Bajaj-KTM to launch new adventure tourer to rival Royal Enfield Himalayan: Report

If the emerging reports are anything to go by, the soon-to-be-launched Royal Enfield Himalayan, which does not have any direct competitors as of now, may get new contenders from popular two-wheel maker Bajaj Auto soon. Bajaj Auto is reportedly readying a new range of adventure tourer for the Indian market with its Austrian partner KTM.

A report of Auto Car Professional, citing sources close to the development, claims that the Bajaj-KTM alliance is developing a new platform, which will be used for the rumoured adventure motorcycle.

The new range of adventure tourer could get two engine options -- the re-tuned versions of 375cc and the single-cylinder, 200cc engines that do duty in KTM Duke and RC models. The adventure motorcycles, which will primarily target the Indian and export market is rumoured to hit the roads by May 2016, reports the publications.

It may be recalled that the news of KTM developing an adventure motorcycle based on the Duke platform had surfaced earlier too. However, the plan was later said to have been dropped as the platform is not suitable for the development of the said model.

Bajaj adventure tourer is now back in the headline at a time when iconic bike-maker Royal Enfield is gearing up for the launch of the Himalayan. With the Himalayan, Royal Enfield is looking to enter into uncharted territory of adventure tourer. Although Bajaj has not talked about the development of the adventure motorcycles, the news will be music to the ears of biking enthusiasts.