel with better. Also, whether you think the Honda deserves the extra money it commands over the Royal Enfield. 

The Honda SP160 is based on the same platform as the popular Unicorn and should have similiar strengths like good comfort, exceptional fuel efficiency, as well as durability and reliability in the long run. 

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is one of the best options in the sporty commuter bike segment and will offer you good performance and features without sacrificing comfort and practicality. Do bear in mind that if you are a tall person, then this bike will feel a little cramped, especially with its tight seat-to-footpeg distance.

Coming to the TVS Ronin, this bike will offer you more performance and comfort than the other 150/160cc options you're looking at, but it will return lower fuel economy. And since you're looking at the base variant, you'll only get single-channel ABS like the smaller bikes. 

The Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid will likely be the most fuel-efficient machine of this lot, but it offers lacklustre performance, and its comfort levels aren't that high either.

Our advice would be to take a test ride of everything you shortlist before making a decision. 

If you want to stay within the Royal Enfield fold, you can look at the Hunter 350, which will feel much more manageable and comfortable than your older Bullet. But if you want to get a new version of your bike, the base Battalion Black and Military variants of the Bullet 350 will fit in your budget.

The latest Bullet is a refined, comfortable and reliable machine which should return decent fuel economy, when ridden sensibly. Do bear in mind that with the Hunter, you will get dual-channel ABS. But the Bullet's base models only come with single-channel ABS and a rear drum brake. 

Alternatively, other options from reputed brands worth considering are the TVS Ronin, Apache RTR 200 4V, Honda CB300F, and Bajaj Pulsar N250. These smaller bikes will offer similar performance to the RE 350s - if not more - while being more fuel efficient too. 

Take a test ride of these machines before you make a decision. 

Of the four bikes in your shortlist, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will offer you the most performance as well as the highest levels of long-distance capability and comfort. However, inside the city, it will feel large and a little top-heavy at crawling speeds, and its fuel economy, too, will be lower than the rest owing to its larger motor. The Himalayan 450 is also quite a bit more expensive than the other bikes you are looking at.

The Honda CB350 H'ness and Royal Enfield Hunter 350 are comparable neo-retro roadsters. It will be great inside the city, and as long as you are a sedate rider, it should be reasonably comfortable and capable on the highway too. 

You will have to take a call based on how much time you're going to spend in the city vs out on the highway, and whether your budget permits you to stretch for the Himalayan. 

If you're okay with handling a big bike in the city, then the Himalayan 450 does make for a fantastic all-rounder. 

We'd recommend a test ride of these three, nonetheless, so you can decide which one suits you best.