Bikes under ₹5 lakh in India (274)

autocar.india

•1d

Both the TVS Ronin and Royal Enfield Hunter 350 are excellent choices that are similarly capable in this price range, but both have different riding experiences. The Ronin feels lighter on its feet because it weighs quite a bit less than the Hunter, and while its styling is that of a relaxed retro, it actually has very nice handling. Its engine is also quick to spool up and makes a deep, bassy sound with a strong surge of mid-range torque to boot. On the other hand, the Hunter's long-stroke motor is more mellow and, in our opinion, more characterful too. The riding experience is dominated by the strong low- and mid-range torque here, and it's a pleasure to short-shift on the Hunter and listen to its thumpy beat of an exhaust note. While the Hunter is much heavier than the Ronin, you don't really feel it when you're on the move and darting through city trafic is a breeze on this RE. Take test rides of both, see which one tickles your fancy and then make your decision.

autocar.india

•2d

Since you want comfort as a top priority in your next purchase, the two bikes that will deliver that much better than the others in your shortlist are the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 X. The Himalayan is more adept on the highway front, but the Scrambler is the better city bike, so depending on where you spend more time, pick between these two. The TVS Apache RTX 300 is a phenomenally capable bike (especially for the price), but its engine feels a little dull once you spend some time with it. If you are okay with that, then as an overall package, the TVS is quite hard to fault. If you decide you want something more road-biased, then the 350cc Triumph Speed 400 and Honda CB350RS are good options to consider. We'd skip the RE Meteor models because the Super Meteor has stiff rear suspension, and instead of the Meteor, look at the Classic / Bullet if you want more comfort with an old-school relaxed retro vibe. These are all very different machines within a broad price range, so depending on the segment you are looking at specifically, we'd advise you to take test rides of the options above and then make your decision.

autocar.india

•1w

A word of caution first: none of the bikes you have shortlisted will fit within your budget; you will have to extend it significantly to accommodate them. Also, for your needs, the Hero Xpulse 210 seems the better fit overall. It can easily tackle broken roads and off-road conditions while maintaining good composure when riding on tarmac. Yes, this Hero Motocorp bike will have a taller pillion seat, but with a bit of practice and after a brief acclimatization period, it should likely be a non-issue for your pillion. Take a test ride of the Xpulse and then go ahead with your purchase.

autocar.india

•1w

For your usage, where you regularly ride with a pillion both usually inside the city and occassionally on the highway, the Triumph Scrambler 400 X is the better option than its sibling, the Tracker. The Scrambler has a far more upright and commanding rider's triangle, is more spacious for both rider and pillion and its suspension comfort is also much better than the Tracker. Coming to the braking issue on the Scrambler, Triumph (not Bajaj) insists on equipping the bike with organic brake pads which don't have the same life or power as sintered units but its an easy fix. You can fit the sintered pads from any other 350cc Triumph onto the Scrambler and this will be an inexpensive and easy fix to your problem.

autocar.india

•2w

Since most of the riding will be in the city with occasional weekend trips, you are already leaning towards the adventure-touring segment; the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is one of the best all-rounders in this price range, if you can manage its size and weight.The KTM 390 Adventure range is quick, engaging to ride and packed with useful features such as cruise control, cornering ABS, traction control and a quickshifter. It also handles exceptionally well on highways and twisty roads. That said, the engine is not as refined as some rivals, and the large windscreen can make slow-moving city traffic feel warmer.If off-road capability is not a priority, the Triumph Scrambler 400 models deserve serious consideration. It combines the commanding riding position of an ADV with the styling of a scrambler. The engine is refined, the handling is neutral and predictable and comfort over bad roads is good too.Among these, the Triumph Bike is the most affordable, while the KTM 390 Adventure S is the most expensive. The Himalayan 450 falls comfortably in between. One advantage of the Royal Enfield bikes is the strong riding community and touring culture that comes with the brand, which may appeal if you enjoy long-distance travel and group rides.Take a test ride and see which one suits you best before making your decision.