KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Riding posture and seat height are as important as engine size
- Your daily usage pattern should influence your buying decision
- Handlebar position, bike weight, and more factors affect comfort significantly
Ready to finally treat yourself to a new motorcycle? If yes, this motorcycle buying guide is exactly what you need. You might already have a shortlist of your favorite picks, but are you absolutely sure the bike you want is the bike you actually need? Sure, it might boast a powerful engine, a head-turning design, or a sweet exhaust note that instantly makes you smile under your helmet. However, you also need to ensure it aligns with your daily riding requirements and a few other critical factors. But dont you worry,in this guide, well take you through everything you need to consider before zeroing in on a specific model, complete with who should buy and who should skip breakdowns, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
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Commuter Bikes
Commuter motorcycles are designed with a single focus in mind, making daily riding simple, economical, and stress-free. These bikes go heavy on fuel efficiency, easy handling, lighter weight, lower seat heights, and affordable maintenance costs over outright performance. Their engines are usually tuned to deliver usable low-end torque rather than strong top-end power, which makes frequent stop-go city riding easier. Most commuters also get a neutral upright riding position, softer suspension setups, and practical features such as USB charging, digital consoles, and start-stop systems. Common engine capacities usually range between 100cc and 160cc and examples are Hero Splendor, Honda Shine, TVS Raider, & others
Who Should Buy It?
First-time buyers, daily office commuters, college students, and anyone who wants higher fuel efficiency and low running costs. They also work well for shorter riders because of their manageable dimensions and easy handling.
Who Should Skip It?
Riders planning frequent highway trips or those wanting stronger acceleration and higher cruising speeds may find commuter motorcycles underwhelming. Performance enthusiasts may also outgrow them quickly.
Street Naked Bikes
Naked motorcycles sit in the middle ground between commuters and sports bikes. These bikes remove full fairings but retain stronger engines and sporty chassis setups. They offer an upright seating position with wider handlebars, making them comfortable enough for everyday use while still delivering an exciting riding experience. Compared to sports bikes, naked motorcycles feel less intimidating and more versatile, especially with their sleek design, which is easier to handle. Engine sizes in India commonly range from 150cc to over 1000cc. Some examples across the spectrum include KTM 390 Duke, Yamaha MT-15, Kawasaki Z900, and more.
Who Should Buy It?
Riders want one motorcycle for multiple purposes, including city commuting, occasional highway rides, and weekend runs. Taller riders also tend to find naked bikes more comfortable due to their spacious riding triangle.
Who Should Skip It?
People who spend most of their time on highways may miss wind protection at higher speeds. Also, those wanting a relaxed cruiser-like experience may also find them slightly aggressive.
Sports Bikes
Sports motorcycles are built around aggressive performance, full fairings, and sharper handling characteristics. Their aerodynamic bodywork, rear-set footpegs, low clip-on handlebars, and stiffer suspension setups are designed to maximise stability and handling at speed. The riding posture generally puts more weight on wrists and shoulders to improve control while cornering aggressively. Modern sports bikes also tend to feature riding modes, traction control, quickshifters, and advanced electronics.
Who Should Buy It?
Performance-focused riders, enthusiasts who enjoy spirited riding, track-day users, and people who value handling and acceleration.
Who Should Skip It?
Beginners and daily city commuters may find sports bikes physically demanding. The forward-leaning posture can put pressure on wrists, shoulders, and lower back during longer rides or heavy traffic.
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Cruiser Bikes
Cruisers are designed around relaxed riding and comfort. These motorcycles generally have low seat heights, stretched wheelbases, broad seats, forward-set footpegs, and wide handlebars. Their engines are usually tuned to deliver stronger low-end and mid-range torque instead of high-RPM performance, allowing effortless cruising. Cruisers are more about road presence and relaxed riding rather than outright speed, although higher-capacity cruisers do offer high speeds with a bigger engine. Some examples are Bajaj Avenger 220, RE Super Meteor 650, and more.
Who Should Buy It?
Riders who prefer a relaxed riding experience, people who enjoy highway cruising, and buyers looking for lower seat heights with strong road presence.
Who Should Skip It?
Aggressive riders or people frequently riding through dense city traffic may find cruisers less agile due to their heavier nature and longer wheelbase.
Adventure Motorcycles (ADV)
Adventure motorcycles are designed as multi-purpose machines capable of handling highways, rough roads, and even off-road trails. They usually feature long-travel suspension, upright ergonomics, high ground clearance, taller windscreens, and larger front wheels for improved stability. Many ADVs are intentionally designed to remain comfortable for long hours in the saddle while retaining their occasional off-road capability for the best of both worlds. Examples are RE Himalayan, BMW F450 GS,Triumph Tiger 900, and others.
Who Should Buy It?
Long-distance tourers, riders travelling across mixed terrains, and people wanting a motorcycle capable of handling almost everything.
Who Should Skip It?
Shorter riders and beginners may find some adventure motorcycles intimidating due to their tall seat heights and larger dimensions.
Scrambler Bikes
Scramblers combine retro-inspired styling with mild all-terrain capability. These motorcycles generally feature upright handlebars, dual-purpose tyres, slightly raised exhausts, and comfortable ergonomics. They are more lifestyle-oriented motorcycles that combine city practicality with occasional rough-road capability. Unlike full-fledged ADVs, scramblers focus more on style and versatility rather than hardcore off-road performance. Examples are Triumph Scrambler 400 X, RE Scram 440, Triumph Scrambler 900, and more.
Who Should Buy It?
Riders wanting a stylish motorcycle that works for city riding and occasional weekend rides with light trail use.
Who Should Skip It?
People looking for serious off-road capability or outright performance may find scramblers sitting somewhere in the middle without specialising in either area.
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Verdict
The ideal motorcycle is the one that feels comfortable the moment you sit on it and matches the way you ride daily. Bigger engines and flashy designs may grab attention initially, but a motorcycle that suits your body dimensions and riding style will remain enjoyable long after the excitement wears off. Before making a final decision, always spend time sitting on the bike and, more importantly, take a proper test ride for a fairly long distance to really understand if the bike is for you.
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