Yezdi Adventure has always been a rugged go-anywhere motorcycle for riders who wanted more than just highway comfort. This year the motorcycle has been re-engineered with more focus on performance, durability and rider convenience. At an aggressive price of INR 2.1 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), it is all arms against competitors. We rode it through demanding trails, steep climbs and broken tracks, before switching back to city streets and highways. The result was a machine that feels sturdier and surprisingly comfortable in daily use.
Alpha2 At The Core
The new Alpha2 displaces 334cc with liquid-cooling. The single-cylinder engine producing 29 bhp and 29.9 Nm. There is more refinement which is evident from the get go. Power delivery is smoother, throttle response feels better managed and vibrations are well controlled at both low and high revs. Out on rough roads, the torque curve ensures the bike pulls steadily even at low speeds. On highways the six-speed gearbox allows relaxed cruising with decent top-end punch for overtakes. We saw 125 kmph of the speedo.
The new central exhaust routing is a clever touch. It improves both thermal management and ground clearance. Heat dissipation is far better in stop-go traffic, while the underbelly routing ensures protection when negotiating rocks and ruts off-road.
Handles Well Everywhere
The Yezdi Adventure now offers 220mm of ground clearance making it among the highest in its segment. Combined with long-travel suspension (41mm telescopic forks up front and a linked monoshock at the rear), it absorbs deep potholes and off-road hits without unsettling the rider.
During our off-road sessions, the motorcycle climbed loose gravel inclines and rocky patches with ease. The new integrated sump guard adds to the confidence by shielding the engine when the going gets rough. In city use, the 815mm seat height and upright stance make it accessible and comfortable even in traffic. Its 187kg kerb weight it feels manageable thanks to good weight distribution and wide handlebars.
Purposeful Evolution
The redesign includes an integrated main cage with new decal panels and jerry can mounts that double up as structural reinforcements. This improves overall balance while giving the Adventure a more muscular stance. The seating triangle feels well-judged for comfort on long rides, while still allowing the rider to stand on the pegs for off-road sections. Taller riders may feel some lack of room though.
The dual-tone decals, twin headlights with protective grille and twin tail lamps all add functional ruggedness to its appeal. It does catch a lot of eyeballs wherever it goes. The tall windscreen and adjustable speedometer position allow riders to set up the cockpit for both touring and trail use. Although the gauges could do better, the competitors crush it when it comes to the design and layout.
Although the Adventure is not short on rider aids. Ride modes, turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB charger are all standard placing it in line with current ADV demands. The traction control system further improves safety on slippery surfaces, especially useful in monsoons.
Then there is a wide range of add-ons, panniers, fog lamps, knuckle guards, engine guard and mobile holder, for riders to set up the bike for long expeditions.
The new Yezdi Adventure is not a radical departure but a clever upgrade. The refined Alpha2 engine, central exhaust routing, added protection and more features makes it more versatile as a mid-capacity ADV. And at this price it undercuts several rivals while delivering decent adventure capability.
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