Does This Scrappy Retro-Styled Off-Road Motorcycle Prove Smaller Is Actually Better?

Got a soft spot for Royal Enfield’s Himalayan? This leaner, cheaper alternative should have your attention.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published June 11, 2025

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Updated June 11, 2025

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If you’ve got a thing for small-displacement off-road bikes with throwback looks, you’re most definitely not alone.

I can say this confidently because Royal Enfield’s Himalayan is hugely popular and various versions of Triumph’s Scrambler aren’t far behind.

yezdi adv moto full — Don’t get any funny ideas: that number references the brand’s history, which dates back to 1969.

The appeal is pretty obvious, as these admittedly divergent bikes and their ilk are super affordable, relatively easy to ride, versatile AF and damn good-looking too.

Following in RE’s knobby tire tracks is Indian brand Jawa Yezdi’s updated Adventure, which dares to ask just how cheap and scrappy a retro-styled adventure bike can get.

Let’s find out, shall we?

Featherweight fighter

I should start by noting that when Royal Enfield sized up the Himalayan’s engine by 41cc last year, that brought it to a whopping 452cc.

For American riders raised on massive Harleys and Indians, that will probably seem quite diminutive.

yezdi adv moto engine detail — While relatively small, this engine should have enough oomph for modest off-road thrills.

But having ridden a 411cc Himalayan Scram over and through the actual Himalayas a couple of summers back, I can attest that while these bikes won’t blow you away, they will (pleasantly) surprise you.

Even so, I have to blink inspecting the specs of the Adventure (yes, that’s its full name).

Even with this bike’s classic styling — 99% of which I love, the remaining 1% being that dopey “Adventure” placard slapped on the windscreen — the 2025 edition is more modern than ever.

This new edition’s engine is now E20 fuel compliant, but no bigger than its predecessor. The 334cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder power plant makes 29 horsepower and 22 pound-feet of torque.

I suppose you get what you pay for — were it available stateside, this bike’s price would translate to less than $3,000 — and the latest edition does pack a bunch of upgrades that increase its appeal.

Getting better all the time

Even with its classic styling — 99% of which I love, the remaining 1% being that dopey “Adventure” placard slapped on the windscreen — the 2025 edition is more modern than ever.

It features a Bluetooth-enabled digital display offering navigation and USB charging, plus traction control and selectable ABS with three ride modes (road, rain and off-road).

yezdi adv moto wolf grey — The Adventure can be outfitted with hard cases for longer quests — and damn this Wolf Grey colorway looks good.

Visibility is improved by twin LED headlights (single-light versions are also available), complemented by a taller windscreen that’s even adjustable (provided you have an Allen key).

The new bike also gets tougher with an updated chassis, heavier-duty frame and a bash plate.

Even so, it’s much more approachable than most adventure bikes, courtesy of its relatively light 412-pound weight and lower-than-most seat height of 32 inches.

yezdi adv moto action — For those who prefer a more classic look, Yezdi still offers four colors with a single headlight rather than the twin.

While that carries down to ground clearance of a solid-not-spectacular 8.7 inches, it kinda adds up.

After all, this bike feels like it’s probably best reserved for smaller-scale adventures, at least at first.

Availability and pricing

In seven different color options, the 2025 Yezdi Adventure starts at Rs 217,900 (~$2,570 USD).

Alas, it is currently only available in India.

2025 Yezdi Adventure

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About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.