Adventure touring motorcycles under ₹3 lakh have become incredibly capable in 2026. Riders no longer need to spend ₹4–5 lakh to explore highways, mountains, and rough terrain. Today, four motorcycles stand out in this segment: the Hero XPulse 210, KTM 250 Adventure, Suzuki V-Strom SX 250, and the newly introduced TVS Apache RTX 300.
Each bike offers a different personality. One focuses on off-road exploration, another delivers maximum performance, one offers refined touring comfort, and the newest entrant combines modern technology with strong value. Let’s explore each motorcycle in detail.
Table of Contents
Hero XPulse 210 — The Lightweight Off-Road Specialist
Price and Positioning
On-road price (Delhi): ₹1.87 lakh – ₹1.98 lakh
The XPulse 210 remains the most affordable and off-road focused adventure motorcycle in India.
Engine and Performance
- Engine: 210cc, air-oil cooled, single cylinder
- Power: 24.2 bhp
- Torque: 20.7 Nm
- Gearbox: 6-speed
The engine is tuned for smooth, usable power rather than aggressive highway performance.
Off-Road Capability
- Weight: 168 kg
- Ground clearance: 220 mm
- Wheels: 21-inch front, 18-inch rear spoke wheels
- Long-travel suspension
- Single-channel ABS
This setup makes it the best off-road motorcycle in this segment.
Best For
- Off-road riding
- Beginners
- Budget adventure riders
- Rough road conditions
KTM 250 Adventure — The Performance Leader
Price and Positioning
Ex-showroom price: Around ₹2.40 lakh
The KTM 250 Adventure offers the highest performance and premium hardware.
Engine and Performance
- Engine: 249cc, liquid-cooled
- Power: 31 PS
- Torque: 25 Nm
- Gearbox: 6-speed
This makes it the most powerful motorcycle in this comparison.
Touring Capability
- USD front forks
- Dual-channel ABS
- Strong chassis
- Fuel tank: 14.5 litres
Excellent stability at highway speeds.
Features
- TFT display
- Ride-by-wire throttle
- Smartphone connectivity
- LED lighting
Best For
- Highway touring
- Performance-focused riders
- Premium feature seekers
Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 — The Reliable Touring All-Rounder
Price and Positioning
Ex-showroom price: Around ₹2.10 lakh
The V-Strom SX focuses on comfort, refinement, and touring reliability.
Engine and Performance
- Engine: 249cc, oil-cooled
- Power: 26.1 bhp
- Torque: 22.2 Nm
- Gearbox: 6-speed
Smooth and refined engine suitable for long rides.
Touring Comfort
- Weight: 167 kg
- Ground clearance: 205 mm
- Wheel setup: 19-inch front, 17-inch rear
- Comfortable suspension
Better road comfort than XPulse.
Features
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Navigation alerts
- LED lighting
- Dual-channel ABS
Best For
- Long highway touring
- Daily use + touring
- Comfort-focused riders
TVS Apache RTX 300 — The New Technology-Focused Adventure Tourer
Price and Positioning
Expected ex-showroom price: ₹2.40 lakh – ₹2.70 lakh
The Apache RTX 300 is TVS’s first adventure motorcycle, designed to compete directly with KTM and Suzuki.
Engine and Performance
- Engine: 299cc, liquid-cooled RTX-D4 engine
- Power: 35 PS
- Torque: 28.5 Nm
- Gearbox: 6-speed
This makes it the most powerful motorcycle in this segment.
Touring and Adventure Capability
- USD front forks
- Rear monoshock suspension
- Dual-channel ABS
- Adventure-focused chassis
Designed for both highway touring and mild off-road riding.
Features
- TFT display
- Ride modes
- Cruise control
- Traction control
- Navigation support
- LED lighting
These features make it the most technologically advanced bike here.
Best For
- Riders wanting latest technology
- Long-distance touring
- Riders upgrading from 200cc bikes
- Balanced performance and features
Head-to-Head Comparison: Which Bike Should You Choose?
| Priority | Best Choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Best Off-Road Capability | Hero XPulse 210 | Lightweight, best suspension, off-road focused |
| Most Powerful Engine | TVS Apache RTX 300 | Highest power and torque |
| Best Highway Performance | KTM 250 Adventure | Strong engine and stability |
| Best Comfort and Refinement | Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 | Smooth engine and comfortable ride |
| Best Technology and Features | TVS Apache RTX 300 | Cruise control, ride modes, TFT display |
| Best Budget Adventure Bike | Hero XPulse 210 | Lowest price and easy maintenance |
| Best Overall Touring Balance | V-Strom SX 250 / RTX 300 | Balanced performance and comfort |
Real-World Feel and Trade-Offs
The XPulse 210 is the best off-road bike but lacks highway performance compared to others.
The KTM 250 Adventure offers excellent performance and premium hardware but costs more.
The Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 offers the best balance of comfort, reliability, and everyday usability.
The TVS Apache RTX 300 brings the latest technology, strongest engine, and best feature set, making it the most advanced adventure bike under ₹3 lakh.
Which Bike Is Perfect for You?
Choosing the right adventure tourer ultimately depends on your riding style, experience level, and the kind of terrain you plan to explore.
The Hero XPulse 210 is the ideal choice if your rides frequently involve rough roads, dirt trails, or off-road adventures. Its lightweight chassis, long-travel suspension, and forgiving nature make it especially suitable for beginners and riders who want a capable, affordable, and easy-to-handle adventure motorcycle.
The KTM 250 Adventure is best suited for riders who prioritize highway performance and premium hardware. With its powerful engine, high-quality suspension, and advanced electronics, it excels on long highway journeys, fast touring, and riders who want a more performance-oriented adventure bike.
The Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 is perfect for riders seeking a balanced and refined touring experience. Its smooth engine, comfortable ergonomics, and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for long-distance touring, daily commuting, and riders who want versatility without extreme off-road focus.
The TVS Apache RTX 300 is the best option for riders who want the latest technology, strongest performance, and modern features. With its powerful engine, advanced electronics like cruise control and ride modes, and excellent touring capability, it offers the most complete and future-ready adventure touring package under ₹3 lakh.
Wrapping It Up
In 2026, the adventure touring segment under ₹3 lakh offers excellent choices. The Hero XPulse 210 remains the best off-road option, the KTM 250 Adventure delivers strong performance, and the Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 offers reliable touring comfort.
However, the new TVS Apache RTX 300 stands out as the most advanced and powerful adventure bike in this price segment, combining performance, technology, and touring capability.
Choosing the best bike ultimately depends on whether your priority is off-road exploration, highway touring, comfort, or advanced features.
Which of these bikes is best for beginners?
If you are new to motorcycling or adventure bikes, the Hero XPulse 200 4V is the friendliest choice. It is light, affordable, and forgiving in city traffic as well as on trails.
Which bike is most powerful among the three?
The KTM 250 Adventure is the most powerful, with 31 PS output. It also offers advanced features like ride-by-wire, quick shifter, and a TFT display.
Is the Suzuki V-Strom SX 250 good for long touring?
Yes, the V-Strom SX 250 offers a comfortable seat, stable handling, and decent power for highway cruising. It’s a good all-rounder for riders who enjoy long rides with occasional off-road detours.