The supremacy of the Hero Xpulse 210 in the entry-level adventure bike segment will be challenged by three all-new models from Bajaj and Honda
The entry-level adventure motorcycle segment in India will have three formidable entrants in the next few months. Presently, it is dominated by Hero Xpulse 210 which is priced in a range of Rs 1.67-1.76 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) in the Indian market. Kawasaki also retails the KLX230 S in this segment at a price point of Rs 1.89 lakh (ex-showroom). With only two choices for the buyers in the segment, it still has a lot of potential to grow. Hence, we will see leading two-wheeler brands launching new adventure bikes in the next 6 months to rival the Hero Xpulse 210.
1. Bajaj Adventure Bike
Bajaj Auto will foray into the entry-level adventure motorcycle segment with a new sub-brand, under which multiple new models will be sold in the Indian market. The upcoming Bajaj adventure bike has been captured on camera several times during its test runs as it likely to be launched in Q1 2027. Besides the domestic market in India, it will be exported to Latin America.
Recently, it was reported that the upcoming Bajaj adventure bike will borrow the 249cc single-cylinder air/oil-cooled engine from the Pulsar N250. The ADV motorcycle was sighted alongside the Bajaj Pulsar N250 during the test runs, which further strengthens this claim. A few notable elements onboard the Bajaj adventure bike will be front beak, long single-piece seat, high positioned handlebar, rear top box, wire-spoke wheels and dual-purpose tyres.
The suspension duties are likely to be carried by telescopic front forks and monoshock unit at the rear. The sources close to the development state that the upcoming Bajaj adventure bike could be based on KTM single-cylinder engine platform. Previously, it was spied alongside the Pulsar N250 which gave birth to speculations that it could be using the same engine and platform.
2 and 3. Honda XR 300L, Honda XR 300 Rally
Honda showcased the XR 300 duo earlier this week in India while confirming that both of these will be locally manufactured in India as they go on sale within FY27, i.e. by March 2027. While the XR 300L is an out-and-out off-roader for all-terrain riding, the XR 300 Rally is more of an adventure tourer with focus on long-distance trail touring.
Both these ADV bikes will be offered with premium features in the form of front and rear disc brakes, switchable dual-channel ABS, gas-charged pro-link rear suspension, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), and Honda RoadSync. Honda XR 300 duo will share the 293.5cc single-cylinder air/oil-cooled engine with power output of approx 24-25 bhp and torque performance around 25-26 Nm.
