For years, Indian motorcycling enthusiasts have asked a singular, burning question: When will Bajaj Auto launch its own adventure motorcycle? While competitors like Royal Enfield (Himalayan), Hero MotoCorp (XPulse), Yezdi (Adventure) and even Suzuki (V-Strom SX) have capitalized heavily on the ADV craze, Bajaj has famously stayed on the side lines. The Chakan-based manufacturer has conquered the streets with the Pulsar range, long-distance touring with the Dominar, and relaxed city cruiser with the Avenger. Yet, a dedicated dual-purpose or Adventure bike is something they have stayed away from. At this point, the more important question is, do they need to? Especially since the KTMs are doing well.
However, recent industry developments, leaked patents, and changing market dynamics strongly indicate that Bajaj might finally be preparing to enter the wilderness. Here is a breakdown of why a Bajaj ADV is looking more likely than ever.
1. The Clue in the Name: Trademarking the “Darkstar”
The strongest piece of hard evidence came when Bajaj Auto filed a trademark for the name “Darkstar” back in 2022.
Unlike names historically associated with street sports (like Pulsar) or cruisers (like Avenger), “Darkstar” breaks the traditional nomenclature mold.
- Industry insiders heavily speculate that this moniker is reserved for a completely new line of motorcycles.
- Given the rugged, mysterious vibe of the name, it seems pinned it to an upcoming adventure or semi-adventure touring platform.
Although I think the name Darkstar suits a cruiser better than an Adventure bike.
2. The Tech is Already on the Shelf
Bajaj doesn’t need to build an adventure bike from scratch. Through its strategic partnership with KTM, Bajaj has been manufacturing world-class small-capacity ADVs—specifically the KTM 250 Adventure and 390 Adventure—at its Chakan facility for years.
Furthermore, its co-developed 400cc platform (now 349cc) with Triumph has spawned the highly successful Scrambler 400X. Bajaj already intimately understands the geometry, long-travel suspension dynamics, engines and electronics required for off-road riding.
Potential Engine Configurations
If a Bajaj ADV becomes a reality, the company has two highly reliable homegrown platforms to choose from:
| Feature | The 250cc Route (Pulsar Platform) | The 349cc Route (Dominar base) |
| Engine Type | Single-cylinder, oil/liquid-cooled | Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC |
| Expected Power | ~24 bhp | ~35 to 38 bhp |
| Target Audience | Budget-conscious tourers, city riders | Long tourer with decent off-road capability |
| Character | Street-friendly “soft-roader” | High-performance ADV tourer |
Most reports point toward a 250cc semi-adventure tourer leveraging the refined Pulsar N250 engine. This would keep the weight manageable, fuel efficiency high (expected 40–45 km/l), and the price incredibly competitive. The Dominar platform can also work with sufficient changes but managing the weight is going to be challenge, Bajaj would need to keep it lighter than the current Himalayan 450 and upcoming Himalayan 440. Personally I think Bajaj should go with the N250 platform as they can then price it super competitively and not fall in the bracket of the KTM Adventure range.
3. Past Experiments: The “Adventure Sports” Lesson
Bajaj isn’t entirely new to the ADV badge. Back in 2015, they launched the Pulsar AS150 and AS200 (Adventure Sports). While they featured a tall windshield and a quarter-fairing, they lacked real off-road credentials like long-travel suspension, high ground clearance, or a 19-inch front wheel. They fairing also ended up having too much vibrations. They were ultimately discontinued.
If Bajaj enters the market today, they know a “pseudo-ADV” won’t cut it. To compete with the Hero XPulse 210 or Suzuki V-Strom SX, they will need practical touring ergonomics, a robust engine bash plate, block-pattern tires, and dual-channel ABS with an off-road mode.
Hardcore Off-Roader or Highway Tourer?
While Bajaj is almost certainly working on expanding into the adventure/touring segment, don’t expect a hardcore, mud-slinging enduro bike.
Bajaj’s DNA has always favored usability and value for money. If the “Darkstar” or a Pulsar-derived ADV breaks cover, it will likely be a quarter-liter semi-adventure tourer. It will be designed to handle broken Indian city roads during weekdays and smooth out highway miles on weekends, heavily undercutting the price of its KTM siblings. Something that is a more closer to the V-Strom SX than the X-Pulse.
While Bajaj remains tight-lipped about official launch timelines, the growing demand for versatile, upright motorcycles means they cannot ignore the ADV segment forever. The question isn’t if Bajaj is working on an adventure bike anymore—it’s when they will finally pull the wraps off it.
