The call of the open road has never been stronger in India. As our travel horizons expand, a new generation of riders is seeking motorcycles that can do it all: swallow highway miles with ease, tackle a winding mountain pass, and even handle a unexpected dirt trail with confidence. This is the domain of the adventure motorcycle (or ADV), and this segment is booming with fantastic options.
Gone are the days of compromising. Today’s ADVs are engineered to be versatile workhorses, blending long-distance comfort, potent performance, and genuine off-road capability. If you’re looking to turn this festive season into an unforgettable journey, here’s a fresh look at the top four adventure motorcycles that deserve a spot in your garage.
1. KTM 390 Adventure X
For riders who believe the journey should be as thrilling as the destination, the KTM 390 Adventure X is a compelling choice. At its heart beats a spirited 398.63cc liquid-cooled engine, delivering a lively 45.3 bhp. This makes it a powerhouse in its class, perfect for quick overtakes and maintaining brisk highway speeds.
What sets the ‘X’ variant apart is its focus on tarmac. Unlike its more off-road-centric siblings, it comes with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheel setup, offering sharp handling and stability on paved roads. Despite recent industry-wide price adjustments, KTM has kept this model accessible, with an ex-showroom price starting at Rs. 3.04 lakh, making it a strong value proposition for the performance-focused adventurer.
2. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
The Himalayan name is synonymous with adventure in India, and the new 450 model takes that legacy to the next level. It’s built from the ground up to be a genuine go-anywhere companion. Its new 452cc liquid-cooled engine provides a balanced 39.47 bhp and 40 Nm of torque, offering a smooth, tractable power delivery that is less about top speed and more about conquering any terrain.
With its commanding riding position and authentic off-road geometry featuring a 21-inch front wheel, the Himalayan 450 inspires confidence whether you’re navigating city traffic or a rocky riverbed. Priced between Rs. 3.06 lakh and Rs. 3.20 lakh (ex-showroom), it continues to be the default choice for those seeking a true, no-nonsense adventure touring machine.
3. TVS Apache RTX
TVS has thrown its hat into the ADV ring with the impressive Apache RTX, and it’s clear they mean business. This bike stands out with its sophisticated electronics package, featuring four distinct riding modes (Rally, Urban, Tour, and Rain). This technology allows the bike to adapt its character to your needs, whether you’re looking for efficiency in the rain or maximum performance on an open highway.
Powered by a new 299cc engine producing 36 PS, the RTX strikes a great balance between power and manageability. Its road-biased 19/17-inch alloy wheels make it an excellent choice for riders who spend most of their time on asphalt but want the rugged styling and added capability of an ADV. With a price tag ranging from Rs. 1.99 lakh to Rs. 2.29 lakh (ex-showroom), it offers modern features that are often found on more expensive machines.
4. Hero Xpulse 210
Adventure shouldn’t be exclusive, and the Hero Xpulse 210 is living proof. As the most affordable bike on this list (priced from Rs. 1.62 lakh to Rs. 1.71 lakh, ex-showroom), it opens up the world of adventure riding to a much wider audience. But don’t let the price fool you—this bike has serious off-road chops.
Weighing just 168 kg and equipped with a 21-inch front wheel, the Xpulse 210 is incredibly nimble on dirt trails. Its 210cc liquid-cooled engine, producing 24.2 bhp, provides ample power for exploration and is remarkably fuel-efficient. For new riders or seasoned enthusiasts looking for a lightweight, capable, and forgiving machine to hone their off-road skills, the Xpulse 210 is in a league of its own.
What We Think
Choosing the right adventure motorcycle ultimately depends on where your passions lie. Whether it’s the high-performance thrills of the KTM, the iconic capability of the Royal Enfield, the smart technology of the TVS, or the accessible fun of the Hero, this festive season is the perfect time to find a two-wheeled partner that matches your spirit of exploration.
