Yezdi Adventure

Yezdi introduced the Adventure approximately two years ago. Since then , they have implemented a mild OBD2 update aimed at enhancing overall refinement levels. Well, now Yezdi has given its motorcycle a more substantial update that features minor changes to its aesthetics and a few not-so-minor changes to its mechanicals. The changes have resulted in a motorcycle weighing 4.5kg lighter while producing 0.7hp less than before. Unfortunately, we had only a few hours with the Adventure at the peak of monsoon; here’s everything we’ve noticed.

Yezdi Adventure design and features

The design remains unchanged, and it’ll take a keen eye to spot the difference between the updated Adventure and the model it replaces. The biggest giveaway is the four new colours on offer, a new bash plate and a new cage on either side of the tank; more on that later. Yezdi claims the tank cage is now 3.5kg lighter than before and is the primary reason for its overall weight reduction. Meanwhile the rerouted exhaust has only saved 1kg giving the Adventure a total dry weight of 190.5kg (including weight of cage). Which makes the updated Adventure 6kg heavier than the latest Himalayan which is now a larger motorcycle and packs a higher capacity motor. The Adventure’s weight loss isn’t as significant as I’d hoped for, especially since its heft has been a complaint since its launch.

Despite the changes, it still carries a similar silhouette to the previous generation Royal Enfield Himalayan, which was once its direct rival. The instrument cluster and switchgear are the same as before, and while most of the buttons feel tactile, the hazard light switch has a soggy feeling and even tends to get stuck. The ergonomics and seat height remain unchanged and the tight seat to footpeg ratio is better suited for shorter riders.

Yezdi Adventure engine and performance

The 334cc liquid-cooled engine has seen significant changes, and Classic Legends has applied its learnings from the Jawa 350 to this motor. Yezdi says this is now their second generation of engines and calls it the Alpha2. Key changes include reworked internals, rerouting the exhaust, and relocating the coolant reservoir in hopes of improving overall performance, refinement, and cooling.

The result is a motor that feels more refined and produces better low-end performance. However, even though this motor is a lot more refined than before, it still has an underlying clunky feeling to it which gets more noticeable once you climb higher in the rev range. The Adventure also had a tendency to stall and there were times the motor struggled with starting up, leaving me ankle-deep in the muck with a bike that wouldn’t crank on the first or sometimes even the third attempt. All in all the refinement is an improvement over the previous model but hasn’t solved the problem all together.

Yezdi claims to have made changes to the fuel maps and incorporated a new gear based mapping system where the first three gears are better optimised for low end grunt given their use case is limited to urban or off-road use. While the first two gears pack more punch, the third gear feels rather flat and dull compared to second or fourth gear. Yezdi says this has been done to keep emissions in check since the third gear is used most often in the city.

Riding the Adventure off-road was fun, and thanks to the better low end, it was a hoot despite the unfavourable conditions. What also helped was the lighter clutch, and Yezdi has added a slip-and-assist clutch to make switching gears a lot easier. Braking performance remains the same and does a decent job at bringing the Adventure to a halt. Yezdi has made slight changes to the ABS modes, and depending on what mode you’re in (Road, Rain, or Off-road), you will notice a difference in how early ABS kicks in. The rear ABS can only be turned off in Off-road mode, which I used most.

Yezdi Adventure ride and handling

Even though I didn’t ride the Adventure for too long on tarmac, I noticed a positive change in its ride quality with the little time I had. Out on the road, this ADV felt smoother than before and packed sufficient punch to keep the ride engaging. The company claims to have retuned the suspension damping to better absorb undulations at lower speeds and provide more composure at higher speeds. Changes to the suspension have improved its handling, with the ride quality feeling less soft and more progressive than before.

Brake dive seems better contained than before, and so is its composure mid-corner. That being said, it still won’t iron out bumps with the same level of efficiency as the new Himalayan 450. While it isn’t nearly as off-road-focused as the likes of the new Himalayan or the Xpulse, the Yezdi Adventure is still one of the more capable off-road bikes available under Rs 3 lakh. We can’t comment yet on its road touring abilities as there was no highway riding on this launch event.

Yezdi Adventure verdict

At a slightly more affordable price, you now get a motorcycle that’s more refined, tractable and marginally lighter. What helps Yezdi’s case even further is that the Adventure currently has no direct rival, unlike the previous generation Himalayan. However, there is room for improvement, and certain aspects, like the switchgear and engine refinement, can be improved further.

Prices for this motorcycle start at Rs 2.10 lakh and go up to Rs 2.20 lakh (ex-showroom India). It is worth noting that the tank cage does not come as standard and is instead sold as a “mandatory accessory”, which will cost you an additional Rs 3,499 over the cost of the motorcycle. At this point Yezdi should either include the price of this accessory along with the motorcycle or stop making it mandatory for its customers. Especially since it serves no real purpose if you don’t plan on tacking on any additional accessories. If you’re in the market for an ADV that can handle both dirt and tarmac, the Yezdi Adventure strikes a decent balance.

Also see: Yezdi Adventure video review