Many bike enthusiasts do not like being limited to riding only on paved roads. For these riders, going off-road ignites a thrill and excitement that staying on-road cannot match. Adventure bikes are motorbikes that are specifically designed to appeal to such daredevils. These bikes are designed to drive smoothly on every type of surface, both paved and unpaved. They transport riders to locations where regular bikes and cars can never reach while also being able to handle everyday riding smoothly.
Key Features of an Adventure Bike
Some of the features that distinguish Adventure bikes from other types of motorbikes are listed below:
High-Impact Suspensions
Off-roading is a gruelling activity that puts the bike’s frame under extreme stress. A high-quality suspension system absorbs this stress to smooth your ride, even in extreme terrain conditions. It also provides the bike with high surface clearance to protect the underside from damage and to cross over large obstructions.
Multi-Purpose Tires
Adventure bikes are vehicles designed to operate on paved and unpaved surfaces. To facilitate this, these bikes’ tires provide grip in both on- and off-road conditions. While multi-purpose tires are good at providing adequate traction in both situations, they excel in all of them.
Rider Protection
Adventure bikes have unique features to protect riders during long, arduous rides. These protections include fairings to make the bike aerodynamic, windscreens to protect the face and body of the rider from dust, wind and debris, and handguards to protect the hands of the rider.
Luggage Racks
Some riders prefer long rides that may last over one or multiple nights. These riders can equip additional luggage holding racks and compartments on their bikes. These can carry necessary items like food and clothes to help them survive on the road.
High Torque Engines
Adventure bikes face high-stress levels when going off-road. They need equally strong engines with high torque to counteract the rough terrain. Their motor can operate under any climatic conditions, handle the terrain, and not overheat quickly during heavy usage.
High-Performance Adventure Bikes available in India
Below are some adventure bikes offered to Indian consumers by premium international brands.
BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
It is a premium adventure bike brought to Indian markets by the prestigious BMW Motorrad Company. Staying true to its BMW heritage, it offers unmatched performance, capabilities and riding comfort. It is powered by a 1254 cc engine that can deliver 143 Nm of torque at 136 PS of power. It can reach top speeds of 200 km per hour and delivers a mileage of 14 kmpl. This BMW bike price starts at Rs 22.50 lakhs.
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special
It is the only adventure bike Harley Davidson sells in Indian Markets. This beast is powered by a V-twin 1252 cc engine which is liquid-cooled and can generate 128 Nm of torque at 150 PS of power. It has additional features like enhanced ABS brakes, an inbuilt entertainment system with a touchscreen and adjustable seat heights. It has a reported mileage of 18.33 kmpl, and its fuel tank can carry up to 2 litres.
Ducati DesertX
It is one of the latest adventure bikes released in Indian markets in 2022 by the Italian Ducati Motorbike company. This beautiful bike has a 937 cc BS6 engine that provides 92 Nm of torque at 110 bhp power. It also features a Bluetooth-enabled display, four power modes, six riding modes, engine brake control and advanced ABS brakes. Its fuel tank has a capacity of 21 litres and can achieve a mileage of 17.8 kmpl.
Ducati Multistrada V4
This premium adventure bike from Ducati has a 1158cc liquid-cooled V4 engine that delivers 170 bhp of power and 125 Nm of torque. It has a 22-litre fuel tank, a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combination, and a total weight of 240 kg. It also has a full-LED lighting system, a 5-inch TFT display, four riding modes, cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, vehicle hold control, cruise control, and an adaptive radar system.
Kawasaki Versys 1000
The Kawasaki Versys 1000 is a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, in-line four motorcycle with a displacement of 1043 cc. It produces 120 PS of power and 102 Nm of torque and has a 6-speed transmission with assist and slipper clutch. It has a twin-tube aluminium frame, a 21-litre fuel tank, and a seat height of 820 mm. It has dual disc brakes, ABS, traction control and cruise control.
Conclusion
Adventure bikes are the perfect choice for riders who love to explore new and challenging terrains. These bikes are not for the faint-hearted but for those who seek adventure and thrill in every ride. They combine the best features of on- and off-road bikes, making them versatile and adaptable, offering a rewarding and exhilarating riding experience. All-in-all there are many adventure bikes available for Indian thrill seekers, including a huge range of international premium brands.