Hero MotoCorp Xpulse 210 Top

The two frontrunners in the ADV space within your budget would be the TVS Apache RTX 300 and Hero Xpulse 210. The Xpulse will be the more city-friendly machine compared to the RTX because it is lighter and not as physically large a machine. It will also return noticeably better fuel economy, and if that's important to you, then it becomes the clear pick. The RTX does have better seating comfort, although in isolation, the Xpulse is good too. 

A test ride of these two will help you decide which is the better machine for you. 

Since you aren't familiar with the clutch/gear shift coordination that a motorcycle will demand. We would recommend you first learn these basics under the guidance of a professional or a trusted relative/friend. 

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 may seem like a small machine, but it can comfortably accommodate larger riders without a hassle. Coming to the Xpulse 210, this is a lighter and taller machine than the Hunter and will also have a very different riding experience. 

The Honda SP125 will undoubtedly give you excellent fuel economy, but it can't compete with the Hunter and Xpulse in terms of performance or road presence. We'd recommend a test ride of all three before you make your purchase, as that will help you make an informed decision. 

However, if you think that riding a motorcycle is too complicated, and you want to stick with a scooter. It makes sense to go with proven options in the ICE and EV segments like TVS Jupiter, Honda Activa, Suzuki Access and TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Ather Rizta and Vida VX2, respectively. 

Both the Hero Xpulse 210 and TVS Apache RTX 300 are both good bikes for tackling bad roads, but when it comes to off-road riding, the Xpulse is clearly more capable. 

It has longer travel suspension and wire-spoke rims, both making it better suited for the job. It is also the lighter and narrower of the two machines and has minimalist bodywork. It will be helpful in the inevitable case of a tipover because neither the bike nor your wallet will sustain too much damage. 

Both bikes that you have shortlisted will be excellent companions for your long daily run. Both the Honda CB350 and Royal Enfield Hunter 350 have smooth, torquey engines, upright seating ergonomics and a plush suspension setup. If you are a taller person, you may feel a little more comfortable on the CB350 because it is a larger machine than the Hunter, although the RE isn't exactly cramped. 

In a similar price range, you should also take a look at the Hero Xpulse 210. With its long-travel suspension, peppy engine and commanding ergonomics, this could possibly be the most comfortable bike to tackle long distances every day. Its seat height - at 830mm - is on the taller side, but if that's not a dealbreaker, we'd strongly recommend taking a look at it. 

A test ride of these three will help you decide which is the best option for you. 

Between the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Meteor 350, the former would be our recommendation. The Meteor's feet forward position will transmit more jolts to your back over bad patches of road. Therefore, it won't be comfortable over long stints in the saddle. The Classic's upright and neutral rider's triangle will be easier to live with on a day-to-day basis. 

You should also take a good look at the Honda CB350 models because they have a similar riding experience to the RE 350s. But are much lighter and come with alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. They also have a slip/assist clutch, resulting in little effort when operating the clutch. 

Since you are a taller person, looking at an ADV like the Hero Xpulse 210 and TVS Apache RTX 300 is also a good idea. Of the two, the RTX is the better all-rounder, but the Xpulse is lighter.

Take a test ride of these bikes so you can decide which is a better fit for you. 

Since you have a long commute and you want a sporty-looking bike, the options you should be looking at are the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, Bajaj Pulsar N250 and Honda CB300F. These are machines that will return respectable fuel economy, have enough performance and comfort to tackle your long daily commutes and also be reliable in the long run. 

However, since you have mentioned that your route has a lot of bad sections, we would strongly recommend you take a look at the Hero Xpulse 210. With its upright ergonomics, long-travel suspension and smooth, tractable engine, this will be the most accomplished bike to handle your daily runs. 

Take a test ride of these bikes to see which one suits you best.