Triumph Bikes in India (22)

The Jawa 42 FJ is a good option to consider in the neo-retro space. While the earlier Jawa bikes had some issues, the latest models have ironed them out to a large extent. The 42 FJ also comes with a 4-year / 50,000km warranty, which should give you added peace of mind. 

Do bear in mind that while the bikes have come a long way, Classic Legends (the parent company of Jawa, Yezdi and BSA) still has a fairly hit/miss reputation when it comes to service. So we'd recommend getting in touch with your nearest authorised dealership and finding out more for yourself. 

If you reconsider your decision to go with the Jawa, then the Triumph Speed T4 is a great alternative. It has a smooth and torquey engine, good build quality and similiar overall performance as the 42 FJ. 

It would also be wise to take a test ride of both before you make a decision. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Since you are looking for a bike that is good for daily commuting as well as long rides, and are presently a Pulsar owner, a good upgrade option would be the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z. The NS400Z is a sporty machine that isn't too aggressive and will also be usable on a day-to-day basis, while entertaining you on longer journeys. It also has an excellent price tag, which means you will come in well under your budget. 

If you want to look elsewhere, options like the KTM 250 / 390 Duke, TVS Apache RTR 310 and Triumph Speed 400 are what we would recommend. The Speed 400 will be the best option inside city limits, but at high speeds, its engine feels a little strained. The Apache and Duke models are good all-rounders with genuine sporting intent and come with a host of techy and feel-good features. 

Take a test ride of the bikes mentioned above to make an informed decision about your next purchase. 

Between the two bikes you are choosing from, the Triumph Tiger 900 would be our recommendation. Between the GT and Rally Pro, we would recommend sticking with the former if you don't plan to go off-road very often. The Tiger has better seat and suspension comfort, and coming from your smaller Tiger Sport 660, you'll be familiar with the Triumph ownership experience too. 

However, if you don't want to spend as much money, then the smart way to do this would be to get a Honda XL750 Transalp and upgrade the wheels and suspension with the huge chunk you'll save. Even then, you'll come in well under what you'd spend on a brand-new Tiger 900. The Transalp is realistically just as quick and capable, while being a more manageable bike to ride and own too. 

We'd recommend visiting a Honda BigWing dealer as well as speaking to your nearest authorised Triumph dealership to find out more details before you pull the trigger. 

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.