Some motorcycles make their case on paper, but the Yezdi Scrambler makes it on dirt, mud and trails. A purposefully rugged design with long-travel suspension, large wire-spoke wheels and kind of knobby tyres, this dual-purpose machine loves to take the route on- and off-road alike. It doesn’t feature all the modern bells and whistles, apart from all-LED lighting and a fully digital instrument cluster. It still gets a triple-mode ABS with a dedicated off-road level to turn off rear intervention, showing its purpose and intent to slide on dirt.
While its 334cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine lacks the initial grunt, 30PS and 30Nm are quite sufficient to take this 174kg bike to most places. Featuring a high-beak fender, minimalistic styling, an engine sump guard, and upswept twin exhausts, it genuinely feels ready to roar on a dusty trail right off the showroom floor.
However, at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.99-2.09 lakh, the alternatives around this price band are seriously interesting. Here is a quick look at what other flavours the same money can get you.
Triumph Speed T4
Price: Rs 1.95 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
If the Scrambler leans toward the wild side, the Triumph Speed T4 is the well-dressed guest who still somehow outrides everyone.
Powered by Triumph’s re-mapped 349cc liquid-cooled TR engine, it offers 29PS and 31Nm on tap. Plus, it has a slick six-speed gearbox with a torque-assist clutch. If quality finish and refinement levels matter as much as performance, the T4 is hard to argue with.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
Price: Rs 1.99 – 2.19 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
If comfort is at the top of your priority list, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is definitely worth checking out. It has a relaxed riding posture, the seat is plush, and the overall riding experience is unhurried but never dull.
Even its 349cc air- and oil-cooled J-series engine is tuned for relaxed low-end torque. It has the Tripper navigation pod, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-channel ABS, and a massive Royal Enfield service network, all of which make riding more comfortable.
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250
Price: Rs 1.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
While it looks sporty, the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is actually one of the most comfortable entry-level sports tourers in India.
Its 249cc oil-cooled SOHC engine produces 26.5PS and 22.2Nm with smooth, linear delivery, suitable for your daily commute and weekend rides alike. With a fully digital console, smartphone connectivity, navigation, dual-channel ABS, and a price tag lower than the Scrambler, the Gixxer SF 250 is the most sporty-looking machine on this list, which is secretly very practical as well.
TVS Apache RTX 300 (non-BTO)
Price: Rs 1.99 – 2.14 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
As a focused adventure tourer, the Apache RTX 300 emerges as a serious overachiever on this list. A full-stack ADV design, large wheels, long-travel suspension, a class-D headlamp, strong performance and a list of electronics that’s rare in this segment make it a potent weapon both on- and off-road.
A 36PS-28.5Nm engine, a slipper clutch, a bidirectional quickshifter, four riding modes, traction control, switchable ABS, cruise control, ride-by-wire, TPMS, and a 5-inch TFT with map mirroring on an sub-Rs 2.5 lakh motorcycle are almost unfair to the competition. If you want maximum versatility for the money, the RTX 300 is one motorcycle on this list that can take you almost anywhere.
Bajaj Dominar 400
Price: Rs 2.03 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
If a serious, fast cruising machine is what you are interested in, your search most likely will end at the Bajaj Dominar 400.
Its 349cc DOHC liquid-cooled engine produces 40.6PS and 33Nm, making it the most powerful machine on this list. Plus, its perimeter frame with a USD fork and Nitrox monoshock gives it planted, rock-solid stability at highway speeds. Wide radial tyres, large disc brakes, four riding modes, traction control, ride-by-wire, and a slipper clutch complete a package that feels significantly more expensive than it costs. Yes, it is heavy and less nimble in city traffic, but on an open highway, nothing else on this list will satisfy you quite the same way.
