Bajaj Auto appears to be gearing up for its entry into the adventure motorcycle segment in India. A new dual-sport motorcycle from the company has been spotted undergoing testing, hinting that Bajaj could soon challenge rivals like the Hero Xpulse in the affordable ADV category.
Spy Shots Reveal Rugged Design
Spy shots and videos captured during testing reveal a tall stance, long-travel suspension, and rugged bodywork. The bike features a raised front fender, wide handlebars, and a flat single-piece seat. Additionally, a top box is mounted at the rear, indicating touring capabilities.
Suspension and Wheels
The motorcycle rides on wire-spoke wheels and is expected to come with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear setup. The suspension hardware includes telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock, while the production model could also offer upside-down forks and switchable dual-channel ABS.
Expected Features
Other expected features include a digital instrument cluster, traction control, and full-LED lighting. These additions would make the motorcycle competitive in the modern ADV segment.
Engine Speculations
One of the biggest talking points surrounding the motorcycle is its engine. There are speculations that Bajaj could use KTM's new 350cc liquid-cooled engine for the ADV. However, there is also speculation that the motorcycle may instead borrow the 249cc single-cylinder oil-cooled engine from the Pulsar N250. The final positioning of the motorcycle will depend largely on the powertrain Bajaj chooses.
Market Positioning
If it arrives with a smaller displacement engine, it could directly rival the Hero Xpulse 210 in the affordable adventure segment. On the other hand, a KTM-derived 350cc motor could place it closer to motorcycles like the TVS Apache RTX 300. The test motorcycle already appears close to production-ready.
Launch Timeline
Bajaj is expected to launch the new adventure motorcycle either by the end of 2026 or in early 2027. This timeline gives the company ample opportunity to finalize the specifications and pricing strategy.
