Yamaha bikes in India (16)

We have yet to ride the recently-launched Yamaha XSR155, so we can't comment on its ride quality just yet. However, the XSR is effectively a very comprehensively re-skinned MT-15. Our previous experience with the little MT, it had a well-judged suspension setup balancing both comfort and handling. 

We would recommend taking a test ride of the XSR if possible before you go ahead with your purchase. 

From our experience with the practical and comfortable River Indie, it seems likely that the Yamaha EC-06 will carry forward those qualities as well. However, it remains to be seen what Yamaha's sales and service network for its EVs shapes up to be, and that is a crucial factor to consider. 

We would recommend you stick to the proven mainstream players like the Ather Rizta, Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube if you're looking for an electric scooter right now. 

Of all the options you have shortlisted, we'd recommend choosing between the TVS Ronin, Royal Enfield Hunter and Honda CB350. 

This is because all three are proven products with reliable engines, two-up comfort and decent fuel economy. Coming to the Yamaha XSR155, that bike is a very new launch, although it does come with familiar underpinnings and a trusted Japanese badge on the tank, so we would recommend you take a test ride for yourself before you go ahead with your purchase.  

The new Hero Xpulse 210 is a good choice as it makes for a very comfortable city commuter as well. You might find the seat height a little tall, so we'd suggest that you take a test ride before making a decision. If that's the case, you could consider other motorcycles like the TVS Apache RTR 160 or 200 or the new Yamaha XSR 155 as good upgrades

The new Yamaha XSR 155 will have a more roomy and spacious riding position than the Yamaha MT-15. If you like the design, you can switch your choice. Given that this motorcycle is based on an existing and proven platform, there shouldn't be any serious issues, and you can make your purchase soon.  

Since you're shopping in the 150/160cc segment and want flashy looks, good features and decent mileage too, here are all the options you should consider. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is a smooth, comfortable yet decently sporty machine. Also, since you mentioned that you want a more manageable machine, we'll stick with options that have a low seat and are lightweight. In a similar vein, you can also consider the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and Honda SP160, too. 

If you can extend your budget, bikes like the KTM 160 Duke and Yamaha MT-15 will also fit the bill because they have punchy performance, yet return good fuel efficiency and are lightweight and manageable too. 

The most fuel-efficient scooters in the 125cc space in our tests have been the Yamaha RayZR and Fascino models. Both are mechanically and feature-wise exactly the same, with only different bodywork and styling separating the two. Some other proven and reliable options to consider are the Suzuki Access, Honda Activa and TVS Jupiter models - these are also practical, fuel-efficient, reliable and comfortable scooters with widespread service networks.

Scooters you can consider are the TVS Jupiter 110, Suzuki Access 125, and Honda Activa models. All of these are lightweight and manageable. 

If you want something even more approachable, then the TVS Scooty Zest 110 or the Yamaha RayZR / Fascino can be considered.

 A test ride will help you decide which one suits you best. 

There are two types of bikes you can consider - sporty, liquid-cooled 160cc streetfighters and air-cooled, sporty-looking 160cc commuter bikes. In the former category, your options are the KTM 160 Duke and Yamaha MT-15, while in the latter, bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V can be considered. 

If you don't mind lower fuel efficiency, then the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 can also be a fun option within your budget. Another option that can be considered is the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, which will have a very different engine feel from any other option listed above, but will be comfortable and decently fuel-efficient. Something you can also consider if you're open to an ADV is the Hero Xpulse 210, which ticks all the boxes you want.