Adventure segment in India is still at a nascent stage but the future is huge, thanks to the growing numbers of adventure motorcyclists. While there are a few adventure bikes available in the market, most of them are higher-end of the segment. But in the next few months, India will see a host of new adventure bikes that will be priced at the affordable end and also at the premium site. We take a look at them.
1: Hero XPulse
The XPulse will possibly be the most affordable adventure bike in India after it is launched. Its 200cc single-cylinder engine, minimal body components and accessible seat height are likely to make it a good selling motorcycle. The bike also gets a decently designed instrument cluster which gets integrated navigation system. The XPulse is likely to be priced close to Rs 1 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
2: KTM 390 Adventure
The 390 Adventure will be made in India at Bajaj’s Chakan Plant. That means, the pricing should be competitive and that is likely to make this adventure bike an enticing one. KTM is known to make some fantastic adventure bikes and the 390 Adventure could be in the same list. It will be powered by a 373cc single cylinder engine, the one that’s seen on the 390 Duke but will be retuned to suit the adventure and touring nature of the bike. The launch is expected to take place next year, but the official unveil is rumoured to happen at the upcoming 2018 EICMA Show in Italy.
3: Benelli TRK 502
The TRK 502 is a middle-weight adventure bike from Benelli. It’s built around a new chassis and gets its power from a 502cc parallel-twin engine that has been developed ground-up. This is the same motor that will be seen on the Leoncino, a Scrambler from Benelli. The TRK 502 once launched, will be assembled in India through Benelli’s new Indian partner, Mahavir Group.
4: Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT
The younger sibling of the V-Strom 1000, the V-Strom 650 XT is Suzuki’s answer to Kawasaki Versys 650. This middle-weight adventure bike is likely to be assembled in India. Powering the V-Strom 650 is a 645cc V-Twin engine that churns out 70bhp and 62Nm of torque. This motor is mated to a six-speed gearbox. With a 20-litre fuel tank capacity, the standard Suzuki V-Strom 650 has a kerb weight of 213kg, while the XT variant tips the scale at 216kg.
