8 Best Bikes For Riding On The Highways And The Hills

We have all had dreams of riding through the highways up to the mountains and exploring the Himalayas on our bikes. In the last decade, the riding culture has stretched its arms and we are witnessing thousands of bikers travelling all over India. While it is true that the machine doesn’t matter, the rider does; having a good machine doesn’t hurt, does it. We’ve jotted down a list of 8 Bikes that will help you in your journey to the Mountains!

1. Royal Enfield Himalayan

First on the list, we have India’s uber-famous Adventure Tourer, the Himalayan. Royal Enfield launched this bike back in 2016 to fill a gap in the Budget Adventure Bike segment. It was the only bike of its kind back then, and it is still pretty legendary. The Himalayan is literally made to “Go anywhere”, the comfortable seating posture, relaxed engine and long-travel suspension make it super versatile both on and off roads. The engine is a 411cc, oil-cooled unit producing 24.5HP and a massive 32nm torque. The Himalayan has currently priced at Rs.2.10 lakh (ex-showroom).

2. Hero Xpulse

The Hero Xplulse was Hero’s answer to the Himalayan, putting it at a significantly lower price made it even more attractive to the audience. Its lightweight body and dirt bike like aesthetics made it very approachable for beginners who are trying to make it big on the off roads. The small 200cc engine producing a puny 16HP might feel a little bit less on the highways, but the lightweight makes it extremely capable off the road and it can probably pull off as a dirt bike. The Xpulse will cost you around Rs.1.15 lakh(ex-showroom).

3. Bajaj Dominar 400

The Dominar is often considered to be the best highway bike in the segment. Its heavyweight might be a deal-breaker for some, but it really helps with maintaining high-speed stability. The 373cc engine borrowed from the KTM Duke 390 makes a huge 40HP and 35nm of torque. The Dominar can very easily sit at speeds well above 100kmph throughout the day. It is currently priced at about Rs.2.10 lakh (ex-showroom).

4. KTM 390 Adventure

The Adventure 390 is the latest entry from KTM. It shares the same engine with the Duke 390 which produces a mad 43.5HP. While KTM is branding the bike as an Adventure Tourer, the crazy powerful engine suggests that it is more of a sports tourer, and it is a damn good one. Currently, Adventure 390 is priced at Rs.3.25 lakh (ex-showroom).

5. BMW GS 310

The baby GS, the 310 is BMW’s entry into the small segment Adventure category. The GS 310 gets an extremely comfortable seating posture, with very high-quality materials all over. The engine is borrowed from the TVS Apache RR310, a single-cylinder unit that produces around 34HP. The reverse inclined tech in this engine makes it extremely refined and a smooth-riding machine. You can grab one at Rs.3.4 lakh.

6. Mahindra Mojo 300

The most underrated bike in the touring segment, the Mahindra Mojo is an excellent highway rider. Carrying the same 300cc engine from the Jawa Twins(classic and 42), the Mojo is capable of sitting at triple-digit speeds throughout the day. What makes the Mojo stand out is the massive 21L fuel capacity which gives it a range of almost 500Kms. If you are someone looking for a serious highway rider, then you can pick up the Mojo at around Rs.2.15 lakh (ex-showroom).

7. Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise

The Avenger is no stranger to the Indian market. It created a lot of crazes when it was first launched and everyone perceived it as the budget Harley Davidson. Its long wheelbase and widespread handlebars coupled with a very relaxed seating posture make it an extremely comfortable cruiser. Currently, you can pick one up at around Rs.1.32 lakh (ex-showroom).

8. Royal Enfield Classic 350

The OG of Ladakh rides, the Classic 350 needs no introduction whatsoever. Royal Enfield has always been famous for long rides and Leh Ladakh rides. Over the years, the the350cc engine has evolved and the latest BS6 version is quite smooth, with minimal vibrations. Royal Enfield is famous for making engines with high torque which make them so successful on the hills. A Classic 350 will cost you around Rs.1.95Lakh (ex-showroom).

FAQs:

1. How many cc bikes are good for mountains?

150cc-200cc bikes are very good for off-road and hills. They provide perfect balance of power, agility and fuel efficiency. They are very light weight and manageable.

2. Which bike is best for a road trip?

The Royal Enfield Himalayan, KTM 390 Adventure and Bajaj Dominar 400 are considered the best bikes for road trips and they are most recommended for road trips. But the best bike for a road trip depends on your priority and needs.

3. Is the GT 650 good for long rides?

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is capable for long rides. But some people find it comfortable while some people have experienced back and wrist pain. Its sporty riding position may not be comfortable for everyone.

4. What is the disadvantage of GT 650?

Here are some disadvantages of the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650:

• Its sporty riding position is not comfortable for everyone.
• The GT 650 is a very heavy bike, so handling it in city traffic is quite challenging.
• The fuel tank of GT 650 is quite small which causes problems during long rides.

5. Which type of bike is best for uphill?

For riding uphill, your best bet is a bike that’s light, tough and easy to control on climbs, grips the road, even when the path gets rough or slippery.

6. Which bike is suitable for long drive?

Long drives can wear you out if the bike doesn’t support your posture or soak up bumps well, but bikes like the Royal Enfield Himalayan, Bajaj Dominar 400, and Hero XPulse 200 4V make it easy because they’re built for endurance, they cruise without fuss and don’t leave your back aching.

7. Which is the best bike for a highway?

When it comes to highway rides, comfort and stability matter the most and the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 delivers exactly that, it’s got a smooth parallel twin engine that just keeps going, and even after hours on the road, you don’t really feel like stopping.

8. What type of bike can I ride on the road?

On public roads, you’re good to go with street bikes, scooters, sports bikes, or even mountain-style commuters as long as they come with proper road gear like mirrors, headlights, indicators, and plates because without these you’re not just risking safety but also fines.

9. Which bike is best for hilly areas?

Riding through hilly areas needs a bike with good power, strong suspension, and control because steep climbs and tricky turns aren’t easy, and that’s why the Royal Enfield Himalayan, KTM 390 Adventure, and Suzuki V-Strom SX are often preferred—they’re not just powerful but also confidence-inspiring.

10. How much cc bike is good for hilly areas?

A 150cc to 200cc bike is just right for hilly terrain, anything lower might leave you struggling on slopes especially with a pillion or luggage and while higher cc bikes offer more power they also get heavier which can be tricky on narrow or twisty paths.

11. Can we ride 100 cc bikes in hilly areas?

Yes – it’s possible to ride a 100 cc bike in hilly regions, but performance will be limited on steep climbs. With careful riding, a light load, and correct gear selection, a 100 cc bike can manage inclines. As Bajaj explains, preparation is key: you need good technique and moderate expectations.

12. What type of bike is best for dirt roads?

For dirt roads, the ideal type of bike is a dirt bike or a dual-sport/adventure bike. These bikes typically have long-travel suspension, high ground clearance, and spoked wheels, which help absorb bumps and maintain grip. According to recent listings, bikes like the Hero Xpulse 200 4V are popular for off-road adventures in India.

13. Which bike is good for mountains? 

In the mountains, adventure touring bikes work best. Models like the Royal Enfield Himalayan — with its 411 cc engine, high ground clearance, and robust suspension – are designed to handle rough terrain, dirt paths, and altitudes with ease.