[GrandTourer]

Originally Posted by jsl

5. I am 6ft with a good build, so I need something which will suit me.

Some bikes I have considered for test riding:
1. RE Classic 350
2. RE Meteor 350(drove once and instantly liked it&#128512
3. Jawa 42/bobber/FJ
4. Yezdi Roadster
5. Harley Davidson X440
6. Triumph Speed 400
.

Considering your height and built, I would go for the Triumph 400 bikes (Street or Scrambler). They'd look very time with you sitting on it.

Meteor 350 would be a good choice for paid back riding and you cannot really go wrong with Classic 350 if you are okay with the weight of the bike.

Consider the Guerilla 450, but it might have the same size issue as the Triumphs, though not as much

[Aluminium]

Highness is a great choice. Other than one exceptionally poor experience posted by a fellow BHP-ian that got a lemon, and some complaints about rust, every owner I know had good things to say about the bike. A cousin of mine learnt to ride on one of them. And it withstood that abuse quite gracefully. Only expense so far out of the regular was a clutch lever that broke when he dropped the bike. I would gladly recommend the bike to beginners and relaxed riders alike. And you seem to fit the customer base perfectly.

[7000plusrpm]

Originally Posted by jsl

Below are my requirements.

1. Will be primarily driven by me and my brother and sometimes by my father.
2. Daily commute will be max 20 kms, that too in the city and almost negligible highway commute.

All the bikes that you have shortlisted would be overkill for your usage. I would suggest to check out the Triumph Scrambler 400X, probably the most complete motorcycle in India right now. And also add the Honda 350s to your shortlist.

If I were in your shoes, I definitely would have considered automatic scooters though, since it will be mostly confined to city duties and that too just 20KM. The Yamaha Aerox, Aprilia 150s and Hero Xoom 160 (should be available soon) are some of the options that can be checked

[Kulvinder]

I'm also in the market for a 400cc segment bike.

I took a test ride of the Guerrilla 450 and loved it. The only dislike is telescopic front suspensions.

Then I took a test ride of the Triumph Speed 400 and loved it too. The only dislike was the semi-digital meter console.

Today, I checked the KTM Duke 390 at KTM Moti Nagar. Liked the bike. Could not test ride as the bike was not available in the showroom for some reason.

Will finalize after riding the Duke 390.

[Bombastic]

Do test ride the CB300R. It's often overlooked, but it's a great little pocket rocket.

[vzvish91]

These days there are lot of options available in this price bracket.
Since you are not in a hurry, test ride all of them and then decide.

My picks..
Modern retro:
RE Classic/Bullet 350
HD X440
Scrambler:
Triumph Scrambler 400X
RE Scrambler 440

[Oldschool guy]

Your picks are great but based on your usage daily city commutes under 20 km, hardly any highway rides and the bike being shared with your father, in such scenario a smaller bike makes more sense. Maneuverability in choc-a-block traffic is key and you won’t really need that 350cc torque in the city.

You should definitely take test rides of these options:

Honda NX200 – It’s basically a Hornet in ADV clothes, not made for real off-roading. But for city rides, it feels great. Looks like an ADV, rides like a smooth commuter.

Xpulse 200 4V – You’ll fall in love with it in the city. Eats potholes like a champ, power is adequate for urban rides. Try the new Xpulse 210 too I haven’t ridden 210 yet, but heard good things.

Pulsar 220F – Since you didn’t like the NS200 same with me, the 220F might click. Coming from a Pulsar 150, you’ll find it familiar, even nostalgic.

Yamaha R15S – Excellent for a 150cc. Great dynamics and the unibody seat on the S version is more practical than the split seat on R15 V4.

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 – A refined quarter-liter machine. Not too aggressive, just smooth and fun to ride.

Not trying to discourage you from your dream 350cc but honestly based on my experience you might end up like me buying a second, smaller scooter later for daily traffic commutes. Big bikes + city traffic = frustration + heat

[drGicher]

I am also in same boat as currently looking to replace my bike. I am considering RE Classic 350. Have test driven Meteor 350 and Classic 350, and liked classic 350 more to my comfort and loved it.

[jetsetgo08]

My humble opinion, has to be either of the Classic/Bullet 350's or Honda 350's.

While the RE 350's still did retain some part of the raw character of the erstwhile RE's, the Honda 350s are an implicit upgrade from a commuter bike. Neither of them have overwhelming feel or power for the 300-400cc class making them easier to ride in most conditions, because of the same there is not much heat to deal with in traffic as well. Agreed, RE's are heavy but only feel so when tugged around manually, otherwise neither of them are unmanageably heavy to ride.

IMHO, Triumph 400's look puny beneath people with good build.

All the best.

[LBWKjesko]

Originally Posted by jsl

If the bike had to be driven solely by me would definitely get something sporty like the Apache RTR 310, but the bike will also be used by father who is nearing the 50 yrs mark so I think it would be a little uncomfortable for him to ride a bike like this.

My father (in his 50s) test rode all the bikes I was considering before I got my RTR310. He was surprised by how easy it was to ride. He's accustomed to riding much heavier, cruiser bikes. The difference in weight and handling was immediately noticeable to him. He seemed to enjoy the lighter ride. The only difficulty he faced was getting on the bike, after that he loved it. Riding position is surprisingly comfy.

[PaddleShifter]

Originally Posted by jetsetgo08

My humble opinion, has to be either of the Classic/Bullet 350's or Honda 350's.

While the RE 350's still did retain some part of the raw character of the erstwhile RE's, the Honda 350s are an implicit upgrade from a commuter bike. Neither of them have overwhelming feel or power for the 300-400cc class making them easier to ride in most conditions, because of the same there is not much heat to deal with in traffic as well. Agreed, RE's are heavy but only feel so when tugged around manually, otherwise neither of them are unmanageably heavy to ride.

IMHO, Triumph 400's look puny beneath people with good build.

All the best.

Quoting an entire post!! In addition to this, RE Classic 350 is a perfect choice for those coming back to riding. If riding feels good and one wants to upgrade soon, nothing else fetches resale value like a Classic 350. Same applies in condition when one realizes that biking is not for them anymore.

[yatesh.92]

Originally Posted by jsl

I have been recently trying to get back into riding. I have a few months of experience in riding bikes when I was 18. I used to ride my father’s 2009 Pulsar 150(now scrapped). So, I am looking to purchase a new bike as I have started earning now, and the itch to get a bike is increasing . Below are my requirements.

1. Will be primarily driven by me and my brother and sometimes by my father.
2. Daily commute will be max 20 kms, that too in the city and almost negligible highway commute.
3. Want something in the >200 cc segment as I once drove my friend’s Pulsar 200 and wasn’t very impressed with it as it felt very small and scooty type while riding.
4. Budget is Max ₹3 lakhs on road Delhi.
5. I am 6ft with a good build, so I need something which will suit me.

Some bikes I have considered for test riding:
1. RE Classic 350
2. RE Meteor 350(drove once and instantly liked it&#128512
3. Jawa 42/bobber/FJ
4. Yezdi Roadster
5. Harley Davidson X440
6. Triumph Speed 400

I would like to hear your thoughts on:
1. Are there any good bikes that I have left out that I should be considering or any bikes which I should avoid from the above listed ones?
2. Are there any upcoming bikes that are worth waiting for? I am okay to wait for 6 months.

Get the Classic 350 eyes closed since it would be shared between you and your brother and father as well (sometimes). Comfort is top notch and the J series engine is a tried and tested one and pretty refined as well. Experienced it once during a short test ride of a friend's meteor 350. Considering that you'll mostly ride in the city, the classic will be a more practical choice. Speed T4 also a good option. Test ride both then decide.

Besides, even I have plans to add an RE to my garage alongside the Duke 390 gen 3 sometime in the future. It would most probably be the classic 350. One modern sharp looking bike loaded with electronics and one old school classic side by side in the same garage will be a sight worth watching .

Last but not the least, the classic and the bullet are 2 names which will never lose their charm for years to come.

[yatesh.92]

Originally Posted by Kulvinder

I'm also in the market for a 400cc segment bike.

I took a test ride of the Guerrilla 450 and loved it. The only dislike is telescopic front suspensions.

Then I took a test ride of the Triumph Speed 400 and loved it too. The only dislike was the semi-digital meter console.

Today, I checked the KTM Duke 390 at KTM Moti Nagar. Liked the bike. Could not test ride as the bike was not available in the showroom for some reason.

Will finalize after riding the Duke 390.

Guerrilla is unfortunately a flop product and misses out on traction control as well but a strong contender to the Duke 390. Go for the Duke only if you plan to do some form of highway riding as it's more suited for open roads. Else Speed 400 is a good choice for city only riding considering the linear power delivery. If the KTM is what you're more inclined to and riding will be mostly in the city, then test ride the Duke 250 as well.

[EasyRider Suraj]

The Classic 350 is the best 350 in terms of seat comfort, low-speed ride feel, suspension, and looks—but the Meteor 350 makes you feel special in its own way. You can't really go wrong with either of them, but I’d recommend test riding the new Xpulse 210 and Mavrick 440 as well.

I visited a Hero showroom to test ride the Mavrick 440 because I was looking for a long-stroke bike that’s slightly more powerful than the RE 350s. The test ride was very short, and the Mavrick didn’t feel as special as the RE 350—probably because of the route chosen for the ride.

As I was about to leave, the sales guy suggested trying the Xpulse 210 too, and I instantly fell in love with it after riding. I’m planning to book it soon.

So yeah, definitely try both the Xpulse 210 and the Mavrick 440 before making a decision.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by EasyRider Suraj

As I was about to leave, the sales guy suggested trying the Xpulse 210 too, and I instantly fell in love with it after riding. I’m planning to book it soon.

Please share your detailed views on the Xpulse 210. It would be interesting to know and could help someone in their purchase.

Thank you.

Cheers