Bajaj Adventure Motorcycle Incoming? KTM-Based ADV Seen Testing In India

Bajaj Auto is expected to enter the adventure motorcycle segment, as recent spy shots suggest that a new Bajaj motorcycle with an ADV-inspired design has been spotted testing on Indian roads. The test mule appears to be powered by a KTM-derived engine, further rising speculation about the company's future plans.

Bajaj Adventure Motorcycle Incoming?

The Indian two-wheeler market already offers a wide range of premium adventure motorcycles. However, KTM's Adventure lineup has traditionally been positioned as a performance-focused offering aimed at enthusiasts.

Bajaj already shares several engine platforms with KTM through its long-standing partnership. If the company decides to enter the adventure motorcycle segment, it could introduce a more affordable alternative while retaining much of the performance and capability associated with KTM-based products.

Its biggest rival, TVS Motor Company, has already entered the segment with the Apache RTX 300. With adventure motorcycles becoming increasingly popular among Indian riders, Bajaj could be looking to expand beyond the naked streetfighter category and strengthen its presence in this rapidly growing ADV segment.

KTM-Based Platform Likely

The test motorcycle's overall design has a strong resemblance to the KTM 250 Adventure and KTM 390 Adventure. While the exact powertrain remains unknown, the motorcycle could utilise either KTM's 250cc platform or the newer 349cc engine architecture.

One possibility is that Bajaj could introduce a 350cc adventure motorcycle powered by the 349.32cc single-cylinder engine currently used in KTM's downsized lineup. This engine produces 41.5 PS of power and 33.5 Nm of torque and is paired with a 6-speed gearbox.

More Affordable ADV

Bajaj could also take a more accessible route by developing an adventure motorcycle based on the KTM 250 Adventure platform. Such a model would likely be priced lower than larger-capacity adventure motorcycles, making it attractive to first-time ADV buyers.

The KTM 250 Adventure is powered by a 249.07cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 31 PS of power and 25 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. A Bajaj-derived version could offer similar performance while undercutting KTM on pricing.

The upcoming adventure motorcycle could make its debut by late 2026 or early 2027, as the testing motorcycle appears to be a near production-ready machine. Once launched, it is expected to compete with rivals such as the TVS Apache RTX 300, KTM 250 Adventure, KTM 390 Adventure, Hero Xpulse 210, and Suzuki V-Strom SX.