Honda XR300L: Same Price, Other Options

Honda has also entered India's rapidly growing dual-sport motorcycle segment with its XR300L. Launched at an attractive price of Rs 1,83,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi), it brings serious off-road and trail-riding capability to a road-going motorcycle without burning a hole in your pocket. Its high-mounted front fender, 830mm seat height and 244mm of ground clearance give it a tall stance and an unmistakably rugged look. It also gets 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels, paired with long-travel suspension, giving it the hardware to tackle a variety of terrains.

The Honda XR300L is powered by a 293.5cc, air/oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed gearbox. It is tuned to deliver usable torque and better traction, prioritising control and tractability over outright speed. It also gets Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) for improved traction and control, while braking is handled by a 256mm front and 220mm rear disc setup, supported by switchable dual-channel ABS. However, if the XR300L doesn't quite fit the bill, here are some alternatives in a similar price range, each offering a different riding experience.

Hero Xpulse 210 Top

Price: Rs 1,77,463 (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Hero Xpulse 210 also gets a tall stance with large, wire-spoke wheels, but its suspension travel and ground clearance are just slightly less than the XR300L. That doesn't mean it can't handle off-road trails. Instead, it offers a better balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort, making it a more versatile adventure tourer.

It gets a smaller 210cc engine but delivers comparable performance thanks to its more modern setup with Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) and liquid cooling. With 24.6PS at 9,250rpm and 20.7Nm at 7,250rpm on tap, it has a sportier power delivery that works in its favour on tarmac. Additionally, the slipper and assist clutch makes the six-speed gearbox smoother and easier to operate. While it costs a bit less than the Honda, the top-spec Xpulse 210 gets a 4.2-inch TFT screen with navigation and other connected features, and a dual-channel ABS with three modes. A tall windscreen, knuckle guards and a luggage plate also come as standard, along with a five-year/70,000km warranty, making it a compelling budget-friendly ADV package.

Bajaj Dominar 250

Price: Rs 1,86,835 (ex-showroom, Delhi)

If your idea of touring involves mostly highway cruising rather than going mad on mud and ruts, the Bajaj Dominar 250 makes the most sense in this price bracket. It offers the most comfortable seating and riding stance among all motorcycles on this list. Plus, the combination of a perimeter frame, with USD front forks and an adjustable rear monoshock, keeps it composed and rock-solid at highway speeds. Its wide tubeless tyres ensure enough grip, even in the corners, and the braking setup combines disc brakes at both ends with a switchable dual-channel ABS, adding to its confident handling.

Its 249cc liquid-cooled DOHC single produces 27PS at 8,500rpm and 23.5Nm at 6,500rpm, which means you get a good mid-range and a decent powerband for relaxed cruising. The six-speed gearbox is paired with a slipper clutch for slick shifting, and switchable traction control further makes handling the torque easier. It also gets Road, Rain, Sport and Off-road modes to tackle a variety of riding conditions. A connected digital console, high-intensity LED lighting, and a host of other usable features make it a complete touring package.

Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Standard

Price: Rs 1,93,273 (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Not everyone seeks outright performance or the latest gadgets. Some riders value character, heritage, and timeless appeal, and the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 has been delivering just that for decades. While its old-school charm remains more or less the same, the new J-series engine makes it smoother to ride than ever before. The new architecture takes away vibrations, thanks to the counter-balancer, while its 349cc, long-stroke single retains the signature thump. After all, the Bullet is not about chasing speed or being thrown wildly into the corners, but for those who just want to sit back and enjoy the ride on open roads.

Its new twin downtube cradle frame, wider tyres, disc brakes at both ends and a dual-channel ABS further add to its stability. Features such as all-LED lighting and a USB charging port give it a slight modern edge, while the digi-analogue console keeps the old-school feel alive.

Suzuki Gixxer 250

Price: Rs 1,84,517 (ex-showroom, Delhi)

If you're looking for a motorcycle that's equally comfortable on long rides and daily commutes, yet offers a sporty riding experience whenever you want, the Suzuki Gixxer 250 makes for a compelling choice. It gets a rigid chassis, wide 110/70 front and 150/60 R17 rear tyres, disc brakes at both ends, and suspension tuned to strike a good balance between sporty handling and everyday comfort. Plus, an upright riding posture makes it a great all-rounder on tarmac.

Adding to its appeal is the super-smooth 249cc, air/oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a slick six-speed gearbox. It delivers more than enough power and torque to make the most of Indian roads. It also gets full LED lighting, a connected TFT display with features such as navigation and document storage, and dual-channel ABS for added braking confidence, especially for novice riders. Plus, its accessible 800mm seat height and low 156kg kerb weight make it an approachable upgrade for a wide range of riders.

Yamaha R15M

Price: Rs 1,90,330 (ex-showroom, Delhi)

If you're looking for a committed sporty option with a full-body fairing, the latest Version 4 Yamaha YZF-R15M is worth considering. Drawing inspiration from the latest design language of Yamaha's legendary R-series supersport motorcycles, it looks sharp, aggressive and ready to hit the racetrack. The M edition takes things a step further, borrowing things from the high-performance variants of its larger R-series siblings, such as a carbon fibre finish, a connected TFT console and LED winkers.

Built around a Deltabox (perimeter) frame, it gets USD front forks and a KYB-linked rear monoshock, both tuned to deliver sharp handling and precise cornering performance. Adding to that are its wide, grippy tyres and disc brakes with a dual-channel ABS. Its compact 155cc, liquid-cooled engine is surprisingly rev-happy, producing 18.4PS at 10,000rpm and 14.2Nm at 7,500rpm, encouraging you to explore its upper rev range. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox and an assist-and-slipper clutch for smoother, effortless shifts, while the quickshifter allows clutchless upshifts and helps maintain stability during aggressive riding. With a kerb weight of just 141kg, it's fairly easy to manage, while standard features such as traction control