Yamaha Bikes in India (22)

The Yamaha FZ-X Hybrid is a reliable, proven, fuel-efficient and decently comfortable machine which will serve you well inside the city. 

The Honda SP160 is essentially a re-skinned Unicorn with a few more features. So, its performance and fuel economy too will be very similar to that bike. 

Both of these Japanese commuters are decent options in the class and we would encourage you to take a test ride of both to determine which one suits you better. 

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. 

Inside the city, both the Yamaha XSR155 and the Honda NX200 will make for good companions, and it will come down to which bike's styling and riding experience you prefer. 

The XSR has a pleasing neo-retro design, and it makes a strong case for itself with its R15-sourced engine and chassis. It is also a rather fuel-efficient machine, and the only thing to look out for is that its rear suspension can feel quite stiff over bad roads. 

The NX200 - while not a proper ADV in the true sense - has that rugged look that a lot of people desire. It will also feel like the larger, more spacious machine to sit on, so if you are a taller rider, that might be of interest to you. Do bear in mind that its performance won't be as sprightly as the Yamaha's. 

A test ride of both across various road conditions will help you make up your mind. 

Since you have mentioned you want a retro bike and are looking in the 350cc category, you could take a look at the Royal Enfield Bullet 350. It has the same engine as your brother's Hunter. It will offer you a more spacious riding position and a laid-back riding experience, not to mention more road presence, if that is something that matters to you. 

Writing the Yamaha XSR155 off because its engine is "just 155cc" would be a mistake in our opinion. Because its performance belies its displacement, and it will give you great fuel efficiency and also last you a long time. 

Take a test ride of these two to see which one suits you better.  

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.