In India, the monsoon season can turn your daily ride into an adventure, whether you like it or not. The traffic, potholes, and unpredictable conditions make adventure-tourers and scramblers the perfect companions. Thankfully, the Indian market is booming with fantastic options for every budget. Here are some of the best all-weather motorcycles that will make you want to ride through the rain.
Triumph Scrambler 400X (Rs 2.64 lakh)
The Triumph Scrambler 400X is the exciting result of the Bajaj-Triumph partnership. While its sibling, the Speed 400, is stealing hearts, the Scrambler 400X is quietly winning over the off-road community. It may not be the burliest bike on this list, but its 185kg weight, 43mm USD forks with 150mm travel, and a beefy 19-inch front tyre make it a nimble navigator over rough surfaces. Its 398.15cc engine ensures it has enough grunt to tackle broken roads with ease.
Royal Enfield Himalayan (Rs 2.85 lakh)
When Royal Enfield launched the next-gen Himalayan, expectations were sky-high—and they were met. The Himalayan, with its "Sherpa 450" engine, is technologically impressive, with a few imperfections. It's got one of the best instrument clusters out there with Google Maps connectivity, along with premium underpinnings and tubeless spoke wheels, which should make their way soon enough.
Honda NX500 (Rs 5.90 lakh)
Occupying the perfect niche between mass-market and premium ADVs is Honda's new Japanese adventure tourer, the NX500. Launched earlier this year, the NX500 boasts a distinctive, angular, and boxy design inspired by Honda's Dakar bikes. The NX500 is powered by a 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that delivers 47.5PS at 8600rpm and 43Nm at 6500rpm. The bike's suspension setup includes a 41mm Showa SFF-BP fork and a linked 5-step preload adjustable monoshockThe NX500 rolls on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels, wrapped in block-pattern tyres, making it ready for both urban streets and off-road adventures.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE (Rs 10.30 lakh)
The V-Strom 800DE might just steal your heart. With its unique hexagonal LED headlights, 5-inch TFT console, USB charging port, and an adjustable windscreen, it’s packed with features. Powered by a 776cc parallel-twin engine that produces 84.3PS and 78Nm, and boasting Showa suspension with 220mm travel, this bike is perfect for both city rides and epic adventures.
Honda Transalp XL750 (Rs 11 lakh)
Honda is taking India seriously with the Transalp XL750. This ADV comes with a parallel-twin engine and a 270-degree crank, giving it a unique character and making it perfect for both daily commutes and off-road escapades. Its suspension system ensures it can handle the toughest terrains, making it a crowd favourite.
Ducati Desert X (Rs 18.33 lakh)
The Ducati Desert X is for those who like their adventures a bit more premium. Born from Ducati’s Dakar Rally experience, the Desert X sports a giant 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear wheel. Its 937cc L-Twin engine delivers 111PS and 92Nm, making it a beast on any road, wet or dry. This bike will have you grinning ear to ear as you conquer the elements.
Triumph Tiger 900 (Rs 13.95 lakh)
No ADV list is complete without mentioning a Tiger. The Triumph Tiger 900, available in GT and Rally Pro variants, hits the sweet spot between daily usability and hardcore off-roading. Its 888cc inline 3-cylinder engine delivers 108PS and 90Nm. The GT features Marzocchi suspension, while the Rally Pro comes with Showa suspension, both offering excellent ride quality. With a 7-inch TFT console, Bluetooth connectivity, and Brembo brakes, the Tiger 900 is ready for anything.
Ducati Multistrada V4 (Rs 21.48 lakh)
The Ducati Multistrada V4 is often hailed as the king of its segment, and for good reason. This bike features a 22-litre fuel tank, a slim tail section, and in the Rally version, a larger 30-litre tank, wider footpegs, and more suspension travel. Its 1158cc V4 engine pumps out 170PS and 125Nm, with rear cylinder deactivation for efficiency. The Multistrada V4 also boasts cornering lights, radar-based cruise control, and semi-active Skyhook Suspension. It's not just a bike; it's an all-terrain marvel.
