In the price range of the Jawa 350's base variant, you can choose from two roadsters, a streetfighter, an ADV and even an electric scooter as other options for that budget

Jawa Motorcycles recently launched new colours for the spoke wheel variants of the Jawa 350 at Rs 1,98,950 (ex-showroom Delhi). With its prices now starting from under the Rs 2 lakh mark, here are 5 other options to consider within 10% of its price tag on either end of the spectrum: 

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z - Rs 1,85,000 (ex-showroom New Delhi)

The biggest capacity Pulsar yet, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z, is powered by the same engine found in the Dominar 400 but with a bigger rear sprocket. This produces a peppier acceleration from the motor. It is tractable as well, making it easy to ride the 400cc streetfighter in the city on a daily basis. And because of the good mid-range performance of the bike, it is good for highway cruising as well. 

It has good handling capabilities but it doesn’t tip into corners as quickly as the KTM 390 Duke. hat holds back its handling capabilities the most is the absence of a front-end radial tyre, and the front-end twitches a bit when applying the brakes aggressively. The inverted fork and monoshock are a bit on the firmer side but when you are riding on smooth, paved roads, it offers a comfortable riding experience. Features-wise, it gets an LCD console with a dot-matrix inset and Bluetooth connectivity for call and SMS alerts and turn-by-turn navigation. Rider aids include ride-by-wire technology, four ABS modes: Road, Rain, Off-Road and Sport and switchable traction control. The brake and clutch levers are adjustable. If you want an affordable 400cc streetfighter that provides peppy performance, good handling characteristics and a long list of features, then you can consider the Pulsar NS400Z. A very important point to note is that the NS400Z is the most affordable 40PS bike in India.    

Ather 450 Apex - Rs 1,94,999 (ex-showroom Bengaluru)

The Ather 450 Apex is the more extreme version of the 450X and it looks spectacular. The Indium Blue paint job with the orange wheels make it stand out on the road and the see-through rear panels with the exposed frame makes it one of the unique two-wheelers in the market. The Apex gets more peak power output of 7kW from the same motor as the 450X and it accelerates from 40kmph to 80kmph really fast. Combined with its sharp handling characteristics, the EV is one of the most fun to ride scooters in India. 

It also gets a Magic Twist feature (Ather’s version of regen braking), due to which you can reduce the speed in a controlled manner without applying brakes and just  by twisting the throttle in the reverse direction. This is especially helpful in city traffic scenarios. The Apex is a great option if you want a fun electric scooter with an exhilarating performance and funky looks.  

Hero Mavrick Mid-Spec Variant - Rs 2,14,000 (ex-showroom New Delhi)

The Hero Mavrick 440 is based on the Harley-Davidson X440 and the 440cc engine provides a smooth power delivery. It has a great bottom-end grunt, making it perfect for handling city traffic scenarios and can also handle highway speeds of 100kmph in 6th gear. When pushed harder though, the bike lacks top-end performance comparatively and vibrations can be felt after 4000rpm. The clutch lever is pretty  light which makes it easier to ride in bumper to bumper traffic. The telescopic fork and twin shock absorbers suspension setup is very pliant and handles bumps and potholes effortlessly. Arguably, it is the most comfortable bike in its segment. And the relaxed riding position complements that experience perfectly. 

The LCD instrument console comes with Bluetooth connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation and call and SMS alerts. But the layout could have been better as it feels quite cramped and it can be a bit annoying to look at after long hours on the saddle. All in all, the Mavrick 440 provides smooth performance (not the spirited kind) and a very comfortable ride experience and if you want these characteristics from your next purchase, then this 440cc roadster will be a good option to consider.    

Royal Enfield Classic 350 Halcyon Variant - Rs 2,02,094 (ex-showroom New Delhi)

The Jawa 350’s direct rival, the Royal Enfield Classic 350, is a pretty loveable motorcycle with its 349cc, single-cylinder engine producing a relaxed power delivery. It has enough power on tap when you want to push the bike on the highway and great bottom-end grunt for when you want to ride in a relaxed manner. It is not meant to be ridden in a sporty manner obviously but has good handling characteristics for a 195kg roadster. The rear twin shock absorbers are set up in a firm manner but the overall suspension setup absorbs bad road conditions pretty well. And with the balanced chassis, the bike offers quite a comfortable ride quality. 

As a retro roadster, it gets an analogue instrument console with a digital inset and you can get the Tripper navigation pod as an accessory for an extra Rs 5,000, which is quite handy on a day-to-day basis and also while touring. Also, the Halcyon Black and Halcyon Green colour options look really beautiful.  

Suzuki V-Strom SX - Rs 2,11,600 (ex-showroom New Delhi)

The V-Strom SX looks very commanding for a 250cc bike in the flesh and the fairing with the large front fender and the bright colour options make the bike pop up when seen on the road. Being a Suzuki, the 249cc engine’s power delivery is very linear and smooth and has great low-end grunt. The tall third gear makes it effortless to ride in the city. However, if you want to overtake other vehicles on the highway, quick downshifts are required because of the low mid-range performance. 

The seat is quite spacious and comfortable and the upright ergonomics make it comfortable to sit on for long hours. But the suspension setup is on the firmer side, meaning bumps and potholes can be felt when riding over bad road conditions. The 250cc ADV is not quite suitable for hardcore off-roading but rather more suited for trail hunting. It is, however, perfect for touring though. If you want a capable 250cc tourer within this price tag, then the Suzuki V-Strom SX can be considered.