Are adventure bikes the latest two-wheeler trend in India? We explain

Adventure bikes, also known as Adventure Tourers of Advs, have become one of the fastest growing motorcycle segments in India. From established offers such as the Hero Xpulse 200 4V or the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, to emerging models such as the TVS Apache RTX 300, there is no visible ending to offering the Indian motorcycle market. For this purpose, manufacturers have also launched their flagship tourists with high displacement, thinks BMW R 1300 GS and Ducati Desertx, to provide for the increasing demand that spans a wide range of budgets and preferences. This was not always the case, and for the longest time these bikes were accessible to a few with bags deep enough to enjoy their nomadic fantasies. That changed with the launch of India’s first mass market double sports, the Hero Honda Impulse 150. Although it was not an Adv, it kicked off the adventure segment, which will soon be launching the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 as the first affordable Adv. Fast forward to 2025, and we now have a wide range of models of both homemade manufacturers as well as premium international brands. This popularity is not without reason. Adv’s are the most versatile motorcycles, with a robust design supplemented by robust hardware and technology that allows for both on the road and off-road experiences. An increasing level of disposable income, increasing interest in adventure tourism and the attraction to explore India’s diverse terrain further fueled the question. And with the state of Indian roads, it should not be surprising that most OEMs to our banks sell an Adv for those who want to sail through what this country has to offer. Rising interest in Adventure Tourism: Adv’s can all road conditions thrown at them with their long-travel suspension, good ground clearance and robust culture of the growing culture around adventure tourism, with riders looking for unique experiences outside the limitation of urban jungle, has caused a surge in advice. The rise of digital nomadism as a social media trend, along with an increase in remote jobs, also contributed to the demand for such machines. Many riders strive to recreate the kind of adventures seen by celebrities or influencers. For this, they need competent bikes that can handle both highways and field conditions comfortably. Versatility of Adv’s on Indian roads: Trends aside, adventure bikes can be very practical because of their ability to tackle all road conditions. Their high ground clearance and robust building enable them to easily navigate ordinary pitfalls, speed breakers, uneven surfaces and occasional off-road spots on Indian streets and highways. The long-travel suspension on Adv’s eats bumps and rough terrain effectively, reducing the fatigue of the rider on long-distance trips. Furthermore, these bikes have an upright seat for better visibility and control, and their imposing presence of the road is more than enough for riders eager to surpass the people like some SUVs. Improved affordability and utility The Adv segment in India is large, with a wide range of premium international brands such as Ducati or BMW offering their flagship tourists here. In addition, adventure bikes with double tires, larger wheels and robust frames designed to handle both paved and unpastized roads. This makes it extremely adaptable to India’s mixed terrain ranging from neat roads with a pothole stretch to hilly regions with exciting turn. Adv’s are also some of the more technology-loaded two-wheelers, which offer features such as a sloping ABS, multi-level Vastrap control and off-road modes to improve safety and performance on various surfaces. This is accompanied by growing affordability in the segment, with various OEMs such as Royal Enfield, Hero, KTM and TVs actively introducing new models adapted to our market. Increasing levels of localization of premium international brands such as Honda and BMW have further increased the availability and support infrastructure.