Are adventure bikes India's newest two-wheeler fad? We clarify

In India, adventure bikes, sometimes referred to as adventure tourers or ADVs, are one of the motorbike segments with the quickest rate of growth. There is no apparent limit to what the Indian motorcycle market has to offer, ranging from well-known models like the Hero Xpulse 200 4V or the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 to more recent models like the TVS Apache RTX 300. In order to meet the growing demand that spans a wide variety of budgets and tastes, manufacturers have also begun introducing their high-displacement flagship tourers, such as the BMW R 1300 GS and Ducati DesertX.

This wasn't always the case, and for a long time, only those with large enough wallets could afford these bikes, allowing them to live out their nomadic dreams. This changed when the Hero Honda Impulse 150, India's first mass-market dual-sport, was introduced. Although it wasn't an ADV, it helped establish the adventure market, which shortly saw the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411, the first reasonably priced ADV, go on sale. By the year 2025, we have a large selection of models from both domestic producers and high-end foreign companies.There is a reason behind its popularity. The most adaptable motorcycles are ADVs, which have a tough exterior and strong hardware and technology that support both off-road and on-road riding. Demand has also been boosted by expanding interest in adventure travel, an increase in disposable income, and the allure of seeing India's varied landscapes. And with the state of Indian roads, it should be of no surprise that most OEMs on our shores sell an ADV for those eager to sail through whatever this country has to offer.