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. 

The Bajaj Pulsar N250 you have shortlisted is a great option because of its smooth engine, plush suspension and great fuel economy. 

Other bikes you can consider are the TVS Ronin and Honda CB300F. The latter is similar to the Pulsar in its style and riding experience, but the former is slightly more cruiser-y in its styling. 

A test ride of all three should help you figure out which bike suits you best. 

Since you have a commute that has some highway riding, we'll recommend bikes displacing 250cc or more so you can maintain decent highway speeds without feeling the engine is strained. 

There are loads of options in your price bracket, like the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, TVS Ronin, Honda CB300F, Bajaj Pulsar N250, Hero Xpulse 210 and TVS Apache RTX 300. 

Take a test ride of all the machines you shortlist before going ahead with your purchase. 

The Yamaha XSR155 you have shortlisted will give you everything you want aside from pillion comfort, as its seat isn't very long. This could be a subjective issue based on your size as well as your pillion's, but by and large, its pillion comfort is likely to be average, nothing to write home about.

It will be a similar story with the Bajaj Pulsar N160 too. The TVS Ronin will offer you everything you are looking for, so that is the bike we would steer you toward. If you are open to considering other machines, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 will be a good option too. 

Considering your use case, we would advise choosing between the TVS Apache RTX 300 and the Hero Xpulse 210. The RTX is an adventure bike, which will make it great on the road, while the Xpulse is a dualsport, which will be more capable during serious off-roading. 

If you want a more road-biased machine, then the Honda CB350 H'ness (or either of its siblings), the Royal Enfield Classic / Bullet 350 and the TVS Ronin would make for a good option. 

Take a test ride of these machines to help decide which one is best for you. 

Between the options you've shortlisted, we'd advise choosing between the TVS Ronin and the Royal Enfield Classic / Bullet 350 for their laidback yet neutral riding positions and thumpy, torquey engines, as well as comfortable suspension setups. 

You should also look at the Honda CB350 models, as they have a similar feel and look to the Royal Enfield bikes, but have a more modern and lighter riding experience. 

Take a test ride of every machine you're considering before making your purchase. 

If you are comfortable with the heft and size of an adventure bike, then the KTM 250 Adventure and the TVS Apache RTX 300 are both sensible, smooth and comfortable options. Between the two, we'd recommend the RTX because it gives you more for your money. 

The TVS Ronin is a fantastic bike too, with a smooth engine and good comfort, so if you want something lighter and more manageable that's also easier on the wallet, you can consider the Ronin. If you're open to the idea of owning a Royal Enfield bike, then the Hunter 350 will also serve you well because it is smooth, comfortable and reliable.

We recommend a thorough test ride of all machines you shortlist before you make your purchase.