Top 5 ADV Bikes Launched In India

The rise in adventure motorcycles in India was more of a necessity than a mere addition to the endless list of options available in India. Especially, given how our infrastructure has been, that would make you go for a motorcycle with suspension travel that can endure those rough patches on the road without breaking your backbone.  From KTM to Ducati, the range of new ADV motorcycles surely does leave enthusiasts spoilt for choices, so here are five options that have stood out this year:

KTM 390 Adventure X

The KTM 390 Adventure was a runaway success for the brand right after its launch. Despite its premium price tag of around Rs 3.5 lakh, the kind of performance it had on offer was intoxicating enough for many to go for it. However, making this exciting package more accessible was the launch of the 390 ADV X. With ex-showroom prices (Delhi) starting from Rs 2.8 lakh, the ADV X is more affordable than even the 390 Duke. Although, the price reduction did mean that KTM had to do away with some features like cornering ABS, traction control, quickshifter and the colour TFT instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity. But the performance wasn’t tampered with, and that meant the 390 ADV X is the most VFM offering in the marquee’s ADV line-up. 

Royal Enfield Himalayan

Speaking of affordable ADVs, Royal Enfield nailed it with the new, significantly updated Himalayan. On to its second generation production, the new Himalayan now features a bigger 450cc engine called the Sherpa 450 and is also the first RE of its kind to get liquid-cooling technology. As for its price, the current iteration of the Himalayan range starts from Rs 2.69 lakh (ex-showroom), which makes it almost Rs 20,000 cheaper than the 390 ADV X. So, now enthusiasts have two VFM ADVs now - which one would you go for?

Triumph Scrambler 400X

Although not an ADV per se, we included the Scrambler 400 X for its sheer potential to take on rough terrain. It is powered by the same 398.15cc, single-cylinder engine that also does duties in the Speed 400, but with different cycle parts like the big 43-mm USD forks with 150mm of suspension travel, and a larger 19-inch front tyre - the Scrambler will feel at home on our broken roads. Making the bike more rugged are design elements like the longer front mudguard, headlight protector, hand guards and radiator, and sump guards. The premium built quality is another plus point of the Scrambler 400 X, and with its ex-showroom price (Delhi) starting from Rs 2.62 lakh, this is also the most affordable scrambler motorcycle in Triumph’s line-up. 

Honda Transalp XL750

Taking the Indian audience by a pleasant surprise was when Honda launched the Transalp XL750. Right from its potent parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank, that is thoroughly complimented by a capable suspension system, the Transalp XL750 was built from the ground up to take on off-road conditions. Also, it’s comfortable riding posture makes the Transalp XL750 versatile for daily usage as well. Coupled with its ex-showroom price of Rs 11 lakh, the Transalp is a good VFM proposition, especially if you want something like the Africa Twin but at a more approachable price and performance space. 

Ducati Desert X

Born from Ducati’s Paris-Dakar rally experiences, the Desert X was inspired by its endurance rally brethren, the Ducati-powered Cagiva Elephant. Its 21-inch-front and 18-inch-rear wheel combination is ideal for tackling conditions that have no roads. Although its steep asking price of around Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom) makes this one of the most expensive motorcycles on this list, but being a Ducati - the Desert X will surely leave a wide grin on your face when you’re conquering the challenging conditions of Kaza with ease.