Royal Enfield bikes in India (15)

Between the three bikes you've shortlisted, all three are comfortable for city use, but they all sit at very different price points, and it wouldn't be right to compare the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V with the Honda CB350RS and Triumph Speed 400. If you want a straightforward commuter, then sticking to a machine in the 150-160cc space like the aforementioned Apache, Bajaj Pulsar N160, and Honda Unicorn would make sense. 

These bikes will be lighter and easier to manage within the city (which is where you'll spend most of your life), as well as be fuel-efficient and comfortable. 

If instead you do want to look at something more premium, the Honda and Triumph you have shortlisted are also good options. You should also look at the Royal Enfield Classic / Bullet 350 in this segment. These bikes will be larger and more spacious than the 150/160cc options mentioned above, with better build quality, road presence and pillion comfort. 

However, they will demand a little more effort at slow speeds and will also not be as fuel-efficient as the commuters. 

Since you've said that most of your riding is relegated to city riding with a pillion, where comfort and fuel efficiency are top priorities, we'd recommend you stick to a premium 125cc commuter. The TVS Raider is a good option as it offers a comfortable ride and a spacious seat for the rider and pillion. 

In that category, our top picks are the TVS Raider and Hero Xtreme 125R. Both are available with variants that have a long, single-piece seat, so pillion comfort as well as fuel efficiency will be taken care of. 

In case you do want to scratch the itch of getting a larger machine, you will be well served by the TVS Ronin as well as the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Both have smooth, torquey engines, plush suspension and are large enough to carry a pillion. 

Take a test ride of these bikes and see which one you prefer the most before purchasing. 

The Triumph Scrambler 400 X that you have shortlisted is a good one bike to do it all. If you have your heart set on it, you should indeed hurry up and get one soon before the 350cc replacement is launched in the coming months. 

While its slightly smaller successor will be identical in most ways, the smaller engine with likely reduced performance could affect performance at highway speeds. So it's better to go for the 400cc model while you can. 

The TVS Apache RTX 300 is another great all-rounder, and if you are ready to deal with its size and weight, then you should absolutely consider it. Do bear in mind that for someone of your stature, the RTX could prove to be a little much inside the city at slower speeds. So we would recommend a thorough test ride before you make a decision. 

Another option worth considering is the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450. It has a very approachable 780mm seat height, which will be helpful for you and has good performance and comfort for both city and highway usage. 

Since all the bikes you're considering are quite different, take a test ride of each before making a decision. 

The Suzuki V-Strom SX may be a dated machine, but it is a great option for someone who wants a relaxed, reliable and fuel-efficient touring machine. 

If you are open to considering other form factors aside from the adventure bike style, there are some other machines that will fit the bill for your usage as well. In the neo-retro space, the TVS Ronin, Honda CB350 models and Royal Enfield Classic / Bullet 350 will be good options to consider with their relaxed riding triangles, smooth and torquey engines, as well as plush suspension setups. 

These bikes won't be as fuel-efficient as the V-Strom, but the drop isn't going to be too drastic either. 

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

The neo-retro segment has different options today to suit varied tastes and requirements. On the traditional end of the spectrum, you have options like the Royal Enfield Bullet / Classic 350 and Honda CB350 models. They are laid-back and comfortable machines which are conducive to relaxed riding. 

On the other hand, if you want something that looks retro but goes like a thoroughly modern machine, the Triumph Speed 400 and Speed T4 come into the picture. The Speed 400 has better componentry, a higher performance ceiling and also costs more. The T4 is a simpler machine, but it still has decent pep in its step, and its engine suits the neo-retro theme more. 

A test ride of these bikes should help you decide which is the best fit for you. 

Since you have been hunting for a bike, we'd recommend you scratch that itch sooner rather than later! Based on your checklist, there are two options we'd recommend you take a strong look at - Triumph Scrambler 400 X and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Both are tall and large machines which will suit a person of your stature and have decent performance too. Given their long travel suspension setups, you'll also be comfortable when navigating broken roads inside the city. 

The Triumph is geared a little short, which is great at slower speeds inside the city but on the highway, that means vibrations creep in sooner. The Royal Enfield's 196kg kerb weight might not be something you are willing to put up with daily, especially at city speeds. 

Take a test ride of these bikes and see for yourself which one offers the experience you are after before making a purchase. 

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and the TVS Apache RTX 300 are two very different motorcycles. The Meteor is a relaxed cruiser, while the RTX is an adventure bike, a sporty streetfighter.

Objectively speaking, the RTX will be more comfortable and capable in just about every situation you'll find yourself in. However, it is quite a tall machine, so if you are a shorter rider, this could be something to look out for, especially at slower speeds in city traffic. 

Instead of the Meteor, we'd actually recommend considering the Classic / Bullet 350 because they have a more comfortable and upright seating position, which will be more conducive to comfort over your long daily commute. 

A test ride of these bikes will help you figure out which one is best for your needs.  

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. 

The recently updated Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has a super-light clutch action thanks to the slip/assist clutch that RE has equipped it with. Even for a newer rider or a scooterist looking to move to a motorcycle, it shouldn't be that much of an issue in big city traffic. 

However, if you are looking to stick to a scooter, then we'd advise against the Yamaha Aerox 155 because of its stiff rear suspension. We would recommend scooters like the Suzuki Access and TVS Jupiter models instead, for their good ride comfort and spacious, well-padded seats.