Q. I want to buy a new bike to commute for job daily 85kms to and from in Kerala. The roads are not highways. They have ups, downs and curves, with low traffic. I think speeds up to 60 kmph are good. I am thinking about Honda CB 350 H'ness, RE Meteor and Honda CB200X. Comfort, quality, economics are my priorities. I am thinking about H'ness. Kindly give your suggestions.

@ MITV | Thank you very much for detailed answer.

@ Dilip | Honda H’ness CB350 and Royal Enfield Meteor 350 are good picks. Don’t be fooled by the 191kg kerb weight of Meteor on the spec sheet -- a 765mm seat height and loads of steering lock mean that paddling and filtering through traffic is an absolute breeze. Further aiding comfort is the reasonably good suspension setup that manages to handle speed breakers and potholes quite well, but a lack of travel and a stiff setup at the rear means that sharper and shorter imperfections like expansion joints or unlevelled concrete block interfaces will batter your derrière. This thudding over sharp bumps stops us a few steps short of calling the setup plush, but it’s certainly closer to the plush end of the scale than the back-breaker end. On the other hand, you have a fairly neutral riding posture on the Honda H’ness CB350. Unlike the Classic 350, you don’t sit ‘on the bike’; you feel more like a part of it. Also, the handlebar is curved back towards the rider, which results in an upright and comfy riding posture. The 800mm seat height means shorter riders won’t complain, and the bike isn’t very wide either. Seat cushioning is firm, and although I couldn’t clock long hours on the saddle, it did feel good over the hour-long commute in Mumbai traffic. The flat seat is also pillion-friendly and decently spacious. The only grouse we have is that you feel the weight (181kg) of the bike while parking and have to muscle the CB350 in and out of the parking space. Moreover, we would suggest you to take a test ride before making the final decision. Follow the link and select your desired city for dealership details.Read more -Honda H’ness CB350 Road Test Review: Should RE Be Worried?.-2020 Royal Enfield Meteor 350: Road Test Review.