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Earlier this year, Bajaj had announced that it will launch 8 new motorcycles in the 125cc to 250cc segment, which will also include an all-new adventure bike.
Bajaj Auto has been a key player in the adventure motorcycle segment for many years, but there was no adventure bike under its own brand. The company manufactures the KTM Adventure series in India and has multiple platforms on which adventure motorcycles can be developed. Now from the new pictures that have surfaced, it seems that Bajaj may launch its first adventure bike soon.
A test motorcycle has been spotted near Pune and interestingly, it was not being tested alone. This prototype has been spotted testing with the KTM Adventure models and several Pulsar motorcycles, which shows that a lot of work has been done on this bike and it may be close to launch. The most important thing is that its design looks completely different from any existing motorcycle of Bajaj.
The testing model is seen to have a higher stance, larger front beak, longer travel suspension and possibly a 21-inch front wheel. These features are not just to give the bike an adventurous look, but it also makes it seem that it is really being prepared for bad roads and off-roading. Its touring capability is also clearly visible. A large rear top box was fitted to the prototype, while the long single-piece seat looks capable of comfortably seating the pillion.
The riding position also seems upright and comfortable, which suggests that long distance travel could be one of its key strengths. Interestingly, some parts of the bike look familiar. Its swingarm and tail section appear to be quite similar to the Pulsar NS200. At the same time, the twin vertical tail lamps are also reminiscent of the Pulsar series. If Bajaj is sharing some hardware between different platforms, then this may help the company in setting competitive pricing.
There is a possibility that the Pulsar N250 engine may be used in it. If this happens, this bike can directly compete with motorcycles like Hero Xpulse 210, Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 and Yezdi Adventure. However, looking at its size and proportions, it is also being speculated that an engine taken from KTM may be used in it.
If Bajaj opts for a KTM based engine, the motorcycle will enter a high-performance segment that will rival the likes of the Apache RTX 300, Royal Enfield Scram 440 and the upcoming Himalayan based models. An engine around 350 cc can also be used in it. The design, bodywork and overall finish of the bike looks almost like a production-ready model rather than an early prototype. In such a situation, its launch may happen by the end of 2026 or in the beginning of 2027.
Bajaj already has a strong presence in commuter motorcycles, sporty street bikes and the premium segment through KTM and Triumph. But the adventure motorcycle segment is one of the few segments where the company has not been present under its own brand until now. This upcoming new model can overcome that shortcoming.
