Top 5 Motorcycles For The Indian Army

The venerable Royal Enfield Bullet has been the de facto choice of two-wheel transport for the Indian Armed Forces for decades. This fact has given birth to a lot of Armed Forces-inspired Royal Enfield variants like the Classic 500 Desert Storm, Squadron Blue and Classic 350 Signals limited-edition bike. However, the current crop of motorcycles are more than capable of taking over the mantle from the now ageing Bullet and serve the Armed Forces better. Here are 5 motorcycles that can be an ideal replacement to the Royal Enfield Bullet.

Royal Enfield Himalayan:
Royal Enfield has come up with quite a few capable products so it is a surprise that the Himalayan has not inducted in the Armed Forces fleet already. This hardcore ADV with its long-travel suspension and dual-purpose tyes is quite capable of traversing the harsh border terrain protected by our soldiers. The Himalayan also has a functional bodywork with provisions for panniers and auxiliary fuel canisters, making it an ideal to operate in remote areas.

Hero XPulse 200:
Another adventure bike suited for the harsh border terrains, the XPulse 200 is smaller than the Himalayan and easier to manage as well. With its long-travel suspension, larger spoked wheels and dual-purpose tyres, it is as capable as the Himalayan off-road. Also, the XPulse 200 is priced significantly lower than the Himalayan. While the Xpulse 200 is available in fuel injected and carburetted trim, we feel the carb variant would make more sense here for its ease of serviceability and tunability for high altitude usage. 

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Bajaj Dominar 400:
The Bajaj Dominar 400 has impressed us with its touring capability and comfort. A lot of enthusiasts have recently started using the Dominar 400 for high altitude trips lo the Ladakh region. With its recent update, the Dominar 400 now makes more power and gets a better suspension. We believe that with a few modifications like dual-purpose tyres and crash bars, the Dominar could be a more powerful and reliable alternative to the Bullet. 

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V:
The Apache RTR 200 is a fantastic all-rounder in the civilian setting. It has a powerful 200cc motor, comfortable ergonomics and is a stable handler. It would work well in non-combat areas with its no-fuss nature. And given the need, the Apache does perform well in hilly regions and rough terrain as well. The fact that it is lightweight makes the Apache RTR 200 an easy-to-ride bike as well. 

Royal Enfield Interceptor 650:
Yet another product from Royal Enfield makes it to this list. The Interceptor 650 has impressed us with its value, smooth and powerful motor and ability to tour long distances without missing a beat. How about an army special ‘Scrambler’ version of the Interceptor 650 with longer travel suspension and knobby tyres? With the grunt on offer from its 650cc twin-cylinder motor, this army special Interceptor 650 could be a formidable ally. It would also look fantastic rolling down Rajpath during the annual Republic Day parade.