The TVS Ronin and Royal Enfield Hunter 350 are worthy option in that budget.
My dad is almost 45, and now he is going to travel almost 30 km to and from work six days a week. He currently has a Pulsar 125 but wants to upgrade because the seat is too uncomfortable for such a long ride. He is 6 feet tall and wants a bike with no more than 350cc. He is considering the RE Hunter 350, but it oddly suits him. Daily mileage is not a concern for him in upgrading from a 125cc. He is also not keen on considering a Classic since tennis elbow has struck him and that hunk of a two-wheeler is not going to be his piece of cake. Can Autocar India suggest something well within his budget of 1.80 lakhs on-road and not anything more than 350cc?
Rehan Akhtar, via email
Autocar India says: The base variant of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is the only 350cc bike you will get within your budget, and even that will require a slight stretch. The Hunter is a handsome motorcycle and is noticeably lighter than the Classic 350. However, if comfort is a priority, we’d suggest you look elsewhere as the Hunter has uncomfortably stiff rear suspension.
Given the easy-riding, retro-themed bikes you seem to have identified, we’d suggest you go with the TVS Ronin. It’s a light motorcycle, has a smooth and torquey engine, and is comfortable for life in the city while having enough performance for your long commute. It will also be more fuel-efficient than the 350s and its price falls well within your budget.
