If like me you are looking at upgrading from the Hero Impulse and didn’t quite warm up to the Royal Enfield Himalayan – you know because of the recall, the clunky gearbox, and not so great brakes – EICMA 2016 threw up some interesting options. The base line is: Every bike considered here should be able to tour, commute and of course, take on a bit of the rough stuff in style. And, though we would love all of these bikes on our list to make it to India, sadly, some won’t. But, as they say – you just never know!
BMW G310 GS
We know the new BMW G310 R all too well. Built in partnership with TVS Motor, it gets a 34bhp single cylinder engine and is here to take on the might of the KTM 390 Duke. And as a street bike, it has a lot going for it. But, given BMW’s success with adventure motorcycles, it has now made a taller, bigger-wheeled, and pannier-friendly version of the motorcycle called the G310 GS.
Powered by the same engine, the G310 GS has longer travel suspension; 19-inch front wheel instead of a 17-inch one as on the road bike; and a seat height that’s climbed to 835mm compared to 784mm on the G310. But, sadly, it runs alloy wheels shod with touring tyres, which, needless to say, will limit its off-roading prowess.
Kawasaki Versys-X 300
The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 looks very promising courtesy the good dual sport hardware it has. It uses the same engine as the Ninja 300; a 296cc parallel with 38bhp on tap. But, it has the right seating ergonomics for both laid back cruising and for stand-up-and-ride trail riding.
What’s more, it has spoked wheels with 19-inch front and a 17-inch rear; the right hardware for off-road outings. It runs long travel suspension too, even though the front is a more conventional telescopic setup. The rear however is a linked monoshock with gas charged dampers. And for us Indians, the seat height at 800mm is very welcoming. The Versys-X 300 in ‘Adventure’ trim also gets an engine guard, center stand and panniers.
Suzuki V-Strom 250
Unlike the BMW and the Kawasaki, which show some inclination towards the rough and dirty in their tech specs, the Suzuki V-Strom 250 is unabashedly road biased. Based on the smooth, reliable and easy to ride Inazuma 250, it doesn’t even get long travel suspension. Moreover, the V-Strom 250 runs 17-inch alloy wheels front and back with tyres that are clearly road-centric.
Only indications of it being a dual sport are the upright riding position, a windscreen, and a heavy-duty rear grab rail cum carrier. But, on the touring front, it has most things covered with a large fuel tank, a relatively low but comfy stepped seat, and hard pannier compatibility built in.
Honda CRF250 Rally
Honda has burnt its fingers with the CBR250R in India, and therefore, might not be too inclined towards bringing in another 250. But, given the noise around low capacity, affordable adventure motorcycles, it will do well to launch one here. The challenge is the lack of a product. Honda has the CB500X, a sort of dual sport bike that’s more at home touring than trail riding. But, it will be expensive. And it isn’t really a Himalayan alternative.
Neither is the CRF250 Rally. It is more hardcore and off-road centric. But then, it is so gorgeous, so practical and so desirable; it should be able to create a niche for itself. And riding on the hype around the Africa Twin, it should find buyer interest. Even in India. But the pricing will be through the roof. The CRF250 Rally is powered by 24.4bhp single, weighs in at 157kg, comes with rider modes and all-LED headlights, and finally, has a really intimidating seat height of 895mm.
Honda X-ADV
Okay. So, the Honda X-ADV, like the CRF250 Rally, will not be heading to India anytime soon. But, just the idea of a scooter mixing it up with long travel, knobby-shod, motorcycles on a dirt trail is so cool we had to put it on this list. Also, if it ever makes it to India, the X-ADV will be so prohibitively expensive, that only the imprudent would consider it. I know I would; even it means selling the rest of my wares to acquire one.
A 745cc parallel twin engine powers the Honda X-ADV. It makes over 50bhp and comes with a dual clutch automatic transmission. Additionally, the X-ADV runs on 17in wheels at the front and 15-inchers at the rear; has 21 litres of underseat storage (it is a scooter, after all); a five-way adjustable windscreen; LED lighting; a smart key; and rally-style instrumentation.
