Bajaj bikes in India (20)

In the electric scooter market, we would recommend you take a look at the Ather Rizta 2.9 variants, Bajaj Chetak 3001 and the TVS iQube 2.2 / 3.1 for your usage. All three have large storage spaces under the seat, with at least 30 litres of space available, if not more.

The Ather is the only one that will give you a touchscreen colour TFT display on the higher Z variants if that is of interest to you. If not, the S variants have the same underpinnings with a few features less while also costing much less. 

The iQube and Chetak are proven products and have a straightforward scooter riding experience. They are appreciated by lakhs of people and are sure to resonate with you as well. 

A test ride and visit to your nearest dealer to enquire about service costs is for all three in order to make a more informed decision. 

If you want to stay in the same displacement range as your Unicorn, you can look at the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. Both have great suspension, peppy performance and will return similar fuel economy to your Unicorn. 

If you want to make a step up, then bikes like the Royal Enfield Hunter / Bullet / Classic 350, TVS Ronin, and Honda CB350 trio will make for good commuting partners. These are bikes with upright, neutral ergonomics, plush suspension setups and torquey, smooth engines. Expect lower fuel economy in comparison to your Unicorn, however, by virtue of its larger displacement.

Lastly, the Hero Xpulse 210 is a wonderful do-it-all machine which will have the best suspension comfort of all the bikes listed here.

A test ride of all of these bikes will help you determine which one is best for you.

In the 150-160cc commuter bike space, you have a good variety of options from different brands to choose from. Among the straightforward, simple commuter options, bikes like the Honda Unicorn / SP160 and Yamaha FZ models will be a good fit with their excellent fuel economy as well as comfortable ride and seating position. 

If you want something a little sportier, you could even consider the Bajaj Pulsar N160, which will also give you some features like a USD fork, which isn't found in most other bikes in the class. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is also a great option, but it can feel a little cramped, especially in the leg region. So we would recommend a test ride for all of these bikes before you decide. 

Since you have a longer commute, with its longer suspension and bigger wheels, a motorcycle will be more comfortable than a scooter, so we recommend going with a bike only. 

Depending on your usage and the look of the bike you prefer, either of the bikes you are looking at will be a great fit for you. The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is a great entry-level performance naked bike and will be far more comfortable to use daily due to its upright ergonomics. However, if ridden enthusiastically, fuel economy will take a hit. 

The Yamaha R15 M is the top model in the lineup, and its ex-showroom price is above Rs 1.80 lakh, which means it is quite a bit above your budget. If you do decide to stretch for the R15 M, you will have one of the sweetest, most capable beginner sportbikes around with a great look and feel. However, the latest R15 models are very committed in terms of their riding position. So, if you are going to use it regularly, you will need to put up with a seriously uncomfortable riding position. 

Instead, if you want similar performance, fuel economy and reliability with a good dose of daily practicality and a much lower price tag, check out the Yamaha XSR155. This is essentially an upright, neo-retro version of the R15 and will serve you just as well. 

A test ride of these 3 should help you determine which is the right machine for your needs.

The 150/160cc commuter segment is a great one to be shopping in for city duties because it is packed with excellent products that are comfortable, decently powerful and quite fuel efficient. Bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar N160, TVS Apache RR 160 4V, Honda Unicorn / SP160 and the Yamaha FZ models would be our top recommendations in this class. 

The 350cc segment - while much larger - is geared to provide a more laidback, leisurely riding experience, and this is why you might think that these bikes "lack pickup." You should ask yourself what sort of riding experience you resonate with first before you start shortlisting vehicles. 

Some bikes in between these two segments that also warrant consideration are the TVS Ronin, Bajaj Pulsar N250, Honda CB300F and the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V.

A test ride of everything you're considering will help you decide. 

Depending on what sort of bike you want, there are many different options to choose from. If you want a sporty commuter, then bikes like the TVS Apache RTR 160 / 200 4V, Bajaj Pulsar N160 / N250, Honda CB300F and the Suzuki Gixxer models will be good options to consider. 

If you want a neo-retro bike, then bikes like the Royal Enfield Hunter / Bullet 350, Yamaha XSR155 and TVS Ronin will be the ones we recommend. 

If you want an ADV, then the Hero Xpulse 200 / 210 will be bikes that deserve your attention. 

Take a test ride of everything you shortlist before making a decision. 

In the 150/160cc category, your best bets for a comfortable and fuel-efficient machine would range between the Honda Unicorn / SP160, Bajaj Pulsar N160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Hero Xtreme 160R 4V. 

Depending on your physique, each bike will fit you differently. So, we would recommend a test ride of all bikes on both good and bad roads before you make a purchase. 

The Honda CB125 Hornet makes a good case for itself as your first bike with its lightweight, frugal engine and flashy style. You should also take a look at the Hero Xtreme 125R and TVS Raider because there are some areas where these bikes have an upper hand on the Honda. 

Bigger bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and Yamaha MT-15 will offer you more performance, albeit at the cost of fuel efficiency. They will also be a little heavier, but it won't be a big difference. 

A test ride and a clear expectation of what you want from the bike will help you decide which bike is best for you. 

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is an excellent option in the 160cc commuter class and will make for a good step up from your SP125. In a similar vein, you can also look at the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, which has similar performance and will also return good fuel economy. 

Both the Pulsar and Apache have manageable seat heights (approx. 800mm). It should help you get comfortable with these quite easily after a brief adjustment period.