Adventure motorcycles are one of the most versatile formats for Indian riding conditions. Their higher ground clearance and longer-travel suspension make them better suited to tackle our challenging road surfaces, while the neutral, upright riding position will keep you comfortable over long days in the saddle. You don't have to spend a lot of money to own one either. Here's a list of the most affordable adventure bikes currently available in India.

5. Yezdi Adventure

Yezdi Adventure price starts at Rs 1.98 lakh

The Yezdi Adventure recently received a comprehensive styling update with a distinctive asymmetrical twin-LED headlamp design that helps it stand out in a crowd. Powered by a 334cc liquid-cooled engine producing 29.6hp and 29.8Nm, the Adventure offers smooth and refined performance with crisp throttle response. The bike rides on a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel setup, offering genuine off-road capability aided by long-travel suspension. The bike also features traction control and three ride modes.

4. Suzuki V-Strom SX

Suzuki V-Strom SX price is Rs 1.98 lakh

The Suzuki V-Strom SX is based on the proven Gixxer 250 platform and powered by a 249cc oil-cooled motor that produces 26.5hp and 22.2Nm. In our time with the bike, we found it to be an easygoing motorcycle with a breadth of abilities, as its refined engine and relaxed ergonomics make it well-suited to both city commuting and highway touring. While it is more of a road-biased motorcycle, it does offer mild off-road capability with a 19-inch front wheel.

3. Kawasaki KLX230

Kawasaki KLX230 price is Rs 1.84 lakh

The KLX230 is India's first road-legal Japanese dual-sport motorcycle and brings authentic off-road DNA to this segment. While it may not be an all-out adventure motorcycle, it warrants a place on this list as a road-legal bike that offers serious off-roading capability. The 233cc air-cooled single makes a humble 19hp and 19Nm, but offers responsive power delivery that makes for an engaging ride in the city and off-road.

2. Hero Xpulse 210

Hero Xpulse 210 price starts at Rs 1.62 lakh

The Xpulse 210 is powered by a 210cc liquid-cooled engine – derived from the Karizma XMR but retuned for better low-end performance – producing 24.6hp and 20.7Nm. In our tests, we found the engine peppy and responsive with an engaging exhaust note, paired with a 6-speed gearbox that aids highway cruising. The bike features adjustable footpegs and pedal heights, so you can tweak them to improve ergonomics. Plus, with long-travel suspension and a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel combo, the Xpulse is one of the more off-road capable bikes on this list.

1. Hero Xpulse 200 4V

Hero Xpulse 200 4V price starts at Rs 1.40 lakh

The Hero Xpulse 200 4V is the most affordable adventure bike sold in India. It uses a 199.6cc oil-cooled motor producing 18.9hp and 17.4Nm. We found the bike to be a lightweight and cheerful motorcycle as part of our long-term fleet, proving capable both as a commuter and a fun off-roader. The base variant offers 190mm of front suspension travel and 170mm at the rear, plus 220mm of ground clearance. That said, you can also opt for the higher-spec Pro or Dakar Edition variants that offer 250mm of front suspension travel, 220mm of rear suspension travel, and an impressive 270mm of ground clearance.

Honorable Mention: TVS Apache RTX

TVS Apache RTX price starts at Rs 1.99 lakh

The base TVS Apache RTX costs just Rs 1,000 more than the Yezdi Adventure at the tail end of this list and warrants recognition. It's one of the more recent additions to the adventure motorcycle market and offers superb value for money. Powered by an all-new 299cc liquid-cooled engine producing 36hp and 28.5Nm, we found the RTX offers excellent refinement and strong mid-range performance in our tests. The RTX offers 180mm of suspension travel at both ends, and impressive build quality that exceeds rivals costing much more. 

It's available in three variants, with even the base model getting cruise control and riding modes. The mid-spec variant adds a bi-directional quickshifter, while the top BTO variant gets adjustable suspension and TPMS.