Hero MotoCorp bikes in India (26)

In our experience, neither the Yamaha Aerox 155 nor the Hero Xoom 160 have proven to be comfortable, especially over broken roads. Instead of these two, we'd recommend you give a long, hard look at the TVS Ntorq 150. On paper, it might seem like a step down compared to the Yamaha and Hero with its 12-inch wheels and air-cooled engine, but in reality, it is the better product. 

With plush suspension, a spacious underseat storage and peppy performance, the bigger Ntorq makes for a compelling sporty scooter that doesn't sacrifice practicality. In our routine tests, we also found that - when ridden gently - it can be surprisingly fuel efficient. 

Do take a test ride of the Ntorq 150 to see if it resonates with you. 

Within your budget, you have three very different options you can look at - Yamaha XSR155, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, TVS Ronin and Hero Xpulse 200 4V. The XSR is the least powerful but is also the lightest motorcycle here. It will also feel the sportiest to ride because its engine and underpinnings are derived from the popular Yamaha R15 and MT-15. The downsides of the XSR are that it is a rather petite motorcycle. For someone of large stature such as yourself, this will be a potential challenge, and its rear suspension is quite stiff. It can get uncomfortable over repeated bad patches. 

The Apache RTR 200 4V is another sporty roadster, and with its larger engine than the XSR, it will feel more at home at sustained higher speeds. Its suspension comfort and more spacious seats will also be helpful for your usage. 

The TVS Ronin is a relaxed roadster with its smooth and torquey engine and relaxed and neutral ergonomics. Also, plush suspension setup and relatively larger size - compared to the other two bikes here - the Ronin has the potential to be the most suited to your use case.

Moving on to the Hero Xpulse 200 4V, this is the bike you should buy if you want to venture off-road on your long tours. It will have by far the most plush suspension of all the bikes here, although its on-road handling will leave you wanting once you pick up the pace. 

We'd recommend a test ride of all three before you make a decision. Also, do note that all four bikes are all slightly above Rs 1.50 lakh (your stipulated budget), within that amount, there's no credible option for your requirements. 

Since you've said that most of your riding is relegated to city riding with a pillion, where comfort and fuel efficiency are top priorities, we'd recommend you stick to a premium 125cc commuter. The TVS Raider is a good option as it offers a comfortable ride and a spacious seat for the rider and pillion. 

In that category, our top picks are the TVS Raider and Hero Xtreme 125R. Both are available with variants that have a long, single-piece seat, so pillion comfort as well as fuel efficiency will be taken care of. 

In case you do want to scratch the itch of getting a larger machine, you will be well served by the TVS Ronin as well as the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Both have smooth, torquey engines, plush suspension and are large enough to carry a pillion. 

Take a test ride of these bikes and see which one you prefer the most before purchasing. 

The two frontrunners in the ADV space within your budget would be the TVS Apache RTX 300 and Hero Xpulse 210. The Xpulse will be the more city-friendly machine compared to the RTX because it is lighter and not as physically large a machine. It will also return noticeably better fuel economy, and if that's important to you, then it becomes the clear pick. The RTX does have better seating comfort, although in isolation, the Xpulse is good too. 

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

Since you aren't familiar with the clutch/gear shift coordination that a motorcycle will demand. We would recommend you first learn these basics under the guidance of a professional or a trusted relative/friend. 

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 may seem like a small machine, but it can comfortably accommodate larger riders without a hassle. Coming to the Xpulse 210, this is a lighter and taller machine than the Hunter and will also have a very different riding experience. 

The Honda SP125 will undoubtedly give you excellent fuel economy, but it can't compete with the Hunter and Xpulse in terms of performance or road presence. We'd recommend a test ride of all three before you make your purchase, as that will help you make an informed decision. 

However, if you think that riding a motorcycle is too complicated, and you want to stick with a scooter. It makes sense to go with proven options in the ICE and EV segments like TVS Jupiter, Honda Activa, Suzuki Access and TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Ather Rizta and Vida VX2, respectively. 

Both the Hero Xpulse 210 and TVS Apache RTX 300 are both good bikes for tackling bad roads, but when it comes to off-road riding, the Xpulse is clearly more capable. 

It has longer travel suspension and wire-spoke rims, both making it better suited for the job. It is also the lighter and narrower of the two machines and has minimalist bodywork. It will be helpful in the inevitable case of a tipover because neither the bike nor your wallet will sustain too much damage. 

In your budget, options like the Honda Shine / SP125, Hero Super Splendor / Glamour and TVS Radeon would be our recommendation. The Radeon is the only 110cc commuter here, whereas the Hero and Honda options have 125cc engines. So they will feel a little more capable when riding with a pillion. 

All the bikes suggested here have great fuel economy, and with their long, single-piece seats, should also be great to carry a pillion. 

Take a test ride of the suggested options before you make a decision.