The sub-500cc adventure bike market has a fierce new competitor
The 2025 KTM 390 Adventure and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 are excellent choices for both off-road and long distance, highway touring usage. Here is how they compare against each other, as they are direct rivals:
Price
The new KTM 390 Adventure is priced at Rs 3,67,699, making it the more expensive option here mainly due to its extra performance and features offered. In contrast, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 offers a more budget-friendly starting price of Rs 2.85 lakh, with the top-spec tubeless spoke wheel variant reaching Rs 2.98 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi).
Design
In terms of design, the 390 Adventure takes inspiration from the brand’s rally bikes – complete with a tall windscreen and vertically stacked headlights. On the other hand, the Himalayan 450 has a conventional adventure bike styling with a tall windscreen, a large, sculpted fuel tank, and its iconic front cage carried over from the older Himalayan 411.
Features
When it comes to features, the KTM Adventure is packed with features like a 5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS alerts, music control, and a USB Type-C port. Electronic rider aids include a bi-directional quickshifter, cornering ABS, traction control, cruise control, and three riding modes: Road, Rain, and Off-road.
The Himalayan on the other hand, gets a circular 4-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity, Google Maps navigation, call and SMS alerts, music control, and a USB Type-C charging port. It also gets two ABS and power modes: Eco and Performance.
Engine
In terms of engine, both are powered by a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder motor that is paired to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. The Adventure has a 399cc mill that produces 46PS and 39Nm, 6PS more than the 450. The Royal Enfield gets a 452cc unit that makes 40PS and 40Nm, 1Nm more than the 390.
Underpinnings
The KTM is equipped with a fully-adjustable WP Apex suspension at both ends, with a 43mm inverted fork and monoshock. The bike rides on a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel. It has a kerb weight of 183kg, a ground clearance of 227mm, a 14-litre fuel tank capacity, and a 830mm seat height.
The Royal Enfield also gets a 43mm inverted fork and monoshock suspension, both from Showa. It has a 21-inch front and a 18-inch rear wheel. It has a higher ground clearance of 230mm, a slightly lower seat height at 825mm, a bigger fuel tank at 17 litres, but weighs much more at 196kg.
The 390 offers better suspension adjustability, while the 450 provides a larger rear wheel, which might be better during off-road.
BikeDekho Says
In conclusion, the KTM 390 Adventure is ideal for those who seek more power, features, and a rally-inspired design. However, if you are looking for a slightly more affordable adventure bike that offers comfort for both touring and off-roading, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is a good choice. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your budget and how much you prioritize features, performance, and design.
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