Exclusive: Upcoming Bajaj Adventure Bike Likely to get a 250cc Engine

Bajaj Auto is working an all-new dual-sport-style adventure bike for India and international markets. In fact, the upcoming adventure bike has already been spotted testing on Indian roads, revealing a rugged design and long-travel suspension setup. Now, we have exclusive details about its positioning, engine platform, and expected launch timeline.

Developed With Latin America In Mind

Sources tell us that the bike has primarily been developed for the Latin American markets, where Bajaj enjoys a strong presence. This market is popular for entry-level 150-160cc dual-sport adventure bikes such as the Yamaha WR155R, Honda CRF150L, and the Suzuki DR150 among others.

And Bajaj appears to be keen on entering this segment with a purpose-built adventure bike that can be used for urban commuting as well as light off-road use.

Multiple Engine Options

Here’s where things get interesting. Bajaj Auto has a repository of engines with various displacement capacities and cooling systems. For the Latin-American markets, Bajaj is likely to offer the bike with multiple engine options, ranging from 160cc to 250cc. However, the India-spec model will most likely use a 250cc engine.

To keep the costs in check, we expect the bike to be powered by the 249cc, air/oil-cooled motor from the Pulsar N250. There is further credence to this claim from the fact that one of the test mules was spotted testing alongside the Pulsar N250.

Positioning and Competition

In India, the upcoming Bajaj Adventure bike is aimed at rivalling the Hero Xpulse 210 and the Kawasaki KLX 230. Spy pictures have revealed its tall stance and long-travel suspension, hinting at its off-road intentions.

However, sources indicate that Bajaj may not position it as a hardcore dual-sport motorcycle. Bajaj Auto already has the KTM 390 Enduro R in its portfolio, which is a proper dual-sport enduro bike.

Launch Timeline

There is no official word on its launch timeline, although it is expected to be launched sooner than expected. With the test mules already out on public roads, the bike is its final stages of validations and testing.

What we do know is that the bike is expected to be first launched in the Latin-American markets, followed by its market launch in India sometime early next year.