Which Is The Best Affordable, Sub-500cc ADV? You Decide

Hello and welcome to the Auto Premier League where you get to decide which are the best two-wheelers in the country and this one revolves around adventure motorcycles, specifically the ones under 500cc? To know more information about the Auto Premier League, you should definitely check this story out. Voting for other categories has begun but to vote for these ADVs, you got to wait until June 10.

In a country where road imperfections are aplenty, adventure motorcycles seem like the logical choice for India. And while we have loads of options in the larger displacement segment (which also cost a bomb to own and maintain), affordable options are limited. So what are you waiting for? Choose your favourite amongst these adventure motorcycles:

Hero XPulse 200:

Being the spiritual successor to the Hero Impulse, the XPulse 200 is one of the best ways to start off-roading. It is light and has adequate suspension travel and ground clearance to crawl over anything in its path. Our only qualm remains the engine which could have done with a little more oomph.

Pros:

• Brilliant suspension setup for tackling gnarly off-road bits.

• It is light and hence will not be troublesome to lift when you drop it while off-roading.

• Most affordable adventure bike in India

Cons:

• Engine runs out of breath quickly.

• Poor NVH levels.

• Needs handlebar risers for better riding ergos while standing up.

For further information on the Hero XPulse 200, head here: https://www.zigwheels.com/hero-bikes/xpulse-200

Royal Enfield Himalayan: 

For years, the Royal Enfield Himalayan has been the bastion for affordable adventure motorcycling. Royal Enfield has managed to iron out nearly all of the ailments the early editions of the bike had. It is brilliantly packaged, has the best ergonomics for any off-roader in the segment and has oodles of low-end torque to get out of sticky situations. Its heft and soft suspension tune does cause some discomfort while off-roading.

Pros:

• Spot on ergonomics for touring or standing while riding.

• Brilliant off-roading credentials like long-travel suspension, spoke rims and tall ground clearance.

• Finally gets switchable ABS, allowing you to lock the rear wheel while off-roading.

Cons:

• Weighs almost 200kg, as much as a mid-capacity ADV.

• Soft suspension setup might lead to bottoming out.

• Braking could have been better.

For further information on the Royal Enfield Himalayan, head here: https://www.zigwheels.com/royal-enfield-bikes/himalayan

KTM 390 Adventure:

The KTM 390 Adventure was one of the most hyped motorcycles among Indian off-road enthusiasts. After all, it was our first taste of the rich off-road heritage that KTM has earned over years of success in the Dakar and other tough rallies. The 390 Adventure is still as mad and manic as the 390 Duke but the upright ergos, larger fuel tank and extended wheelbase makes it a better companion on the highway. 

Pros:

• Excellent ergos for touring

• Retains on-road performance of 390 Duke

• Packed with electronic goodies

Cons:

• Lacks low-end torque.

• 855mm seat height is too tall for average Indian riders.

• Traction control feels a little glitchy.

For further information on the KTM 390 Adventure, head here: https://www.zigwheels.com/ktm-bikes/390-adventure

BMW G 310 GS:

The BMW G 310 GS is the German brand’s entry-level adventure motorcycle. Built in India, the G 310 GS carries a pretty premium price tag. It is comfy and has spot-on ergonomics for long distance riding. It has good road presence as well, certainly better than its naked sibling the G 310 R. Sadly, the engine’s vibey nature, soft suspension tune and a relatively small fuel tank are major downers.

Pros:

• Looks just like its larger GS cousins.

• Comfortable upright ergos for touring.

• Is the lightest ADV in its class.

Cons:

• Engine refinement is a major concern.

• Lacks low-end grunt that is necessary for off-roading.

• Suspension is a bit too soft.

For further information on the BMW G 310 GS, head here: https://www.zigwheels.com/bmw-bikes/g-310-gs