Triumph Scrambler 400 X Standard

The Honda CB350 H'ness is a great retro-looking option for your commuting needs with its upright posture, plush suspension and smooth, torquey engine. It also has light controls (like the clutch and steering), which make it a breeze to ride inside choc-a-bloc city traffic. 

On the other hand, the Triumph Scrambler 400 X (and the upcoming 350 X) both will have more commanding ergonomics, more sophisticated suspension damping and a much higher performance ceiling. Another point to consider is the tall 835mm seat height the Scrambler ships with, which could be a pain point if you're shorter and not familiar enough with taller, heavier machines. 

Coming to your last option, the lightly used 2025 Speed 400 (1,500 km), if the bike is accident‑free with service proof and under warranty, then even this roadster can be a good purchase. It will have similiar performance to the Scrambler but will be a more manageable machine owing to its lower overall height, making it well-suited to city commuting. 

A test ride of these three will help you see for yourself which one you prefer the most. 

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. 

When Bajaj launches the downsized 350cc Triumph single-cylinder models, there are expected to be minimal or no changes to the chassis. Also, the feature-set and the quality of parts and materials used throughout. It is unlikely that Bajaj will reduce the quality of components used on the 350cc Triumphs, as they are aspirational and premium motorcycles from a fabled British brand. 

However, if you have your heart set on buying a Triumph Scrambler 400 X, we'd advise you to hurry. Because it has been reported that the 350cc Triumphs aren't a long way away, and this will be your only opportunity to own one. 

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. 

Considering your requirements, we'd recommend these three bikes for you: Triumph Scrambler 400 X, Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 and Bajaj Dominar 400, which you've already shortlisted. 

Of these three, the Dominar will be the most well-rounded and powerful machine, but it is also the heaviest. The Scrambler 400 is quite peppy inside the city and has the best suspension comfort. 

Last but not least, the Vitpilen 250 is going to be the sportiest feeling machine in terms of its chassis. But its 250cc engine will feel down on power compared to the other two, but will return more fuel economy on the flip side. 

A test ride of these three will help you make an informed decision.

Of the three bikes you've shortlisted, the Triumph Scrambler 400 X will be the best all-rounder and will also be very easy to ride inside city traffic with its tractable engine and short gearing. 

While the RTX 300 has slightly better suspension travel and composure, it is still a new product, and it would be advisable to wait some months before buying an all-new machine like this, so if there are any teething issues, they can be ironed out. 

If you are open to having a retro riding experience, then the Royal Enfield Bullet / Classic 350 are worth looking at. These are very comfortable machines, although their performance won't be anywhere close to as sprightly as the other bikes you're looking at. 

On the plus side, the Bullet/Classic are much more affordable to purchase. 

We'd recommend a test ride of the RE 350s before you make a decision. 

Since you've said that this bike will be used mainly for touring and occasionally in the city, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 makes more sense over the Triumph Scrambler 400 X. That's because the Scrambler's shorter gearing will result in the engine feeling like its running out of breath past 100kph and also because the Himalayan is a more spacious machine that was purpose-built to cover long distances. 

Royal Enfield's service experience varies from city to city and, in fact, even person to person. So we would advise you to pay a visit to your nearest authorised dealer and service centre to get a clearer picture.

You should also take a look at the KTM 390 Adventure X because it has good road manners and will be the quickest bike of these three. It also comes standard with cruise control, which will be a boon for you on long days in the saddle. 

In fact, if you don't want tall motorcycles, the KTM 390 Duke will make for a good touring partner, and you'll have way more fun on twisty roads, although you will sacrifice some comfort compared to the ADVs.

A test ride should help you make a decision.