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Unpopular Opinion: ADV Tyres Are Overkill in City!

If you’ve spent any time around the modern two-wheeler scene, you’ve probably noticed how everyone seems to want an ADV these days. From the KTM 390 Adventure to the all-new Apache RTX 300, “adventure” is the new buzzword. Tall stance, long suspension, wide handlebars — the works. But here’s the catch: most of these ADVs rarely step off the tarmac. The toughest terrain they see is a monsoon pothole or a patch of loose gravel near a construction site. So, let’s just say it — ADV tyres, in pure city riding, are overkill. Yeah, unpopular opinion, but let’s talk about it. The Purpose Problem: ADV tyres are designed for one job, mixed-surface riding. Their semi-knobby tread pattern lets you grip in dirt, gravel, and slush — great if you’re doing Leh, not if you’re doing Lower Parel. On city roads, those chunky tread blocks don’t add value — they reduce it. The knobs flex, the grip patch is smaller, and the ride feels a bit ‘buzzy’. You’re basically lugging around dirt-ready shoes on a marat...

Unpopular Opinion: Why the 350cc Category Is Set to Become the New 125cc Category Soon

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  Here's something that's been nagging at me for a while - the 350cc motorcycle category in India is quietly becoming what the 125cc category was fifteen years ago. When I think back to the early 2010s, the 125cc segment was THE category. Hero, Honda, Bajaj - every manufacturer had an offering that sold in droves. It was the sweet spot for first-time buyers and daily commuters. The 125cc was the everyman's bike. But that crown has quietly shifted. The real action is now at 350cc. **Why Is This Happening?** Five years ago, buying a 350cc meant you were serious. Today? Walk into any dealership, and you'll see the 350cc category has exploded. Royal Enfield, Hero, Bajaj, Jawa - every manufacturer is competing here. And here's the kicker: these bikes are selling. Hard. Why? The market has evolved, and consumers have become smarter about value. They're willing to stretch their budgets by 30-40% if they get more character, performance, and authenticity in return. **Wha...

TVS NTORQ 150 Review: 2-Day Ownership Experience | Real-World Performance & Ride Quality in Thane

Buying a new scooter is always a rush—a unique blend of excitement and mild nervousness. When my NTORQ 150 arrived in its vivid red color, it felt like a fresh chapter in my daily rides from Ghodbunder Road . Two days and five trips across Thane later, I’ve already given it a name—‘ Baby Taz ’—because every moment on the saddle so far has felt wild and genuinely spirited. Day Zero: First Touch, First Whirr My first encounter with Baby Taz set the tone. I remember stepping out into the cooled parking lot, the NTORQ ’s silhouette under the streetlights, hinting at everything it was eager to deliver. Thumb the starter, and the electric assist comes alive instantly. Even before you twist the throttle, you sense its sprightly nature, ready to leap forward at any moment. Morning Run: Ghodbunder to Powai (The Highway Ritual) Every early morning, my 25 km ride down the Eastern Express Highway feels different with “Baby Taz.” The scooter is nimble and almost intuitive in Mumbai ’s dawn traff...

TVS NTORQ 150: Pocket-sized Rocket?

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TVS NTORQ 150 : Pocket-sized Rocket? The Indian scooter market has always been a hotbed for innovation, but every so often, a new launch generates a buzz that redefines expectations. The all-new TVS NTORQ 150, hailed as India's " fastest hyper-sport scooter ," is aiming for exactly that - the point where convenience meets genuine performance. But is it really a "pocket-sized rocket," or does the marketing sizzle outweigh the real-world steak? Let's dive in. Sculpted for Speed: Design and Visual Impact The moment the TVS NTORQ 150 rolls into view, it commands attention. While it carries forward the sharp, youthful design DNA of its 125cc sibling , a closer look reveals aggressive new bodywork, racing-inspired graphics, and a sportier stance. The NTORQ 150's aerodynamic lines, LED lights , and pronounced edges are not just for show - they hint at the purposeful performance underneath. Available in four bold colours, the NTORQ 150 takes the "scooter a...

Why I'm Gunning for Hero Xoom 160 - the scooter with potential for reviving a dying market!

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Hero Xoom 160 arrives at the right moment with the right recipe - credible performance, ADV styling , and a realistic price - to inject life into India's premium scooter niche that past icons couldn't scale, while fresh entrants like River Indie and VLF Mobster 135 signal broader momentum for revival. Earlier stars - Kinetic Blaze , Vespa 150 , Aprilia SXR 160 , and Yamaha Aerox - each excelled at their brief but stayed niche due to high prices, timing, and market priorities, leaving room for a well-rounded, mass-viable package like the Xoom 160 to push the segment into the mainstream. The Premium Scooter Problem in India India's sales charts consistently reward practical, value-forward 110–125cc scooters (Activa, Jupiter, Access, Dio, NTorq 125), while premium offerings rarely crack the top-five - an indicator of demand concentration at the commuter end. Aerox 155 monthly sales: 2,142 units in Sept 2024 and 2,424 i...