Bajaj is secretly testing a brand-new adventure dual-sport motorcycle, and it looks seriously promising. Reports now suggest that this upcoming Bajaj ADV could carry a KTM-derived 350cc liquid-cooled engine under its beak.
Bajaj Finally Enters the Adventure Dual-Sport Space
For years, Bajaj stayed away from the adventure and dual-sport segment. However, that is finally changing. A test mule of the new Bajaj ADV recently appeared on Indian roads, and spy shots confirm it is in an advanced stage of development.
The Indian two-wheeler market has grown hungry for affordable dual-sport options. Therefore, Bajaj’s move into this space makes complete sense right now. Additionally, Bajaj already has a technical partnership with KTM, which opens up exciting powertrain possibilities for this new machine.
5 Things That Make This Bajaj ADV a Big Deal
1. It could use a new KTM-derived 350cc liquid-cooled engine — a first for Bajaj in this segment.
2. Long-travel suspension at both ends gives it genuine off-road credentials.
3. Wire-spoke wheels and upswept exhaust confirm a proper dual-sport character.
4. The test mule looks nearly production-ready, hinting at a possible 2026-end launch.
5. It could undercut the KTM 390 Adventure significantly in price.
Design That Means Business
The new Bajaj ADV immediately looks the part. It wears a tall, beak-style front fender — a clear dual-sport signal. Furthermore, a slim fuel tank and a long single-piece seat give the bike that characteristic adventure motorcycle posture.
Wide handlebars sit high, offering an upright and commanding riding position. The raised front fender adds clearance for rough terrain use. Meanwhile, at the rear, the tail section borrows styling cues from Bajaj’s Pulsar lineup. Split LED lighting wraps around the tail, keeping it modern and sharp.
There is also a single, upswept exhaust pipe at the rear. Consequently, the exhaust placement not only looks rugged but also protects the unit during off-road riding. A top box mount sits at the back, suggesting Bajaj is positioning this bike for touring duties as well.
The Engine Question: 250cc or 350cc?
This is where things get very interesting. The test mule’s engine crankcase hints at either a 249cc or 350cc configuration. However, pinning down the exact unit is tricky at this stage.
One strong possibility is the 249cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine from the Pulsar N250. That motor produces 24.1 bhp and 21.5 Nm of torque. Notably, the Bajaj ADV test mule was spotted riding alongside a Pulsar N250 during testing — which adds weight to this theory.
The more exciting possibility, though, involves a KTM connection. Reports suggest the new Bajaj ADV could use a 350cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder KTM unit. Given Bajaj’s deep ties with KTM, this is not at all far-fetched. In fact, the bike’s overall silhouette closely resembles the KTM 390 Enduro, further fuelling engine-sharing speculation.
For a closer look at the spy footage, check out the original spotter’s reel on Instagram via @on2wee.
Hardware That Can Handle the Dirt
The Bajaj ADV packs the right equipment for off-road work. Up front, offset telescopic forks handle the rough stuff. At the rear, a link-type monoshock absorbs the bumps. Together, both ends offer long-travel suspension — exactly what you need on broken roads and trails.
Moreover, the wheel setup appears to be a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear, both running wire-spoke rims. However, there is one potential concern. The bike likely uses tube-type tyres, which can be a hassle for touring riders facing punctures far from service stations. Tubeless spoke wheels would make this bike significantly more practical for long rides.
Nevertheless, for pure off-road riding, this hardware gives the Bajaj ADV a strong foundation.
Who Does It Compete With?
Depending on which engine Bajaj finally fits, this new dual-sport sits in two different competitive brackets.
If Bajaj goes with the 249cc Pulsar engine, the bike directly challenges the Hero Xpulse 210 — currently the most popular affordable adventure bike in India. On the other hand, if the KTM 350cc unit makes it in, the Bajaj ADV steps up to fight the TVS Apache RTX 300. Furthermore, a KTM-powered Bajaj could also offer buyers a significantly more affordable path compared to the KTM 390 Adventure.
Either way, Bajaj enters a hot segment with a strong product. Consequently, rivals have good reason to pay attention.
Launch Timeline and What to Expect
The test mule looks close to production-ready. Therefore, Bajaj could launch this new dual-sport motorcycle by late 2026 or early 2027. Pricing remains unknown at this point.
However, given Bajaj’s history of delivering value-for-money products, expect competitive pricing — especially if the bike targets the Hero Xpulse’s customer base. Additionally, a KTM-derived powertrain would give Bajaj a serious performance edge at whatever price point it enters.
India’s adventure motorcycle buyers have been waiting for Bajaj to step into this space. That wait, it seems, is almost over.
Follow us on:
Join us on WhatsApp to never miss an update: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb8Fl286RGJGM6HEgX0N
Follow us on Instagram for the latest scoops: https://www.instagram.com/thegaragemotoring
Follow us on Facebook for the latest content: https://www.facebook.com/thegaragemotoring
Follow us on X and be the first to know everything on wheels: https://x.com/TGMotoring
