2025 has been off to a fun start, with the launch of new motorcycles from KTM, Aprilia, Hero MotoCorp, and other manufacturers. So far this year, we have ridden everything from street bikes to adventure bikes, and even electric ones.
With what we’ve ridden, some motorcycles truly stood out with one aspect or another — in terms of performance, handling, or their capability, while some just failed even to interest us. Here are 5 motorcycles we’ve had a lovehate relationship with in 2025 so far.
The Aprilia Tuono 457 was an absolute hoot to ride and offers everything the RS457 has to offer, but in a naked form. The twincylinder engine has a ton of grunt, and its sharp handling makes it a fun motorcycle to ride. The motorcycle is packed with electronic aids such as traction control, ABS modes, and more. However, a quickshifter as standard fitment would have justified the price better.
The launch of the new KTM Adventure range was muchneeded for a company that specialises in offroad motorcycles. The range India got was the 250 Adventure, 390 AdventureX, and the 390 Adventure. We have ridden both, and the 390 Adventure impressed us with its touring ability, the suite of electronic aids, and its offroad capabilities. The 390 Adventure R should have come here, but the non ‘R’ version does a good job, and for those looking for hardcore offroading, the internationalspec Enduro R is the way.
A simple, capable motorcycle — that’s what the Xpulse 210 is. Built on a new platform, featuring a thicker, longtravel suspension, redesigned ergonomics, and the heart to do it all, the XPulse 210 is a motorcycle everyone must consider. The highlight is the liquidcooled 210cc engine from the Karizma and the addition of a sixth gear that makes the XPulse a decent touring machine, while the redesigned ergonomics make it a capable offroader.
The RTR 310 may be overlooked by many for its pricing, but for those who have made the RTR choice, they have a brilliant machine in their hands. The updated version retains all the characteristics of the older one, but gets more features in terms of equipment and safety aids, while retaining two aspects that make it a compelling motorcycle in the segment — handling and the quickshifter.
It was impossible to believe that a product in this day and age can be built that does not work. The Ola Roadster X+ ran a few kilometres and decided it was enough. The motorcycle was promptly picked up by the service centre, and after an inspection from Ola’s engineering team, the fault was zeroed in on a sensor malfunction. After spending a month at the service centre, the Roadster X+ is ready, so stay tuned for our Ola Roadster X+ first ride review, part 2.
