Royal Enfield Hunter 350

Since this is your first bike, you should ask yourself what sort of rider you are and then pick the machine accordingly. If you feel you enjoy speed and want a sporty, engaging machine, then something like a KTM 160 / 200 Duke, Yamaha YZF R15 V4 / MT-15 and XSR155 will be good options to consider. 

If you want to have a relaxed riding experience and want something stylish, then a Royal Enfield Hunter 350 or TVS Ronin would be a good starting point. Lastly, if you want a single 'standard' bike that can do most daily things, then something like a Honda CB300F would be a good option. 

If you want something that prioritises fuel efficiency, a 160cc commuter from Honda, TVS, Bajaj, Hero or Yamaha would be the way to go. 

Take thorough test rides of each machine you consider before making up your mind up. 

The Triumph Speed T4 will make for a better all-rounder because of its larger and more flexible 398cc engine. It is perfectly usable inside the city, and on the highway, you can cruise at early triple-digit speeds without breaking a sweat. 

If you want similar looks but more performance and better componentry, the Triumph Speed 400 makes a good case for itself. 

The Yamaha XSR155 is a much smaller - and lighter - bike that will have better handling and fuel economy, but will feel a little out of its element on the highway. 

You should also look at the Royal Enfield Bullet / Classic / Hunter 350 models (depending on your budget and design preferences). They are smooth, charming and comfortable machines that can be used both inside the city and on the highway. For similar reasons, the Honda CB350 trio also warrant serious consideration. 

A test ride of all of these, as well as anything else you're considering, will help you decide which one is the best fit for you.

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has stellar pricing, and it's a big reason why we see so many on the road. In addition to that, with its most recent update, the company has also ironed out some of its most pressing issues and made it a more well-rounded machine. 

The Honda CB350RS has a similar riding experience to the Hunter, but it will feel like a more substantial machine when you're riding it. 

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 weighs nearly 200kg and can feel big, especially in traffic or at slower speeds. But once you get moving, it masks its weight really well. 

A test ride will help you decide which bike is right for you. 

If you are open to the idea of a larger, premium machine, then bikes like the TVS Ronin, Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Honda CB350 will be the options we recommend. If you want to instead go for a commuter bike, there are loads of great options in the 160cc space, such as the Honda Unicorn / SP160, Bajaj Pulsar N160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Suzuki Gixxer. 

Take a test ride of all the bikes you shortlist with a pillion to see what suits you best. 

With its neutral ergonomics, gentle and measured power delivery, light clutch action and manageable seat height, the Honda CB350 H'ness should prove to be a great first bike for most riders. 

Honda bikes also have a reputation for great reliability and low running costs, for by and large, most two-wheelers it sells in India, which should give you added peace of mind. 

If you want an alternative from another brand with a similar riding experience and style, then the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 makes for a great option. 

Take a thorough test ride of both before you make your decision.

Since you haven't specified what displacement range or style of bike you are looking at, we'll give you multiple options to choose from. 

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a good option because it will be comfortable, stylish and will give you decent performance and fuel economy too. Another bike worth taking a look at is the Honda CB300F, which is a friendly naked bike that will also be comfortable and fuel-efficient. You can also take a look at the Hero Xpulse 210, which will be far the most comfortable machine of all the bikes mentioned here. 

If you want to stick to the same displacement bracket, bikes like the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N160 are the options to consider. Take a test ride of everything you're considering before making a decision.