Ladakh roads have just been thrown open for riders. While many tourists head to one of the most beautiful regions of India in cars or by flight, exploring the region on a bike has its own charm. If you are looking forward to exploring Ladakh on a bike this year, we have got 10 best options for you.
Bajaj Dominar
The latest launch from Bajaj has quickly become popular. The Dominar is a feature loaded motorcycle and comes with full-LED headlamps. The cruiser is also 373.3cc engine from the KTM 390 Duke but in a retuned state. The single-cylinder, liquid cooled engine produces a maximum power of 34.5 BHP and 35 Nm of torque. The Dominar is priced at Rs. 1.36 lakh for the non-ABS version and Rs. 1.5 lakh for the ABS variant.
Why is it Ladakh ready? The Dominar 400 has been extensively tested by Bajaj. During the launch, Bajaj Auto claimed that the Dominar’s performance will not effect even at 18,380 feet above sea level. At such a height, where most motorcycles suffer power loss, the Dominar will be the perfect ride. Also, Dominar’s relaxed seating posture will not tire the rider over short distances.
Royal Enfield Himalayan
The Royal Enfield Himalayan is the cheapest adventure motorcycle that you can buy in India. The Himalayan is termed as the most advanced Royal Enfield you can buy in the market. The 411 cc, four-stroke engine of the motorcycle misses out on the trademark thump for the better things. The single-cylinder engine produces a maximum of 24 BHP and 32 Nm of maximum torque.
Why is it Ladakh ready? The Himalayan comes with some advanced features like an on-board compass to help the rider to navigate through the terrains. Also, the Himalayan is easy to ride and offers a ground clearance of 220 mm and high-positioned exhaust, which allows the motorcycle to wade through deep water crossings and rough terrain with ease.
Royal Enfield Thunderbird
The Royal Enfield Thunderbird gets you the best of both the worlds. The looks of Bullet with the comfort of cruisers, the Thunderbird is in its own league. The low seating of the Thunderbird makes it one of the most popular choices among the Ladakh travellers. The Thunderbird comes with two engine options – 350cc engine generating 19.8 BHP and 28 Nm of power and 500cc engine producing 27.2 BHP and 41.3 Nm of torque.
Why is it Ladakh ready? The Thunderbird offers a very relaxed seating posture. Both the 350cc and the 500cc engines are low-end torque-rich and make climbing the inclined terrains relatively easy.
Mahindra Mojo
The Mahindra Mojo is an underrated motorcycle in the market. Mahindra did take a lot of time to launch the Mojo in the market but it is a very refined product. The Mojo is powered by 295cc engine that produces a maximum power of 27 BHP and 30 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and is very smooth to use.
Why is it Ladakh ready? The Mahindra Mojo comes with a huge tank fo 21-litres, making it long distance friendly. Mojo also gets Pirelli tyres that are super sticky and give the rider confidence. It is also very well balanced motorcycle and comes with a relaxed riding position.
Yamaha FZ25
Yamaha launched the updated FZ25 earlier this year and it carries a price tag of only Rs. 1.19 lakh. The motorcycle gets all-LED headlamp system and an aggressive design but the motorcycle is a good choice of long-distance touring. The FZ25 is powered by 249cc, oil-cooled plus air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that generates 20.4 BHP of power and 20 Nm of maximum torque.
Why is it Ladakh ready? The FZ25 weighs just 148 kg (dry), making it very easy to handle. Also, Yamaha is known for their impeccable engine smoothness which makes the motorcycle free of vibrations – decreasing the rider’s fatigue.