20 Bajaj bikes in India

Both the options you’ve shortlisted - the Gixxer SF 155 and the Pulsar N160 - have great suspension and will be good for city usage.

Between the two, we’d recommend the Pulsar N160. The Gixxer SF’s riding position is a bit more committed since it’s designed as a sport bike. 

The Hero Xtreme 160R offers decent suspension and chassis composure. However, its gearbox isn’t the smoothest, and the engine isn’t the most refined in its class.

In the electric scooter space, you can consider the TVS iQube 2.2 / 3.1, Bajaj Chetak 3001 and Ather Rizta 2.9 variants - all three are comfortable and practical offerings with enough range for your daily needs. 

In the petrol scooter space, options you can consider are the Honda Activa models, TVS Jupiter duo and Suzuki Access 125 - all are fuel-efficient, practical and comfortable options. 

Entry-level motorcycles like the TVS Raider or Hero XTreme 125R can also be considered if you like their sporty designs. In case you want a straightforward commuter, something like the Honda Shine 125 will serve you well. 

Since you're considering a wide variety of options, make sure you take a test ride before you decide. 

Considering that the Kinetic DX electric has just been launched and we haven't been able to test it for ourselves, going with the proven options like Bajaj Chetak, TVS iQube or Ather Rizta, which are our picks in the class. Do take a test ride for yourself to see which one will suit you best. 

Since you have mentioned you want a bike that looks sporty but is comfortable to ride, something in the 150-160cc sporty commuter space like the Bajaj Pulsar N160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Honda SP160, or Hero Xtreme 160R 4V will serve you well. If you want something that is packed with more performance but is still usable and comfortable inside the city, the KTM 160 Duke and Yamaha MT-15 are options you should consider. 

We would also recommend the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 because it is a comfortable, approachable and reliable machine, although it doesn't have the sporty look you want. 

Since your scooter is already quite old and not E20 compliant, we would recommend changing to a newer petrol scooter or an EV.

If you’re interested in an electric scooter, consider options like the TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Ather Rizta, or River Indie. Make sure you choose a variant that offers enough range for your daily use.

However, if EVs seem too expensive, a new petrol scooter like the TVS Jupiter 110 or the Suzuki Access will fit the bill. 

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. 

Currently, in the 160cc commuter class, our picks are the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. Both bikes have sporty designs, refined and trustworthy engines and a widespread service network. Between the two, the Pulsar will be more spacious than the Apache, which is something to consider if you are a taller person. Take a test ride of both before you decide. 

If your bike isn’t giving you any major issues, we’d advise you to keep it. The other options you mentioned will actually feel like a step down in terms of performance and comfort.

Since you also take your bike on highway rides, the Dominar 400 will feel miles ahead of the other two options you’ve shortlisted. 

A 150-160cc sporty commuter like the Bajaj Pulsar N160 or TVS Apache RTR 160 4V would be an ideal step up and will fit the bill for your sort of usage. If you want something more traditional, then the Honda Unicorn / SP160 would be our recommendation. 

Since you have some highway usage, we would recommend something like the Bajaj Pulsar N250 or the Honda CB300F.

Both can hold a steady 80-90 kmph without their engines feeling strained. Another option you could look at is the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, if you’re open to owning an RE.

All three are good to use inside the city, although expect relatively lower fuel economy on the Hunter than the Pulsar or CB300F.