Off-road bikes are increasingly becoming a go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for an adrenal rush. This is due to the fact that these bikes traverse rugged terrains with ease and come with powerful engines, increased durability and manoeuverability. They differ from regular bikes since the all-terrain bikes have specialised tyres, suspension systems, and other components designed specifically for off-roading. As more people are becoming aware of the merits of the off-road bikes, there is a growing demand for them. As a result, a great variety of models continues to hit the Indian market. From the KTM 390 Adventure X to the Hero Xpulse 200 4V, there is something for everyone who wants to explore the outdoors on two wheels. So, here are our top 5 picks of the best off-road motorcycles that are currently on sale in the country.
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KTM 390 Adventure X
Although the latest KTM 390 Adventure X is much more affordable with a price tag of Rs 2.80 lakh (ex-showroom), it misses out on a variety of electric aids such as traction control, quick shifting, cornering ABS, and a TFT panel. At this price point, it is Rs 58,000 less expensive than the standard 390 Adventure.
The KTM 390 Adventure X draws power from a 373.27cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine, which is similar to the one found on the base model. At 43bhp and 37Nm, the 2023 KTM 390 Adventure X is the most powerful off-road bike, as against the Yezdi Adventure, the Royal Enfield Himalayan, the Hero Xpulse 200, and the Benelli TRK 251.
The bike's suspension setup consists of 43mm upside-down WP Apex forks at the front and a 10-step adjustable WP mono-shock at the rear. On the feature front, the 390 Adventure X comes equipped with all-LED lighting, dual-channel ABS with off-road mode, a slipper clutch, an LCD display for the instrument cluster, and a 12V USB port.
Benelli TRK 251
If you want to spend a little less, the Benelli TRK 251 is the way to go. Priced at Rs 2.51 lakh (ex-showroom), this quarter-litre adventure bike from Benelli undercuts the pricing of the KTM 390 Adventure X.
Powering the TRK251 is a BS6-compliant 249cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, with an electronic fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft timing. The engine produces 25.4bhp of maximum power at 9,250rpm and 21.1Nm of peak torque at 8,000rpm. Power transmission here is a 6-speed gearbox, and the suspension duties are taken care of by a 41mm upside-down front fork and a rear mono-shock. The bike gets a dual-channel ABS as standard. While the braking system comprises a 280mm single disc at the front and a 240mm single rotor at the back. Feature-wise, it sports an LED headlamp with LED DRLs, a rear rack, and a digital instrument cluster.
Royal Enfield Himalayan
In the Indian market, the Royal Enfield Himalayan retails between Rs 2.16 lakh and Rs 2.29 lakh (ex-showroom). The Himalayan draws power from a 411cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled motor, which pushes out 24.3bhp of power at 6,500rpm and 32Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. This engine comes mated to a 5-speed transmission. The bike features a switchable dual-channel ABS, a USD charging socket, a semi-digital instrument cluster, an optional Tripper navigation pod. Since this is an off-roader, its off-roading credentials include telescopic forks at the front and a linkage mono-shock at the rear.
Yezdi Adventure
For prospective buyers, the Yezdi Adventure is available at a sticker price of Rs 2.13 lakh (ex-showroom). At its heart is a 334cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine, which churns out 29.7bhp of maximum power and 29.8Nm of peak torque. The engine is linked to a 6-speed gearbox. At this price point, the adventure bike comes with all-LED lighting, a saddle as standard, a USB port, and a digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity. In terms of hardware, it is equipped with go-anywhere capabilities such as telescopic front forks, a rear mono-shock, 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels shod with tube-type tyres.
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Hero Xpulse 200 4V
With a limited budget, the Hero Xpulse 200 is the bike to go for. It is the company's most affordable motorcycle that stands at a starting price of Rs 1.38 lakh (ex-showroom). The bike uses a 199.6cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The Xpulse 200 4V produces 18.9bhp and 17.35Nm.
In terms of riding ergonomics, the adventure bike offers a single-piece seat, a wide handlebar, and wheels shod with dual-purpose tyres. It has a comfortable rider triangle and gets a tall stance. On feature front, it carries a round LED headlamp and a digital instrument console with smartphone connectivity.
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