TVS bikes in India (21)

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. 

Since you haven't specified what style of bike you want, nor given some details about your physique, recommending something concrete will not be possible. However, we'll give you a variety of options to choose from, spanning multiple classes. 

In the neo-retro space, you can look at bikes like the Royal Enfield Classic / Bullet / Hunter 350, TVS Ronin, Triumph Speed T4 and Honda CB350 models. These will have a relaxed riding experience and a plush, comfortable ride quality. The Speed T4 will be the quickest and most responsive of them all, but still very manageable for daily use.

If you want something sportier, the KTM 250 Duke makes for a compelling option for your one-bike garage. 

If you're leaning towards the more adventurous side of things, then the Hero Xpulse 210 and the TVS Apache RTX 300 are the way to go. 

It would be advisable to take test rides of all of these bikes to see what style you prefer and which bike you are most comfortable with. 

Since you are going to be learning on this motorcycle, getting something approachable and lightweight will be advisable. In that regard, both the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N250 are good options. 

Instead of getting them later, you can directly learn on these bikes and save some money, which will be lost when you sell your learner bike, because they are unintimidating machines, which will be good for a beginner rider. 

However, if you want something even more approachable, a simple 125cc commuter like a Honda Shine or TVS Raider would be an excellent place to start. 

Both the Suzuki Access and TVS Jupiter are excellent scooters, and you're already starting from a very high baseline. The Jupiter has some undisputed USPs like its big 33-litre underseat boot and apron-mounted fuel filler, both of which you won't find anywhere else in the scooter market. It also has slightly better high-speed stability and doesn't lose composure over bigger bumps thanks to its 12-inch wheels at both ends. 

On the other hand, the Access will feel more engaging and sprightlier to ride while retaining similiar strengths and is the only 125cc scooter today to come with ABS on its top two variants. 

If having the safety net of ABS is non-negotiable for your next scooter purchase, then the Access is your only option in the 125cc space. 

A test ride of these two will help you decide which is the better fit for you. 

The Honda SP160 is based on the same platform as the popular Unicorn and should have similiar strengths like good comfort, exceptional fuel efficiency, as well as durability and reliability in the long run. 

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is one of the best options in the sporty commuter bike segment and will offer you good performance and features without sacrificing comfort and practicality. Do bear in mind that if you are a tall person, then this bike will feel a little cramped, especially with its tight seat-to-footpeg distance.

Coming to the TVS Ronin, this bike will offer you more performance and comfort than the other 150/160cc options you're looking at, but it will return lower fuel economy. And since you're looking at the base variant, you'll only get single-channel ABS like the smaller bikes. 

The Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid will likely be the most fuel-efficient machine of this lot, but it offers lacklustre performance, and its comfort levels aren't that high either.

Our advice would be to take a test ride of everything you shortlist before making a decision.