Please advise a good sub 400cc bike I can use for daily office commute (70 percent), city riding (20 percent), and outskirts (10 percent). I mostly ride solo, prefer a little committed riding ergonomics, good suspension and a feeling-oriented ride. I have had a RE Classic 350 before upgrading to the Bear 650.
Atul Raj, Hyderabad
Autocar India says: From what you’ve written it sounds like you still have the Royal Enfield Bear 650 and are looking for something easier to get along with for daily use. With your requirements considered, the best option that comes to mind would be the Triumph Speed 400, or the Speed T4 if budget is a priority. Both the Triumphs are light and agile to ride, have decent suspension comfort and make for good city bikes.
There will also be a new Triumph Thruxton 400 launching soon which is a cafe racer styled version of the Speed 400 with a handsome quarter fairing and a more committed riding position which is something you’re looking for.
If you want an engine with a slower, more characterful feel, you should also consider the latest Royal Enfield Hunter 350 which is much improved over its predecessor and does a very good job of providing what you term a ‘feeling-oriented ride’. Take a look at our comparison between the Hunter 350 and the Triumph Speed T4 to get a better understanding of what each bike has to offer.
