2024 Yezdi Adventure first drive review:

When the Yezdi Adventure was first launched in 2022, it was clear that the Classic Legends had its sights set squarely on the Royal Enfield Himalayan. In fact, it even brought a few improvements over the latter in terms of added power and features. However, Royal Enfield has upped its game quite a bit. So, can the new 2024 Yezdi Adventure match it, and how do the improvements make it better? Well, I tested it on the Prodirt Adventure dirt tracks in Pune to see what it has going for it.

2024 Yezdi Adventure first drive review: Design and features

The design of the Yezdi Adventure remains largely the same, but certain components have been modified, which not only helps with styling but also functionality. Firstly, the fuel tank profile is slimmer and even the frame of the motorcycle has been made more compact. This was done to ensure better ergonomics for the rider while riding in a seated or standing position. To improve the ergonomics, Yezdi has also worked on improving the seat comfort. In my opinion, the seat is quite soft but firm enough not to cause problems during long rides. Next, you also get a redesigned bull bar that is 3.6 kg lighter than the previous version.

Since the new Yezdi Adventure is equipped with a new and improved liquid-cooled Alpha 2 engine, the company has also opted for a thinner but better performing oil cooler. Not only that, you now also get a redesigned exhaust routing, which is for improved exhaust flow and increased thermal efficiency. However, while all these changes have added weight, the overall weight of the Yezdi Adventure is now a kilogram lighter than the outgoing model.

Also read: Royal Enfield Himalayan Review: The Flying Sherpa!

In terms of features, the biggest change on the 2024 Yezdi Adventure is now the addition of Bluetooth connectivity for smartphones on the TFT instrument cluster. This not only adds phone connectivity to the list of features but also adds the ability to display turn-by-turn navigation. The next highlight of the new Adventure is the ride-by-wire throttle system that enables the Yezdi to offer three driving modes – Road, Rain and Off-road. Other than that, the rest of the features remain largely the same. Highlights include dual USB chargers (Type-A and Type-C), full LED lighting, a tiltable off-road TFT screen, three ABS modes, and a slip-assist clutch.

2024 Yezdi Adventure first drive review: Specs and road performance

Now, it’s time to get to the heart of the matter and the Yezdi Adventure has certainly delivered on that front. You now get the improved Alpha 2 engine which really breathes new life into the entire experience. It is still a 334cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder unit but it brings changes in terms of performance and efficiency. As far as numbers are concerned, the updated motor now puts out 29.6bhp and 29.8Nm of peak torque. The company mentions that the changes they have made have not only improved the low-end and mid-range punch of this motor but have also greatly improved the mechanical noise that was prevalent in the outgoing model.

Once you start riding, the first thing you notice is how much smoother and quieter the engine has become. The 2024 Adventure gets a lighter, updated crankshaft, which helps eliminate vibrations and even gives this bike better starting and running abilities. There’s a little lag in throttle input when you start twisting the throttle, but it’s responsive once you get moving. The engine also feels like it has a broader powerband than before. During our ride, we had the opportunity to test this bike on both single-lane and two-lane roads, and it has more than enough power to keep up with your antics on both types of roads.

The new Alpha 2 engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip-assist clutch. Another reason the new Adventure is so versatile is that the company has now mapped the performance of each gear individually. So, first, second and third gears are tailored for low-speed and off-road situations. Whereas third, fourth and fifth gears are designed to suit highway and high-speed scenarios. Basically, the first three gears feel heavy, and the higher gears feel light when shifting.

Also read: Royal Enfield Himalayan vs Ducati DesertX Off-Road Comparison Review: The Ultimate ADV Bike and Rider Challenge

2024 Yezdi Adventure first drive review: handling and off-road performance

In terms of tires and suspension hardware, the 2024 Yezdi Adventure carries over parts from the outgoing model. However, the suspension tuning has been retuned to a fairly high level to improve performance in all scenarios. It feels very light and easy to handle, and a big part of the confidence it inspires is because I feel it has a lower center of gravity compared to the Himalayan and previous models. While the handling on tarmac is thrilling, where it really shines is off-road.

Now, most of our testing for this event took place at the Prodirt Adventure Park in Pune. Here we tested on muddy off-road trails and flowing dirt roads. It was easy to stand up and the handlebars fell perfectly on my feet when we were riding on the trails. It was also easier to have full control with my lower legs due to the compact frame. The suspension now does a much better job of handling off-road obstacles compared to the previous model. We could easily reach speeds of 60-70 km/h on trails filled with muddy ruts, rock beds, and elevation changes on the cambers. It was predictable and I really knew what my front or rear tire was doing at any given time. I started having so much fun that I even forgot about time and the photographer.

Also read: 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan vs Triumph Scrambler 400X: Which one is better for everyday adventures?

2024 Yezdi Adventure first drive review: Conclusion

If we forget about the competition in the segment for a moment, I actually ended up liking the 2024 Yezdi Adventure quite a bit. Its off-road capabilities have a lot to do with that, but it’s also improved in other areas. Yes, it’s not as powerful and feature-rich as the Himalayan or Adventure 390, but the price reflects that. At a price of Rs 2.1 lakh (ex-showroom), I feel the Yezdi Adventure holds its own in this segment. The Himalayan is Rs 70,000 more than its price and anything below it will lag behind in power and performance. It does make for a good ADV candidate for those with a budget of around Rs 2 lakh.