Yamaha bikes in India (22)

Both the Yamaha XSR155 and Royal Enfield Hunter 350 will make for good beginner bikes, but both have distinct riding experiences and USPs. 

The XSR is far lighter, and its fuel economy will also be a tangible increase in comparison to the Hunter. However, it has a taller seat height (810mm) than the Hunter (790mm) so if you are a shorter person or just want the assurance of being able to plant both feet on the ground at a stop, this is something to consider.

Both bikes also have different characters thanks to their engine and chassis combination. The XSR might look old-school, but it is a properly sporty bike to ride and feels more energetic; however, over bad roads, its stiffer suspension will transfer some impacts to your back. On the flip side, the Hunter's slow-revving thumper of an engine will feel better when ridden sedately, and while it's not a lethargic handler, it also cannot be called sporty. 

A proper test ride of both will help you decide which one is the best option for you. 

You are correct to be concerned about Aprilia's aftersales service as it is generally on the more expensive side, and the experience can also be hit / miss. Sticking with offerings from other brands like TVS, Yamaha and Suzuki would be our recommendation for a hassle-free ownership experience. 

Among your shortlisted options, the Jupiter, Ray ZR and Access are typical family scooters which will be comfortable, fuel-efficient and reliable in the long run. Our pick would be the Jupiter because it is the most rounded product, although the Access comes very close and is also noticeably quicker. 

Between the two sporty scooters, the TVS Ntorq makes for a better all-rounder because even though it is sporty, it doesn't sacrifice practicality or comfort. 

Take a test ride of all options you consider before making your purchase. 

In the 150-160cc commuter bike space, you have a good variety of options from different brands to choose from. Among the straightforward, simple commuter options, bikes like the Honda Unicorn / SP160 and Yamaha FZ models will be a good fit with their excellent fuel economy as well as comfortable ride and seating position. 

If you want something a little sportier, you could even consider the Bajaj Pulsar N160, which will also give you some features like a USD fork, which isn't found in most other bikes in the class. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is also a great option, but it can feel a little cramped, especially in the leg region. So we would recommend a test ride for all of these bikes before you decide. 

Since you have a longer commute, with its longer suspension and bigger wheels, a motorcycle will be more comfortable than a scooter, so we recommend going with a bike only. 

First off, both the scooters you are looking at are proven products from reputed Japanese makes, so in the end, whichever one you decide to go with, you should, by and large, have a good experience. 

The Suzuki Access is a stellar family scooter option because it has traditional strengths like comfort, practicality, fuel efficiency and a reputation for reliability. Also, it is rather fun to ride with its peppy engine and balanced handling. It also has a bigger underseat storage area, which is a USP in comparison to the Yamaha Fascino 125.

The Fascino's strong points are that it is exceptionally fuel efficient and it is one of the lightest two-wheelers on sale in the country today. If those are important to you and your wife, then the Yamaha would make for a sensible purchase.

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

Depending on your usage and the look of the bike you prefer, either of the bikes you are looking at will be a great fit for you. The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is a great entry-level performance naked bike and will be far more comfortable to use daily due to its upright ergonomics. However, if ridden enthusiastically, fuel economy will take a hit. 

The Yamaha R15 M is the top model in the lineup, and its ex-showroom price is above Rs 1.80 lakh, which means it is quite a bit above your budget. If you do decide to stretch for the R15 M, you will have one of the sweetest, most capable beginner sportbikes around with a great look and feel. However, the latest R15 models are very committed in terms of their riding position. So, if you are going to use it regularly, you will need to put up with a seriously uncomfortable riding position. 

Instead, if you want similar performance, fuel economy and reliability with a good dose of daily practicality and a much lower price tag, check out the Yamaha XSR155. This is essentially an upright, neo-retro version of the R15 and will serve you just as well. 

A test ride of these 3 should help you determine which is the right machine for your needs.

The 150/160cc commuter segment is a great one to be shopping in for city duties because it is packed with excellent products that are comfortable, decently powerful and quite fuel efficient. Bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar N160, TVS Apache RR 160 4V, Honda Unicorn / SP160 and the Yamaha FZ models would be our top recommendations in this class. 

The 350cc segment - while much larger - is geared to provide a more laidback, leisurely riding experience, and this is why you might think that these bikes "lack pickup." You should ask yourself what sort of riding experience you resonate with first before you start shortlisting vehicles. 

Some bikes in between these two segments that also warrant consideration are the TVS Ronin, Bajaj Pulsar N250, Honda CB300F and the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V.

A test ride of everything you're considering will help you decide. 

All bikes you have shortlisted make for good beginner bikes with their unique strengths. The Yamaha XSR155 / MT-15 will be the lightest and easiest to manage machines with a sporty and engaging engine + chassis combination. They will also return excellent fuel economy. However, over long stretches of bad roads, the stiff suspension will cause some discomfort.

The Honda CB350 H'ness and Royal Enfield Hunter 350 are laid-back roadsters with torquey, smooth 350cc engines. They will be more comfortable but will not have as good fuel economy or handling capabilities. 

It all boils down to the sort of experience you are after and the design you like the most, so a test ride of all four is in order. 

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. 

Let's dissect each bikes strenghts and weaknesses so you know what you're in for. The TVS Ronin is a relaxed, comfortable, peppy and relatively fuel-efficient machine. If you don't mind how it looks, the Ronin is a machine that will keep you satisfied for a long time.

The Yamaha XSR155 is essentially a handsome MT-15 with some small ergonomic changes. It is the sportiest machine of all the bikes you're considering and that reflects in its canted forward riding position and stiff suspension setup. If you have good roads around your residence, then the XSR makes for a compelling purchase.

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and the Honda CB350 H'ness are similar machines with somewhat familiar riding experiences. Both are comfortable, look good and have big, torquey air-cooled engines. The difference is that the Honda feels like a more substantial bike that needs a little more effort when riding, owing to its super tall gearing - not necessarily a bad thing, if you're into this sort of thing. 

The Hunter will feel smaller, lighter and more flickable inside the city. Additionally, its well-judged gearing will ensure you don't have to make many gear changes. 

Take a comprehensive test ride of all 4 before you decide.