Introduction
Long rides demand more than just power. You need a comfortable riding position, good wind protection, decent range, stable handling at highway speeds and suspension that does not beat you up after three or four hours. In 2026 the sub-₹2.5 lakh segment has three clear standouts that cover different styles of long-distance riding: 1. Pure touring comfort 2. Modern adventure performance 3. Affordable highway cruising This ranking keeps the three bikes distinct so you can match the right machine to your kind of trips.
🥇 1. Suzuki V-Strom SX – Best for Pure Touring Comfort
If your idea of a long ride is smooth highways, relaxed posture and all-day comfort, the V-Strom SX is the most purpose-built option in this price range. • Engine: 249 cc oil-cooled single • Power: 26.1–26.5 PS @ 9300 rpm • Torque: 22.2 Nm @ 7300 rpm • Gearbox: 6-speed • Claimed mileage: 36 kmpl (real-world highway 35–38 kmpl) • Fuel tank: 12 litres • Kerb weight: 167 kg • Seat height: 835 mm • Ground clearance: 205 mm • Ex-showroom price: ₹1.98–2.12 lakh Why it works for long rides: Upright ergonomics, wide handlebar, soft yet controlled suspension and a 19-inch front wheel give it a planted, fatigue-free feel. The riding position is naturally relaxed, wind protection is better than most naked bikes, and the engine stays smooth at 90–100 kmph cruise. Dual-channel ABS and a digital console complete a practical touring package. Limitation: It is not the most powerful or feature-loaded bike here. Serious off-road ability is limited. Best for: Riders who prioritise comfort and relaxed highway touring over outright performance.
Suzuki V-Strom SX – the most comfortable long-distance option under ₹2.2 lakh
🥈 2. TVS Apache RTX 300 – Best Modern Adventure Performer
Want stronger performance, more electronics and the ability to handle mixed roads without losing highway manners? The Apache RTX 300 is the most capable all-rounder in this list. • Engine: 299.1 cc liquid-cooled DOHC single • Power: 35.5–36 PS @ 9000 rpm • Torque: 28.5 Nm @ 7000 rpm • Gearbox: 6-speed with bi-directional quickshifter • Claimed mileage: 32 kmpl (highway real-world up to 40 kmpl with cruise control) • Fuel tank: 12.5 litres • Kerb weight: 180 kg • Seat height: 835 mm • Ground clearance: 200 mm • Ex-showroom price: ₹1.99–2.34 lakh Why it works for long rides: More power and torque than the other two, long-travel suspension, multiple riding modes, traction control, cruise control and a sharp 5-inch TFT. The engine pulls cleanly in the mid-range, making overtaking easy. Range is practical (around 400 km before reserve on highway) and the bike feels modern and confidence-inspiring on both smooth and broken surfaces. Limitation: Slightly firmer ride than the V-Strom on pure highways. Higher seat and more aggressive character may not suit every rider. Best for: Riders who want adventure capability + strong highway performance in one package.
TVS Apache RTX 300 – strongest performance and most modern features for long mixed-terrain rides
🥉 3. Bajaj Dominar 250 – Best Affordable Highway Cruiser
If budget is a priority and most of your long rides are on highways, the Dominar 250 still delivers excellent value and a relaxed cruising character. • Engine: 248.8 cc liquid-cooled DOHC single • Power: 26.6–27 PS @ 8500 rpm • Torque: 23.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm • Gearbox: 6-speed with assist & slipper clutch • Claimed mileage: 35 kmpl (real-world 32–36 kmpl) • Fuel tank: 13 litres • Kerb weight: 180 kg • Seat height: 800 mm • Ground clearance: 157 mm • Ex-showroom price: ₹1.84–1.90 lakh Why it works for long rides: Fully faired design cuts wind blast better than most bikes in this price range. The riding position is more relaxed than a pure sports bike, the mid-range is usable, and dual-channel ABS plus USD forks give good highway stability. Lower seat height makes it accessible for a wider range of riders. Running costs stay reasonable and the bike feels planted at 100–110 kmph. Limitation: Less ground clearance and softer off-road ability than the two ADV-styled options. Older platform compared with the RTX 300. Best for: Budget-conscious riders who mainly do highway and inter-city long rides.
Bajaj Dominar 250 – the most affordable way to get serious highway comfort and presence
Quick Comparison
• V-Strom SX → Best pure touring comfort and relaxed ergonomics • Apache RTX 300 → Best performance, features and mixed-terrain ability • Dominar 250 → Best value and wind protection for pure highway work Price ladder (ex-showroom approx): Dominar 250 (₹1.85–1.90 lakh) → V-Strom SX (₹1.98–2.12 lakh) → RTX 300 (₹1.99–2.34 lakh) Range on a full tank (highway estimate): Dominar 250 ≈ 420–450 km | V-Strom SX ≈ 420–450 km | RTX 300 ≈ 400–450 km
Which One Should You Buy?
• Maximum comfort and relaxed posture for long highway days → Suzuki V-Strom SX • Stronger engine, modern electronics and ability to handle rough roads → TVS Apache RTX 300 • Lowest price with good highway manners and wind protection → Bajaj Dominar 250 If your routes include a mix of highway and broken sections, the RTX 300 is the most versatile. If you stay mostly on tarmac and want the least fatigue, go V-Strom SX. If budget is tight and highways dominate, the Dominar 250 still makes a lot of sense.
Final Verdict
In 2026 these three bikes cover the main long-ride needs under ₹2.5 lakh without overlapping too much. The V-Strom SX remains the comfort specialist. The Apache RTX 300 brings modern performance and features to the adventure-touring space. The Dominar 250 continues to offer the most accessible entry into proper highway touring. Test ride all three if possible. Pay special attention to seat comfort after 30–40 minutes and how the bike feels at a steady 90–100 kmph. That is where the real difference for long rides shows up.
Explore More
Related Reads: • Suzuki V-Strom SX vs TVS Apache RTX 300 – Full Comparison • Bajaj Dominar 250 Real-World Highway Review • Best Adventure Bikes under ₹2.5 Lakh in India 2026 • Long Ride Preparation Checklist for Indian Highways • Fuel Range & Real Mileage of Popular 250–300 cc Tourers
